Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/129161
•Pg_19-28__BMT_pg3-58 4/30/13 8:09 PM Page 28 V E N D O R S P OT L I G H T CONNIE SPARKS: FORTIFYING THE INDUSTRY OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT BY VICTORIA HEAD Institute's president and founder, Connie Sparks began her company in 2000 and has since trained over 8,500 business owners and executives and provided services for over 200 businesses nationwide. Through thorough assessment, Wade Institute identifies the operations of a business by honing in on areas of strength and weakness; ultimately, this method helps to greatly increase the profit margin, generate new revenue and assist in product development. Wade Institute can also explore various opportunities for securing capital for necessary upgrades, inventory and the purchasing of real estate. Wade Institute also offers management consulting, providing detailed assessment, aiding in the reconstruction of businesses, that they operate more effectively. This assessment utilizes the S.W.O.T. Method (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats.) In the corporate world, assessments such as these are standard; however, Sparks believes they are also essential to small businesses, as they can be vital in the initiation, maintenance and expansion of any company. S.W.O.T. sessions assess: Strength – Could be experience or knowledge in the industry; the communicative and people skills; marketing abilities. Weakness – May manifest in limited abilities to successfully network and approach prospects or in limited management skills or lack of. Sparks believes that after identifying weaknesses, it's important to quickly focus on how to convert them into strengths. Observing – When navigating a business, professionals must be able to cultivate relationships and through observation, ascertain those with good synergy which could lead to both parties capitalizing on what the other has to offer. Threats – Areas of exposure or risks, such as the implementing of new legislation that can greatly affect a business; staying aware of economic graphs and always monitoring the rapid pace of changing technology. Due to her passion for equipping businesses nationwide with the tools needed to sustain themselves and grow, Sparks' efforts have been greatly recognized. Well-known for these traits today, her passion and knowledge were derived from years of trial and error as she fought to grasp hold of her own dreams of operating an effective business as a teenager. Wade 28 Throughout her youth, Sparks was often found expressing her creativity in fashion and design. This became more evident after her mother bought her a sewing machine. As materials were somewhat scarce, this young visionary skillfully took apart various articles of clothing and redesigned them into her own masterpieces. While family and friends took C ONNIE S PARKS note of her talent she began getting orders for pants, dresses, prom gowns, and other items. As young Sparks' confidence elevated, she soon decided to pursue her talents as a business venture. After graduating high school, she launched her own retail establishment and though it ran successfully for six years, due to her lack in business savvy, mainly bookkeeping, it was dissolved. In the following years, Sparks became a single mother, maintained a presence in the fashion industry by participating in seasonal shows, but all the while knowing, that to gain the level of success she envisioned, returning to school was pivotal. She enrolled into Laverne University and received a degree in human resources, obtained teaching credentials and began teaching business management, office preparation and perused work experience in the areas of customer service, sales, managing business accounts, credential analysis and technology management. Now armed with training and experience, the puzzle pieces for a successful business were starting to fall into place. Along with natural ambition, an eye for detail and a passion for outfitting others for success, Sparks tailored her focus on supplying those in business with the necessities needed, whatever their endeavors. Wade Institute was born; utilizing all of Sparks' experiences…the good, the bad and the enlightening. Today, Connie Sparks is celebrated by higher education institutions, associations and corporate America. She received the Sphere of Influence Award 2007; U.S. Small Business Administration Award, 2009 and many others. For more information on Wade Institutes' seminar schedule, S.W.O.T. assessments or the recent launch of the new E-Bizology 101 Kit – A Business Starter Kit for Entrepreneur's, visit www.wadeinstitute.com, www.ebizology101.com or call (661) 621-4080. B M & T ••• March/April 2013 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com