Kevin Collins had grown alongside Rayment & Collins for years, building experience across operations, IT, sales, and management as the family owned marketing and print company continued to evolve in a changing industry. But as the business grew, leadership recognised a challenge many organisations face: operational expertise and strong work ethic don’t automatically translate into effective management.
So Rayment & Collins turned to HI-MAP, The Alternative Board’s High Impact Manager Accelerator Program to provide Kevin the tools and insight he needed to be a truly effective manager.
Through HI-MAP’s four structured development paths, Kevin gained a more intentional approach to leadership that focuses on improvement, influence, talent, and team action. What followed was a practical shift in how managers led people and how the business operated day to day.
In this case study, learn more about just how HI-MAP helped Rayment & Collins strengthen leadership from within and better prepare for the future
The post How Stronger Management Impacts the Entire Business – Kevin Collins Case Study appeared first on The Alternative Board.
]]>Lindsey Carnett is the CEO of Marketing Maven, a full-service marketing and communications agency. While blessed with a team with a growth mindset and an innate ability to learn, Lindsey knew she still needed help communicating and actualising her vision.
Discover how StratPro, The Alternative Board’s Strategic Business Transformation Process, helped Lindsay solidify her Mission, Vision, Values, and Brand Culture Statements.
The post Finding Leadership Team Alignment with StratPro – Marketing Maven Case Study appeared first on The Alternative Board.
]]>StratPro equips businesses with enhanced leadership, stronger communication, and better strategic alignment. Originally designed for SMBs, these workshops are now also empowering enterprise companies to drive growth at both the departmental and organisational levels.
In this StratPro Case Study, see how McCall Farms—a leading provider of farm-fresh canned vegetables and fruits—transformed its Quality Assurance Department through facilitated StratPro workshops. Discover the positive impact this department-level approach had on team performance, communication, and alignment, benefiting not only the QA team but the entire organisation.
The post Drive Growth and Alignment One Department at a Time with StratPro – McCall Farms Case Study appeared first on The Alternative Board.
]]>A focus on short-term planning, unclear communication channels, and lack of an organisational mission were contributing to process inefficiencies that resulted in customer dissatisfaction and employee frustration.
Discover how StratPro’s proven strategic tools and leadership transformation program helped Riviera Bronze foster a more inclusive company culture, while also improving efficiencies that yielded a 20% increase in revenue.
The post How StratPro Helped a Multi-Million Dollar Business Improve Efficiency and Company Culture appeared first on The Alternative Board.
]]>Matt Reid launched Razor, a successful web, design, and marketing company based in Auckland, New Zealand, while still attending high school. Nearly 15 years later, Matt knew it was the right time to expand his business. He also knew growth wasn’t just about getting bigger; he needed a strategy to work smarter.
Learn how Matt leveraged The Alternative Board’s Blueprint™ to provide a clear and executable path forward for his business.
The post Leveraging Blueprint™ for Clear Path Forward – Matt Reid Case Study appeared first on The Alternative Board.
]]>When Brian Alford found himself questioning how to move his business forward, he knew something had to change. Like many business owners, Brian struggled with delegation and accountability, and he was endlessly stuck working IN his business rather then ON it.
In this Case Study, discover how The Alternative Board’s Blueprint helped Brian create and execute a strategy that broke through the cycle of overwhelm, supercharged his business, and engaged his people like never before. With this clear framework for accountability, smart delegation, and focused priorities, Brian was able to reclaim his time, build stronger teams, and drive real growth.
If you’re facing similar challenges in strategic planning and the growth of your business, Brian’s story will inform and inspire you to take decisive action and build a clearer, more focused path to success with Blueprint.
The post How The Alternative Board’s Blueprint Drives Strategy, Clarity and Success – Brian Alford Case Study appeared first on The Alternative Board.
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Discover how The Alternative Board’s Business Builder’s Blueprint empowered them to shift from merely surviving to thriving, with a business now driven by efficient processes and sustainable success.
Download Our Case Study to Learn More
The post Success by Design: Leveraging the Right Opportunities appeared first on The Alternative Board.
