Customer Type: PE-Backed Companies

Technical Recruiter (IT): Find the Right Candidate Fast

May 18, 2023 Brad Gerick

What Does a Technical Recruiter Do?

A technical recruiter is in charge of finding, interviewing and selecting qualified candidates for technical roles like software engineering, data analysis and technical writing. They seek candidates who have the necessary skills to fill specialized positions in information technology, data science and engineering.

Technical recruiters work for either a company’s human resources department or a technical recruiting agency to fill open positions within a technology-focused company. Oftentimes, an expert technical recruiter who has experience across your industry can be the best way to find an exact-fit candidate, and fast.

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“Any specialized recruiter is going to have a better network. They’ll also have a much better idea of ‘what good looks like’ and can help a hiring team calibrate the applicant pool more reliably,” says Houston Slatton, BluWave’s head of technology.

The digital revolution has emphasized the necessity for specialized roles within organizations, bringing to the fore the importance of technical recruiters. They possess an intricate knowledge of the necessary skills and experiences required for these roles and are adept at identifying candidates that align seamlessly with the organization’s unique needs.

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Benefits of Technical Recruiters

These recruiters bring a nuanced understanding of the rapidly evolving tech industry and the dynamic skills it demands. This expertise allows them to source candidates who are a perfect fit for both the role and your organization’s culture.

Another substantial benefit of partnering with a technical recruiter is their extensive network within the tech industry. This serves as a rich reservoir for discovering both active and passive talent, often making the difference in finding the ideal candidate.

READ MORE: Hire an Interim CHRO

Moreover, IT-focused recruiters can provide significant time and cost savings. The recruitment process, particularly for specialized roles, can be both time-consuming and expensive. By leveraging their experience, technical recruiters can speed up the hiring process, ensuring you secure the best candidate on the market.

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“We used a recruiter to hire a data engineer, and that recruiter knows the products in our tech stack, so he can better vet the candidates before we talk to them,” Slatton says. “In addition, he knows what the job entails so he can better ascertain up front whether what’s in a resume will actually be a good fit for us because he’s spent so much time in the data space.”

READ MORE: Interim CHRO Interviews

Technical Recruiter vs. Regular Recruiter: Differences

While both technical recruiters and regular recruiters play essential roles in the hiring process, their areas of focus differ significantly. A technical recruiter specializes in filling technical roles such as software development, product management and data science. They hold a comprehensive understanding of the tech industry, with responsibilities including interviewing and assessing candidates for specific technical proficiencies.

On the other hand, regular recruiters manage the hiring process for a variety of job roles not confined to the tech industry. They may work independently or as part of a company’s talent acquisition department, managing the complete recruitment process for various open roles across different industries.

READ MORE: What is Technical Debt in Due Diligence?

Securing the Right Technical Recruiter

Connecting with the ideal technical recruiter often involves multiple approaches. While you may consider seeking recommendations from trusted industry associates, performing online searches for technical recruiting firms, or even attending industry events to meet technical recruiters, these methods can be time-consuming, costly and don’t always yield the desired results.

READ MORE: Tech Stacks of Companies: How To Choose

The most efficient and effective route is to collaborate with an outside resource that can connect you with a tailor-made third party. BluWave’s invite-only network exists for just that purpose.

We offer a bridge to industry-specific, expertly vetted tech recruiters who can guide your recruitment process. By working with our research and operations team, you can focus on running your business.

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M&A Integration Timeline: 10 Keys To Success

May 15, 2023 Brad Gerick

Navigating a merger or acquisition is a complex, multistage process that requires careful planning, strategic decision-making and effective execution. Understanding the timeline and key phases can significantly affect success, minimizing disruption and maximizing potential synergies.

Let’s look at an overview of a typical M&A integration timeline, breaking down each phase into clear, actionable steps. From pre-merger planning to ongoing post-merger optimization, we’ll explore each phase in detail, offering insights that can help private equity firms and businesses better manage their M&A processes, align teams and objectives and ultimately achieve their strategic goals.

