When a company hits a wall — facing shrinking markets, fast-changing technology or pressure to get more done with less — it can be easy to be unsure which way to turn. But outside experts can often become the turning point: not just offering suggestions, but helping unlock real, measurable progress.
Recent U.S. research shows business partners, such as The MBA and its members — including various consultants and industry experts — can help move the needle. According to the National Bureau of Economic Research, businesses that sought out such support saw a 3.6-percent gain in labor productivity over five years, along with a 2.7-percent rise in average wages, without shrinking workers’ share of value added.
This kind of gain matters. When productivity improves, companies become more efficient, innovate more and often find their profits growing. Knowing who to turn to can help.
According to lifelong entrepreneur and Professional EOS Implementer® Billy Lewis, EOS® helps organizations unlock their business potential by aligning leadership teams, building accountability and achieving traction. “We help people simplify their business, focus on what matters and drive profitable growth. For those ready for clarity, discipline and results, EOS® is a game-changer.”
In the case of Rhonda Rockwell, director of Sales Coaching and Talent Development at Intelligent Conversations, a business management firm in the Erie area, “Companies come to Intelligent Conversations when they need to improve sales performance, scale their teams effectively or align their sales strategy with business goals. Whether they’re struggling with inconsistent results, unclear processes or underperforming reps, we help diagnose the root causes and implement proven systems that drive sustainable growth.”
According to Aaron Phillips, president of Erie-based Decision Associates, organizations invest in the firm’s services for expert guidance in strategy, succession planning, training, executive recruitment, sales strategy, and mergers and acquisitions. “Whether addressing growth, talent or change, we provide clarity, confidence and momentum — helping leaders break through barriers, seize opportunities and achieve outcomes that truly last,” he says.
In today’s business world, the vast majority of productivity growth comes from “standout” firms — businesses better able to adapt, invest and shift resources — versus slower firms that struggle with change. In fact, a McKinsey & Company report showed that a small slice of U.S. firms account for a large share of national productivity gains, especially in sectors deeply exposed to technology and innovation.
When companies must integrate new tech, adjust operations or rethink strategy, internal teams may be overloaded or too close to see inefficiencies or opportunities. Industry experts can bring outside perspective, benchmark data and fresh ideas.
By working Gannon University Small Business Development Center in Erie, Director Maggie Horne says, “Employers gain fresh perspective, expert guidance and practical solutions tailored to their business at no cost. We help them identify opportunities, solve challenges and implement strategies that save time, reduce risk and support long-term growth.”
Sara Hanks, president and chief executive officer of the Northwest Industrial Resource Center (NWIRC), says manufacturers seek out the NWIRC to enhance culture, develop leaders, improve operations and grow their businesses. “We’re embedded in the industry’s ecosystem and are known for practical, high-impact solutions tailored to solve their specific challenges,” she says. “We bridge strategy and execution — offering hands-on training, technical support and peer-driven programs that build skills, solve real problems and drive measurable results.
Kate Wilson, president of Wilson Workforce Solutions, a job recruiting and career coaching firm in Avella, Pennsylvania, explains that her firm partners with each client to truly understand an organization’s culture challenges and goals. “Our human-first approach brings both empathy and expertise to every search,” she says. “Our boutique approach means you get personalized service from experienced talent acquisition professionals who understand the realities of hiring today.”
At the core, these experts and consultants are about helping companies find momentum when change is unavoidable, turning uncertainty into action and moving forward with more clarity. That quiet power of progress — quiet, steady, but real — is often what separates firms that survive from those that thrive.
