In this podcast episode, I talk with Jon Ostenson, CEO of FranBridge Consulting, about the immense impact of strategic focus on business growth and success. FranBridge Consulting, ranked #1657 on the 2024 Inc 5000 list, helps leaders stay aligned and intentional, showcasing how strategic focus can streamline decision-making and drive measurable results. Jon shares valuable insights on narrowing in on priorities and executing with precision, no matter the business stage. We explore how strategic focus empowers leaders to leverage their strengths, cut through distractions, and achieve impactful outcomes. Join us for an inspiring discussion that reveals how refining your focus can truly transform your organization.
- Introduction to Strategic Focus
- The Journey of Franbridge Consulting
- Understanding Non-Food Franchising
- The Challenge of Strategic Focus
- Hell Yes or No
- Keys to Strategic Focus
- Tools for Strategic Focus
- Leadership Principles for Success
- Final Thoughts on Strategic Focus
The Power of Focus: Scaling a Business by Saying No
In this episode of Grow Think Tank, host Gene Hammett interviews Jon Ostenson, CEO of Franbridge Consulting, a company recognized for its focus on non-food franchising. Jon shares insights about the importance of strategic focus for business growth, revealing how he navigated his journey from operating a larger company with 40 employees to scaling his current successful consulting business with minimal staff.
Jon emphasizes the necessity of narrowing down the market to become a subject matter expert. By deliberately excluding fast food and hotel franchises from his consulting practice, he has positioned Franbridge Consulting to specialize in high-demand sectors like home and property services, health and wellness, and services for children, pets, and seniors. He reflects on the struggles he faces in maintaining this focus, especially with tempting opportunities vying for his attention. The importance of saying no to distractions is a recurring theme in Jon’s approach, and he advises listeners to prioritize their time and energy on what truly matters for their business growth.
Clarity and Flexibility: Keys to Scaling a Business with Strategic Focus
Gene and Jon discuss the need for clarity in defining what constitutes strategic focus. Jon lays out his experience in building a streamlined business model that leverages contractors and partnerships rather than a large in-house team. This allows him to maintain a low overhead while still providing comprehensive services to his clients, such as funding options, legal reviews, and coaching. As a consultant, he marries the flexibility of a smaller team with the perceived capability of a larger firm, a strategy that has proven effective in scaling his business.
Throughout the conversation, Jon identifies key principles of maintaining strategic focus amid growth. He underscores the importance of adaptability—business owners must be willing to pivot when necessary while remaining true to their core objectives. This blend of flexibility and focus can lead to increased momentum as businesses grow, according to his observations of successful entrepreneurs in his network. The necessity of fostering disciplined time management practices, including the blocking of time for critical tasks and meetings, is also highlighted as essential in maintaining focus and productivity.
Building a Strong Foundation: Operational Frameworks and Leadership in Consulting Success
Jon discusses the significance of having a strong operational framework in place, such as the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS), which he previously used during his tenure with a larger company. Even though he operates differently now, he incorporates regular rhythms and metrics to keep the team aligned. The insistence on detail management, automation, and delegation helps Jon juggle the multiple tasks required for running a successful consulting business.
The conversation also touches on the leadership qualities that have contributed to Jon’s success. He speaks to the servant leadership model that prioritizes the needs of employees, clients, and partners alike, inspired by his interactions with notable leaders such as John Maxwell. This approach fosters a supportive culture that engenders respect and loyalty, further enhancing the focus and productivity of the organization.
Scaling Smart: Strategic Focus, Diversification, and Sustainable Success
Jon concludes with a potent reminder of the balance between focus and diversification, advising that while it’s vital to remain laser-focused on primary objectives, diversifying investments and income streams becomes essential later on. This reflective notion is key for anyone looking to scale effectively while avoiding the pitfalls of distraction and chaos.
Overall, this episode serves as a compelling guide on how to maintain strategic focus, manage time effectively, and lead with a service-oriented mentality, ensuring that listeners gain valuable insights into achieving sustainable growth in their own businesses.
