Fundamentals
Q + V + I
What drives success?
Quality + Value + Impact
At its essence, business is an endless cycle of investments and deliverables, risk and renewal, where success involves improving the quality of investments to offer better products and services across iterations; improve the value of deliverables to increase efficiency, maximize budgets, survive profitability; and improve impact in the market to reach and serve more customers. We are agnostic to means, helping members in whatever capacity adds the most value.
Process
Test.Adjust.Optimize.
Whether working out of a garage or hiring employee #649 business is still about people. People create profit and profit drives progress by allowing capital and savings to flow into innovation and growth. This is our methodology for better business development.
(1) Create and/or implement strategies and tactics;
(2) Collect data, make different decisions, take different actions; and
(3) Allocate resources to the winning ideas and maximize results.
Verticals
B2B. B2C. B2G.
In the United States, annual business spending is in the range of $40 to $45+ trillion across all industries; total personal consumption spending is $15+ trillion in annually; and agencies at local, state, and federal levels spend around $2 trillion per year. This adds up to massive opportunities.
Whether it’s meeting demands of business buyers, creating value from consumer spending, or navigating government sales and procurement cycles, we help member create solutions across verticals, customized for any industry or market.
Numbers based on data from Census, BLS and BEA.
Tools
ServicePlatform
Requests
Members can make unlimited requests. We work through them one at a time based on priority while protecting confidential and competitively sensitive information. Simple matters take as little as 24 hours or less to complete and deliver. Turnaround time increases with size, scope, and complexity.
Deliverables
We offer analysis and support for nearly any business situation. When applicable, we help source and procure deliverables, find and facilitate opportunities, and allocate resources on projects or initiatives. Additional costs and fees may apply.
Communications
Members engage with our team any way they want. We keep daily office hours and issue weekly briefings. We set every member up with a dashboard on Basecamp, but can also manage comms through email, text, social media, or any tool that you want to use.
TLDR
The bottom line is that you pay a fixed quarterly rate and we help improve your business to create sustainable value for you and other stakeholders, which hopefully delivers an unmatched return on investment. We think it will and that’s why you work with us.
Use Cases
Support forEvery Stage
Startup
Success in this phase means proving there’s real demand for your product or service. That means validating the business model, gaining initial traction, and surviving the volatility. To succeed, you must stay lean, welcome feedback, and move quickly by testing, learning, and adapting as they go. Challenges such as securing funding, building a team, and introducing products or services to the market must be overcome. Clarity of vision, discipline in execution, and access to resources are critical.
Business Planning and Strategy
- Idea Validation and Market Fit
- Creating a Business Model Canvas
- Crafting a Value Proposition
- Defining Mission, Vision, and Goals
Product and Service Development
- Designing and Building an MVP
- Iterative Prototyping and Testing
- Aligning Offerings with Market Needs
- Establishing Product Roadmaps
Market Research and Validation
- Identifying Target Markets and Segments
- Competitive Analysis and Benchmarking
- Conducting Surveys and Focus Groups
- Validating Assumptions Through Data
Branding and Positioning
- Creating a Brand Identity and Story
- Developing Brand Messaging and Taglines
- Positioning Against Competitors
- Designing Logos, Packaging, and Marketing Assets
Go-to-Market Strategy
- Planning Product Launch Campaigns
- Selecting Initial Sales Channels
- Setting Realistic Launch KPIs
- Creating Buzz and Generating Leads
Marketing and Customer Acquisition
- Building an Online Presence (Website, Social Media)
- Launching Digital Marketing Campaigns
- SEO and Content Marketing Basics
- Paid Advertising and Promotions
Sales and Early Customer Engagement
- Crafting a Sales Process and Pipeline
- Creating a Pitch for Early Customers
- Generating Referrals and Testimonials
- Building Relationships with Key Buyers
Financial Planning and Budgeting
- Estimating Startup Costs and Budgets
- Bootstrapping vs. Raising Initial Funds
- Tracking Revenue and Expenses Early On
- Pricing Strategy and Revenue Models
Legal and Compliance
- Registering the Business and Setting Up Legal Structure
- Protecting Intellectual Property
- Understanding Tax and Regulatory Requirements
- Drafting Contracts and Agreements
Team Building and Operations
- Recruiting Initial Team Members
- Establishing Roles and Responsibilities
- Creating a Collaborative Startup Culture
- Setting Up Early Operational Processes
Technology and Infrastructure
- Choosing Tech Tools and Platforms
- Building Scalable Technology Solutions
- Securing Data and Cybersecurity
- Optimizing Digital Operations
Feedback and Iteration
- Gathering Feedback From Early Customers
- Refining Offerings Based on Market Response
- Conducting Usability Testing and Adjustments
- Pivoting Based on Insights
Growth
During this phase, success is defined by scaling what works, expanding revenue, increasing market share, and building a repeatable, efficient operation. It’s no longer about proving the idea; it’s about refining and optimizing it. This is where you must invest in infrastructure, hire the right people, strengthen culture, and ensure systems are in place to sustain expansion without losing quality or control. Strategic focus and allocation discipline become make-or-break factors.