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“Instead of hoping that all the pieces will simply fall into place once a merger gets underway, top PE firms use specialized PE-grade merger integration advisors from BluWave’s Business Builders’ Network to help guide and keep portfolio company acquisitions on track,” BluWave CEO Sean Mooney says. “These merger integration experts know what steps need to be taken and when they need to be taken in order for an acquisition to live up to its full potential.”

ALSO SEE: Merger Planning & Integration: Best Practices for PE Firms

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1) Pre-Merger Planning and Strategy: Even before the deal is official, the two merging entities should work together to create a vision for the combined company. This involves defining the strategic objectives of the merger, such as expanding market share or diversifying offerings and identifying potential synergies. Thorough planning during this phase can lay a solid foundation for a successful merger.

“Although mergers can help companies create value very quickly, they can actually have net negative effects – from clashes between newly integrated teams to a lack of alignment on core objectives,” Mooney says. “To minimize these risks companies should use expert third-party resources to ensure that they’re accounting for potential misalignments and identifying areas where they can build on shared strengths with their partners in the pre-merger phase.”

2) Due Diligence: This is a crucial phase where both companies conduct thorough evaluations of each other’s financials, legal standing, market position and more. It’s a rigorous process that helps uncover potential issues that could affect the merger, such as legal disputes, financial discrepancies or operational inefficiencies. The findings from this phase can significantly influence the terms of the deal.

READ MORE: What is Commercial Due Diligence?

3) Integration Planning: Once the merger is confirmed, detailed plans for combining the businesses should be developed. This includes plans for integrating technologies, processes, personnel and more. The objective is to ensure a smooth transition with minimal disruption to ongoing operations.

4) Communications Planning: Proper communication is key during a merger. A comprehensive communications plan should be developed to manage internal communications with employees and external communications with stakeholders, customers and the public. Clear, timely communication can help manage expectations and reduce uncertainty during the merger process.

“During any major shift of change, people are often fearful of what this means for their personal and professional futures,” Mooney says. “By offering insight into what is happening immediately after you close your transaction and sharing what will happen, even if it’s not what they want to hear, employees can embrace an integration with less trepidation. Be sure to promptly follow your communications with aligned actions.”

READ MORE: Hire an Interim CEO

5) Regulatory Approvals and Deal Closing (Day One Readiness): This phase involves obtaining necessary regulatory approvals for the merger. Once all approvals are secured, the deal can officially close. On “Day One,” the merged entity should be ready to operate as a single unit, which requires significant preparation.

6) Integration Execution: This phase involves implementing the integration plans developed earlier. It’s a complex process that requires careful management to ensure that all elements of the businesses are combined effectively and efficiently.

7) Change Management: Mergers often bring significant changes and managing these effectively is crucial. This can involve cultural integration, operational changes or strategic shifts. Proper change management can help to minimize disruption and ensure that all employees are aligned with the new direction.

8) Talent Management and Retention: Mergers can create uncertainty among employees and it’s essential to identify and retain key talent during this time. This involves clear communication about changes, reassurance about job security and potentially, adjustments to roles and responsibilities.

READ MORE: Hire an Interim CHRO

9) Synergy Realization: After the merger, the focus shifts to realizing the synergies identified during the pre-merger planning phase. This could involve cost-saving measures, leveraging combined resources for growth or other strategic benefits. Tracking and measuring these synergies is crucial to evaluate the success of the merger.

10) Ongoing Integration and Optimization: The final phase of a merger is an ongoing process. The newly merged entity should continually evaluate its operations, looking for ways to streamline processes and pursue synergies. This process can improve efficiency and profitability.

“If you’re in a leadership role, don’t pass off important steps of the process to lower-level managers, particularly with more nuanced or difficult changes. Lead by example and show that you have bought into the task at hand by holding others and yourself accountable for the outcomes,” Mooney adds. “Make acquisition integration part of your leadership meetings and make sure the buck stops with a key leader in your organization who can catalyze buy-in and action.”

