We help you see beyond traditional understandings to the essence to the problem and its solution. Working across many different industries, geographic locations, size and type of organisation sets the stage for a vibrant cross-fertilisation of information ... If you can (quickly and inexpensively) find it, organise it and relate it to a real question or need. We use relational databases to combine and select information and data from multiple sources, extracting knowledge and understanding that is not immediately apparent. Years ago, a client needed to find out how research could be used for development of effective communication skills of employees. One of our own network of experts referred us to a third consultant who had set up just such process for several of his own clients. Our client obtained exactly the information needed, in a timely and cost-effective manner, to make some important operational decisions. You can use an outside resource to "test the waters" for a new product (or change in design of an existing one) without distracting your staff from their own responsibilities. This feasibility testing reduces your risks and may be used to protect the confidentiality of a change in strategic competitive direction. Consultants who have expertise in a particular field can provide crucial information when race is against time. Some of our Asian and European clients do not have easy access to the databases, or the wide array of software and other information sources, that originate in the United States. Nor are training programs on their use readily available. For many of our clients, gaining proficiency with these analytical methods and tools is just not cost-effective and diverts resources from their core business. Consultants bridge such gaps. Many companies have learned that outsourcing functions outside their core competencies results in a direct, measurable increase in productivity, a distinct competitive advantage. For example, we could have taken the time and intellectual energy to create this Web Marketing Program internally. However, we were much more efficient (and profitable) in serving our clients by outsourcing this valuable work (and successful marketing tool) to a source that has developed a level of expertise well beyond anything we could have accomplished while maintaining our client relationships and cost structure. Some new product concept evaluations, pricing strategies, merger and acquisition analyses, competitor intelligence gathering, and customer satisfaction studies produce the best results when conducted by a third party. Three very good reasons for using outside resources: avoid tipping off your competitors; eliminate premature activity or raised expectations; reduce respondent bias. We want to impart something of lasting value to every client in every assignment we undertake. That's why we carefully outline our methodology and never hide the sources of our information. If you want to conduct your own focus group or internal process or information audit studies, for example, we'll help you design and set up the first one(s), carefully laying out all the steps and analytical processes. This is the basis for some of internal workshops we conduct. Not all organisations can keep up with new rulings from OSHA, EPA, STP and other government agencies that cover, and have major impact on, their business. An expert helps organisations assess and comply with federal, state and local regulatory requirements.