Bella Vista Business Association Directory

Behind the Scene Consulting: measuring success one satisfied client at a time By Rhonda Baber-Crone B ehind the Scene Consulting was founded in June 2020, in the middle of the pandemic. Both Robert Brindle and Bridget Marrs had previously worked for Walmart Global Procurement in supplier portfolio management. Robert, who was the Director and Bridget, who was his Senior Manager, oversaw a ten- member team in the U.S. and in India. eir goal was this: to help small businesses thrive using their experience from large companies. Both have finance/ accounting backgrounds. Robert has numerous years of international experience where business is conducted virtually most of the time. "We noticed many small businesses struggling with the challenges of trying to run their business while also being in the business. is was especially true during the pandemic where they had added pressures of navigating a new reality where customers did not physically come into their businesses anymore. We knew we could help, and it was a natural fit for us," Robert says. e business runs solely on Robert and Bridget, and it works. "As founders, we are critical to our own success," Robert says. ey are business partners, and good friends as well. A typical day, Robert says, begins with walking the dogs. ere are three between them. en it's checking social media feeds, emails, and news which applies to the business, "so we can keep our clients up to date on the latest events. Because we are still growing, we dedicate time each day to each of our clients. is lets us focus on them and give them the attention they deserve. is will involve lots of contacts with their suppliers and our clients," he says. Aer lunch is typically time for prospecting new clients, responding to referrals from current clients, and building their network of support. "Finally, we end the day with a Partner Call where we discuss the events of the day and how we can help each other," he says. As far as challenges, they have experienced ones similar to many – lack of in-person contact. "Working in a virtual environment, when face to face can accomplish more, is a challenge. Using available technology like Microso Teams helps mitigate this but nothing replaces a smile. What we learned by starting an 'online first' business during the pandemic is that most of our clients had never used technologies such as Zoom. It was never needed. We held a lot of hands in the beginning as we navigated the new reality together. ings really have changed for some. ey are meeting people now that probably never would have found them before in the brick- and-mortar world. at's a good thing," Robert says. Measuring success is simple: satisfied customers. "One satisfied client at a time. Whatever it takes," Robert notes. And of course, every client is different. One may be concerned about their books and want to be involved, and others want to be totally hands- off. "e sweet spot is finding that pain point each individual client has, working a solution to that pain, and seeing their lives improve from it. is is really where our motto, 'Grow your business. Live your life' came from. It represents two types of people with two different goals. One needs help with their business, the other is so stuck in the business they have no time to live their lives. Solving their needs is our measure of success. A great referral from a client is validation of that," he says. For Robert, the reward is seeing his clients succeed where they thought it wasn't possible. In the midst of the pandemic, of course there are struggles. Dealing with many different businesses, Robert and Bridget have a hard time watching business owners struggle, when their goal is leading them to success. ey say this is the most difficult thing in the current environment. Membership in the BVBA has helped Behind the Scene during this past year, like it has many other businesses, to keep in touch – something vitally important to small business. "It has allowed for networking with experienced business owners who live and work in Bella Vista. Everyone can help each other, even if it is with just giving a piece of advice that can save them some trouble down the road," Robert says, adding, "We've had numerous contacts that may not have resulted in new clients, but the partnerships and experience we tap into in others has definitely helped our business grow." He feels that the membership is worth the small expense. "e BVBA is the most affordable association in the area and is led by a board of volunteers working to do their best for the businesses and the community," he says. e Bella Vista community is special to those who live and work there. Robert says, above all, it is the people. "It sounds simple enough… but without people, you really have nothing. at is true of any business or community. You invest your time, talents, and energy in others, and they do the same. at's the best thing about this community. e people," he concludes. Robert Brindle and Bridget Marrs Behind e Scene Consulting 479-777-1690 behindthesceneconsulting.com 2021 Bella Vista Business Association Directory | 18

• Cover