In this latest blog by Marcus Clifford he asks the questions: Is it a good time to discuss the options and ideas for Outsourcing, Innovation, and Reimagining your business model?
If you were starting your business today, would you design it the same way?
Yet some businesses thrive. They seem to have momentum. They evolve and grow despite the pressures. What’s the difference? Well, there are a number of factors and it’s interesting to analyse them. I am a great advocate of plagiarism, copy what others are doing. Yet I find few systematically profile and review those that are doing well and that are effective.
One of the factors is those that think like start-ups. They review and redesign their business models and are open to different ideas and options for doing things. One company I know has its main meeting agenda for all meetings as, ‘What’s the Game changer and what are you doing about it’?
With costs and overheads escalating why is this mindset and approach not an agenda item in every business? Why is it not part of everyone’s job description? Ultimately all interests need to be aligned to earn money in order to pay money.
Why carry more weight than you need to achieve your goals? Do we want to be nimble, focused, and innovation-led? This includes making bold choices about what to do in-house and what to outsource.
What are you ultimately looking to create? Is it financial freedom and stability? A legacy for the future? Or to get the entrepreneurial buzz back and feel more energised?
The Hidden Cost of Doing It All In-House
Keeping everything internal feels safe. But in reality, it could be quietly holding your business back.
In today’s economy, trying to do everything internally is no longer a strength, it can be a big liability. It ties up leadership time, burns through overhead, and limits your ability to adapt fast.
Outsourcing is no longer just about cutting costs. It’s about gaining agility, focus, and access to specialist skills you don’t need full-time but might desperately need right now. It allows you to market knowledge and experience but not have to carry the cost without the revenues.
You gain:
• Variable cost structures instead of fixed overheads
• Access to hard-to-find talent
• New services to offer your customers
• A competitive advantage, fast
Think Like a Start-Up: Reimagine Your Business Model
We invite you to take a step back. Review your model. Ask: ‘If I were starting again today, how would I design this business?’
Chances are, you might:
• Use smart technology and automate relentlessly
• Have a different value proposition and sales and marketing approach
• Have multiple channels to market
• Use flexible, specialist teams
• Offer more relevant services without owning the full cost base
• Focus on what sets you apart and outsource the rest
The Future Forward Methodology: Pillars to Rethink and Refresh
For those ready to evolve a Future Forward Framework is useful
1. Review People Skills. Identify what’s core and what’s missing
2. Add / Employ Different Skills. Mix in flexible talent where needed
3. Create a culture and mindset of innovation linked to a strong value proposition
4. Review & Simplify Processes. Automate and streamline for performance
5. Create greater connectivity with customers
6. Use Data & Creative Tech Solutions. Make smarter decisions and unlock innovation
The result? A business that’s leaner, sharper, more responsive, and delivering competitive advantage in the eyes of your customers.
Ready for an Energising Reset?
Whether it’s a team workshop, strategic planning session, or just a curious conversation on options for change, let’s have a conversation and how the start-up mindset can unlock value, remove friction, and energise your future.
You don’t need to own all the assets, skills, or answers. Redesign your business model to fully work for you.