]]>FINDING SOLUTIONS FOR RAPID GROWTH SPELLS SUCCESS FOR QUEENSLAND-BASED HIGH-END ELECTRONICS FIRM
Michael Sciberras and his brother, Paul, own and operate Sci-Blue Integrated Systems, a specialist integration company founded in Queensland in 2005. Among the services their company provides are the installation, maintenance, and servicing of high-end security systems and CCTV systems for customers throughout Australia.
“WHETHER IT’S CCTV ACCESS CONTROL, duress systems, intercoms or nurse-call systems, Sci-Blue offers our clients products and systems that for a budget and meet required outcomes, Michael says, “We’re also able to integrate many types of electronic systems so they work together and provide multiple outcomes for our clients.”
BROTHERS IN DIFFERENT INDUSTRIES ASK, “WHAT’S NEXT?”
Sci-Blue’s origins grew out of a unique twist of fate. In 2005, Michael and Paul – while working as managers in different industries- found themselves in positions where the businesses they served had been sold and taken over by new owners. Each of them faced a tough decision.
“I mentioned to Paul that I was likely to resign and look for a new employer,” Michael recalls. “To my surprise, he announced he was going to do the same. The obvious question for both of us was, “What’s next?’ We’d always spoken of having our own business and in a short time we decided that we’d join together and start a new electronic security business in Brisbane.”
As time passed, the business steadily grew and now offers high-quality products that primarily relate to the protection of property and people. Over the past three years, the range of offerings has expanded to include nurse-call products as well.
“First and foremost, the burning issue was coping with growth–in sales, target audience, geographic coverage, employee numbers, and cash flow issues. Any business that goes through growth needs to learn how to work smarter, not just harder. We decided that joining with other business owners who faced similar challenges would help us create a more direct, defined pathway to the outcomes we were looking for,”
TAB has proved helpful in other ways, too
“There have been situations where Paul and I haven’t seen eye to eye on key business decisions,” Michael acknowledges candidly. “Claire Wilson (owner of the Alternative Board Australia and Brisbane Bayside) has helped us look at these situations with a fresh perspective and assisted us in reaching decisions through a defined process. Sometimes, having a third party impartial perspective can make all the difference.”
WHAT DOES MICHAEL SAY TO OTHER OWNERS CONSIDERING TAB?
“If you’re reaching out for something like this, then you clearly have a reason to do so, and I recommend that you just go ahead and do it,” he says. “We’ve been with TAB for more that two years now, we’ve seen our company dramatically evolve in many ways.”
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]]>HARD WORK AND RESEARCH LED TO A SUCCESSFUL BUSINESS
A common ingredient to successful businesses is the behind-the-scenes hard graft and numerous hours of labour. Many small to medium business owners will agree that plain hard work has been key to their initial success. For this reason, many owners can easily find themselves working tirelessly within the business, yet failing to step out and work ‘on’ their business.
Lee Dewerson has put in the hard graft and for many years has worked 60-hour weeks relentlessly, learning all there is to know about the Audio-Visual technology world. Lee is now a Co-Owner and Operator of Safe N Sound Limited, a high-end retailer and installer of audio-visual systems, which has branches in New Zealand and Australia.
“Despite starting out as an electrician, my true passion was always audio. So about 15 years ago, I worked in the automation side of things for various companies in Auckland. I wanted to suss out the industry and learn all there is to know about the audio field. I got to the stage where I was ready to go out on my own. This hard work has led me to where I am today, with my
own business.”
Lee finds value in being involved in The Alternative Board peer group process. “Business owners will gain different perspectives, preventing tunnel vision.”
“By attending Board Meetings you learn a lot about your own business. You also learn a lot about yourself, especially from different perspectives,” Lee explains. “When you run your own business, you can get narrow minded, and tunnel vision can easily set in, especially as there just aren’t enough of you at that one level. It is good to have everyone’s opinion. I’ve resolved several issues while sitting at the Board table with the other Members.”
Being a Member of TAB has provided Lee with lots of lessons—important include being more deliberate and taking the necessary time to do things right.
“I’ve learned to take my time and not to rush things. Things take time. I now make sure that I know exactly what the client wants and the best way to do it. I ensure that I understand all of the products and all of the people involved.”
