Stage One: Assessing the Situation
The transition processes begins when a board of directors, owner, or CEO of a company contacts MoonBeam to provide transition expertise in a variety of areas. MoonBeam then participates in a preliminary discussion about the strategic, organizational, operational or financial issues facing the company. A preliminary proposal is developed that outlines recommended strategy for the engagement, the process, deliverables, timetables, staffing and costs.

Stage Two: Identifying the Issues & Developing a Short Term Emergency Action Plan
Once the proposal has been approved and has the necessary “buy-in” from the company or organization, MoonBeam spends the first days or weeks of the engagement focusing on fact-finding and diagnosing the issues within the company. Once the major issues are identified, a detailed short-term action plan is developed with specific goals and detailed action items. MoonBeam then presents the plan to all relevant parties inside the company, including the board of directors, management team and employees and any stakeholders inside and outside of the company.

Stage Three: Implementing an Emergency Action Plan & Developing a Detailed Execution Plan
Our efforts during this stage are focused on implementing short-term fixes designed to enable the organization to achieve quick results. We work with the company’s management team or board to address major issues quickly to ensure short-term successes. The plan typically includes other financial, marketing, organizational and operational actions to set new goals, reorganize around specific goals, set quantifiable objectives, restructure debts, improve working capital, reduce costs, improve budgeting practices, correct pricing, reposition product lines and accelerate high potential revenue-generation ideas. In parallel, a more detailed, strategic and long-range plan will be developed to achieve a profitable and successful model. This plan is presented to the client for “buy-in” on scope, costs and timetables. We communicate effectively, so there are no surprises in the plan.

Stage Four: Implementing the Changes
Once things have stabilized in the company, we direct our efforts toward making current operations effective and efficient for the long term. If necessary, we work with the management or the board to restructured the company to increase cash flow, profits and return on assets and equity. We work to rebuild the company’s positioning in the market so that they are positioned for long-term success with a focus on sustained growth and profitability. We develop long-term goals and objectives to ensure that the company stays focused for the long term. We hire, train or coach the management team to be able  to sustain the changes on their own. The key is developing measurable metrics to monitor the company’s performance and to ensure that it stays on track.

Stage Five: Ensuring Sustainability
In the final stage of the transition, we concentrate on correcting long term direction, focusing on institutionalizing changes with an emphasis on profitability, return on equity, and enhancing long-term viability of the company. For example, the company may initiate new marketing programs to broaden the business base and increase market penetration. The company may add new products and improve customer service through new programs. Strategic alliances with other world-class organizations are explored. Financially, the emphasis shifts from short term cash flow to maintaining a strong balance sheet, developing a good capital structure and the development of strategic financial goals. This final step also may involve the rebuilding of momentum and morale and culture, ensuring that all employees “internalize” the new goals, and support the long-term vision for the company. This may mean a rebirth of the corporate culture that supports and promotes success at all levels.