More Merger Planning & Integration Resources

Mergers and acquisitions are complex undertakings, requiring a comprehensive understanding of every stage of the process and an ability to navigate potential pitfalls. From the initial vision and strategy phase to ongoing integration management, each step is crucial for driving value creation and achieving strategic objectives.

At BluWave, we understand the intricacies of the M&A process and the importance of ensuring seamless integration. With our deep bench of PE-grade, pre-vetted merger integration resources, we can connect you with the expert you need based on your unique industry, budget and other parameters. Whether it’s conducting due diligence, crafting effective communication strategies or managing and retaining talent during the transition, we can help you navigate the process with confidence and precision.

In the world of M&A, leveraging third-party resources and expertise can make the difference between merely combining two entities and truly creating a new entity that’s greater than the sum of its parts. Contact our R&O team and let us help you turn your M&A vision into a reality.

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EDI Specialist: Get Help with Technical Implementation

May 11, 2023 Brad Gerick

What is an EDI Specialist?

An Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) specialist is a technical expert who designs, develops, implements and manages EDI systems and processes. EDI systems facilitate the efficient and secure exchange of data between organizations or within an organization.

Besides monitoring, troubleshooting, and enhancing EDI transactions and applications, an EDI specialist should possess excellent communication, analytical and problem-solving skills, and stay current with technology trends.

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EDI specialists are instrumental in helping businesses eliminate record errors, expedite transactions and reduce data processing time. They implement and install operating systems tailored for data interchange, boosting efficiency across all functional areas. As these systems utilize digitally acquired records, error reduction and effortless retrieval become possible.

With the increasing need for businesses to exchange data electronically, the demand for EDI specialists is on the rise. As more companies adopt electronic data interchange, this trend is expected to continue.

Let’s dive into more details about this important role, and discuss how you can get an expertly matched EDI specialist for your specific situation fast.

READ MORE: 10 Cloud Migration Use Cases: What is it for?

The Role of an EDI Specialist

An EDI specialist’s responsibilities extend beyond setting up and configuring EDI connections. They also develop and test EDI messages, troubleshoot EDI problems and provide EDI training to employees. An EDI specialist’s primary duty is to design, develop and implement all EDI-related processes within a company or organization.

Their expertise in data exchange enables them to develop and refine methods for securely receiving and transferring data to and from various trading partners, ultimately optimizing supply chain operations.

READ MORE: What is Technical Debt in Due Diligence?

The Skills and Qualifications of an EDI Specialist

An EDI specialist should possess a comprehensive understanding of IT and various business units, working knowledge of EDI translation software packages, and a solid grasp of EDI standards and practices such as EDIFACT and XML. Additionally, they need to have a general understanding of networking protocols and web architecture.

Soft skills like strong communication and organizational talent are crucial for an EDI specialist. They must have an independent, structured, and responsible way of working to collaborate effectively with different teams and stakeholders and troubleshoot issues during EDI system implementation.

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The Salary of an EDI Specialist

In the U.S., EDI specialists typically earn between $50,000 and $100,000 per year. Factors influencing their salaries include experience level, education, location, and industry.

Working with an EDI Specialist

Collaborating with an EDI specialist can help you streamline business processes and enhance supply chain management. They can assist in automating business processes, reducing manual data entry errors, and cutting costs by eliminating paper-based transactions. This results in a more efficient and cost-effective operation.

READ MORE: Platform Modernization: App, Software Upgrade

EDI specialists play a vital role in modern businesses, allowing them to efficiently and securely exchange data with their partners. By hiring the right EDI specialist, your organization can benefit from streamlined processes, fewer errors and improved efficiency in the long run.

As technology advances, the demand for skilled EDI specialists will only grow, making it increasingly important to invest in hiring the right candidate to support your organization’s data exchange needs. Partnering with BluWave can make this process seamless, as their extensive resources and industry knowledge are ready to help you connect with the ideal candidate for your organization.