Lee’s other tips to business owners are to make sure that capital is available to fund growth, work as much as possible, don’t give in, and, most importantly, don’t overspend. The Alternative Board peer group process provides the support and accountability that allows Lee to stay true to these tips.
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]]>A SUCCESSFUL BUSINESS NEEDS REQUIRES MORE THAN JUST PASSION
When a business starts as a result of a person’s true passion, it is likely to initially thrive. However, passion alone will not necessarily make it successful in a competitive market. To be heading towards success, a business requires forward thinking, business plans, strategies and accountability, all of which are part of The Alternative Board approach.
Daniel Hepburn is the Owner/Director of Online Logistics in Auckland, an international freight management company with a focus on shipping vehicles.
“Four years ago, I started my own company to give people a better shipping experience, particularly in shipping vehicles. Shipping is a very competitive field. Our passion for cars is what keeps us going in this busy industry. Cars are what we know, and are what we do best,” he explains.
Before joining The Alternative Board, Daniel remembers some nagging questions that wouldn’t go away, and, fortunately, a friend recommended the solution.
“I was busy driving the business forward and ploughing my energy into the business but inside I kept asking myself, how on earth do I accomplish all of this stuff?
I wondered to myself, what is next in this big challenge? All of the time, I was thinking, where am I going with the business and how do I get there? A friend introduced me to The Alternative Board and I became a Member.”
That introduction led Daniel to the answers he needed and gave him a new understanding of business.
“As a Member of The Alternative Board, it has let me understand the true fundamentals of business and business life. I have learned the rules of successful business formulas. These are things I just didn’t know before I became a Member. My Board Members at TAB have taught me how to ask the right questions to achieve success.”
Thanks to his TAB Board, Daniel’s leadership skills have also improved.
“The main change I have seen is not just within the business but within myself. I have newfound confidence to lead my staff, and I have confidence in what I am doing, and what I am trying to achieve. TAB has helped me to lead from the front and do what I need to do to get stuff done.”
Daniel believes that resilience and organisation are key to a successful business. He lives by the mantra: ‘Never give up.’ The Alternative Board peer group process of accountability allows Daniel to create and maintain an organised and well-structured business.
The post Daniel Hepburn -Online Logistics Case Study appeared first on The Alternative Board.
]]>BUSINESS LEADER TURNS TO THE ALTERNATIVE BOARD BECAUSE “IT FELT LIKE MY HOUSE WAS ON FIRE”
SINCE 2007, MAIRA RIBEIRO HAS SERVED AS OPERATIONS MANAGER at MT Solution, based in Clarkston, Georgia. MT Solution is a wholesale business specialising in the distribution of medical and surgical supplies to foreign markets. The company negotiates and coordinates with suppliers, and navigates international bureaucracies so clients receive the products and services they need and can focus on their own core business.
Originally from SÃO PAULO, Maira practiced law for five years in Brazil before she became a legal consultant for MT Solution. At the time, the company was in a transition stage, becoming part of a multi-country consortium.
In 2006, Maira and her husband came to the U.S. to build a business for sourcing and exporting orthopedic components and devices to Brazil. Within seven years, she and her husband built the company to annual revenues of $35 million. After the decline of the Brazilian economy in 2014, the couple purchased a company in Chile. Her husband assumed leadership of the Chile project and Maira stayed in the U.S. to oversee continued operations there.
That’s when she realised she might be in over her head.
“THINGS WERE FALLING APART!”
Maira faced numerous challenges on her own—everything from the best way to capitalise the business to hiring people to fill key executive vacancies. Personnel issues dominated her time, a challenge that required grasping the cultural nuances involved in hiring U.S.-based warehouse employees, call center agents, operations managers and other staff that could support a complex international operation.
“One month into my husband being off in Chile, several key employees resigned and I was faced with changing our employment payment structure, in order to ensure our salaries were competitive within the industry,” she recalls. “I needed help because it felt like things were falling apart!”
Around this time, she crossed paths with TAB Facilitator/Coach Buddy Hull. Maira was aware of TAB and had, in her typically efficient manner, thoroughly researched the organisation beforehand. But attending a Business Owner Advisory Board Meeting convinced her this might be the answer to her challenging executive-level challenges.
