Client: A small, niche media organization

Challenges:  How does a publisher translate a small but profitable niche media organization into a growth company with twenty times the amount of active members in just three years?  How can a print-based publication shift to the web as its primary media source?

Methodology:

Three major phases of work over two years:

Phase 1:  Imagine a bigger future

• A quick and fact based assessment of the company’s business and operating model was made.
• Exploration sessions were conducted to develop ideas and confidence in growth opportunities.

Phase 1 Outcome: Organization leaders established a clear vision of their growth goals, and a first draft of the organization’s strategic intent was created.

Phase 2: Build out a growth plan
Through a disciplined assessment and planning process, organization leaders developed a business case and plan for rapid growth.

• Straw models and a base financial model were created.
• Aveus facilitated ideation, assignments and decision-making workshops to develop growth strategies including:
  
  • A new operating model
  • Draft target customer experience models for each customer segment
  • A shift to the web as the primary media source
  • A new brand framework and identity development plan
  • A product development roadmap
  • An investment plan to support angel investment fundraising

Phase 2 Outcome: The organization has a  business case for growth ready for investor discussions, and a new operating model for growth and long range strategies for product, distribution, and pricing.

Phase 3: Growth begins
Aveus supported the owner/CEO in finding funding resources and developing the relationships to raise the Series A funds needed for the plan execution.

• Based on new opportunities, Aveus and organization leadership revised the growth plan for more focus and accelerated growth
• Aveus and organization team finalized the target customer experience maps for the first segment to launch
• Aveus bolstered leadership in the build out of detailed organization, sales and product roadmaps.
• Top team and full staff alignment sessions:
  
  • Built leadership alignment to the growth requirements
  • Developed/coached readiness for the change experience with full staff
  • Created tools for communication and aids to manage change on a day to day basis

Phase 3 Outcome: The company is underway with its growth plan.  Initial investments to fund the growth have been raised.  New media model product launch on track to launch in less than 90 days.

Benefits Realized:

• The leadership team has tight alignment and energy to lead the transformation. 
• The business plan built on the unique strengths of a profitable niche media company and attracted additional capital to execute the growth plan.
• Operational, product, marketing and distribution (print and online) changes are being executed.