Initial Business Planning

---

Most entrepreneurs do not go to business school, get an MBA and might not even have a secondary or post-secondary degree. Credentials are not what make an entrepreneur - it's the critical and creative thinking. The ability to adapt and take risks. To see opportunities for growth everywhere and the dedication and motivation to keep working despite the many (and we mean many many) challenges that will come their way. This is why one of the main services we provide is initial business planning for individuals who have an idea or something they want to sell, and know they want to start a business, however are unsure of how to go about this.

We will support the individual right from the beginning with registering their business to creating a business plan and the initial set up. When it comes to service-based businesses, the set-up is usually quite minimal, however can range from finding a space to work out of, to ordering material and marketing. Product and sales-based businesses usually take a different route as they need to secure products, interact with wholesalers or find the necessary materials if something is being constructed in-house.

Evident from these many things is that starting a business is no easy feat, however your consultants at GDS Consulting are here to ensure you’re provided with the necessary support to start off on the right food and head in the direction of success.

Market Research

---

Whether you are a new business or one looking to grow, market research is imperative to success. It’s not an option for anyone looking to head in the right direction. It’s necessary. With the support of GDS Consultants, market research becomes a tool for success as we look into trends, history, scoping the playing field, buyer/customer personas and of course - competitors.

In order to conduct market research, our consultants will meet with you to collect information from interviews, focus groups and observations. This primary collection of qualitative and quantitative data will allow us to better understand where your company is, and your goals. This information will then feed and guide the secondary research we conduct to ensure we’re looking into the right sources and directions. Additionally, it’ll allow the market research being conducted to be more meaningful and valuable.

Couching

---

As mentioned earlier, most entrepreneurs do not come with an MBA. Even if they do, being an entrepreneur means constant growth. To support this growth, we offer coaching support. We work one on one with our clients to understand their vision and support them through the challenges they are experiencing.

In many cases, fear is the driving force behind many of the challenges our clients face. Fear of something new. Fear of failure. Fear of loss. Fear of change. Although this wall is self-built, it is extremely difficult to break down unless there is a fair amount of reflection and determination. We are usually our own worst critics, and entrepreneurs in particular are guilty of this. When we work with our clients to overcome this fear, we are able to shine a light on the accomplishments and potential your business holds. We emphasize the opportunities available in the market through our market research and provide a supportive hand as our clients take risks. Our eventual goal is to step away and fade into the audience as we witness the growth of each and every one of the businesses we work with.

Business to Business Connections

---

Networking is sometimes the key to opening doors. Every entrepreneur knows this. They know that success is in many cases based on who you know. Not what you know. You can be the most knowledgeable person in the field. However if you are not able to connect to people and make your knowledge known and useful, you will not experience the success you want. As business consultants who work with a wide range of businesses, we obviously have these connections.

The consultants at GDS Consulting not only build up our clients, but establish lasting friendships and relationships. We always know someone who can do something. There’s always that one person from two years ago who is thriving in their field of something, and might be the perfect person to connect with for you. We pride ourselves in our connections and who we know. It’s clear from here that as we’re helping you, you’re also helping us by allowing us to expand our network of connections.

When new clients come to us with visions for expansion and the need for support, one the first services we offer is to support them with business to business connections. Even if this is a new field for us, there is always someone who knows someone. Additionally, we’re always interacting and talking to new businesses and securing new connections whenever we can, so this is possibly the most enjoyable. We can support you with securing a manufacturer, wholesalers, initial points of contact and more.

Marketing Advice

---

Marketing is at the forefront of business success and is always changing. A few years ago, focus was placed on print media, and now there has been almost a complete shift to online and social media marketing. Companies need to adapt and be informed on the best methods for success when it comes to marketing. This is where the consultants at GDSB Consulting come in. We provide you with the most up to date information on marketing techniques and trends, as well as how to maximize on these opportunities.

We focus our marketing advice on print, television, radio, search engine and social media platforms to ensure that we can provide an all-encompassing service that allows you to maximize on the many many opportunities that are present. Additionally, we can connect you with leaders in the field of design and editing to ensure you have all the tools and connections necessary to succeed.