“It was clear to me I needed the benefit of some outside perspectives,” Maira recalls. “Since joining TAB, we have completely revamped our HR structure, created a comprehensive employee handbook, instituted regular lunch meetings with staff and designed other key policies to make the workplace environment more attractive and productive. Before joining TAB, I’d never considered these actions before.”
A VISION FOR THE FUTURE
For MT Solution, things are still very much in flux. The Brazilian partnership is dissolving, with a new partnership recently formed to expand operations in Portugal and Germany (with other potential international locations being considered as well).
“Right now we’re busy formulating a vision for the future that includes expanding our client base and providing additional services in these international locations,” Maira says. “TAB Members have proved to be very helpful in reviewing my various growth strategy options. It’s been very eye-opening in the sense that I get a variety of operational perspectives on how to do things differently than I have in the past.”
In addition to planning for the future, TAB has helped Maira hone her executive skills in numerous other ways. “I’ve learned how to better manage my time and delegate more efficiently. Slowly but surely, I’ve also learned how to hire people I know I can trust and avoid micromanaging them once they’re on board. This has been a tremendous help!”
These days, Maira is very excited about future growth opportunities. But she still vividly recalls the time several years ago when she was in crisis mode.
“Beyond addressing all the day-to-day issues and not having someone else to help with key decision-making, I had no time to work on things that were most important to the organisation,” she says. “It felt like my house was on fire! Joining TAB helped me put out that fire.”
Best of all, Maira’s fellow TAB Members are helping her explore opportunities for personal growth, so she and her husband can create a new life for themselves in the years to come.
The post Maira Ribeiro – MT Solutions Case Study appeared first on The Alternative Board.
]]>THE ALTERNATIVE BOARD AUSTRALIA MEMBER FIND CLARITY AND FOCUS TO GROW HER BUSINESS
For many business owners, the first year of operations (or first five years) often presents the greatest challenges. Whether it’s fine-tuning and introducing new products or services, coping with elements of the competitive landscape, or simply finding new customers, fledgling business owners can face daunting odds just to survive.
For Rachael Atkinson, co-owner of MB Automotive Fleet Specialists in Queensland, Australia, the first five years—while challenging—proved successful. They discovered a sizable demand for fleet specialists and were up for the challenge of meeting that demand.
But after the “opening phase,” Rachael and her business partner, Matt Bolger, found they didn’t know exactly how to plan ahead for the next five years.
MB Automotive Fleet Specialists, located in Townsville, specialises in maintaining and repairing fleets of vehicles for local and regional businesses. These fleets include cars, light trucks and trailers— anywhere from a small fleet of one or two vehicles to fleets of 100 or more vehicles.
MB Automotive services, diagnoses and repairs these fleets, but as Rachael says, “We don’t just throw parts at cars, thinking
that can solve the issue. We make sure the vehicles run smoothly and reliably each and every time.”
STEADY GROWTH AND A POSITIVE WORKPLACE ENVIRONMENT
Rachael and Matt started the business in 2014, with just the two of them in the office (and Matt as MB Automotive’s sole mechanic). Together, they built the business to encompass a workforce of three mechanics, an apprentice mechanic and a
full-time office assistant.
“We believe in creating a positive environment for our employees,” Rachael says. “Given the challenges of recruiting qualified mechanics, we place considerable emphasis on our team living and working locally and enjoying the North Queensland lifestyle.”
At the same time, MB Automotive competes for skilled labour with major mineral mines. Finding the right people to meet the
company’s growing needs is a constant challenge.
LOOKING TO THE FUTURE
After nearly five years of steady growth and achieving an annual revenue of $1.1 million, Rachael and Matt found themselves
pondering the company’s future. “We’ve been delighted by the success of our business, but in 2018, we discovered there was
a lack of clarity and focus about where to go next,” she says.
That’s when she was approached by TAB Australia Facilitator, Mary Stevenson.
