Consulting

When an organization reaches a point at which they lack the expertise or strategy to advance to the next level, it becomes necessary to instill an outside resource that can look at the big picture and distill all of the components into a cogent, focused strategy that best fits the overall organization objectives.  With a wealth of knowledge and experience in financial services and payments, i7strategies is your choice for consulting and strategic planning that will allow you to reach your full potential.  i7strategies consultants have extensive experience in the financial services and payments industries.  For entities in these verticals that need to augment internal resources to secure specific desirable outcomes, i7strategies can create a specific action plan that will assist in meeting and exceeding expectations.  Services include:

Projects – Whether for an hour, a week or on any recurring schedule, it is often necessary to use a consultant to fill a short term need.  i7strategies can supply seasoned talent experienced in:

                 Payment System / Clearing System Start-up
                 Systems Evaluation and Recommendation
                 Problem Resolution
                 Corporate Communication
                 Temporary Executive Replacement
                 Product Development / Direction

Advocacy – Have a great product or service, or even just an idea, and are not sure how to generate “buzz” in the industry?  Advocacy is the ability to get people talking about what you have to offer, in ways that do not resemble an overt sales pitch. Through feature articles, webinars, and platform speaking, i7strategies can get people talking about and calling you.

Technology/Business Assistance – Some companies originate with brilliant technologists who have limited business experience.  Other companies are business- or sales-focused with limited technology expertise in senior management. Either way, having access to experienced consulting that can bridge the technology and business sides can be the key to success at critical junctures of the business life cycle.  i7strategies provides this bridge.

Acquisition / Merger Due Diligence – Thinking of acquiring or merging with another company?  Are you sure that the claims made about the technology are real?  Whether you are the acquirer or acquiree, you must make your own assessment of the viability of any potential transaction.  i7strategies can provide all levels of due diligence assessment.

International Services

Entities such as countries and regional systems that do not currently have electronic clearing systems have special strategic needs.  i7strategies has extensive experience in getting new payment systems started in countries such as Panama, Aruba and Trinidad/Tobago, and can provide education and consulting for financial stakeholders in the methods and best practices of starting ACH and electronic check clearing systems from the ground up.

Strategic Planning

i7strategies provides both turnkey and ala carte strategic planning services.  Whether you are looking for assistance in long term planning and follow up or just need a two-hour brainstorming session, i7strategies can provide a resource that will exceed your expectations.  Services include:

Periodic Strategic Planning – This is a comprehensive program that includes all facets of strategic planning including periodic follow-up and accountability.  Focus is on setting measurable goals that increase revenue (for profit) and maximize member benefits (non-profit).

Mission/Vision Statements – A mission or vision statement is not just eye candy for your corporate brochure or annual statement. Done properly, it should guide your organization at every level.  If a tactical element of the strategic plan does not support the mission statement, either the tactic or mission is incorrect. Organizations thrive when employee activities are aligned within a clearly defined mission.

Brainstorming – Whether creating a new product idea, reorganizing staff, or seeking new markets or customers, properly executed brainstorming yields breakthrough ideas and encourages "thinking outside the box".  Using an outside facilitator for brainstorming frees up senior executives to actively participate in the "storm" and ensures that all ideas are entertained.