Here is a brief list of some commonly asked questions about CEO Support Systems and our services, programs, and products. Please feel free to contact us. We would be happy to discuss your questions further.
Chief Executive Peer Groups
Question: Do I need to be a Chief Executive to join?
Answer: You need to be a principal decision maker in the firm -- though, your actual title might range from "CEO" to "COO" to "President" to "General Manager" to "Owner."
Question: How often does the group meet, and for how long?
Answer: We meet once a month, for three hours. The schedule for meetings is set well in advance. In addition, we will meet privately with each member, at our mutual convenience, for one hour of one-on-one coaching each month.
Question: Is this a networking group?
Answer: No. This meeting is not about doing deals among the membership (though, of course, that does sometimes happen). It is about sharing a common perspective about business, and sharing knowledge, expertise, and experience about the unique role of being the top banana.
Question: Are members required to sign a one year contract?
Answer: No. We do ask, however, that you make an emotional commitment to active participation and engagement in the group for at least a year -- the value of the group depends on developing the kind of rapport within the group that can only be achieved with steady participation. In fact, members whose attendance is spotty will be asked to leave the group.
Question: How do members pay?
Answer: Members pay a month in advance, except when first joining. When they first start up with the group, we ask them to pay for three months in advance -- if they attend those three months and then do not wish to continue, we will refund their entire initial three month prepay.
Question: How big are the groups?
Answer: Typically, between 8-12 members.
Question: How large are the members' companies?
Answer: They range in size from about 10 employees to 1,000 employees. We typically create groups with comparably sized companies.
Question: How long have you been doing this?
Answer: Since 1988! Some members have been with the group since the beginning!
Question: How much does it cost?
Answer: $350/month. This includes both the monthly 3 hour group meeting, and a monthly one-on-one consultation with one of our executive consultants.
ActionAudit™ Assessment
Question: Is this a financial audit?
Answer: No. Financial audits typically look backward in time, assessing the veracity of the financial records and soundness of financial procedures. An ActionAudit™, on the other hand, looks forward in time and concentrates on the "whole business," not just the financials. In fact, we mostly look at sales, marketing, production, research, development, human resources, and leadership issues, concentrating on understanding the leader's vision and the strategy and tactics laid out for achieving that vision.
Question: How much can we really accomplish in the audit?
Answer: You will be amazed! This is the basis of our 100% satisfaction guarantee. We promise that you will see your business in a bright new light AND that you'll identify several important actions to take immediately.
Question: What does your guarantee mean?
Answer: At the end of the ActionAudit™, if you are not convinced that you have received more than your money's worth, we will refund it. Pretty simple!
Question: Who would participate in the activities of the audit?
Answer: The CEO/President and senior managers of your company, plus an experienced auditor from CEO Support Systems, Inc.
Question: Where is the meeting conducted?
Answer: On your site, or ours. Surprisingly, it usually works best to conduct the audit on your site, especially because all participants get some large chunks of time to do work outside of the ActionAudit™ process.
Question: Will I need to do any advance work to prepare for the audit?
Answer: Yes. Each participant is asked to complete some "pre-work" which usually requires about 30-60 minutes in the day or two preceding the day of the ActionAudit™. In addition, we provide the CEO with a list of existing documents to round up and provide to us before the audit. We will also spend about one hour with the CEO 1 week before the ActionAudit™.
Question: How much does it cost?
Answer: $10,000. This includes pre-audit meetings with the CEO, processing of pre-work, conducting the audit itself, and preparation and presentation of a 60+ page report. In most cases, audits take two days, though this varies based on size and complexity of the company.
Consulting and Coaching
Question: What does it cost?
Answer: Our hourly rates for consulting are $250/hr. Coaching rates run $2,000 per month.
CEO Support Systems, Inc.
Question: Do you have any references?
Answer: Of course. Since 1988 (the first 9 years under the name Creative Support Systems), we have worked with hundreds of CEOs, presidents, owners, and COOs. We would be happy to provide a list of current or past clients as an appropriate prelude to finalizing an engagement with our company. Please view our Success Stories (link to appropriate section of “Our Clients” Page) for customer comments about CEO Support Systems, Inc.
