Setting Up Operations from Scratch

Introduction

When a new startup approached Foundations, they had a brilliant idea and a passionate team but lacked the operational infrastructure to turn their vision into reality. The company was on the brink of launching but faced significant challenges in defining their offerings, hiring the right talent, and setting up essential business functions. They needed a comprehensive strategy to establish a solid foundation for growth, ensuring that their operations could support their ambitious goals.

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Problem Statement

As a startup, the company struggled with the typical challenges of a new business: undefined services, inconsistent work quality, and the lack of a structured human resources framework. The founders realized that while they were experts in their field, they needed guidance to transition from a small team of consultants to a growing company with full-time employees. This transition was crucial, as they were already seeing demand outstrip their capacity, risking their reputation and growth potential. Without a clear operational structure, they risked burning out their team and losing clients to more established competitors.

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Solution

Foundations stepped in to provide strategic guidance and operational support, starting with a focus on refining the company’s offerings. We worked closely with the founders to identify their core strengths and the services that would differentiate them in a crowded market. By narrowing their focus, we ensured that they could deliver high-quality work consistently.

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Next, we addressed their staffing needs. Initially, they had relied heavily on consultants, which was costly and led to variability in the quality of work delivered. We helped them develop a hiring strategy that transitioned key roles from consultants to full-time employees. This not only reduced costs but also created a more cohesive team, leading to better collaboration and more consistent output.

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To support this growing team, we assisted in setting up their human resources department from scratch. This included creating job descriptions, developing onboarding processes, and implementing a performance management system. We also helped establish their operations, including financial management, project tracking, and communication protocols, ensuring that every aspect of the business was aligned with their strategic goals.

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Results

The impact of these changes was immediate and significant. By the end of the first year, the company had doubled its revenue. The streamlined services allowed them to attract and retain more clients, while the shift from consultants to employees improved work quality and consistency. Their newly established human resources department enabled them to recruit and retain top talent, further fueling their growth. The operational improvements we implemented ensured that they could handle this increased demand without compromising on quality, setting the stage for sustained success.

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Conclusion

This case study highlights the importance of laying a strong operational foundation for any startup. By focusing on refining their offerings, strategically hiring, and setting up essential business functions, Foundations helped this company transition from a startup to a thriving business. The results speak for themselves: doubled revenue in the first year and a more stable, scalable operation. This success story underscores the value of taking a strategic approach to operations, even in the early stages of a company’s growth.