Why growth today means moving at the right time – not just moving fast
At a recent workshop attended by very engaged SME owners, we spent time looking at growth and what it really takes to grow a business in difficult market conditions.
The feedback was strong. Those in the room left with a practical process that, when followed properly, has consistently delivered strong and profitable growth – even when markets are tough.
One part of that process is the ability, and the discipline, to act in what we call the Action Zone. This means making the right moves at the right time, while avoiding the two dangers that sit either side of it – acting in haste or missing opportunities altogether.
The first of those feels particularly relevant right now.
We are speaking to more and more business owners who are saying the same thing: “We need AI. We have to get AI into the business.”
They know it can help. They know it can take some of the weight out of certain tasks. But many are still unsure where it fits, how to introduce it and, just as importantly, where it may create problems if used badly.
That tells us something important.
Business is changing quickly. The way companies operate, compete and communicate is shifting, and owners are rightly keen to stay current and keep moving forward. But moving quickly and moving wisely are not always the same thing.
At Tinderbox, our purpose remains unchanged. For the past 19 years we have helped businesses become successful – or more successful – by focusing on practical action that works.
What is changing is the shape of the support businesses now need.
Technology, and AI in particular, is now front of mind for many SME owners. To respond to that, we have strengthened the Tinderbox team with four new specialists who bring deep, practical experience in technology and AI.
But this is important – we do not believe business owners should be left to work this out alone. AI can be powerful, but it still needs human judgement. It still needs someone to ask the right questions, challenge the thinking and help shape the right approach for that specific business. That personal touch has always been at the heart of Tinderbox.
When clients work with us, they have real people around them – people they can pick up the phone to, talk things through with and trust to guide them through decisions, whether that is growth, people, sales, cash flow or technology. That will not change.
That fits with how we have always worked. No off-the-shelf solutions. No generic advice. Just support shaped around the real needs of the business in front of us.
We will also soon be announcing another important development – the launch of a sister company that will open up our support and solutions to a much wider group of SME businesses.
More on that will follow in early July.
In the meantime, take a look at our team of experts on the website and see the breadth of practical experience for yourself. If you would like to talk, we always offer a first one-hour meeting free of charge and with no obligation. My email address is david.turner@tinderboxbd.com
David Turner
MD Tinderbox and Director of The Growth Experts