Their vast network of resources ensures that they already know the right candidate to meet your needs before you even contact their R&O team. They understand your specific industry and situation, making them the perfect partner in the hiring process.

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Supply Chain Diligence Helps Food Company Identify Synergies, Cost Savings

Service Area: Operations Diligence

Client Type: Portfolio Company

Service Provider Type: Operations Consulting Firm

Industry: Food and Beverage

The Need
Operations Diligence: Viability Assessment

A portfolio company in the food and ingredients industry needed help assessing the viability of integrating three distinct supply chains. They were looking for a supply chain diligence provider with industry expertise.

The Challenge
Consolidating Supply Chains

The client had two food platforms and was in the early stages of putting them together. They also had a third business they were considering integrating for human capital synergies. They had three distinct supply chains for various ingredients, all of which were outsourced. They needed to assess the viability of integrating them to identify potential opportunities for cost savings, operational efficiencies and a competitive advantage.

How BluWave Helped
Synergies Found in Supply Chain

BluWave presented the client with multiple industry-specific resources in less than a business day, including operations consulting firms with expertise in the food/snacking/ingredients space. The client engaged one of the recommended service providers, who conducted a thorough supply chain diligence assessment.

The service provider assessed the sustainability and scalability of the client’s three distinct supply chains, which included co-manufacturers in the US, Mexico, and Canada. They evaluated the potential synergies and opportunities for integration and identified areas of potential cost savings and operational efficiencies.

The Result
Expectations Exceeded

The supply chain diligence assessment provided the client with a clear understanding of how they could integrate their three distinct supply chains. The service provider’s deliverables and reports were high-quality and exceeded the client’s expectations. They were flexible and responsive to the client’s needs and provided valuable insights into potential opportunities for cost savings and operational efficiencies.

Data Consolidation: Benefits, Challenges, Process

May 8, 2023 Brad Gerick

What is Data Consolidation?

Data consolidation is the process of gathering data from various sources and storing it in a centralized location. This can be done manually or using data integration tools.

The purpose of data consolidation is to improve data quality, increase data security and facilitate data analysis. In this article, we will discuss the benefits and challenges of data consolidation, the process involved and the tools and software available to help.

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We’ll also cover best practices and emphasize the importance of having an industry-specific service provider to assist you. This complicated process often goes much smoother when you have expert assistance for your specific industry.

This is where BluWave comes in, with their ability to connect you with just the right resource for your unique situation.

READ MORE: How To Extract Data from ERP Systems

READ MORE: The Power of AI, Data Analytics in IT Due Diligence

Benefits of Data Consolidation

One of the main benefits of data consolidation is improved decision-making. By providing a more complete and accurate view of the data, businesses can make better decisions based on data-driven insights. Data consolidation can also increase efficiency by eliminating the need to manually collect and manage data from multiple sources. Additionally, it can reduce costs by eliminating the need to maintain multiple data storage systems.

READ MORE: Colocation Security: Facilities, Services, Meaning

Challenges of Data Consolidation

Data consolidation presents challenges. One of the biggest is ensuring data quality. Data consolidation can only be successful if the data being consolidated is accurate, clean and reliable. Additionally, data security is a concern, as consolidating data can increase the risk of data breaches. It is important to implement security measures to protect data during and after consolidation. Finally, data consolidation can be a costly process, especially if it is done manually. It is important to carefully consider the costs and benefits of data consolidation before making a decision.

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How to Consolidate Data: The Process

The process can be broken down into the following steps:

  1. Identifying the data sources: The first step in data consolidation is to identify all of the data sources that need to be consolidated. This can include data from internal systems, external sources, and even social media.
  2. Transforming the data: Once the data sources have been identified, the next step is to transform the data. This may involve cleaning up the data, converting it to a common format, or filling in missing data.
  3. Loading the data into a central repository: Now it’s time to load the data into a central repository. This can be a data warehouse, a data mart, or even a spreadsheet.
  4. Securing the data: It’s also important to secure the data. This may involve implementing security measures such as encryption, access controls, and auditing.
  5. Maintaining the data: The final step in data consolidation is to maintain the data. This means updating the data, correcting errors, and purging old data.

