Committee Education

Hi Committee,

I'd like to share with you a proposal from Co-hesion, who partnered with us on last year's pre-session. Their work helped us move forward in meaningful ways, and I believe there's strong potential for them to provide value again-both at our March conference and through possible ongoing workshops.

Highlights from the proposal:

• Pre-conference engagement (Oct): A short, co-branded questionnaire to surface consultant priorities and challenges so the workshop is directly targeted.

• March workshop (3 hours): Practical training in consultative execution tailored to Sage 100 and Intacct. Attendees will leave with tools like a Client Value Map, Discovery Guide, and 90-day action outline.

• Post-conference (optional, 8 weeks): Virtual cohort to help firms build habits through weekly practice, coaching, and accountability.

Update: Co-hesion has agreed to provide this entire package for $2,500 in exchange for a one-day exhibit table at MOTM 2026. This is a significant reduction from their original proposal ($7,500) and represents strong value for both sides.

During my last call with Sage, they also indicated interest in having Jeff Scott deliver a training workshop. Co-hesion could serve as a neutral partner and work collaboratively with Robert Bayer to align content with Sage's goals while supporting both 100 and Intacct consultants.  This also keeps us (90 Minds) in the middle of these conversations and strategic planning.  

Notes for the committee:

• This arrangement gives us professional development content and thought partnership at a very reasonable cost.

• Co-hesion has direct experience with ERP services and leadership alignment, making them a good fit for our members.

• This collaboration could also open the door for additional, ongoing education workshops throughout the year and a more meaningful partnership with Sage.

Finally, I'm pleased to confirm that Sage has signed on as Diamond Sponsor for MOTM 2026. We'll have more details on sessions and keynotes soon.

Next steps:

1. Please review the attached proposal.

2. Share any thoughts or concerns about engaging Co-hesion under this arrangement.

3. Consider whether we'd like to pursue ongoing workshops beyond the March conference.

Looking forward to your feedback.

Best,
Anne

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Anne Sawyer
Executive Director
90 Minds Inc.
Sunset Beach CA
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@Anne Sawyer For clarity, you wrote, "Co-hesion has agreed to provide this entire package for $2,500 in exchange for a one-day exhibit table at MOTM 2026. This is a significant reduction from their original proposal ($7,500) and represents strong value for both sides."

Do you really mean the entire package?  Or, is the $2,500 for Steps 1 and 2?  Step 3 investment is listed as TBD in the proposal.

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Brian Kelly
Accounting Systems, Inc. (ASI)
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Hi Brian - This is $2500 for 1 and 2 - #3 (ongoing workshops) is TBD. 

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Anne Sawyer
Executive Director
90 Minds Inc.
Sunset Beach CA
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Original Message:
Sent: 09-25-2025 14:10
From: Brian Kelly
Subject: Co-hesion Proposal for MOTM 2026 – Review & Discussion

@Anne Sawyer For clarity, you wrote, "Co-hesion has agreed to provide this entire package for $2,500 in exchange for a one-day exhibit table at MOTM 2026. This is a significant reduction from their original proposal ($7,500) and represents strong value for both sides."

Do you really mean the entire package?  Or, is the $2,500 for Steps 1 and 2?  Step 3 investment is listed as TBD in the proposal.

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Brian Kelly
Accounting Systems, Inc. (ASI)
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That's what I thought.  Thank you for confirming.  I have no problem with this proposal, and I vote we pursue the ongoing workshops beyond March.  Of course, I may change my mind if I don't agree with the TBD pricing.  Overall, I think there is good value here for our members.

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Brian Kelly
Accounting Systems, Inc. (ASI)
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Original Message:
Sent: 09-25-2025 14:50
From: Anne Sawyer
Subject: Co-hesion Proposal for MOTM 2026 – Review & Discussion

Hi Brian - This is $2500 for 1 and 2 - #3 (ongoing workshops) is TBD. 

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Anne Sawyer
Executive Director
90 Minds Inc.
Sunset Beach CA
------------------------------


Original Message:
Sent: 09-25-2025 14:10
From: Brian Kelly
Subject: Co-hesion Proposal for MOTM 2026 – Review & Discussion

@Anne Sawyer For clarity, you wrote, "Co-hesion has agreed to provide this entire package for $2,500 in exchange for a one-day exhibit table at MOTM 2026. This is a significant reduction from their original proposal ($7,500) and represents strong value for both sides."

Do you really mean the entire package?  Or, is the $2,500 for Steps 1 and 2?  Step 3 investment is listed as TBD in the proposal.

------------------------------
Brian Kelly
Accounting Systems, Inc. (ASI)

I'm on board with them as items number 1 and 2. 

The only thing I would say as far as this year's session: 1) definitely align w/ Sage if possible; 2) I'd encourage them to meet with some of our more senior members (Jerry, Gary, Wayne, Jim, etc.) so they get a bit more context of where we've been; 3) and then continue the dialog/points from last year and conversations with Anne/the board to get a strong concept of where we're going. 

That'll really help their questionnaire land more solidly (better/more tailored feedback) -AND- connect more effectively in person with everyone. They seem like wonderful people, so I'd love to see them facilitate another group session, present, and/or have a booth at the event. 

As for item #3... the "TBD" pricing is the only hesitation. Conceptually, I'm onboard with it. But anything that doesn't have a firm concept of a financial investment feels akin to stepping on a burning bag on your front porch. Is there chocolate in there? Or poop?

Anywho... Yea for items 1/2. Nay for item #3 without more financial context.

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Best Regards,

Basil Malik
President/CEO
e: basil@malik-inc.com
------------------------------

I agree with what Brian and Basil stated.  For # 3, besides the price, maybe we need to see how #1 and #2 go before agreeing to #3.

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[Michele] [Herzog] [CPA,CITP, CGMA]
[Overland Park] [KS]
[816-520-1365]
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Original Message:
Sent: 09-25-2025 15:36
From: Basil Malik
Subject: Co-hesion Proposal for MOTM 2026 – Review & Discussion

I'm on board with them as items number 1 and 2. 

The only thing I would say as far as this year's session: 1) definitely align w/ Sage if possible; 2) I'd encourage them to meet with some of our more senior members (Jerry, Gary, Wayne, Jim, etc.) so they get a bit more context of where we've been; 3) and then continue the dialog/points from last year and conversations with Anne/the board to get a strong concept of where we're going. 

That'll really help their questionnaire land more solidly (better/more tailored feedback) -AND- connect more effectively in person with everyone. They seem like wonderful people, so I'd love to see them facilitate another group session, present, and/or have a booth at the event. 

As for item #3... the "TBD" pricing is the only hesitation. Conceptually, I'm onboard with it. But anything that doesn't have a firm concept of a financial investment feels akin to stepping on a burning bag on your front porch. Is there chocolate in there? Or poop?

Anywho... Yea for items 1/2. Nay for item #3 without more financial context.

------------------------------
Best Regards,

Basil Malik
President/CEO
e: basil@malik-inc.com
------------------------------