BizVision: How We Help Business Owners Identify Problems

Business consulting solutions

BizVision is IA Business Advisors’ comprehensive business management program. It’s the proprietary tool we use to help business owners identify their business problems. BizVision is more than just a tool; it is an ideology that allows us to identify needs and make recommendations towards resolution of any detected problem areas. We do this through methodical gathering of data about our client’s company to provide a holistic approach towards healing and managing the business moving forward. Some of the areas we focus on in our BizVision process to help business owners identify problems are as follows.

People, Process, and Technology

First, and perhaps most importantly, BizVision helps us understand the commingling of your people , process, and technology. We look at and gather data related to these three areas in order to understand the impact each has under your current business model. At the same time, we identify how these three areas can work together to produce the results necessary to help the company reach its goals.

When examining your team, we map behavioral and cognitive styles to better understand how individuals are environmentally and genetically influenced. With this information, we can provide insight as to how they will best work together. In addition, with this information we can assess how individuals approach the processes and technology used within the company. In understanding how all three areas work separately and cooperatively, we develop a clear picture of the company’s foundation and how they implement strategies and tactics, if they exist.

Strategies and Tactics

There are times when we help businesses who do not have any defined strategies or tactics, or they have disconnected strategies and tactics. This lack of or disconnection between strategies and tactics can lead organizations to waste time and money staying in the same place rather than moving forward. When wasting effort, the company and team can begin to experience problems.

Through our BizVision process and gained understanding of the people, process, and technology within a company, we can determine whether existing strategies and tactics are correctly placed to help the company reach its defined goals. If they are not, or if they are absent from the business model, we advise our clients in development of aligned strategies and tactics to ensure they are moving forward in reaching their goals.

Ideation

Ideation is generally a positive experience for our clients, especially in the brainstorming phase. This fosters creativity and lays the foundation for a positive culture. However, there are times when following an idea and pulling it into reality can be harmful to the company or team, especially if that the idea goes against the expressed goals, strategies, or tactics of the company. If circulated ideas are not complementary to the company’s culture or goals, there can be detrimental unintended consequences for the team and/or company. Through our BizVision process, we can assess whether the ideas in contemplation are aligned with the company’s vision.

Unintended Consequences

Unintended consequences typically occur when due diligence is not performed and companies move forward with ideas , strategies, or tactics that are not understood in their entirety. These consequences can range in severity from mistakes on projects to high turnover rates, and in worse case scenarios, even the destruction of a whole company. Fortunately, our proprietary BizVision methodology is built on a foundation of performing due diligence and therefore significantly reduces the chances of these types of unintended consequences occurring. In doing so, the BizVision process helps leaders and managers develop in their decision-making abilities.

Decision Making

BizVision supports decision making at all levels of the company, but especially for leaders and managers responsible for making decisions that could change the direction of the company moving forward. When making decisions, complete alignment must be taken into consideration so that unintended consequences which negate agreed goals, strategies, and tactics are not created. Leading through S.M.A.R.T. Management will ensure that all leaders and managers influence positive, lasting change.

We love helping businesses succeed in their unique areas of influence. Since 1996, our team has helped over 19,000 leaders, managers, owners, and employees on all seven continents in unifying their people, process, and technology to ensure their companies remain viable in their industries. This is all thanks to our proprietary, holistic BizVision methodology. If your business is struggling and needs support, reach out to Chicagoland’s preferred business consultants, IA Business Advisors.

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How to Mitigate Financial Risk Using the S.M.A.R.T. Management System

