Blueprint for Growth Assessment

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Name
First Name
Last Name
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Email
example@example.com
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Phone Number
Please enter a valid phone number.
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Date
Date
Year
Month
Day
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Your Company Name
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What year was your business started?
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How many owners does the company have?
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What is your percentage ownership?
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What is your business's 6-digit NAISC code located on your tax return?
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What year were you born?
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How many more years do you plan to continue operating your business?
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Have you received a written offer to sell the company?
YESNO
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If yes, what was the price they offered?
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What have been the annual revenue trends for the last three to five years?* This field is required.Annual Revenue and Profit Trends
1. Our revenues have been declining steadily.
2. Our revenue has remained stable but flat, fluctuating within ±2% annually.
3. We've seen modest growth, with revenues increasing by 2-5% annually.
4. We've achieved healthy annual growth of 5-10% in revenue.
5. We've experienced exceptional growth, with annual revenues increasing by 15% or more.
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What is your company’s annual gross revenue?Gross Revenue
1. Under $1 Million.
2. $1 Million to $5 Million.
3. $5 Million to $10.
4. $10 Million to $20 Million.
5. $20 Million and Higher.
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What is the current cash flow situation, and how has it trended over time?* This field is required.Current Cash Flow Situation
1. Our cash flow has deteriorated over time, highlighting serious liquidity and operational efficiency issues.
2. Cash flow occasionally dips into the negative, primarily due to seasonal variations or sales inconsistencies.
3. Our cash flow is mostly break-even to slightly positive, providing a limited but stable foundation.
4. Our cash management is strong, consistently positive, allowing us to reinvest in growth and debt management.
5. Our cash flow is strong and improving, underpinning our future growth plans and enhancing our financial resilience.
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Which of the following best describes your approach to financial record-keeping? * This field is required.Financial Record Keeping
1. We give our accountant a stack of receipts, and they handle the organization and recording.
2. We keep track of our financials ourselves using an accounting package like QuickBooks or Simply Accounting.
3. We hire an accounting firm to prepare a "Notice to Reader" statement each year, providing a basic compilation of our financials without extensive verification.
4. We engage an accounting firm to conduct a "Review Engagement" annually, offering a moderate level of assurance with limited testing of our financial statements.
5. We employ an accounting firm to produce "Audited Statements" each year, ensuring the highest level of assurance through a comprehensive examination of our financial practices and records.
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Are there significant debts or financial liabilities that need to be considered?* This field is required.Debt and Financial Liabilities
1. We have high levels of debt that are not well managed.
2. Our debts are significant but have some management strategies in place.
3. Our debts are manageable, balanced with our needs.
4. Our debts are well structured and effectively managed.
5. We maintain minimal and optimally structured debts.
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How does the business's profit margin compare to industry averages?* This field is required.Profit Margin Comparison
1. Our profit margins are below industry averages (less than 5%).
2. Our profit margins meet the lower end of industry standards (5-10%).
3. Our profit margins align with industry averages (10-15%).
4. Our profit margins are above industry averages (15-20%).
5. Our profit margins significantly exceed industry averages (over 20%).
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What percentage of your business's total revenue is composed of recurring revenue?* This field is required.Recurring Revenue
1. Less than 5% of our total revenue is from recurring sources.
2. About 5-10% of our revenue is recurring.
3. Roughly 20-30% of our total income is recurring.
4. Approximately 40-60% of our business revenue is recurring.
5. Over 75% of our revenue is recurring.
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What is your company's strategy for billing customers upfront?* This field is required.Billing Strategies
1. We bill after delivery, delaying payments and cash flow issues.
2. We collect a small deposit, around 10% upfront, with the remainder billed post-delivery.
3. We require 50% payment upfront and the rest upon completion, maintaining steadier cash flow.
4. We collect 75% of the payment upfront, enhancing financial stability.
5. We require 100% of the payment upfront, ensuring complete financial security.
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What percentage of your overall revenue did your largest customer represent last year?* This field is required.Largest Customer
1. More than 51% of our revenue came from our largest customer.
2. 31-50% of our revenue was from our largest customer.
3. 21-30% of our revenue was from our largest customer.
4. 11-20% of our revenue came from our largest customer.
5. 1-10% of our revenue was from our largest customer.