Data consolidation can be a complex process, but it can be a valuable tool. By consolidating data, businesses can improve quality, increase security, and make it easier to analyze.

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Data Consolidation Tools and Software

Data integration tools are used to extract data from disparate sources and load it into a central repository. These tools can help improve data quality by cleaning up the data, converting it to a common format, and filling in missing data.

Data warehouse tools are used to store and manage large amounts of data. These tools can help businesses analyze data and make better decisions.

READ MORE: Data Warehouse Types: Choose the Right One

Data mart tools are used to store and manage a subset of data from a data warehouse. These tools can be used to improve data access and performance.

Data visualization tools provide a single view of data from multiple sources. These tools can help businesses make better decisions by providing them with a more complete and accurate view of their data.

The choice of data consolidation tool or software will depend on the specific needs of the business. Factors to consider include the size of the data, the complexity of the data, and the budget.

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Data Consolidation Best Practices

  • Plan carefully. Before starting data consolidation, it’s important to have a plan. This should include:
    • The goals of data consolidation
    • The data sources
    • The tools and technologies that will be used
    • The budget for data consolidation
    • The timeline for data consolidation
  • Use the right tools. There are a variety of tools and technologies available. The right ones will depend on the size and complexity of your data, as well as your budget.
  • Get buy-in from stakeholders. Data consolidation is a major project that will impact many people in your organization. It’s important to get buy-in from stakeholders early on in the process. This will help to ensure that everyone is on board with the goals of data consolidation and that the project is successful.
  • Test thoroughly. Once you have a plan in place and you’ve chosen the right tools, it’s important to test the data consolidation process thoroughly. This will help to identify any potential problems and ensure that the data is accurate and complete.
  • Monitor and maintain the data. Finally, it’s important to monitor and maintain the data. This will help ensure that the data is accurate and up-to-date. It’s also important to have a plan for how to handle changes to the data sources.

READ MORE: How To Analyze Sales Data: Tools, Examples, KPIs

Navigating the complexities of data consolidation can be challenging, but you don’t have to do it alone. BluWave can help by connecting you with expert third-party resources that make the process more efficient and effective.

The Business Builders’ Network is is full of pre-vetted service providers with experience in data consolidation, data integration and data management. The invite-only process ensures that we only connect you with providers that have a proven track record in your specific industry.

By partnering with BluWave to find the right third-party resource, you can streamline your data consolidation efforts and reduce the risks associated with the process. The team will work closely with you to understand your specific needs and goals, and then connect you with the best provider to help you achieve them.

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Lighting Company Gains Competitive Edge from Market Study

Service Area: Growth Strategy

Client Type: Portfolio Company

Service Provider Type: Market Intelligence Research Firm

Industry: Manufacturing – Commercial Lighting

The Need
Comprehensive Market Study

A portfolio company specializing in commercial lighting solutions recently appointed a new CEO, who sought help understanding their market and customer channels. The CEO wanted to conduct a comprehensive market study to gain insights into the competitive landscape, target customers and best practices for engaging with distributors and agents as part of its growth strategy.

The Challenge
Understand Customers Better

The client needed a partner to conduct a thorough market study to gain insights into their market and customers. They wanted to understand their competitors, target customers and best practices for engaging with distributors and agents. This required a deep understanding of the value chain for new builds and retrofits, as well as the various players in the commercial lighting industry.

How BluWave Helped
Manufacturing Market Experts

BluWave presented the client with four options within a single business day for conducting the market study. The client selected a digital marketing firm with experience in the manufacturing industry. The service provider conducted a comprehensive market study, including qualitative customer interviews and competitor benchmarking. They also broke down the market into segments and analyzed pricing, value-added, and competitive insights.

The Result
Better Customer Engagement

The market study provided the client with a deep understanding of their market and customers. They gained insights into their competitors, target customers and best practices for engaging with distributors and agents. The study also helped the client identify areas of white space where they could differentiate themselves and win in the market. The client was better positioned to grow their business and secure a revenue stream by expanding their reach to tier 2, 3 and 4 distributors and OEMs.