“Mary invited me to attend a TAB Board meeting to see if this group of business owners might help Matt and me with our situation,” Rachael says. “After the first session, I decided to become a Member. It’s one of the best business decisions I’ve ever made.” As a result of her membership in TAB, she adds, “we’re achieving greater clarity around the direction of our business and our business goals and strategy. This helps us communicate more effectively with our staff and determine the right priorities for MB Automotive. Our business has a much stronger foundation to build on, and we have plans for our
future, plans for our staff training and development, and plans to increase our revenue and profitability.”
WHAT TAB CAN DO FOR YOUR BUSINESS
Rachael strongly believes that “to achieve your goals, it’s vital to focus, plan carefully, advance with confidence and be motivated to make things happen.”
Also, “You should surround yourself with passionate people and inspire them to achieve.”
Finally, she adds, “You can’t be afraid to ask for help.”
Since 2018, Rachael has found the help she needs—and, in turn, provided valuable guidance to her fellow Members—in TAB
Australia.
“Running a small business can be an enormous challenge,” she notes. “Sometimes it’s necessary to step away from working
in your business and start working on your business. TAB has given me this opportunity.”
What does she say to other business owners looking for help and guidance from TAB?
“From being in TAB, you’ll learn that you’re not alone and that you have a great sounding board for your challenges and ideas.
You’ll see it’s possible to enjoy the support of a like-minded group of business leaders who hold each other accountable for
their decisions but aren’t judgmental. These people genuinely want to see each other achieve their personal and professional
goals.”
Owning a small business can be a struggle, Rachael concludes, “so you need to ensure you have the right direction and balance between life and work.” She encourages business leaders to give TAB membership a try, particularly since prospective
members have three months (at no financial risk) to decide if the peer group model is right for them.
The post Rachael Atkinson & Matt Bolger – MB Automotive Case Study appeared first on The Alternative Board.
]]>YOUNG ENTREPRENEUR FINDS SUCCESS IN THE DIGITAL REALM
INDIESPRING HAS JUST CELEBRATED ITS 5TH BIRTHDAY, and its MD, Rob Sandbach, is still just 29 — what an achievement! Rob started his working life in digital agencies where he worked with many big brands, but in his spare time he developed an interest in creating computer games. He eventually left
the security of employment to explore the world of freelancing, and started working with his first client from his back bedroom — that client still remains with him.
Rob didn’t make a conscious decision to grow his business, but, with the amount of work coming his way, he needed to bring in more people (his brother was the first). Indiespring began to grow and with three people it was time to move into a ‘proper’ office. The services they delivered expanded too, including digital marketing, website development, PPC and mobile apps.
The culture at Indiespring is something that is incredibly important to Rob. This was easy at first as he brought in friends and family to work in his business, but, as it grows, Rob needs to work harder to maintain the working and management style that is at the root of Indiespring. He recognises that many employees these days are looking for more than just a good salary – flexible working, a full drinks fridge’ and a day a week for training and personal development are fantastic perks they all enjoy, all from their prestigious new office in Central Manchester.
As far as Indiespring clients are concerned, they can be certain that they will get the personal touch. There’s no technical jargon, just simple and honest talking, which most clients value and, more importantly, understand!
So, what’s Rob learnt in his 5 years as a business owner? “I’ve gone from doing the doing, to telling people what to do, to now having people that already know what they should be doing! My learning curve about management and culture has been massive and that’s just part of where TAB has helped me immensely. TAB is our business’s best friend.”
Rob joined TAB when he’d been running his business for two years. He admits he was a little sceptical at first although he knew he needed something to help him scale and grow.
“I couldn’t see how someone outside my sector could advise me – but I was wrong!” The investment in time and money was a
concern, but he admits that he learned so much in the first few months that it soon became apparent his relationship with TAB would be long term.
Like all TAB Boards, Rob’s has a variety of different people and businesses but it’s clear that they all get along really well. This doesn’t mean they always agree. “There are often conflicting views and perspectives and it’s important to get a rich tapestry of ideas and advice.”
“My fellow TAB Board Members? I love them!” he adds. “They are from very different businesses, but that just adds to the richness and quality of feedback.”
“Working with my TAB Facilitator, Paul, who genuinely cares about my business and me personally has transformed my approach to running the business. Paul has an outstanding ability to see the problem from a fresh angle.”