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What percentage of your revenue is attributed to your top 5 customers?* This field is required.Top 5 Customers
1. Our top 5 customers contribute 50% or more of our total revenue.
2. The top 5 customers make up 35-49% of our revenue.
3. About 20-34% of our revenue comes from our top 5 customers.
4. Our top 5 customers provide 15-19% of our revenue.
5. The top 5 customers account for less than 15% of our revenue.
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Section 1 Score
25
How has your company grown recently?* This field is required.Growth Trends
1. Our growth has plateaued, prompting a strategic reassessment.
2. Recent growth has been modest, under 5%.
3. Our growth has been consistent, around 5-10%.
4. We've experienced strong growth, approximately 10-15%.
5. Our company has achieved rapid growth, over 15%.
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What is the company's potential for expanding existing product lines and introducing new offerings based on current capabilities and market demand?* This field is required.Expansion Opportunities
1. We face significant barriers that hinder both expansion and innovation.
2. Constraints limit our expansion and innovation, but we are planning to address these challenges.
3. We have a solid foundation and are making efforts to maximize expansion and innovation, with moderate market success.
4. Our capabilities and market demand provide strong potential for scaling existing lines and introducing new products.
5. We are well-positioned for major expansion and innovation, with strategies that could lead industry changes.
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What percentage of the industry market share does the business currently hold?* This field is required.Market Share
1. We lead the industry with a dominant market share but face limited growth and potential regulatory challenges.
2. We hold a significant market share, positioning us strongly but sometimes hindering rapid growth.
3. We maintain an average market share, offering balanced growth opportunities.
4. Our market share is modest, providing room for growth with active strategic efforts.
5. As a minor player, our very small market share offers significant rapid growth opportunities.
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How scalable are the current operations to support growth?* This field is required.Scalability of Operations
1. Our operations are not scalable, which is a significant limitation.
2. There are challenges with scaling our operations that could hinder growth.
3. Our operations are reasonably scalable, supporting moderate growth.
4. We have a strong operational framework that supports growing demands.
5. Our operations are highly scalable and adaptable, allowing quick adjustments to market changes.
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How is the industry regulated, and what impact does this have on the business?* This field is required.Impact of Industry Regulation
1. Stringent regulations have stifled our innovation and created significant operational challenges.
2. We navigate through moderate regulations that require attention but do not drastically hinder operations.
3. Regulations are balanced, ensuring standards without significantly restricting potential.
4. Minimal regulatory hurdles allow us considerable freedom to innovate and expand.
5. The regulatory environment enhances standards and fairness, supporting healthy competition and growth.
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How dependent is the business's growth on external factors like market trends or economic conditions?* This field is required.Dependence on External Factors
1. Our growth is highly dependent on unfavorable external conditions, posing significant risks.
2. We face some dependency on unstable external factors, adding uncertainty to performance forecasts.
3. External factors influence our business, but we maintain a balanced approach.
4. We benefit from favorable external conditions, supporting growth and mitigating risks.
5. Our growth aligns with positive external trends, greatly enhancing prospects.
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To what extent does your company customize its products or services for individual customers?* This field is required.Product Customization
1. We offer full customization, tailoring every aspect to meet specific customer needs.
2. Our products and services are highly customizable with a wide range of features.
3. We provide moderate customization with several options for key features.
4. Customization is limited to a few select features; most offerings are standard.
5. We do not offer customization; all products and services are standard and uniform.
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Section 2 Score
33
What is the current structure and competency level of your management team?* This field is required.Management Team Structure and Effectiveness
1. We either lack a formal management team or have one that is poorly trained and inexperienced.
2. Our management team exists but lacks depth in experience and training.
3. We have a moderately structured management team with fair experience.
4. Our management team is well-structured with strong leadership skills and relevant experience.
5. We have a long-tenured, highly skilled management team with extensive experience.
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How many full-time employees does the company employ?* This field is required.Employee Headcount
1. 1-10 employees: Our value hinges on a few key individuals.
2. 11-50 employees: Structured management and specialized roles improve operations.
3. 51-250 employees: Established management decreases dependency on any one employee.
4. 251-500 employees: Comprehensive team structure supports expansion and strategic depth.
5. 500+ employees: Large scale allows market dominance and diversification.
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What level of financial and other incentives are in place to motivate senior management to stay committed to the company and its growth?* This field is required.Management Incentives
1. We currently offer no financial or other incentives for our senior management team.
2. Minimal incentives are in place, primarily small annual bonuses based on performance.
3. Senior management receives moderate incentives, including performance-based bonuses and some stock options.
4. We provide strong financial incentives, including significant bonuses, stock options, and profit-sharing.
5. Senior management benefits from a highly competitive package with bonuses, stock options, profit sharing, and additional perks.
