When your business, organization, project, etc. is just getting started, it’s easy to keep track of everything in your head. But what happens when you start to grow, more people get involved, and things get more complex? The sheer volume of “things” to take care of becomes overwhelming, leading to stress, mistakes, and burnout. Keeping everything in your head works…until it doesn’t.
Hi! I’m Phil Britton. I’m an ISO 9001-certified regional economic development consultant, specializing in small business, quality management systems, and local food systems. I’ve spent the last decade moving projects like this forward, whether it’s on-farm food safety, collaborative quality management, training and education, QMS and business development, or building regional value chains. You can download my Services Guide or browse my projects to get a feel for the problems I roll up my sleeves and get to work on. I’d love to learn more about what you’re working on, and see how my skillset, experience, and knack for wayfinding can help you on your way.
““Phil did an amazing job at listening to us and asking the right questions to get us in the right headspace for work. He then took what we do every day, documented it, and empowered us to find areas of improvement and growth to the benefit of our organization. We couldn’t have done it without him!””
What we can work on together:
Technical Assistance and Coaching
This is a great option if you just need to sit down and “talk shop,” for a bit. We’ll go over what makes your organization tick, how things get done. I’ll take notes, and afterward I’ll put together a brief report that includes some recommendations for improvements. If you’re not sure where to start, this is a good first step.
From there, you’re in the driver’s seat. We can keep meeting as you work through those improvements, or we can call it a day and you can work through them on your own. I take a hands-off approach and stay in an advisory role, doing things like sharing resources, templates, reviewing any documentation you develop, providing feedback and perspective, connecting to local service providers, etc.
Process Development
If you decide you want more hands-on help with process development, this is the next step. This service is more hands-on, and we can focus on one individual process or look at the organization as a whole. Typically we’ll start with mapping out how your processes function and interact with each other, and talk through any improvements. Then we’ll work on building supporting materials and procedures to strengthen the operations of your organization.
I have lots of quality and Lean tools in my tool bag, and approach this work with the eye of an artist. The analogy I often use is that I build a “trellis” for the “vine” of your organization to grow on. Without that support, the vine just sprawls across the ground, but with an elegant and efficient support structure in place, it can climb to flourishing new heights!
Quality For the Rest of Us
I have almost 20 years of quality management system experience. Quality management systems are a powerful operational tool used throughout myriad industries the world over, and I’m passionate about bringing the benefits of QMS methodology to small organizations and unique scenarios. We take all the process development activities listed in the previous service, and link them together in a comprehensive management system. Simply put, they’re a way to build structure in your organization, large or small, and serve your customers more effectively and consistently. If you’re ready to invest in your organization in a deep, significant way, then you’re ready for a quality management system! They’re easier to put together than you think, and you’ll be glad you did!
ISO 9001 Prep
ISO 9001 is a standard used by thousands of organizations the world over to signal their dedication to quality and bolster credibility. Compliance leads to streamlined operations, increased productivity, and improved customer satisfaction, opening doors to new markets and contracts. Additionally, the certification fosters a culture of proactive risk management and continuous improvement. If this is the path you’re on, I’d be happy to help you move forward.
Speaking
I love sharing ideas that live at the intersection of process, creativity, and systems change. These ideas are applicable across the board, regardless of industry or profession, and I’d be happy to adapt them to fit your event. I’m always blown away by the generous magic that happens when a room full of people give you their attention. It’s something that I never take for granted, whether I’m speaking to 5 people or 500.
General Consulting
At the end of the day, consultants are here to solve problems and make things run better. The problems communities and regions often face are complex, varied, and multi-layered. The best way to find out if bringing me into the mix would move your project forward is to reach out! If I’m not the best fit, there’s a good chance that I can connect you with someone who is.
“Instead of reacting to an error with, ‘I need to be more careful,’
we can respond with, ‘I can build a better system.’”
Working With Me
One of the best complements that I’ve ever received was being told that I’m really good at explaining a complex idea or subject in a simple, understandable way. I’ve also been described as laid-back, easy-going, thoughtful, hilarious, and someone who simply just gets the job done. I’m big on communicating clearly and directly, so we always stay on the same page. I steer clear of needless complexity. While I take the work seriously, I try not to take myself too seriously, so I’m not easily offended. I’m devoted to the process, intensely curious, and keep a humble attitude.
“Attention is the rarest and purest form of generosity”