New Vector’s information gathering process begins with a short face-to-face fact finding meeting. During this meeting, we gain a brief understanding of the owner’s interests and concerns and the owner asks questions and gets acquainted with who we are. Key issues are identified and general suggestions are made.
At this point the client can decide if he or she would like to move forward with us or not.
Following the decision to move forward, a time and date is set for a more detailed on-site assessment. This assessment usually takes one or two days, depending on the size and complexity of the business.
During this assessment we help the client define his or her dreams, desires and expectations for the business. We gain an understanding of how the business is performing compared with these dreams, desires and expectations.
This assessment includes a confidential review of the company’s financials, organization, personnel, and business plans using established business measurements. These measurements identify the financial health and direction of the company, employee practices and morale, sales and marketing activities, operating structure and discipline, and the dependency of the company on the owner.
We explore the vulnerability of the company if something unexpectedly were to happen to the owner. We also discuss what plans the owner has or does not have for their eventual exit from the business. 
This assessment results in a written evaluation that identifies the strengths and weaknesses of the business and its vulnerabilities. The assessment includes prioritized recommendations as to what needs to happen in order for the business to accomplish the client’s short and long term objectives.
If the client is interested in accomplishing some or all of the recommendations and wants to proceed a project plan is developed. These plans identify the work that is required and establishes timetables and benchmarks, as well as the expected results and cost.
The expected results and costs are documented and the return on investment is calculated. After all, investing in business improvements and/or exit plans must be looked at the same way as investing in a piece of equipment. Expected results must justify the investment.
If the client wants to proceed, he or she formally approves the next step. A schedule is set based on the client’s availability and business requirements. In most cases the work can begin right away.