June 9, 2025

In an increasingly volatile economy, businesses cannot afford to be reactive when it comes to their finances. Whether you're a startup founder, a growing enterprise, or a seasoned business owner, the risk of financial instability is real—and growing. At IA Business Advisors, we help companies proactively navigate these risks using our comprehensive S.M.A.R.T. Management System . S.M.A.R.T. is more than just a goal-setting acronym. It is a decision-making and execution framework that brings clarity, structure, and alignment to every part of your business. From six-week action plans to one-year targets and long-term strategy, S.M.A.R.T. ensures your financial operations support healthy growth and resilience. Understanding Financial Risk in Today’s Business Climate Financial risk is multifaceted. It ranges from cash flow disruptions and market shifts to internal mismanagement and over-leveraged growth. As Brian Smith shared on a recent Daily Influence podcast episode, unchecked growth can drive a company into bankruptcy. Scaling without intention—chasing fast growth without aligning the internal team and financial resources—leads to diluted communication, quality issues, and operational chaos. Mitigating financial risk begins by understanding that more revenue doesn't always equal more stability. True sustainability comes from building systems that support intentional, well-paced growth. The S.M.A.R.T. Framework in Action: Reducing Financial Risk Our S.M.A.R.T. Management System guides businesses in creating resilient, financially stable operations through: 1. Specific: Build with Intentionality Clarity is power. One of our podcast guests, Mike Heatwole (CEO of The Dala Group), emphasized the importance of sitting down to define what matters most—whether that’s paying down debt, investing in growth, or launching a new venture. When your financial goals are specific, your strategy becomes targeted and less prone to reactive decision-making. “If we don’t know what the goal is, how do we get there?” — Mike Heatwole, CEO of The Dala Group 2. Measurable: Track What Matters Many companies are blindsided not by invisible risks, but by unmonitored ones. We help clients implement tools to track cash flow, margin fluctuations, and budget variances in real time. Visibility into your financial health gives you the power to respond early and course correct as needed. 3. Achievable: Assign Financial Stewardship Risk is reduced when financial responsibility is distributed. Through teamwide financial literacy and clear accountability, we empower organizations to make stronger daily decisions. No individual person should carry the entire burden—and no key area should go unmonitored. 4. Relevant: Make Risk Management a Habit Quarterly or biannual financial health check-ins create a sustainable rhythm. These don’t have to be complicated—they just need to be consistent. Regular reviews embed risk awareness into your company culture and decision-making process. 5. Timely: Foster Honest Dialogue Financial silence is a hidden threat. As Brian noted on the podcast, emotions like fear or shame can prevent businesses from facing financial realities. We encourage honest, blame-free communication around financial performance, creating space for solutions and collective action. Case in Point: Short-Term Action, Long-Term Impact One of our clients, a family-run distribution company, had strong revenue but was bleeding cash due to aging receivables. Together, we built a six-week S.M.A.R.T. Plan focused on accounts receivable recovery. We implemented weekly check-ins, assigned ownership, and used real-time tracking. Within 90 days, their outstanding A/R dropped by 22%, freeing up capital and restoring operational confidence. It’s Never Too Late to Get Financially Intentional Many leaders in their 40s, 50s, or 60s worry they’ve waited too long. But as Mike Heatwole wisely shared: “It’s never too late. Just get started. Do something.” Progress—not perfection—is the goal. Start small. Build momentum. Take the next best step. This mirrors a concept we love from The Gap and The Gain by Dan Sullivan: measure progress based on how far you've come, not just how far you have to go. Final Thoughts: Make Financial Stability a Strategy Mitigating financial risk isn’t about a dramatic overhaul. It’s about consistent action, visibility, and intentional decision-making. With the S.M.A.R.T. Management System, IA Business Advisors helps businesses turn risk into clarity, fear into focus, and instability into opportunity. If you’re ready to start, we’re ready to help. Let’s have a conversation about what matters most to you—and build from there.

Enhancing Interpersonal Relationships for Toxic Workplace Recovery

May 29, 2025

Hello, team! Mary here, continuing our journey through the I in Team series, where we challenge and empower you to Find , Be , and Build Your Influence. One of the most common things we’re asked to help our clients with is toxic workplace recovery. This directly connects to the culture of the team, and while rebuilding that culture takes time and intention, it is absolutely possible. In fact, with the guidance of our I in Team approach and S.M.A.R.T. Management system, we’ve successfully helped more than 19,000 teams evolve into high-performing, values-based cultures. If you’re ready to take the lead and breathe life back into your team, we’re here and ready to support you. Practice Emotional Intelligence One of the most impactful steps you can take on your toxic workplace recovery journey is to practice emotional intelligence (the ability to recognize, understand, and manage both your own emotions and the emotions of those around you). Toxic environments are often the result of emotional disconnection, poor communication, unnecessary competition, and a culture that avoids constructive feedback. Begin by shifting your perspective: respond with empathy, ask thoughtful questions, and use “I” statements. These habits model two traits, emotional regulation and empathy, that influence how your team interacts and solves problems. Start small. For example, set a personal goal to give one piece of sincere praise or recognition per day. This is a S.M.A.R.T. goal, and it starts to reinforce positive emotional exchanges. Over time, this contributes to a psychologically safe environment where people feel seen and supported. Foster Open Communication Once emotional intelligence begins to take root, toxic workplace recovery is just around the corner. Open communication becomes more natural because when team members are aware of their own and others’ emotions, communication becomes seamless. The number one rule? Listen. Really listen. Without listening, communication is incomplete. Try implementing monthly influence partnerships—team pairings that rotate so members can get to know each other beyond surface-level roles. This creates connection and, when done with consistency (Timely), fosters trust across your team. Another way to build open communication is by creating a structured feedback loop. Clarify how and when feedback should be given—perhaps during weekly one-on-ones or monthly review meetings—and make sure all team members understand the difference between criticism and constructive feedback. S.M.A.R.T. feedback is Specific and Relevant, and when delivered with respect, it encourages team members to grow without fear. Lead by Example As we say throughout the I in Team series, everyone is a leader regardless of title. Whether you’re in the C-suite or just starting your first job, how you show up directly shapes the culture of your team. To begin, set some respectful boundaries rooted in your values. Let others know what you need to succeed and what behaviors support or disrupt your work. When disagreements arise, demonstrate what respectful disagreement looks like—calm, focused on solutions, and free from personal attacks. If your workplace has leaned into competition, shift the focus to collaboration. Collaborate on micro-goals, like shared tasks or cross-functional projects. Make the results Measurable and celebrate wins together (publicly, if possible). Consider S.M.A.R.T.-based team-building events (like problem-solving challenges or goal-setting workshops) to reinforce collaboration in a meaningful way. Final Thoughts Toxic workplace recovery starts with you. Every interaction, every word, every moment of listening is a chance to model what’s possible. Show up the way you want others to show up. If your team is struggling to rebuild or you need expert guidance, reach out . We’re here to help. Let’s keep influencing responsibly and positively together.