Latest Articles
- How to Get the Most Out of a Business Health Review with Your Accountant
While working with my clients and as Program Manager of the Entrepreneurial Assistance Program I have a common theme presents itself. How do I figure out how my business is doing? As a business owner I need to know the answer to this myself. So when I meet with my accountant, I want to give him the most up to date and accurate information. Thus providing the data he needs to help me make sound financial decisions. Your accountant can do this for you but they will need “information”.
- Planning For Success
So why is planning important? Without it you will waist a considerable amount of money, time, and resources. You can’t get where you want to go if you don’t know where you want to end up. Working with clients I usually find businesses that have grown ad hoc and call me when their inefficient back office operations are hampering growth. By developing a business plan you can prepare for growth and potential risk or problems. Therefore you are responding to your environment not reacting. Also, having a solid plan gives you a tool for making decisions.
- 10 Key Factors in Choosing Customer Relationship Management Software (CRM)
One of my favorite topics we teach in class is how to compile information that can be used to make smart business decisions. What usually comes up during class is many start-ups and existing companies know they need a tool to help them with collecting and using information but do not know where to start. This article’s focus is the ten key factors to help you choose the right Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software for your company.
- 10 Tips for Creating a Data Goldmine
I have been working with many clients who have their information in a database but are unable to get the information they want or know where to find it. Usually the culprit is a series of issues that come together to create the perfect storm of inefficiency. The tips below will help you to prevent this storm and maximize the information in your database to increase productivity and profits.
- How to Make More Money in 2012 with Data Driven Decisions
I have mentioned in many of my articles about metrics. Things we use to measure success and how far you are from reaching your goals. Data is much more than that – it is a valuable tool to make solid business decisions. It also helps you to save as well as make money. Below are some of the metrics you can use to help grow your bottom line in 2012.
Training, Workshops, Seminars on Lean Office and Increasing Productivity
Certified Lean Office Expert, Trainer and Consultant
Workshop and Training Topics
- Overview of Lean Office: The discussion of what is the goal and techniques of becoming a lean office and what are the wastes that need to be eliminated in order to increase productivity and reduce costs. We also examine the principles of creating standardization as well as mapping administrative processes. This workshop includes practical application using a case study.
- Standardization of Workflow Processes - 5S: A workshop on how to create standardized work in an office environment. We discuss the foundation of a lean organization which is called 5S in the Lean Office system. 5S is creating procedures and the foundation of best practices for any organization. Streamlining can not begin to be examined until standardization is achieved. That is why this is the foundation of any lean office initiative.
- Workflow Management: Examining the components of workflow and tying that into personal and professional goals. Also discussed are methods for implementing the workflow and effective delegation and prioritization. Effective use of resources and tools are also discussed in this workshop.
- Mapping your Flow and Process: We examine different mapping tools to drill down from company mission and goals into actionable improvement of productivity. The workshop looks at company objectives and the areas that are causing the most resource drain on an organization. How to determine which area in the administrative environment will be examined and how to map the flow of the information and work through an administrative function or area.
- Getting the Most out of ACT! CRM: Learn how to Increase Profits, Increase Productivity and Reduce Expenses for Your Business Using ACT!...Click here to learn more.
"Cynthia's presentation was energetic and on target. Clearly your knowledge of the subject makes you an invaluable tool for our local business community."
Jeffrey Rich
Wind Mountain Solutions, Inc.
"Practical, useful information for any business, but especially to small nonprofits with limited budgets."
Steve McLaughlin
Action Towards Independence
"Thank you, material is immediately useable and implementable."
Doug Hovey
Independent Living, Inc.
"Cynthia's is a true human being and brings experience and value to daily business."
Candace Behensky
Liberty Mutual
"Very informative seminar! Cindy is a great speaker. She used real life examples of her clients. I was able to take actionable concepts to use in my practice."
Paul Rafanello
Paul Rafanello, CPA, PLLC
"The information presented made me think about how to do things on a daily basis. I think this knowledge will help me increase my sales and in turn my salary."