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How is employee turnover, and what are the key factors influencing employee satisfaction?* This field is required.Employee Turnover and Satisfaction
1. We experience high turnover due to significant dissatisfaction among employees.
2. Turnover is noticeable, with dissatisfaction primarily due to limited career progression and work-life balance issues.
3. Turnover rates align with industry standards, supported by general satisfaction with job security and workplace conditions.
4. Low turnover reflects high employee satisfaction driven by strong recognition and rewarding career opportunities.
5. Extremely low turnover rates result from excellent working conditions and abundant career growth opportunities.
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What percentage of your business is generated by your top performing sales person?* This field is required.Salesperson Dependency
1. Our top salesperson generates about 60% of our total business revenue (51-60%).
2. Approximately 40% of our business revenue is brought in by our top salesperson (36-50%).
3. Our top salesperson accounts for 30% of our revenue (26-35%).
4. About 20% of our business is driven by our top salesperson (16-25%).
5. Our top salesperson is responsible for 10% of our overall revenue (1-15%).
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How does the company culture align with the strategic goals of the business?* This field is required.Company Culture and Strategic Goals Alignment
1. There is a significant disconnect between our company culture and strategic goals.
2. While we attempt to align our culture with our goals, inconsistencies impact our strategic execution.
3. Our company culture generally supports our strategic goals, ensuring steady progress.
4. There is strong alignment between our culture and strategic goals, enhancing execution and employee engagement.
5. Our company culture is fully integrated with our strategic goals, driving exceptional performance and deep employee commitment.
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Do you have a board?* This field is required.Board Composition and Effectiveness
1. We do not have a board of advisors or directors.
2. We have a board of advisors consisting of family and friends, providing basic support and advice.
3. We have a paid board of advisors made up of external industry professionals.
4. Our board includes highly respected professionals, well-compensated and meeting at least three times a year.
5. We have a paid fiduciary board of directors with esteemed professionals ensuring robust governance and strategic oversight.
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How effectively does your company manage the processes of hiring, evaluating, and terminating employees to ensure the right people are in the right roles? * This field is required.Talent Management
1. We lack formal procedures for hiring, evaluating, and terminating employees.
2. Our processes for hiring and evaluation are basic and inconsistently applied.
3. We are developing more structured methods for hiring and evaluating staff.
4. We have well-structured processes for hiring, evaluating, and terminating employees.
5. Our processes for hiring, evaluating, and terminating employees are fully integrated and systematic.
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Section 3 Score
42
How is the brand perceived in the market?* This field is required.Brand Perception
1. We're experiencing major challenges in retaining customers.
2. Our retention rates are below average, highlighting a need for better product offerings or customer service.
3. Our retention rates are at industry standard, which is satisfactory but shows there is room for improvement.
4. We have above-average retention rates, demonstrating effective customer relationship management.
5. Our exceptionally high retention rates signify excellent customer satisfaction and loyalty.
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What is the customer retention rate?* This field is required.Customer Retention Rate
1. We're experiencing major challenges in retaining customers.
2. Our retention rates are below average, highlighting a need for better product offerings or customer service.
3. Our retention rates are at industry standard, which is satisfactory but shows there is room for improvement.
4. We have above-average retention rates, demonstrating effective customer relationship management.
5. Our exceptionally high retention rates signify excellent customer satisfaction and loyalty.
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How does the business measure customer satisfaction, and what recent trends can be observed?* This field is required.Customer Satisfaction Measurement
1. We lack a systematic approach to measuring customer satisfaction.
2. Our efforts to measure satisfaction are limited, showing mixed trends.
3. We regularly measure customer satisfaction, which shows stable trends.
4. Our consistent measurement of customer satisfaction is showing positive trends.
5. We use advanced methods to measure customer satisfaction, resulting in very positive trends.
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How well-developed is your business's online and social media presence?* This field is required.Online and Social Media Presence
