TAB Helps Pioneering Entrepreneur Cope With Fast-growth Issues

TAB He lps Pion e e r in g E n t r e p r e n e u r COPE WITH FAST-GROWTH ISSUES

IN 2011, GRETA ANDERSON, PH.D., AND HER BUSINESS partner founded BreatheWear, a creator and distributor of soft goods-based products that help clinicians and individuals manage sleep-related problems. With her extensive background as an educator, research professional and business leader, “Dr. Greta” (as she’s known) makes certain that the products sold by BreatheWear meet or exceed all standards at both the clinical and patient/consumer level. THIS IS THE RESULT About three years ago, she decided she was in need of valid, objective feedback on her OF INPUT FROM SLEEP company and her overall business strategies.

technicians, physicians and patients, as well as “I began to reach out more and build extensive prototype testing in sleep lab clinical relationships with others walking in my trials—long before the company’s products are shoes,” Dr. Greta recalls. “That’s how I introduced to the public. Among these products are the Halo Chin Strap, a reusable accessory found my way to my first TAB Board.” worn by sleep apnea patients that serves to Since joining TAB, she’s tackled some key issues keep the mouth closed. with the help of her Board and Facilitator. EVERYONE NEEDS SLEEP “One specific area has been determining and “Things in the sleep management industry have assessing how I’d like to shape the business so it changed dramatically since we founded the remains compatible with the changing world of company,” Dr. Greta notes. Back then, people health care (and its costs) and my own life goals. weren’t really familiar with Obstructive Sleep When you’re a founder and work tirelessly for Apnea. Now, the problem is far more common, years to grow the business, it’s strange to realize and the industry has been growing at a rate of that your original end-goal has changed. You more than 10 percent a year. need to reconcile that change and learn to reshape your future vision.” “As Western lifestyle habits spread across the globe, the frequency of sleep disorders has After Dr. Greta became a TAB Member, concurrently expanded to every continent,” BreatheWear’s profitability quickly improved. she says. “Since everyone needs to sleep, it’s With the continued attention of her facilitator and no exaggeration to say this is a worldwide the accountability to which fellow Board members problem.” help each other, revenues continue to improve.

BreatheWear’s target audiences include sleep “I think the ongoing emphasis on strategy labs, hospitals and clinics that diagnose and and staying focused on being a strong manage sleep-related issues. It also serves company leader have had—both directly consumers who actively manage their own sleep- and indirectly—a positive impact on our related issues, such as apnea, snoring, etc. company’s financials.”

COPING WITH FAST GROWTH What’s Dr. Greta’s advice to others thinking of joining TAB? The company’s rapid growth has triggered challenges faced by many small business owners. “You may already be at a place where you know additional support could help you move to your “As time goes on, many business owners get so next desired level,” she says. “Make the immersed in the daily activities needed to keep investment and take the time to explore this things running that they can lose sight of the opportunity. If you utilize TAB for the great bigger picture,” Dr. Greta notes. “Long-term resource it is, you’ll reap big rewards from goals, strategies for achieving these goals and both a business and a personal perspective.” planning an exit strategy are incredibly important issues to consider. But there’s only so much time in the day!”

TheAlternativeBoard.com

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Source: The Alternative Board