Business Strategy Consulting

I've used a number of strategic planning models and frameworks over the years. Some are more effective than others, depending on the type of business, its size, market share, and culture. Mid-sized entrepreneurial companies often find it challenging to apply these models since they were initially designed for large organizations with abundant research and data. Many models are too academic, beginning with philosophical questions like, “What is your purpose or what do you want to be?” The common response I receive is, “We just want to grow and be more profitable.”

My approach starts with the question, “What could your business look like? What significant business growth opportunities should the company consider, and which of these ideas are you most likely to excel at?” Often, strategy consultants pose these types of questions during offsite sessions with a company’s senior leaders. I go a step further by gathering answers through a series of internal interviews and employee workshops before the leaders convene. This method yields bigger and better ideas at the outset of the process, resulting in stronger alignment and execution at the end.

Next, I combine industry data and customer insights to validate the biggest growth opportunities that the company is best positioned to excel in. Once the company agrees on a shortlist of opportunities, I collaborate with them to determine what it will take to succeed. What level of investment and change is required? This evaluation helps the company align on the most promising opportunities to pursue.

Once strategic opportunities and priorities have been established, I work with teams across the organization to develop strategic action plans that specify key tasks and accountability to execute and achieve results.