The service provider’s qualitative customer interviews provided an honest view of the market, including feedback on what makes the client’s competitors differentiated. This allowed the client to refine their strategy and define a game plan to better engage with their target customers. The market study also helped the client develop key selling points and a competitive benchmarking analysis to position themselves more effectively in the market.

Effective B2B Debt Collection Strategies for Improved Cash Flow

May 2, 2023 Brad Gerick

Efficient B2B debt collection practices are essential for maintaining a healthy cash flow and ensuring the growth of a business. In today’s competitive market, many organizations offer generous terms on accounts payable to win over customers.

This approach, however, may not always be sustainable, especially given changing trends and future concerns.

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Let’s talk about the importance of B2B debt collection strategies and how partnering with a specialized consultant can lead to improved cash flow and business growth.

READ MORE: Why Cash Flow is Vital to Businesses

B2B Collection Challenges

Offering generous terms to customers may seem like a good idea initially, but it can lead to a significant increase in outstanding debts and negatively impact cash flow. As the business landscape evolves, there’s a growing need to develop more effective B2B debt recovery strategies to keep the company financially stable.

Some of the key challenges include:

Lack of Communication

One of the biggest challenges in B2B debt collection is a lack of communication between the business (creditor) and the client (debtor). This can be due to a number of factors, such as the debtor’s unwillingness to cooperate or the creditor’s failure to follow up promptly.

Complex Legal Issues

B2B debt collection can also be complicated by complex legal issues. For example, if the debtor is located in a different state or country, the creditor may need to follow different laws and regulations.

Time-Consuming and Expensive

B2B debt collection can be a time-consuming and expensive process. This is because it often requires multiple phone calls, emails and letters. In some cases, the creditor may also need to hire a collection agency or file a lawsuit.

READ MORE: Why Hire an Interim CFO?

Despite these challenges, there are a number of steps creditors can take to improve their chances of collecting unpaid debts.

Establishing Clear Payment Terms

One of the best ways to prevent B2B debt collection problems is to establish clear payment terms with customers. This should include the due date, any late fees and the process for disputing charges.

Following Up Promptly

If a customer misses a payment, it’s important to follow up promptly. This shows the customer that you’re serious about collecting the debt and that you’re not going to let it go unpaid.

Being Professional and Respectful

It’s important to be professional and respectful when dealing with customers who owe money. This means avoiding threats or harassment.

Using a Collection Agency

If you’ve tried everything else and you’re still not able to collect the debt, you may want to consider hiring a collection agency. They are trained experts who can help you recover your money  more quickly and efficiently.

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Benefits of Hiring a B2B Debt Collection Agency

Working with a B2B debt collection agency can provide numerous benefits. These agencies bring expertise in B2B debt recovery, helping your business develop customized strategies and solutions tailored to your unique needs. Additionally, they have access to advanced tools and technology that can improve the efficiency and effectiveness of your debt collection efforts.

READ MORE: Interim CFO for a Financial Crisis

Here are some more specifics around why using an agency is a good idea:

Increased Recovery Rates

Debt collection agencies have a proven track record of recovering debts. In fact, studies have shown that businesses that hire a collection agency are more likely to recover their debts than those that try to collect the debts themselves.

Reduced Stress and Workload

By hiring an expert third party, you can free up your time and resources to focus on other aspects of your business.

Improved Cash Flow

When you recover unpaid debts, you can improve your cash flow and avoid financial problems.

Protection from Legal Liability

Debt collection agencies are familiar with the laws and regulations governing debt collection. This means that you can be confident that they will collect your debts in a legal and ethical manner.

Peace of Mind

Knowing that your debts are in the hands of a professional collection agency can give you peace of mind. You can focus on running your business, knowing that your debts are being handled by a qualified and experienced team.

