Changing lives .... Making a difference! "There comes that mysterious meeting in life when someone acknowledges who we are and what we can be, igniting the circuits of our highest potential." -Rusty Berkus Types of Programs Online Counseling FBGB programs will be mainly based on online/e-mail counseling. Based on the requests that we receive from aspiring entrepreneurs and small business owners, we will choose and contact the FBGB volunteers that best matches their business needs. FBGB office will co-ordinate all communications between the two parties including arrangement of internet/email services for the Bhutanese party. FBGB Online Counseling Guidelines Internet Access Email Counseling can be possible only through internet access. But, most soon-to-be entrepreneurs and small business owners do not have access to computer and internet facilities. FBGB office helps them with computer and internet services. Referring Cases If we do not receive response within a reasonable period of time, the case may get reassigned to another volunteer. Reporting At the end of every counseling program, a report will be compiled and, the FBGB office will publish a program report on a yearly basis. The report will also include number of hours counseled and any other contributions made by each FBGB volunteer. Success Stories The best FBGB success stories will be featured on our website. FBGB Volunteer Trips In partnership with Insiders' Bhutan, FBC can make arrangement for volunteer-work trips offering an opportunity to it's members to explore Bhutan with a focus on culture and community service. Such trips offer the incomparable opportunity to be immersed in Bhutan's unique culture, and special access to extraordinary people and places the average traveler would rarely see. Share knowledge and ideas with local friends and experts. Take part in traditional customs and festivals. At the end of the trip, participants are left with a new appreciation for Bhutan and its people. Beside exploring the country, the participating FBGB members may work and provide on-the job training, and participate in low-cost workshops, seminars, and lectures that FBGB office may organize. Workshop topics may include: Developing Your Business Plan and Marketing Strategy, Starting and Operating Your Own Business, Expanding Your Business, and Business Accounting and Financial Management for Small Businesses. For most members, working side by side with the local people and discovering a magical kingdom through its people, becomes a life-changing experience. Volunteer Opportunities We receive many different requests from Bhutanese entrepreneurs and small business owners. This is a selection of the variety of opportunities available. If you cannot find a program here that matches your skills, either email us or complete our application form, and we will let you know if there is any demand for your skills. IT & Computer Specialists Website Designers Specialists in Identifying opportunities and establishing Computer Software Business Computer Hardware Engineers Computer Software Engineers Computer Networking (LAN/WAN/Intranet) Experts Experts in "Build-Your-Own-Computer" E-commerce Experts Desktop Publishing Professionals Experts in Developing and Operating Computer Training Institutes Computer Teachers Management and Finance Professionals Accounts & Book Keeping Financial Management Construction Project Management Marketing Specialists Professionals in starting and operating Financial Service business Professionals in Joint Ventures Tourism Bird Watching Experts Water Sport Adventure Experts Mountain Biking Experts (Meditation - get the appropriate term) Tourism Marketing Specialists Other Professionals Import/Export Expert Specialists in establishing and operating restaurants, hotels, retail stores, etc. Professionals in starting and operating Mail Order business Specialists in art gallery and store display designs Interior designing Experts in handicrafts product designing & marketing Experts in Printing Industry Architects Music and video production expert Wood-working and special furniture experts PLEASE NOTE: In addition to the most popular options listed here, there are many other ways in which you can use whatever skills or resources you have to participate in FBGB programs. If you have skills or resources which are not listed above and/or you have any interesting ideas, please contact FBC by email: sjatso@yahoo.com Thanks for your interest in Friends of Bhutan Club! Over the next few months, we'll be collecting ideas, suggestions and proposals from users like you to fully develop this section of our website. We are anxious to hear from you. Please email your thoughts and comments to us at: friendsbhutan@yahoo.com