Add your brainstorming topic here... by Harriette Dodman

Our perspective

harriettedodman — 2025-04-02 03:45:38 UTC

We chose to look at this problem from the perspective of Tom, meaning that we want to make the businesses better for him so he can become more successful in this field.

Define mode

harriettedodman — 2025-04-02 04:10:58 UTC

Tom wants to expand his business but still make sure that it aligns with his core values of sustainability and detailed work.

Tom's WednesdayTalk

harriettedodman — 2025-04-02 04:25:58 UTC

Tom outlined his space during today's talk and told us about how he tests chemicals on plants for the chemical producers and then writes up a report on the data that he collected. He explained to us how he is very happy with how his business is at the moment, but he wants to expand in order to make more of a name for himself while still keeping his same morals of remaining sustainable and detail-oriented.

Q's with Tom 1

harriettedodman — 2025-04-02 04:33:36 UTC

Would he consider employing anyone else?

in short no, but we think he will have to he said that he does not want to have to risk his attention to detail by employing someone else well and his having full control, meaning that things are easily communicated and not lost in communication between working.

Have you tried any solutions or plans so far?

"I have been thinking through things in my head"

automation

harriettedodman — 2025-04-02 22:42:19 UTC

does tom have prefilled templates? his reports may be similar alowing to just fill in the infomatiom in each trial.

or have somone employed to do all the reports/lab work while tom goes out onto the crops and does all the squedualing, so he keeps the personal aspect of unlike the other companys, they talk to one person and not a whole line of people.

increase prices at max work load, some clients would be willing to pay a little extra for a mor direct/personal experience.

i think it would be beneficial to have somone manage the appointments and client communication but that is one factor toms keen about, i think having one close employee could help alot especially with adim and reports.

New technology

bellastephenson — 2025-04-02 22:45:47 UTC

Tom mentioned how drones could be useful to his farm but added that they were very expensive. He wouldn't need to employ workers but he needs to outweigh the pros and cons of this.

harriettedodman — 2025-04-02 22:52:22 UTC

train a uni student, to start building them up now. they handle all the reports.

cost

harriettedodman — 2025-04-02 22:55:14 UTC

If he partners with manufacturers for exclusive testing deals, they might fund part of his expansion.

harriettedodman — 2025-04-02 22:58:38 UTC

Instead of working with lots of small clients, he should focus on bigger chemical manufacturers who need long-term testing.

harriettedodman — 2025-04-02 22:59:05 UTC

Instead of traveling constantly, schedule testing in each state every few months to reduce costs.

Tell clients, “I’ll be in your state during these months” so they book in advance.

harriettedodman — 2025-04-02 23:02:07 UTC

If his testing is trusted & accurate, he can charge premium rates instead of competing on price.

A reputation for high-quality, reliable testing will attract clients willing to pay more.