1. We have no social media profiles, and our website is outdated and rarely updated.
2. We have a basic website and a few social media accounts, but they are not regularly updated.
3. Our website is functional, and we are active on major social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram.
4. We have a well-maintained website and strong social media presence across multiple platforms.
5. We have a state-of-the-art website and are highly active and strategic across all relevant social media platforms.
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What marketing strategies are in place to enhance brand awareness and customer engagement?* This field is required.Marketing Strategies
1. We currently lack clear marketing strategies.
2. Our basic marketing strategies have had limited effectiveness.
3. Our strategies are adequate for maintaining brand awareness but not strong enough to significantly expand our reach.
4. Our marketing strategies are effective, enhancing brand awareness and customer engagement.
5. We employ innovative and highly effective marketing strategies that actively engage and expand our customer base.
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How does the company handle competition, and what differentiates its brand from competitors in terms of customer perception and loyalty?* This field is required.Differentiation
1. We struggle significantly with competition and lack clear differentiators.
2. We face challenges from competitors and have few unique attributes that distinguish our brand.
3. We compete effectively in our market by leveraging certain advantages that appeal to our customers.
4. Our clear differentiators allow us to compete very effectively, ensuring a strong market position.
5. We dominate the competition through strong and unique differentiators that attract customers and foster deep loyalty.
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How diversified is the customer base?* This field is required.Customer Base Diversification
1. We rely heavily on a limited customer segment, which increases our vulnerability to market fluctuations.
2. Our customer base shows some diversity but is still too concentrated in specific segments.
3. We have a reasonably diversified customer base, which helps reduce dependency on any single group.
4. Our customer base is well-diversified, enhancing our stability and resilience against market shifts.
5. We boast excellent diversity across various customer segments, significantly minimizing risks and fostering stable growth.
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Are there long-term contracts in place with key customers?* This field is required.Long-Term Contracts
1. We have no long-term contracts.
2. We have a few long-term contracts, providing some revenue stability.
3. There's a moderate level of security from our long-term contracts, giving us some financial predictability.
4. We have multiple long-term contracts in place, ensuring strong financial stability from key customers.
5. Our numerous long-term contracts with key customers greatly enhance our business sustainability.
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Section 4 Score
51
How effectively does your company utilize and update its strategic plan to guide operations and decision-making?* This field is required.Strategic Plan
1. We lack a formal strategic plan.
2. Our strategic plan is outdated and rarely influences decisions.
3. We sporadically review and update our strategic plan, but it's not consistently used.
4. Our strategic plan is regularly revised and guides most decisions.
5. Our strategic plan is dynamic, fully integrated, and continuously refined.
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How effectively does your company implement operational controls to ensure efficiency and compliance with standards?* This field is required.Operational Controls
1. We lack formal operational controls.
2. We have some controls, but they are applied inconsistently.
3. We have basic controls that manage daily operations and ensure minimum compliance.
4. Our controls are systematically implemented and cover most business areas.
5. Our controls are fully integrated and regularly improved for efficiency and compliance.
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What stage is your business currently in? * This field is required.Stage of Business
1. We are in the startup phase, focusing on product development and market entry.
2. We are in early development, building a customer base and refining our business model.
3. We are in the ramp-up stage, experiencing growth and improving efficiency.
4. We are in the scale-up phase, broadening our market reach and increasing capacity.
5. We are in the expansion to mature stage, with a well-established presence and stable revenue.
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How effectively does your company set and measure business objectives and results?* This field is required.Goal Setting and Results Measurement
1. We do not have a formal system for setting or measuring objectives and results.
2. We understand the importance of setting goals but do not consistently track progress.
3. Some departments set objectives and measure results, but it is not consistent.
4. We have a structured system for setting and measuring objectives in most departments.
5. Our organization effectively sets and measures clear, aligned objectives.
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How well has your company established a clear organizational chart with defined functions and roles that are visible to the entire organization?* This field is required.Organizational Structure
1. We do not have an organizational chart.
2. Our organizational chart is outdated or informal.
3. We have a current chart, but it lacks detail in some departments.
4. Our chart is up-to-date and accessible with clearly defined roles.
5. We have a detailed, transparent chart that is understood by the entire organization.
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How effectively does your company identify and plan for its strengths, weaknesses, and market trends?* This field is required.Strategic Awareness and Planning
