The Impact Lab Helped This Founder Get to the Root of Her Challenges
How this business owner leaned on the Impact Lab to help address issues that were actually rooted in overwhelm
At the Impact Lab, we're all about supporting the creatives, visionaries, and experts who use their talents to solve everyday challenges.
Melanie van de Water, the brains behind Interactive Play, is one of these people. With a rich background in interior design, hospitality, and business – and the firsthand experience of being a mother – Melanie's dream was to introduce child-friendly play spaces to industries such as hospitality and retail. Partnering with International Kids Concepts, an EU company with headquarters in The Netherlands, she set out to create stress-free environments where kids can play and parents can relax.
However, transforming this dream into reality doesn’t come without its hurdles. High distribution costs, shipping delays, and the daunting task of financial management had Melanie questioning the future of her business.
That's when she turned to us at the Impact Lab for support.
challenges
Melanie needed help understanding and managing the financial aspects of her distribution business. She faced:
High shipping and distribution costs;
Burnout;
Delays in customer orders due to corporate shipping issues.
Thankfully, our finance expert Carolynn Duncan has been solving these problems for decades.
Where mission edge came in
Carolynn helped Melanie tackle everything from understanding Quickbooks and accounting concepts to strategizing on COGs and shipping costs. The sessions weren't just about crunching numbers; they aimed to reignite Melanie's passion for her business, transforming "sales" into "outreach" to foster a more meaningful connection with her goals.
Here’s what was covered in one-on-one finance coaching sessions between Melanie and Carolynn:
Quickbooks functions;
Sales objectives and strategies for improving sales performance;
Emphasis on addressing burnout;
Exploring the root causes of shipping delays;
Providing practical solutions to enhance Melanie’s overall business outlook.
The results
Through our collaboration, Melanie developed a robust understanding of her business's financial framework, pinpointing improvement areas. She set ambitious yet attainable revenue targets, revitalizing her approach to sales—or, as we now call it, outreach.
By the program's end, Melanie's confidence was restored as she felt more equipped to tackle the challenges she faced.
Is your business poised for success?
Melanie's story highlights the true impact of having a dedicated expert to help with your business model.
If you're navigating similar business challenges or striving for growth, let the Impact Lab offer guidance. With the right tools, knowledge, and support, you too can build a business poised to succeed.
Want to keep the inspiration going? Read more success stories.
See how Impact Lab could help you gain financial clarity for your business in 2024
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