Bruce is the owner and founder of a print converting business that had been operating for more than 10 years. Over a period of 3 years, we worked together to develop and implement a strategic plan that would allow Bruce to grow the business to its potential and create a legacy for the team who had supported him for many years

We worked together after Bruce realised that there would be benefit in bringing new skills and a perspective that could help him take their small business (revenue less than $4m pa.) to a different outcome.

The problem for Bruce was that whilst the business had grown, the profits were low for the effort and his time to achieve the potential for the business was getting shorter. He had limited support at a strategy level to make decisions and therefore, hesitant to act.

The impact was slower growth and profits, missed opportunities and a sense of frustration knowing that his “ideas were right…. I just need help with the priorities.”

Using our GamePlan^TM to remove the stress and overwhelm of not having a plan, Bruce identified his perfect future customers, including who, what and why they were preferred. With that clarity of the who and why, he was able to develop a clear strategy that made clear to his team HOW the business would win.

This aspect was foundational as it aligned the team around a common direction and significantly increased the speed in which operational performance could improve. Having developed the Who and How, a 5-year Strategic Plan^TM was documented which brought all the aspects of the business into a single plan that allowed the whole team to move with confidence.

The outcomes of these actions have been an implementation of the first 3 years of the plan and delivering above target revenue growth, (exceeding 800%), Net profitability exceeding 20% on a consistent basis and now manufacturing internationally as well as supplying from Australia in a cost competitive market.

In addition, Bruce has been able to bring in senior leaders to run the overall operation of the business with initially a General Manager joining the team, and more recently a Chief Executive Officer to lead the next phase of the international growth. This has made a massive shift in where Bruce places his attention and now able to decide how much or little time is spent on the business “working Bruce’s Time”

The key lessons from this case study are:

• Knowing what you are trying to do and why are foundational and when coupled with Who can help you get there allows you to move faster in the right direction. – Have a GamePlan^TM
• In manufacturing Profitability comes through combining Productivity with strategy
• Communicating the plan to the team is critical to getting an aligned team who can deliver a smooth operation and deliver for the customer.

The prescriptions we used in this case were:

• Building your GamePlan^TM including all aspects of the business including strategy, marketing, sales, manufacturing, people, and systems creates a clear direction from which you can respond as changes occur.
• If you are trying to take your business to a place you have not been, it makes sense to get advice from those who have experience in doing what you are aiming to achieve.
• Invest in building your team and the leadership within. This is what can free your time to be “Your Own”

If you are interested in more details on this case study, send an email to info@graemefiztegarld.com.au

Worksheets and detailed case study notes are available to help you on your way to profitable growth without the stress or overwhelm that comes from not having a clear direction.