1. Does the company offer on-site/in-house services in addition to the mountainside retreats?

Absolutely!

2. What are the advantages and disadvantages of holding office retreats and other workshop sessions away from our home base?

Advantages: Most folks will agree they are far more productive when they  can get away from their offices for their retreats and brainstorming workshops.  They like the informal, relaxed setting; no distractions from their phones ringing and other common interruptions; and taking time out to participate in fun activities.  These factors and others help contribute to more productive and creative brainstorming and planning which means clients get a much greater return on their consulting dollars spent.

Disadvantages: Travel time and related expenses (please note our clients often receive lodging discounts in the area). Another disadvantage would be our cool summers if you like hot climates or if you don't like the cold, you probably wouldn't like our out-of-this-world winter wonderland scenes and activities; and, finally, if you dislike nature's glorious art show at its finest, you wouldn't like our incredible fall leaf seasons!

3. What are the nearest airports?

Our clients have several choices - Full service airports include: Asheville, NC (about 1 ½ hours of beautiful and scenic driving from Banner Elk via interstate & highways or The world-famous Blue Ridge Parkway); Charlotte, NC (about 2 ¼ hours away); and Greensboro, NC (about 2 ½ hours away). There are several commuter airports including: Johnson City, Tenn (1 ½ hour drive) or Hickory, NC (1 ½ hour)....all the airports involve some auto travel to get to us, but well worth the drive and for the most part, very scenic routes to our beautiful part of the world.

4. When you say Nancy Byerly Jones & Associates, Inc. offers mediation services, do you mean formal mediation sessions or a range of dispute resolution options?

Nancy is a North Carolina DRC certified mediator and conducts partner-related mediations as well as  between other employees regarding areas of conflict.  Formal mediation sessions are either scheduled ahead of time or often they evolve at the subject parties’ request when Nancy is already on-site assisting the office with other matters.   In addition to formal mediations, a variety of other dispute resolution options are also offered.

5. Does Nancy conduct telephone conferences with her clients?

6. What is the difference between consulting and coaching services?

They share many similar characteristics but can be described in a wide variety of ways depending on who is doing the defining!  Regardless of the label, both consultants and coaches should be highly experienced within their particular fields who can offer reasonable and affordable solutions to their clients.  In addition, the right consultant/coach should be capable of successfully empowering and motivating their clients to implement needed changes for their particular situations and offices (vs. a one plan fits all approach).

7. What types of “tools” do you use in your work with lawyers and their staff members?

A wide assortment and all custom-designed for the particular client including various surveys, client forums, educational workshops for attorneys and staff, one-on-one training and coaching for individuals, mediations and other conflict resolution methods, and a wide variety of follow-up services after a retreat or the completion of on-site work... just to name a few!