Learn about Adam Alexander’s journey in the Goldman Sachs Ten Thousand Small Business Program
Hear Adam’s insights on leveraging the 10KSB Program for business success
Balancing day-to-day operations while planning for future growth is no small feat for small business owners. InterNetwork IT’s founder, Adam Alexander, understands this challenge firsthand. His participation in the Goldman Sachs Ten Thousand Small Business Program Supported by Babson College, called by its participants as ‘10KSB Program’, has inspired and motivated him with opportunities for growth for both him and our company.
In a recent team conversation, Adam shared his experiences and valuable insights, how the program is transforming our business, and how we add even more value to our customers. Continue reading to explore key takeaways from his experience.
The beginning: Realizing the need for change
Adam was initially referred to the program by a business consultant, who was also his advisor in the program. “I was looking for a business consultant because I was trying to grow our business faster and needed more support,” he recalls. The consultant suggested that Adam apply to the 10KSB Program for comprehensive guidance. The advisor told him, “You’ll probably be better served if we just wait, look at this program first, apply for it, get into the program, do the program first, and then if you still have questions, come back to me.”
The application process involved “a lot of financials paperwork, a lot of current ‘where your business is’ reports,” followed by an interview with several people to assess his fit for the program. Adam realized he needed the program because he was searching for answers to what he didn’t know and was seeking clarity on the next steps for our business’ overall growth.
Validating knowledge and prioritizing tasks
After getting accepted into the program, one of the first benefits Adam noticed was the validation of his existing knowledge and processes with our company. “Validation is important because it confirms that you’re on the right track. You are learning new things but also discovering that some of your current practices are correct. It’s reassuring to realize, ‘Okay, I was doing this right,’ because you often don’t know if what you’re doing is effective. So, it’s a good point to acknowledge that some of my methods were indeed correct,” he reflects. The program provided him with a framework to evaluate what he was doing right and identify areas for improvement.
Adam’s Goldman Sachs Ten Thousand Small Business Program cohort during the in-person training and graduation in New York City.
Redefining leadership in small business
As an introverted business owner, Adam initially had to learn to navigate the challenges of leading meetings and confidently managing his team. Through experience, he developed strategies to overcome these challenges and lead effectively. Participating in the 10KSB Program was eye-opening for Adam, as he discovered that a significant majority—about 80-90%—of his classmates faced similar experiences. This revelation challenged the common misconception that small business owners are predominantly extroverted.
Adam explained, “One thing I do is hire people who are easy to talk to and can explain IT in a simple way. They make customer support straightforward and accessible. If you need help, opening a support ticket is never an issue.”
By leveraging his strengths as an introvert, Adam has strategically built a team that excels at customer interaction, allowing InterNetwork IT to flourish. His ability to understand and connect with his team and customers on a deeper level has been a key factor in the company’s growth and success.
Enhancing communication
One of the significant changes Adam is implementing after completing the 10KSB Program is enhancing team communication. Adam’s priority is hosting regular team meetings and utilizing communication channels where the team is involved and updated. “Things like weekly meetings where we’re more involved and discussing what’s going on in the company is something not just I want to incorporate, but the team does too,” he notes.
Embracing new tools and technologies
The program also pushed Adam to explore and integrate new tools and technologies into his business operations. Microsoft Teams became a central hub for project management, to-do lists, and collaboration. “I needed somewhere to put a to-do list, and that’s where I have my to-do list. And so I was in Teams more and more, and they have a whole booking function, so I am using that, too. They’ve got a million things I started using since then,” he shares.
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How team chat technology can boost your internal communication
Continuous learning and community engagement
The Program instilled in Adam the importance of continuous learning and community engagement. “I wouldn’t have known about the benefits of webinars, the strength of peer groups, and the importance of organizational involvement if not for 10KSB. Our group has stayed connected and continues to support each other even after the program ended,” he acknowledges. These avenues have provided him new perspectives and strategies to drive our business forward.
Adam’s Goldman Sachs Ten Thousand Small Business Program cohort during the in-person training and graduation in New York City.
Defining success: Time and employee happiness
For Adam, success goes beyond financial metrics. “Success is all about time. Personal time for me and personal time for our team, and making sure everyone’s happy would be the bigger measure of success for me and the company,” he states.
He values the work-life balance for himself and his team, aiming to create an environment where everyone can thrive without being overwhelmed.
Looking ahead
Adam is particularly excited about implementing new strategies and services as a result of the program. “This week marks my first meetings with the new pricing structure and IT security bundles,” he reveals. The program has provided him with the tools and knowledge to enhance our business and the confidence to make bold decisions. “It was like doing an intensive MBA targeted to small business owners.”
How the 10KSB Program sets up InterNetwork IT for success
Adam Alexander’s journey with InterNetWork IT through the Goldman Sachs Ten Thousand Small Business Program Supported by Babson College is a testament to the transformative power of structured guidance and continuous learning. By validating his knowledge, prioritizing tasks, and embracing new strategies, Adam has set our business on a path of growth and efficiency. The 10KSB Program has empowered him to lead with confidence, ensuring that InterNetWork IT continues to provide exceptional value to our clients while fostering a supportive and thriving work environment.
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