Strategic Growth Planning
- Scaling Strategies and Expansion Roadmaps
- Identifying New Revenue Streams
- Strategic Market Entry Plans
- Competitive Advantage Maintenance
Financial Management
- Managing Growth-Stage Cash Flow
- Raising Series Funding (A, B, etc.)
- Optimizing Unit Economics
- Forecasting for Growth Scenarios
Product and Service Expansion
- Product Line Diversification
- Developing Premium or Tiered Offerings
- Enhancing Existing Products Based on Feedback
- International Product Adaptation
Branding and Marketing
- Expanding Brand Reach
- Developing Multi-Channel Marketing Campaigns
- Building Long-Term Brand Equity
- Content and Thought Leadership Strategies
Sales and Customer Retention
- Scaling Sales Teams and Processes
- Enterprise Sales Development
- Building Loyalty and Rewards Programs
- Advanced CRM and Personalization Strategies
Team Development and Leadership
- Leadership Training for Scaling Teams
- Hiring for Growth vs. Stability
- Creating Clear Organizational Structures
- Employee Development and Succession Planning
Operational Efficiency
- Streamlining Processes and Automation
- Scaling Infrastructure and Technology Systems
- Implementing Agile or Lean Operational Models
- Vendor Management for Larger Operations
Data and Performance Analytics
- Tracking Advanced KPIs for Growth
- Predictive Analytics for Decision-Making
- Implementing AI and Machine Learning Insights
- Data Visualization for Team Alignment
Risk and Compliance Management
- Managing Operational and Market Risks
- Ensuring Compliance with Growth-Stage Regulations
- Intellectual Property Protection During Expansion
- Crisis Management Planning for Larger Operations
Networking and Partnerships
- Expanding Strategic Alliances
- Building Relationships with Key Stakeholders
- Partnering for Co-Branded Initiatives
- Exploring Acquisition Opportunities
Customer Experience and Feedback
- Building Advanced Customer Feedback Loops
- Enhancing Customer Support Systems
- Managing Customer Expectations During Scaling
- Creating a Seamless Omni-Channel Experience
Sustainability and Impact
- Scaling Sustainability Initiatives
- Integrating ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) Goals
- Measuring the Social Impact of Growth
- Building Purpose-Driven Business Models
Maturity
In this stage, success is measured by consistency to sustain profitability, continue operational excellence, and defend market position. The challenge is to avoid stagnation while maintaining high performance. Businesses must continue to innovate, improve offerings, and explore new markets or segments. Leadership must focus on strategic investments, cost control, and organizational resilience while staying alert to competitive threats and shifts in customer behavior.
