In the current business climate, whether you are thriving or barely surviving, you may consider the value of additional ‘horsepower’ in your business. You may not need or want to invest in a full-time manager or director, but equally you may feel that a short-term consultant will not be the answer.
Ideally you would like more of you – but you are already stretched and, in an honest self-appraisal, you may conclude that more of the same may give you a bit more capacity but not the additional impetus of new initiatives and a different perspective.
So how would an experienced MD-level individual fit the bill? A person who can operate at your level but is neither full-time nor a short-term consultant. Someone who has years of experience across multiple companies, industries and business situations. Someone with the flexibility to be available as your business situation demands. In short, someone working side by side with you and focused on your business priorities and your exit plan. They would provide you with insight, advice and guidance on business direction and operational matters. And they would be an additional high-level advocate for you in the business community.
One of our clients exemplifies this approach. We had been working with the company for a number of years, initially as an adviser then as non-executive director – always working closely with the MD. A business opportunity arose in Australia for a significant expansion of the business, an opportunity the MD himself wanted to develop and deliver. This meant an extended stay ‘down under’.
With the majority of the business still in the UK we stepped in to look after the UK business, guide and mentor the management team, chair the management meetings and ensure the business continued to thrive in the MD’s absence. Sufficient trust and understanding had been developed to provide the confidence that Ian could step into the MD’s shoes, truly becoming part of the client’s management team.
The MD’s verdict? In his own words…
“I strongly recommend Ian Parker for any professional role in a growth company, but specifically for the role of strategic advisor, coach and mentor. Ian and I worked closely together for several years during which he added immeasurable value to the business. Ian is like a rock – one of the most dependable and trustworthy individuals I have ever worked with. This, coupled with his insight and understanding of business priorities, made him a huge asset to us.
Not only is Ian a talented strategic thinker, but he also possesses a remarkable attention to detail and a propensity for getting things right the first time around. No matter what time of day we needed him, Ian was available to support the business, and delivered consistently to us under the toughest of deadlines and circumstances.
On a personal level, Ian has incredible patience, and a winning attitude that everyone admires. He was an important mentor to me personally and professionally and I honestly can’t say enough good things about him. I think I speak for everyone in my company when I say that I would be honoured to work with Ian again in the future.”
There are many ways to boost the horsepower in your business and move up a gear with your exit plans. For further information on the options available to you, contact us today.