What actually happens between the first call and a business that runs better
No mystery and no black box. Here is every stage, what we need from you and what you should expect at each one.
The free consultation, about thirty minutes
What the business does, what is working, what is not, and what you want to be true six months from now. Free, and you keep the takeaways whether we work together or not.
The review
How a job actually runs, where customers come from, what you charge, what the numbers say and how much depends on you. We look at the business as a whole before choosing where to start.
What we found, said plainly
A short written summary of what is holding the business back, in the order it matters, including the parts that are working and should be left alone.
The plan on one page
The few changes worth making, sequenced so each one makes the next easier, with an owner and a rough timescale against each item.
Agreeing scope and fees
If the work goes beyond the free consultation, you get the scope and the fee in writing before anything starts. No surprises, and no open ended arrangement.
The build
We work through the plan with you. Processes written, pricing checked, roles agreed, tests run, whatever the plan called for. This is where most of the value is.
Review on a rhythm
Monthly or quarterly, we come back to the plan, look at what actually moved and adjust what did not. Plans meet reality quickly.
Handing it over
The point is a business that runs better without us, not a permanent retainer. When the work is done, we say so.
What is worth thinking about first
None of this needs preparing formally. Having rough answers just means the first conversation gets further.
Three things, and only three
This works best as a partnership. We bring the outside view and the structure. You bring the parts only an owner can bring.
- Honesty about the numbers. Even when they are ugly. Advice built on a flattering version of the business is worth nothing.
- Time to actually do it. A plan nobody has an hour a week for is a document. We would rather agree three changes you will make than ten you will not.
- The real reason. If you want to sell in two years, or work fewer Saturdays, say so. It changes what the right plan is completely.
The first call costs nothing and tells you a lot
You will leave it with a clearer read on where the business stands and what would move it.
- The first consultation is free and there is no obligation to go further
- An honest read including when the answer is to fix something before you spend
- Scope and fees in writing agreed before any work starts
