Case studies – Don’t just take my word for it!
Simon discovered that having a proper understanding of the numbers makes the decision-making process much easier.
— Simon and Jenna Hipgrave, Hungry Workshop
There comes a moment for every small business when the question is asked: “Do we or don’t we?” For Simon and Jenna Hipgrave, co-owners of the then two-person branding and letterpress printing studio The Hungry Workshop, that moment came at the prospect of hiring their first staff member. Despite no shortage of advice from parents, friends and anyone with an opinion, they’d become paralysed by uncertainty. As fate would have it, the couple had recently printed Sharon’s business cards, and upon seeing her title decided to contact her for industry-specific advice. Impressed by her professional pedigree and friendly style, they invited her in.
How we worked together
Hiring their first staff member raised countless questions – how do we find the right person, what new equipment do we need, can we afford it, what are our workplace obligations like Worksafe and superannuation? – Sharon provided all the answers while guiding the entire process. Sharon also did a thorough financial review, along with associated advice, every six months. As Simon quickly discovered, having a proper understanding of the numbers makes the decision-making process much easier. The knowledge and confidence gained allow a business to move on instead of constantly questioning whether a proposed move is the right one.
Outcomes of working together
Thanks to Sharon’s guidance, The Hungry Workshop grew to six staff (plus Olive, the dog) and has acquired part-ownership of a web development business, Bone Digital, a business Sharon also advises. Sharon continues to provide financial analysis and ad hoc advice and regards theirs as the best kind of success story; hard-working owners get to make money and improve their lives as a direct result of their business accomplishments.
Ryan admits that being taken out of their comfort zone was daunting, but necessary.
— Ryan Guppy, Co-Creative Director/Co-owner, 21-19
21-19 was the brainchild of Co-Creative Directors Ryan Guppy and Dom Bartolo. They were successful, having grown into a four-person agency in as many years. But when one of their senior designers parted ways, Ryan couldn’t help but feel that something was operationally amiss. Though indefinable, its influence could still be felt. Rather than simply hire another staff member, the boys decided to invest the money in a management expert. Ryan had worked with Sharon at a design agency previously. Impressed with how her account management skills had had a lasting impact, Ryan brought her into 21-19 one day a week to deal with their intangible problem.
How we worked together
Sharon delved deep, presenting Ryan and Dom with a broad range of operational and procedural improvements that incorporated financial reporting, business planning, client analysis, tax matters and staff performance management. The business was able to adopt the changes that best suited their style and culture, while Sharon remained flexible enough to help ensure everything was implemented smoothly. In particular, Ryan cites Sharon’s help in impressing upon them the importance of being accountable to the numbers, allowing them to focus on the aspects of their business that would make the biggest difference.
Outcomes of working together
Sharon’s tenure at 21-19 was like a new beginning for the company. She also inspired business-wide confidence among staff with her professionalism and diligence. Ryan admits that being taken out of their comfort zone was daunting, but necessary. Rather than simply going through the motions, it provoked action; the benefits of which are still being felt many years later.
With the right advice and planning, you can break the cycle of reactivity and take charge of your own destiny.
— Jonathan Price, Managing Director, SouthSouthWest
Sometimes a vision simply isn’t enough. The stresses of actually running a business don’t afford you the time or headspace to take things to the next level. So it was for SouthSouthWest, a rising star of the design world which, after six exciting years, hit its ceiling hard.
At the time, the business consisted of four staff, each supremely capable in their roles. But, as Managing Director Jonathan Price discovered, having all hands ‘on the tools’ servicing clients and managing the burden of administration stretched the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of the business, leaving little time to pursue an excess of new opportunities.
Jonathan had heard of Sharon through colleagues, and suspected her skill set was just what SouthSouthWest needed. One phone call later, she was brought in to help realise the business’s long-term vision to be a global brand and design agency based on innovative partnerships. And with her meticulous professionalism, she also brought a warm and down-to-earth approach that Jonathan liked.
How we worked together
Sharon helped form the business’s guiding principle then devised and implemented sustainable administration and operational structures. With the core team now able to focus on what they did best, Sharon herself became a part-time member of the team for two years, to oversee growth as General Manager.
Outcomes of working together
And grow they did. SouthSouthWest boasts a raft of innovative global clients such as Google and Nike. In fact, at least 50% of their business is international. Meanwhile, Sharon’s business structure is still functioning perfectly.
As Jonathan points out, it’s easy for small creative businesses to feel as though their destinies are defined by the next client through the door. But with the right advice and planning, you can break the cycle of reactivity and take charge of your own destiny.