The future for Indiespring is ambitious – 50% growth in turnover in 2017. But with TAB’s help and his motivated Indiespring team, Rob really believes they can achieve it!
The post Rob Sandbach – Indiespring Case Study appeared first on The Alternative Board.
]]>TURNING A PASSION INTO A BUSINESS
MANY SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS CAN FEEL VERY ALONE IN THEIR WORK especially when it is an area of the business with which they may be unfamiliar. It is important that these business owners know that the problems and challenges they will experience have also been faced by many others before them and that having access to that hard-won wisdom will be of great value in solving those problems.
MOST PEOPLE DON’T GET INTO BUSINESS to do the books, but Craig Hibbert did. As part-owner of a retail sports store for 25 years, Craig was responsible for keeping the books, but, like a lot of small business owners, he had no idea what he was doing. Craig chose to up-skill and qualified as an Accounting Technician with the New Zealand Institute of Chartered Accountants.
Craig founded ‘Bookworks’ in 2004, motivated by the continual avalanche of client records which he’d received in shoe boxes. Craig’s forte is fixing messes in his clients’ software.
“I spend most of my time fixing clients’ software messes, as well as training and supporting my clients in a one-on-one situation,” he explains. “I am an Approved Trainer for MYOB, QuickBooks and Xero, and because of these accounting qualifications, I bring that extra level of knowledge and experience, filling the gap between client and accountant, because having been in both positions, I know that neither one understands the other very well.”
Craig finds value in being involved in The Alternative Board peer group process. “Running your own business by yourself is lonely, having the understanding and support of the other Members has been crucial in my decisions. Sitting around the Boardroom table, with my peers, has shown me that I am not alone.”
“I’ve learned to take more time over my decisions in order to consider all aspects. I now make the decision for myself and not the others, when it’s right for me and because it’s right for me.”
Craig attributes the success of his business to the approach of treating his clients and their businesses as though they are his own, by doing what he says he’ll do when he says he’s going to do it. The Alternative Board peer group process allows Craig to remain true to his word by enabling him to be consistently and consciously accountable within the business world.
“I urge all small business owners to seek support and advice from others when and where you need it and, importantly, that you act upon that advice,” he advises.
The post Craig Hibbert – Bookworms Case Study appeared first on The Alternative Board.
]]>In 2013, Queensland resident Michael Spragg was already an established business owner, when he was invited to join Laser Plumbing and Electrical, a premier electrical and plumbing contracting network across Australia and New Zealand. Spragg’s firm S.O.S. Plumbing—which he’d led as owner and director—had been operating successfully since 2006.
“WHEN THE LASER GROUP APPROACHED US
we were experiencing growing pains in our business,” Michael recalls. “We saw this new affiliation as an opportunity to professionalise our business and also work with the knowledgeable and effective owners in the Later Group.
Today, Laser Plumbing Gumdale employs 34 team members across Queensland, delivering a wide array of comestic, commercial and industrial services. Primarily, the firm serves builders and developers who construct large-scale townhouse developments, as well as aged care facilities.
In 2015, Michael decidec to join The Alternative Board in order to sharpen his executive skills.
GROWING A BUSINESS WITHOUT FORMAL TRAINING
“For me, the main reason for becoming a TAB Member was to reinforce whether I was doing everything I could for my business to achieve its full potential for growth,” Michael says. “This was especially important because, having transitioned from a tradesman to a business owner, I had no formal business training.”
While TAB Membership has proved helpful in a number of ways, Michael says the key benefit centres around the best utilisation of his employees.
“The biggest challenge and most important asset you have in business is your staff,” he says. “Working with other private business owners like myself, I’ve learned how to better understand my employees’ needs and concerns and dramatically improve our communications and business culture”.
MOVING FROM IDEAS TO ACTION
So what does Michael say to other business owners and Managing Directors considering membership of The Alternative Board?
“When you think about running a business, the challenge you face is transforming all the information and ideas in your head into concrete action.”
“TAB Membership greatly assists in helping Members with the day-to-day running of their businesses, but the TAB Facilitator and Board can also help you achieve your strategic vision through specialised coaching and practical solutions.”
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