Scenes from a Wedding – A Different Approach

It’s this common framework of business that makes it possible for an external consultant to come in and add value. When I get involved with a new client, I don’t share their deep knowledge of their market, their product or service, or the people that make it all happen. Just like a wedding planner, I am familiar with the common elements that all businesses must have. And I have seen all the choices, the challenges, the mistakes and the victories that countless teams have made. And the things all of them have to do to be successful.

And it is by coming back to that framework that I can help a company make better decisions. That’s why I usually end up following a similar routine in my coaching of owner/managers of private businesses. We include a short-term focus on cash flow and long-term focus on building value.  For the short-term, focusing on the sales pipeline, marketing, employees, operations and cash flow.  For the medium and longer term, composition of the customer base, branding, network, employee training, market trends, technology, and promoting the company’s unique differentiators.

It’s been a long slog for business over the past 18-24 months. At this point business owners need to ensure they are ready for an uptick in business. A good consultant can help you build a plan with a sound foundation but specialized for your own company.   Many happy returns!      Mike Oleksak  2009