Critical steps to take right now to get more customers and sales.

How can you build your business’ value for the future and its profitability for today?

Terence Shepherd, principal of ROCG International and managing partner of Shepherd & Goldstein LLC and, will share his “critical steps” to gain more customers and sales when he speaks to the five Lower Cape Chambers of Commerce in Orleans at a breakfast forum on Thursday, Oct. 6.

Non-member businesses are invited.

 “Eight out of 10 privately owned businesses fail to plan strategically. Instead, they jump into activities without a clear, well-thought-out plan,” says Shepherd, who has advised small and medium-sized companies for more than 30 years after previously owning and operating business in commercial real estate, mining, hotel and service industries.

“That seat-of-the-pants, tactical approach can prove highly unproductive, especially in these very challenging, indeed risky, economic times,” he emphasizes.

Shepherd is a catalyst in guiding owners to define and uncover their personal values, goals and objectives. In his consultation work, he has helped clients set strategies, identify and measure critical success or risk factors and improve productivity, as well as customer satisfaction.

 In his presentation to the five chambers – Brewster, Chatham, Eastham, Harwich and Orleans – Shepherd will share illuminating success stories, while also identifying key “drivers” that you can implement for your business immediately.

Shepherd also will share ways to plan now for the long-term, including this critical question: How will you maximize your company’s equity so one day you can sell it profitably or successfully transition ownership to family or employees?

“Many owners seem unwilling to seriously look into options to transition ownership before they are forced by age or illness to give up the business,” he cautions. “The steps you take every day either will enhance a successful transition or work against it.”

Shepherd & Goldstein LLC is a statewide CPA firm, with a location in Yarmouth.  ROCG is a professional service and consulting firm with offices throughout North America, Europe and the Asia Pacific region. It specializes in business transition strategy, finance and emerging growth enterprises.

Shepherd’s presentation, including continental breakfast, will be held at 8 a.m. on Thursday, October 6 at the Orleans Inn, located at 3 Old County Road, just off Rt. 6A by the Orleans Rotary.

The event is open to members of the five chambers, as well as the public. Tickets are $15 for members and $20 for nonmembers. To reserve a seat, please call 508-430-1165 or email info@harwichcc.com.  Seats are limited, so reserve early. Attendees will receive a detailed PowerPoint detailing Shepherd’s “drivers” for short-term and long-term success.