Steps to Develop an Effective B2B Debt Collection Strategy

Analyzing Current Collection Efforts (1-2 weeks)

The first step in developing a new B2B debt collection strategy is to thoroughly analyze your current efforts. This analysis should identify areas of improvement and evaluate existing customer payment terms. Understanding where you stand in terms of your current collection practices will provide a solid foundation for developing a more effective approach.

Designing a New Collection Strategy (3-4 weeks)

Once you have a clear understanding of your current collection efforts, it’s time to design a new strategy. This process should include setting clear credit policies and terms, implementing a proactive approach to collections and utilizing technology and automation.

Setting clear credit policies and terms can help prevent potential issues down the line. For example, establishing a standard credit application process and conducting credit checks on potential customers can minimize the risk of late payments and defaults. Additionally, offering early payment incentives and enforcing late payment penalties can encourage customers to pay their invoices on time.

A proactive approach to B2B collections means staying on top of outstanding debts and addressing them before they become problematic. This can involve sending regular payment reminders, maintaining open communication with customers, and monitoring their payment history to identify potential risks.

Utilizing technology and automation in your B2B debt collection efforts can streamline the process and save valuable time and resources. For example, using an invoicing software that automatically sends reminders and tracks payments can help you stay organized and improve your overall collection efforts.

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Considering Implementation Support

Implementing a new B2B debt collection strategy may require training and support to ensure a smooth integration with your existing processes. A B2B debt collection agency can help with this, allowing your team adapt to the new strategy and ensure its success.

READ MORE: Hire Expert Pricing Strategy Consultants

Tips for Choosing the Right Agency

Industry Specialization and Experience

When choosing a B2B debt collection agency, look for one that specializes in your industry and has a proven track record of success. This will ensure that they understand the unique challenges you face and can provide tailored solutions to address your specific needs.

Transparent Pricing and Fees

A reputable B2B debt collection agency should be transparent about their pricing and fees. Make sure you understand their fee structure and any additional costs that may be involved before signing a contract.

Proven Track Record and Client Testimonials

Before deciding on a B2B debt collection agency, research their track record and client testimonials. Positive feedback from other businesses in your industry can provide valuable insight into the agency’s effectiveness and reliability.

The invite-only BluWave-grade network of service providers only admits resources that have successfully completed multiple positive projects with positive reviews from PE firms, portfolio companies and private and public companies.

Investing in a robust B2B debt collection strategy is essential for the financial health and growth of your business. BluWave’s dedicated Research and Operations team can help you connect with an expert third-party resource to fine-tune your approach to B2B collections, addressing your unique needs and challenges.

Taking the time to analyze your current efforts, design a new strategy and consider implementation support can set your business on the path to improved cash flow and financial stability. BluWave’s R&O team already knows a tailor B2B debt collection consultant with industry specialization, transparent pricing and a proven track record for your exact situation.

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Don’t let uncollected debts hold your business back. Begin your journey towards a more effective B2B debt collection strategy today with the help of BluWave’s expert resources, and experience the difference that a PE-grade approach can make for your business.

Government Contract Outsourcing: Get Proposal Help

May 1, 2023 Brad Gerick

Government contracts are highly competitive and can be difficult to secure without the right expertise. Outsourcing support from legal experts can give companies a strategic advantage, increasing chances of winning lucrative projects.

External consultants offer valuable experience in managing large teams and responding to complex RFPs, working with diverse teams and agencies and developing a winning strategy.

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In addition, experienced legal services can help identify untapped opportunities or ideas, handle increased workload during peak proposal periods and offer guidance for high-value contracts.

Let’s take a closer look at what goes into outsourcing contracts as well as the benefits of doing so.

Cropped image of male lawyer writing on legal documents at desk in courtroom

Why Companies Outsource Proposal Support

Organizations have various motivations for outsourcing their proposal support. Here are some of the most common reasons:

Experience with Managing Large Teams or RFPs

Outsourcing can provide access to professionals with extensive experience in managing large teams and responding to complex requests for proposals (RFPs), enhancing the overall quality of the proposal.

