“You can’t manage what you don’t measure’.
“Objectives first…and then strategies… and then tactics”
“You’ll never get to your destination without a solid road map”
All true. And you’ve probably heard other consultants and business coaches repeat those phrases 101 times.
But how do you know what you’re supposed to measure… or manage? And then, what do you do with the mountains of data you’ve collected?
That specialized knowledge is exactly what SMA brings to the table. We do know, and when you work with us so will you! Whether you’re getting ready to implement new AI-forward technology/software systems, need to make significant operational improvements right now, are preparing your business for sale (or to bring your adult kids in), or are just looking to hire the very best people available, it starts with one of our evaluation engagements. Explore our offerings at the left.
SCORECARD (S.W.O.T.)
WHERE ARE YOU NOW? WHERE DO YOU WANT TO GO?
The SMA Scorecard Evaluation and S.W.O.T. assessment is a comprehensive top-to-bottom analysis of every functional areas in a homebuilding business. It typically requires 30-60 days of investigation and analysis, concluding with a multi-day site visit and a written report. The engagement normally goes like this:
1: INITIAL DISCOVERY: Before visiting your operation, we learn everything there is to learn about your company by interviewing ownership, analyzing personnel, financials, workflow-process, operational documentation, management reporting, and more, We provide a secure online folder system where you can upload our requested items, and download forms and tools we will provide.
2: ONSITE VISIT: SMA Sr. Consultants will conduct a 2-3 day agenda at your operation to meet and shadow you staff, walk/review and document your product in various stages of construction, conduct strategic planning, and more.
3: REPORTING-RECOMMENDATIONS: Scorecard engagements always include reporting detailing our findings and recommendations for your company as a whole, as well as every functional department we included in the engagement.
4: PHASE 2: The scorecard evaluation is a free-standing engagement. However many client-builders elect to have SMA remain involved to help them execute SMA’s recommendations. In those cases the Scorecard Evaluation serves as the baseline and starting point for those projects. Learn more about our extended direct consulting programs here.
TECHNOLOGY and AI READINESS
““Great technology should make it very easy to do the right thing, and very difficult to do the wrong thing””
BUT DID YOU KNOW? … It is still a 20:80 gamble!
That’s right! According to the Gartner Group , up to 85% of all technology initiatives FAIL to produce the expected results, and nearly half never see the light of day at all. Your chances of winning at blackjack are twice as good (40:60), so you might better grab those closing proceeds and hop a flight Las Vegas! The toll on a company is real, especially the morale of your key staff.
Between the recent demise of legacy homebuilder software systems, the appearance of new “cloudware,” and especially, the meteoric rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) with and explosion of AI-driven products and services, the stakes for getting your technology initiatives right have never been higher. How can you sort it all out? Is your organization even ready for the challenge?
HOW SMA CAN HELP:
Successful technology evaluation and implementation for all types of homebuilders has always been a major part of SMA since the beginning, and it’s no different now. We will help you determine your true requirements, survey the marketplace for viable options, and then put together a realistic implementation plan that will get you to the finish line and the results you expected.
Don’t get stuck on the merry-go-round of “demos” and “next version” promises. Before you waste another minute or another dime, let’s schedule some time to discuss your project. CONTACT SMA
STRATEGIC PLANNING
ANNUAL STRATEGIC PLANNING is not only “important”, it is CRITICAL if you expect your homebuilding company to survive and prosper.
So, imagine this: You’re located in New Orleans and your VP of construction just won an auction for a used Track Hoe located in in Portland. The catch: Y ou have to pick it up within 48 hours or lose your 50% deposit. So he takes off with a lowboy and a laborer to Portland, Oregon to pick up the machine. The only problem… the auction (and the machine) were in Portland MAINE. Oops.
SMA has been facilitating annual in-person strategic planning with our builder-clients since our inception. While virtual meetings can definitely work, for at least the first year we strongly suggest an in-person summit away from all of your daily interruptions. The truth is, our best-performing builders plan their work and work their plan. Anything else is just spinning your wheels.
Contact us and mention you’d like a copy of our Strategic Planning Manual - it has all the details..
Acquisition, Succession & Multi-Generational Growth:
THE CLOCK IS TICKING: It is scary. You’ve spent your adult life building a successful homebuilding company. Whether you’re preparing for a clean lucrative exit, or planning to pass the torch to the next generation. SMA will have your back. We will objectively evaluate your business, uncovering both your hidden hidden inefficiencies and unsung strengths: Maximizing your market value for whatever is coming next.
If your goal is keeping it in the family, we ‘ll help you integrate your adult children into leadership roles through training and hands-on coaching, preserving both your business legacy and keeping “Thanksgiving Dinner” intact!