AboutDonald Byrne Expertise I am comfortable with questions on the topics of: Business Continuity, Risk Management, Business Resiliency, Emergency Management, Crisis Management, Disaster Recovery, Business Continuity Auditing (esp: NFPA 1600 and BS 25999), and related subjects.
I would also be comfortable answering questions on Sales Management, Sales Compensation, Marketing, Marketing Management, Business and Market Planning, Channel Sales, Direct Sales, and any area of Executive Management.
I am also comfortable working with entrepreneurs and answering questions about fund raising and company start-up.
I can also offer career advice in the above areas and especially in how to rise to the job of CEO.
Experience I have started 3 successful companies, managed the turn-around of 4 others and currently run a consulting firm (www.NorthRiverSolutions.com) in the area of business continuity and resiliency planning.
I am a contributing editor to www.continuitycompliance.com, as well as other "authority sites" and participate in various Linked'In discussions.
Prior to North River Solutions, I worked as a turn-around CEO, venture capitalist, and investment banker. I also spend 25 years in the computer business working with both large companies and start-ups.
I am a member of the Committee of Experts advising the ANSI National Accreditation Board and the Department of Homeland Security on matters relating to Public Law 110-53: "Implementing the 9/11 Commission Report Act."
I am a member of the Technical Committee of the ASIS team developing the ISO standard for business continuity and resiliency; and the "Chair" of the "Legal, Compliance and Audit" discipline at the International Consortium for Organizational Resiliency (www.theICOR.org).
Organizations theICOR.org (Board Member and Chair of the Legal, Compliance and Audit discipline
St Joseph's Hospital, Board of Directors
Association of Contingency Planners, Chair of the Committee on Voluntary Certification
Former Chair, NH Chapter of NEDRIX
Publications Many
Education/Credentials I hold undergraduate degrees in Mathematics and Philosophy, and have an MBA with a specialty in International Marketing.
I am a Certified Business Continuity Professional(DRII #8269) and a Certified Data Center Professional (CDCP).
I am a certified Lead Auditor and the Program Manager for Business Continuity Auditing at Perry Johnson Registrars, the 3rd largest company of its kind in the US.
Question Mr. Byrne, I have been in the manufacturing business fulltime for 20 years. I want to try to start a collection agency, where do I start/how do I start and get some business started, and any advice at all you can give me? Thanks
Answer Hi Bill,
This is not my area but let me give you a few ideas:
- Try looking at some of the professional organizations for local chapters. Here's one http://www.acainternational.org/. This is one way to meet people "in the business" who are usually willing to lend advice on how to get started.
- Look at some of the larger agencies and check their website for job descriptions. This may give you some additional insight into useful certifications and credentials.
- I think I would look at the local AICPA chapter (they are the national association of CPAs). They may give you some insight on how to get started.
- Consider writing to members of the local chamber of commerce (you can usually buy their mailing list dirt cheap) and offer your services. You might want to be aggressive in pricing the service in the beginning. I think a lot of these groups operate on a percentage of what they collect business model.
- Certainly, go online and see if there is a LinkN Group or equivalent that you can join and listen to the general chatter.
- Do the same looking for publications, E-zines, newspapers, etc that serve this marketplace.
- Look for books written on the subject at Amazon.com
Then, write a letter, mail it to local businesses and go for it!
If you would like me to take a look at your letter or if I can help in any other way - just ask.
Good luck and sorry I don't have a better handle on this issue.
