Implementing Blue Ocean

Many companies claim to be, or want to be,  Blue Ocean companies.  But, do they actually go through the process outlined in the books or have the experience to properly implement Blue Ocean concepts?  Probably not.  For instance, have you built the 4 quadrant matrix (ERRC Grid)? Have you built the Strategy Canvas?  Have you prepared for common objections that you will get from employees, investors, competitor and customers?  Have you looked at the three-tiers of non-customers or evaluated the six-paths framework?  You can’t just start with a strategy canvas and think you will be successful.

Blue Ocean concepts, like all strategy frameworks, require strategy development, communication and execution. Many organizations struggle with one or more of these elements.

Arbor Dakota has developed a complete service offering around the principles of Blue Ocean Strategy and Blue Ocean Shift. We can help you practically implement the Blue Ocean concepts rather than have you simply claim Blue Ocean status, but not execute on it.  We also do public speaking on the Blue Ocean concepts.  This work has evolved from successfully implementing these principles at various companies of various size throughout the United States. One of these implementations resulted in the authors featuring HealthMedia in the book “Blue Ocean Shift“.  The authors, themselves, recognized our work and expertise in this area.  See their quote below.  Get your organizational to the next level.

Below is an outline of our Blue Ocean Offering:

• Blue Ocean Audit is a an audit of your product or company to determine if you qualify as Blue Ocean and what steps you have taken to exploit Blue Ocean concepts
• What is Blue Ocean?
• How do we create markets, not compete for markets?
• How do we change the decision criteria for buying to our strengths and avoid being a commodity product?
• What is the mindset of a Blue Ocean strategist, sales person and marketing person?
• What are the steps involved in implementing Blue Ocean framework?
• What is the difference between disruptive and non-disruptive innovation?
• What is the ERRC Grid and Strategy Canvas?
• What are the questions that you need to answer to develop a Blue Ocean Strategy for your business and then implement it?
• What is the Buyer Utility Map and how do we use it?
• What are the Three-tiers of Non-customers and how do we convert them to customers?
• What is the Six-Path Framework and how does it apply to us?
• Which all leads to developing the Blue Ocean Strategy and the ERRC Grid and Strategy Canvas for your business
• What are the common objections that you will get from employees, customers, potential customers and partners?  These take the form of cognitive, resources, political, motivational, functional and risk objections.
• How to successfully add a Blue Ocean Sales approach to your Blue Ocean Strategy
• How do we develop product, marketing, sales and finance tactical plans to both tie together and to support the strategy?
• And finally, how do we most effectively communicate the strategy to employees, board members, customers, prospects, partners?

Customer Quote:

“Ted’s process and guidance in our Blue Ocean strategy approach was invaluable.  His knowledge and use of the blue ocean tools helped us think though approaches that we would never have considered without him.  I highly recommend using his expertise for leading blue ocean thinking.”

– Todd Bender, The Cirrus Company, LLC   

Experienced and Trusted

In addition, and at the request of the Blue Ocean authors, Ted Dacko serves as the Executive Director of the Blue Ocean Student Entrepreneur Pitch Competition, a global and online competition for high school students that specifically focuses on Blue Ocean concepts.  He also teaches Blue Ocean concepts in two different courses at the University of Michigan Center for Entrepreneurship.  He has the direct experience required to make Blue Ocean concepts work for your company.

Quote from the authors of the Blue Ocean books about Ted Dacko: