Do You have a Business Growth Advisor? Are they Battle-Tested?


After many weeks of lockdowns, tragic loss of life, and the shuttering of much of the global economy, radical uncertainty is still the best way to describe this historical moment. Big questions cast a large shadow on the future.  Will businesses reopen and jobs come back? Will we travel again? Will the flood of money from central banks and governments be enough to prevent a deep and lasting recession, or worse?

This much is certain: The pandemic will lead to permanent shifts in the landscape of business and economic power in ways that will be permanent.

What will happen to the heart and soul of the American economy… the small to midsize company with 50 and less employees?

As the federal government prepares to launch a $349 billion loan program meant to help small businesses survive the coronavirus pandemic, critics have growing concerns that the majority of mom-and-pop businesses might get squeezed out.

Operators of name-brand hotel, restaurant and service chains including many franchises with thousands of employees at locations scattered across the US are eligible for these funds. 

They have the resources and lobbying power to position themselves to scoop up much of the Paycheck Protection Program, leaving nothing for the hard working and cash strapped main street businesses across our economy.

They will be laying off valuable employees permanently, or worse, closing their business because they have no resources to weather this crisis. If they can survive, they will need help to reopen operations, re-establish sales and marketing and compete in the marketplace.

Consultants have been a resource that small businesses have relied on in times of economic stress.  

Consulting services focused on solving problems, providing sustainable solutions that clients can use to get their businesses revived and energized. It may be an extra pair of hands or specific expertise and experience needed for a defined period. The consultants goal is to get the business operating smoothly, most specifically in producing revenue from sales.

AS the COVID-19 crisis passes, many businesses on the edge of survival are less confident about the business plan they have used for many years.  Questions emerge that must be answered in order to move forward.  How to solve a problem of extended business closure, should this sort of event happen again?  Small businesses are looking for new and different approaches to competitive advantage and need short-term help to get the revenue engine running at peak performance. This is what traditional and boutique management consultancies provide.

The Skills Most In Demand from Independent Management Consultants

Most in demand projects for independent consultants:
61%    Strategy, which includes:
  • Marketing and sales strategy
  • Growth strategy
  • Opportunity assessment
  • Product strategy
22%  - Operations, which includes:
  • Businesses processes
  • Product launch planning
  • Supply chain
9%  - Transformation, which includes:
  • Business intelligence and analytics
  • IT and tech transformation
4% Organization
4% Interim executive

Most in demand skills for independent consultants:
  • Project management
  • Market landscape
  • Growth strategy
  • Strategic planning
  • Supply chain
  • Program management office (PMO)
  • Corporate and business unit strategy
  • Product development and launch
  • Market access and value
  • Innovation strategy
Leading industries using independent consultants:
  • Life sciences
  • Financial services
  • Insurance
  • Consumer goods
  • Industrial goods and services
  • Technology
Company size leaders in using independent consultants:

83% - large enterprises
17% - mid-market and small and medium sized business organizations

Leading functions utilizing independent consultants:
  • Strategy and internal consulting groups
  • Marketing
  • Operations
  • Business and corporate development / M&A
  • Leadership (GM and P&L managers)
If you have recognized one thing from this crisis, it’s that making the right decisions, making the hard choices and capitalizing on your unique strengths is more critical than ever before. 

Emerging from this crisis demands that business owners rethink every part and piece of their business strategy.  Whether your goal is maintaining your market position or improving it, developing a fresh visionary strategy… now is the time to prepare for the future.  

You can’t wait for what will or will not happen.  Hope is not a strategy.  You have neither the time nor the patience to wait for “chance” to bring about a revival of your business.  

The ENCORE! 2.5 consultancy is the kind of resource tuned to help small businesses.  E! is a small team of seasoned and experienced professionals who understand the climate of urgency as businesses prepare for a new and uncertain future. Our goal is simple… we want to help you improve the probability that your business will be in the race... and be competitive.

The average ENCORE! 2.5 consultant has more than three decades of experience, much of it earned in times of adversity. ENCORE’S team is uniquely qualified to help your business grow in these uncertain times.  We have the experience to help you chart a course to renewal and success.

GET IN TOUCH…
Questions? Call 267.356.1949 to speak to an ENCORE! 2.5 engagement architect 

or email us at — encore2pt5@gmail.com

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