Strategic Renewal and Planning
- Evaluating Business Lifecycle Position
- Identifying Renewal Opportunities
- Pivoting or Repositioning Strategies
- Strategic Partnerships for Revitalization
Financial Optimization
- Profitability Over Growth Strategies
- Cost Reduction and Efficiency Optimization
- Managing Divestments and Spin-Offs
- Preparing for Exit or Transition
Product and Service Evolution
- Refreshing Core Offerings
- Sunsetting Declining Products
- Exploring Adjacent Market Opportunities
- Leveraging Customer Feedback for Innovations
Branding and Market Repositioning
- Rebranding for New Audiences
- Communicating Legacy Value While Evolving
- Targeting Emerging Market Segments
- Managing Brand Equity in Mature Markets
Customer Retention and Loyalty
- Expanding Customer Lifetime Value (CLV)
- Building Long-Term Loyalty Programs
- Personalizing Customer Engagement
- Addressing Attrition in Key Customer Segments
Leadership and Team Development
- Retaining Top Talent During Transition
- Empowering Leadership for Strategic Renewal
- Cultural Shifts for Adaptation
- Preparing for Leadership Succession
Operational Restructuring
- Lean Operations for Mature Businesses
- Outsourcing and Vendor Optimization
- Overhauling Supply Chains for Efficiency
- Digitization of Legacy Systems
Data and Performance Management
- Advanced Predictive Analytics for Stability
- Leveraging Historical Data for Strategic Decisions
- Evaluating Decline Indicators and Trends
- Benchmarking Against Industry Peers
Risk Management and Compliance
- Managing Legacy Compliance Challenges
- Protecting Against Emerging Risks
- Crisis Planning for Declining Markets
- Cybersecurity for Legacy Infrastructure
Partnerships and Alliances
- Joint Ventures to Access New Markets
- Partnering for Research and Development
- Co-Branding with Younger, Growing Businesses
- Strategic Alliances for Resource Sharing
Sustainability and Social Impact
- Legacy Building Through ESG Initiatives
- Pivoting Toward Sustainable Business Practices
- Aligning with Consumer Demand for Purpose-Driven Companies
- Measuring the Long-Term Impact of Renewal Efforts
Exit and Transition Planning
- Preparing for Mergers or Acquisitions
- Structuring a Smooth Business Exit
- Succession Planning for Leadership Transitions
- Evaluating Legacy Value vs. Sale Opportunities
Exit
In this phase, success means realizing value whether through acquisition, IPO, succession, or wind-down. This requires thoughtful preparation: financial transparency, operational readiness, and alignment among stakeholders. The goal is to maximize value for owners and ensure a smooth transition, while protecting the business’s legacy or fulfilling the founder’s original intent. Companies must clean up governance, clarify strategy, and position themselves as attractive, scalable, and well-managed assets.
Exit Strategy Planning
- Defining Exit Goals and Stakeholder Objectives
- Evaluating Exit Options (MBO, IPO, M&A, P/E, etc.)
- Timing the Exit for Maximum Value
- Preparing a Comprehensive Exit Roadmap
Business Valuation
- Conducting Formal Business Valuations
- Identifying Key Drivers of Business Value
- Benchmarking Against Market Standards
- Enhancing Valuation Through Strategic Adjustments
Financial Preparation
- Organizing Financial Records and Audits
- Identifying and Eliminating Redundant Costs
- Structuring the Business for a Sale or Transfer
- Tax Planning for Owners and Stakeholders
Operational Transition Planning
- Documenting Processes and Knowledge Transfer
- Ensuring Continuity of Operations During Transition
- Preparing Teams for New Ownership or Management
- Retiring or Repurposing Legacy Systems
Legal and Compliance Considerations
- Drafting and Negotiating Sale or Transfer Agreements
- Addressing Intellectual Property and Licensing Issues
- Ensuring Regulatory Compliance During Transition
- Managing Employment Contracts and Benefits
Stakeholder Management
- Communicating the Exit Plan to Stakeholders
- Retaining Key Employees During the Transition
- Addressing Concerns of Customers and Partners
- Ensuring Fair Treatment of Minority Stakeholders
Market and Buyer Identification
- Identifying Strategic Buyers or Investors
- Positioning the Business for Acquisition
- Running a Competitive Bidding Process
- Assessing Offers and Negotiating Terms
Leadership Transition
- Identifying and Preparing Successors
- Transitioning Leadership Roles Smoothly
- Managing Interim Leadership During the Handoff
- Preparing Outgoing Leaders for Post-Exit Roles
Risk and Contingency Planning
- Addressing Post-Exit Legal or Financial Risks
- Mitigating Reputation Risks During Transition
- Ensuring Business Continuity if a Sale Falls Through
- Establishing a Contingency Plan for Wind-Down
Legacy and Long-Term Impact
- Preserving the Business’s Legacy and Values
- Ensuring the Business’s Mission Aligns Post-Exit
- Creating Charitable or Social Impact Initiatives
- Establishing a Personal or Family Legacy
Personal and Team Readiness
- Preparing Founders for Life After Exit
- Supporting Employees Through Transition Stress
- Offering Financial or Career Counseling to Key Staff
- Ensuring Emotional Readiness for Founders and Leaders
Post-Exit Management
- Handling Earnouts or Deferred Payments
- Managing Ongoing Involvement as a Consultant or Advisor
- Investing or Reinvesting Exit Proceeds
- Reviewing and Optimizing Post-Exit Agreements