Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of consulting do you do?
What is your approach?
What industries?
What kinds of projects do you do?
Why hire a consultant for this type of work?
Why shouldn't we go with a larger firm?
How do we justify spending money on Consulting in these tough times?

What kind of consulting do you do?

We evaluate market opportunities by analyzing the competitive environment and customer requirements. We call the approach we use "Market Assessments"

What is your approach?

When a company is thinking of entering a new market, offering a new product or repositioning an existing one, we provide the research and analysis to help them make the right decisions. We assess all of the data in order to refine the target market. We also help companies make "go/no go" decisions that are based on objective analysis.

What industries?

For this type of work, a breadth of experience is important because it allows the consultant to consider a wide range of frameworks and structures. We have worked with consumer products, hardware, software and media companies, and have particular depth of knowledge at the intersection of online services and consumer technologies.

What kinds of projects do you do?

Our clients come to us with a broad range of challenges, so our engagements can be quite varied. Often, we work with new enterprises to determine the sweet spot in their market. We work with established companies to reposition products that have not yet found their market. We help successful companies find the next big growth opportunity.

We also help newly hired executives quickly assess their company's situation, so they can be more effective in their first months on the job.

Why hire a consultant for this type of work?

1. Objective Analysis. Companies are often biased by their successes and it can be difficult to stay objective when considering new initiatives. It can be useful to have an experienced outsider synthesize all available information and then work with the team to ensure that decisions are made.

2. Resources. Many management teams don't have the necessary bandwidth or expertise to quickly assess new opportunities. A consultant can add momentum to a good idea.

3. Discreet Approach. Sometimes the Board asks the management team to assess a particular market opportunity, in order to determine whether the company should consider moving in a new direction. It is prudent to conduct such research "in the background" without engaging the entire organization in what might ultimately become a non-issue.

Why shouldn't we go with a larger firm?

• Focus. We have an established process for helping companies hone in on the sweet spot within their market.

• Value. Larger firms have overhead and generally staff projects with more junior talent. With Peninsula Strategies, you will be working with highly experienced marketing professionals who will give you their full attention.

• Commitment. We are a new, small firm, so every client is important to us. As we build our reputation, it is critical that we have happy, reference-able clients. We will do whatever it takes to satisfy our clients.

How do we justify spending money on consulting?

Markets are always changing. Being aware of these changes, even within your existing business, helps you stay in front of the competition. If you haven't recently talked with your customers about what's working and what's not, or if you don't have a grasp of your competitor's current strategy, you may want to take a closer look. A market assessment of your core business will help you keep your edge.