How we work
How an Engagement Runs
Four steps. Each one stands on its own, so you can stop after any of them. Scope and fees are agreed in writing before any work begins.
Step one
Initial Consultation
Thirty minutes, free.
We ask about the business, your numbers and what you've already tried. By the end you'll know whether we can help and what a diagnostic would cover. If we don't think we're the right fit, we'll say so, and suggest who might be.
Step two
Diagnostic
Two to three weeks.
We work from your real numbers: sales, costs, customers and marketing spend. You get a written plan that shows where the growth is, what it's worth and what to do first.
Step three
Implementation
Usually three to six months.
We do the work the plan calls for, whether that's campaigns, content, the website, search or a weekly scorecard. It's one team with one monthly report, so nothing gets lost between the people who planned it and the people doing it.
Step four
Advisory
Monthly.
A monthly performance review with the owners, and a partner to call when a bigger decision comes up: a new location, a price change, a key hire.
What we commit to
Five Principles
They apply to every engagement, from the first consultation to the monthly review.
We Look Before We Recommend
We go through your numbers before suggesting anything.
Every Recommendation Has Figures Behind It
If we can't show why, we don't recommend it.
The People Who Plan It Help Do It
The same team carries out the plan, so nothing gets lost in a hand-off.
A Partner on Every Engagement
From the first consultation to the monthly review.
Written to Be Used
Clear language, and a list of what happens next.
Common questions
What Owners Usually Want to Know
What does it cost?
It depends on the work, so we don’t publish prices. After the first consultation we’ll tell you what a diagnostic would cover and what it costs. Scope and fees are always agreed in writing before any work starts.
Is the first consultation really free?
Yes. It takes thirty minutes, by video or phone, and there’s no obligation. If we don’t think we can help, we’ll say so, and suggest who might.
Do you only advise, or do you do the work too?
Both. After the diagnostic, the same team carries out the parts of the plan that need doing, from campaigns and the website to a weekly scorecard. You can also take the plan and run it yourselves.
How long does it take?
The diagnostic takes two to three weeks. Implementation usually runs three to six months. You can stop after any step.
What size of business do you work with?
Mostly owner-led businesses with one to thirty locations. Size matters less than having an owner who is close to the decisions.
Do you only work in Toronto?
Most of our clients are in Toronto and the GTA, where we can meet in person. We also work with head offices and product brands elsewhere in Canada, by video.
What do you need from me?
For the first consultation, just thirty minutes. For a diagnostic, we’ll ask for recent sales, cost, customer and marketing figures, in whatever form you have them.
Who will I be working with?
A partner leads every engagement, from the first consultation to the monthly review.
What happens to the information I share?
We use it only to work with you, as set out in our privacy notice.
Free 30-minute video consultation with a partner.