Strategic Consulting to a Healthcare Startup

Summary of services provided:

• Strategic Analysis
• Competitive Analysis
• Cost Analysis
• Market Research
• Competitor Watch
• Creative Ideas

Project overview. Our client was interested in starting up a business based around a web site that dealt with some aspects of healthcare as they applied to both consumers and professionals. Over the course of 9 months, we were asked to provide a wide range of consulting services that would help them to develop and refine their business plan.

Strategic consulting. Our business relationship began with a single, straightforward assignment; however, as one assignment led to another, we became adjunct members of their startup team. Although the details of this project are still confidential, here is a rough description of some of our assignments:

• Research and report on the most robust and cost effective hosting options for their site based on anticipated growth in site traffic.
• Prepare a model that can be used to calculate potential banner advertising revenues based on volume of site traffic; also calculate the approximate cost of placing ads on other sites in order to drive up traffic on their site.
• Review the business plan and prepare a report on threats and opportunities.
• Prepare for and participate in idea generating workshops.
• Prepare a site development plan, based on the results of a workshop.
• Refine and test information-gathering surveys.
• Do research related to potential strategic partners.
• Research and report on the best United States markets for pilot launching the site.