Experience with Diverse Teams and Agencies

External consultants may possess valuable expertise in working with diverse teams or specific government agencies, increasing the likelihood of a successful proposal submission.

READ MORE: What is Commercial Due Diligence?

Expertise in High-Dollar Proposals

For companies venturing into higher-dollar contract territory, outsourcing to experienced professionals can offer critical insights and guidance.

Identifying Overlooked Opportunities

An outside perspective can help identify untapped opportunities or ideas that might otherwise be missed.

Handling Surge Demands

Outsourcing can alleviate the strain of increased workload during peak proposal periods, ensuring that the quality of the proposal remains high.

Developing a Winning Strategy

An external consultant can provide an unbiased assessment of opportunities and help develop a strategy that maximizes the chances of winning the contract.

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Proposal Services Process

There are three high-level phases to proposal outsourcing: Pre-Proposal, Proposal, and Post-Proposal.

Pre-Proposal

This phase includes proposal strategy assessment, process training and the development of a proposal boilerplate structure and content.

Service providers may also create a repository of proposal content components to streamline the process at this point.

Proposal

During this phase, the third party manages the individual RFP, request for quotes (RFQ) and request for information (RFI) bid/no-bid process. They also handle RFP/RFQ/RFI response management and documentation structure and content development.

Post-Proposal

Finally, the outside resource you hire should conduct a thorough review of lessons learned, update the content repository and prepares for any presentations that might be involved in the process.

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Key Procurement Terms

To navigate the world of government contracting effectively, it is essential to understand key terms:

Broad Agency Announcement (BAA)

A formal process used to request a range of products and services through an evaluation process, potentially resulting in multiple awardees.

Request for Information (RFI)

A semi-formal process for conducting a market evaluation, which does not obligate the government to generate an RFP, RFQ or make a purchase.

Request for Proposal (RFP)

A formal government process for purchasing products and services through a comprehensive evaluation process that typically includes technical, management and pricing components.

ALSO SEE: Commercial Due Diligence: Revenue Streams

Request for Quotes (RFQ)

A formal government process for purchasing products and services on a price basis, which generally has narrowly defined requirements for providers to respond with short descriptions and pricing.

Small Business Innovative Research Program (SBIR)

A program funding small businesses research on defined topics, administered by individual agencies.

Sources Sought

The market research phase of the government procurement cycle, similar to the RFI process. From this step, the government can assess the types of businesses who may be able to meet their requirements and can determine if there is sufficient competition for small business set-aside.

READ MORE: Pricing Consultants: Hire an Expert

Landing lucrative government contracts is a competitive endeavor. Whether for a private equity firm, portfolio company or private or public company, this is a topic where the right expertise can be just the edge you need.

The Business Builders’ Network is full of handpicked service providers than can help you with this exact challenge.

The BluWave research and operations team knows the best fit for your legal services before you even contact them, and they’ll make introductions within a single business day.

Contact us when you’re ready to outsource your contract proposals and win new business for your organization.

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Fiber Optics Company Building Out Executive Team for New Division

Service Area: Human Capital: Recruiters

Client Type: Portfolio Company

Service Provider Type: Telecommunications-Focused Recruitment Firm

Industry: Telecommunications: Wireless Internet, Fiber Optics

Need
Recruiters in Telecommunications Industry

The CFO of a telecommunications company that specializes in wireless internet needed help building out its executive team for a new division of its business.

Challenge
Specialized executive search firm needed

Looking to better serve its customers, the CFO sought an executive search firm that specialized in telecom and fiber. They saw a big growth opportunity in their market and wanted to move fast to build out its leadership team.

How BluWave Helped
The Business Builders’ Network

After a scoping call with our research and operations team, we presented multiple executive search firms that were experienced serving fiber optics companies.

Result
Specialized firm engaged to build out executive team

One of our most-used service providers was selected to kick off the process of building out the executive team. They signed on for a three-month engagement to help the telecommunications company hit the ground running with its new telecom ambitions.