Peter Stefonowich
Donald B. Dedrick Agency
"Thanks again for your very valuable seminar yesterday. You are very energetic and obviously an expert in your field. I wish you much success in your work."
Alvin Taylor
United States Military Academy at West Point
"...You gave the youth members some excellent, clear points about how to be more organized and focused on achieving their goals.
"Your tips on the importance of knowing your target audience's wants and not just what you have to offer will be a great asset to them as they write their college essays and job resumes....In addition to the tangible action steps you shared, you also inspired and motivated them to remember to "persevere - know where they want to go - and not be afraid of failure..."
Rachel Wilson, Advisor
Orange County Youth Leadership & Service Council
She was so realistic. Other seminars I’ve been to like this left me feeling like “how will I apply this”, I did not feel this way. I am leaving feeling like I have some good building blocks"
Sheri Caslin
Marist College, Poughkeepsie, NY
Hudson Valley Business Edge 2008:
"I think this would be a great seminar for all bosses and employees with a follow-up discussion about how to make your business efficient, effective and productive!"
Becky Tenckinck
Mary Kay Seminar:
"Very inspirational – I’m actually excited to implement what I’ve learned and change my life as well as my employer’s."
Christine McDowel
Mary Kay Cosmetics
"A 'get-to-the-heart of what's going on' presentation that was interesting and engaging as well as very useful. I like the tangible tools I can implement today....Thank you! "
Marci Gurton
Big Brothers Big Sisters of OC
"The information presented was definitely 'food for thought'! It's made me look differently at the piles and clutter in my life (both at work and at home) and rethink how I can turn the negatives into positives. Your presentation also reinforced some of the things I'm already doing and the affirmation felt great! Thank you!"
Gerie Dunn
Orange County – MRC
| March 2012 | Entrepreneurial Assistance Program at Orange County Chamber of Commerce | ||
Lean Office Benefits - OCCC Consultants Workshop
Hidden Waste in the Office
Batching in an Office
Hudson Valley Business Edge...It's A Matter of Time
National Women's In Network Matrix...Superwoman is a Myth
About Cynthia Marsh-Croll
Productivity and Efficiency Expert Cynthia Marsh-Croll is owner of Croll Productive Synergy located in Westtown, New York and is also a Magna Cum Lauda graduate of Kean College in Union, New Jersey. Ms. Marsh-Croll has over twenty years experience in multiple business settings including operating her own business and is Lean Office Certified through the University of Michigan. She has worked with professionals from the not-for-profit sector, point-of-sales software, mortgage, insurance, legal and financial industries to name a few.
Ms. Marsh-Croll developed and facilitated customized seminars for non-profits, including West Point American Society of Military Comptrollers, Westchester Disabled on The Move, Inc., Orange County Youth Bureau, Mental Health Association in Orange County, Inc., Youth Development Action Team, Big Brothers Big Sisters and Middletown Business Professional Women’s Club. At Marist College, Sullivan County Community College and the Hudson Valley Business Edge conference, she has conducted personal productivity and business workshops. Attendee Steve McLaughlin of Action for Independence had this to say after attending a workshop, "Practical, useful information for any business, but especially to small nonprofits with limited budgets."
Ms. Marsh-Croll is passionate about educating organizations, managers and employees on how they can increase their profits, productivity and reduce costs through consultations, training and implementing Lean Office principles. She also publishes articles in the Hudson Valley Business Journal , Ezine and her blog www.ProductiveSynergy.biz. For a complete list of services visit www.CrollProductiveSynergy.com.
Ms. Marsh-Croll received the Outstanding Business-Community Partner Award in 2009 for her volunteer work with the Orange County Youth Bureau. She is a member of the Lean Enterprise Institute, The Association for Operations Management, National Association of Professional Organizers, The Broome Street Band and Co-Chair of the Orange County Chamber of Commerce Consultants Committee.