1. We do not actively identify our strengths or weaknesses or monitor market trends.
2. We occasionally identify strengths and weaknesses and are somewhat aware of market trends.
3. We understand our strengths and weaknesses and monitor trends, but our plans are not fully developed.
4. We proactively identify strengths, weaknesses, and trends and have structured plans.
5. We have advanced strategic planning, continuously assessing strengths, weaknesses, and trends.
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How effectively does your company manage its budgeting and financial forecasting processes? * This field is required.Budgeting and Forecasting Practices
1. We do not have established processes for budgeting or forecasting.
2. Our budgeting and forecasting are informal and lack accuracy.
3. We have basic processes but lack sophistication.
4. Our processes are well-structured and regularly reviewed.
5. We use advanced techniques, fully integrated with strategic planning.
58
How effective is your company's meeting cadence in terms of frequency and structure for leadership meetings, including weekly, quarterly, and annual sessions? * This field is required.Meeting Effectiveness
1. Our meetings are irregular and lack structure.
2. We hold meetings less frequently than needed.
3. We have regular meetings, but they often lack focus.
4. Our meetings are well-organized and held at appropriate intervals.
5. We have an optimized meeting cadence with structured weekly, quarterly, and annual meetings.
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How effectively does your company utilize a leadership team scorecard to evaluate performance and guide development?* This field is required.Performance Measurements
1. We do not use a scorecard for our leadership team.
2. Our scorecard is used sporadically and provides limited insights.
3. We have a basic scorecard, but it is not fully integrated.
4. Our scorecard is comprehensive and regularly updated.
5. We use a strategically integrated scorecard system with detailed metrics.
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How well does your company's operations and culture align with its established vision and values? * This field is required.Company Vision and Values
1. We lack clearly defined vision and values.
2. Our vision and values are understood informally.
3. We have documented vision and values but apply them inconsistently.
4. Our vision and values are well-communicated and generally guide decisions.
5. Our vision and values are fully integrated and consistently reinforced.
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How does your company leverage external advisors to enhance business operations and strategic decision-making?* This field is required.Utilization of External Advisors
1. We do not engage external advisors.
2. We occasionally consult external advisors for specific issues.
3. We selectively engage advisors for key areas but do not fully integrate their input.
4. We regularly collaborate with a range of external advisors.
5. We strategically integrate expert advisors into regular operations and decision-making.
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Section 5 Score
63
What plans do you have in place for leadership succession after your exit?* This field is required.Succession Planning
1. The business lacks a formal succession plan.
2. A basic outline exists, but no specific successors are prepared.
3. Succession plans are defined with internal candidates in training.
4. A detailed plan is in place with fully trained successors.
5. A complete transition strategy ensures seamless continuity.
64
How dependent is the business on you personally for its financial success?* This field is required.Financial Dependency
1. The business heavily relies on my involvement for key financial decisions and client acquisitions.
2. Some processes are established, but major deals still require my involvement.
3. Responsibilities are delegated, reducing dependency on me.
4. Financial operations are largely autonomous with a competent management team.
5. The business operates independently with robust systems and a capable management team.
65
How would your business perform if you, as the primary decision-maker, were unable to contribute to the business for an extended period of three months?* This field is required.Owner Absence
1. The business would suffer significantly without a plan.
2. The absence would bring substantial challenges.
3. Daily operations could continue with initial disruptions.
4. The business should remain stable with robust systems and a capable team.
5. This could foster leadership and strengthen the business long-term.
66
What growth strategies are in place, and how are they affected by your departure?* This field is required.Growth Strategy
1. Growth strategies are solely developed and driven by me.
2. Growth plans are initiated but not fully implemented without me.
3. Strategies are being implemented with some independence from me.
4. Robust strategies are partially independent of my involvement.
5. Comprehensive growth strategies are fully operational without me.
67
Which of the following best describes your long-term goal for your business? I plan to:* This field is required.Endgame
1. Wind down operations permanently.
2. Hand over the reins to the current management team.
3. Pass the business on to my children.
4. Sell to a private equity firm or establish an ESOP.
5. Sell my business to an external buyer.
68
Which of the following best describes your personal relationship with your company's customers?* This field is required.Customer Interaction
1. Most key customer relationships are managed by me.
2. I maintain personal connections with many customers.
3. I consistently interact with many customers.
4. I have limited direct contact with customers.
5. My team manages all direct customer interactions.
69
Under what terms are you willing to adhere to sell your business?* This field is required.Terms of Sale
1. I plan to make a quick exit immediately after the sale.
2. I will be available briefly post-sale via phone or email.
3. I commit to a 90-day transition period on-site.
4. I will remain involved for up to six months post-sale.
5. I agree to provide ongoing consultancy for up to a year.
70
Section 6 Score
71
Final Weighted Score
Should be Empty: