Felix Pessers consulted SAHAJ on long term organizational structure

About the organisation
SAHAJ is an organisation for development and empowerment of Indian women in tribal communities. Female Indian artisans are making handicraft products like jewelry, bamboo artifacts, quilts, decorative pieces and fashion accessories from their homes. SAHAJ supports them in linking them to the main stream market.

Business case
After deliberation with the Directors the following assignment was established: update the business plan for Sahaj and put it into a more solid financial framework in order to create jobs for 10,000 tribal people. The business plan should be the foundation for the cooperative. Also Felix was asked to give advice on the function of "financial consultant" and how this function should fit in the cooperative structure. Felix Pessers' expertise in finance and strategy matched quite well to this business case.

Analysis
Felix took some time for meetings and visits to orientate himself on the company. This enabled him to understand the business, challenges, issues and context which are very important. In order to structure the thoughts and visions of the senior management Felix set up a presentation and a whiteboard brainstorm session.

After the first week an initial report was drafted by the expert and checked with the management to ensure everyone's facing the same direction. The historical financial data were analyzed with the accountant. Based on the shared conclusions, new business ideas were explored and added to the business plan. The new business plan was discussed and finalized with the management team and an action plan was defined for the coming years.

• Initial planned increase in sales in craft was not realistic in terms of marketing and production. 10.000 would be very challenging
• "Production services" for third parties can be a good alternative to increase work for more people and without too much cash requirements and risks
• workload is too high so there has to be more management
• The financial consultant can be appointed as financial manager so he gets more involved (a share plan for 3 years)

Concrete deliverable
Realistic business plan (including financial part, sheets for investors (Socap) and an advice on an organizational structure with the consultant/ financial manager)

Personal and professional development
Felix Pessers: "I took a lot of time to orientate myself before I started advising, for me that was the right way. I really increased the added value of my consultations by including the context and more information. It was a surprise that so much could be done in so little time." "Flexibility and an open mind should be higher on the priorities then only focus on meeting due dates and reaching targets. This in combination with passion and drive will create the best outcomes."

Follow up
This is a start of a two-year partnership between SharePeople and SAHAJ. Both organisations will keep in touch (a.o. via the SharePeople liaison, at least every 6 months), and with the expert as well. The expert will continue to support where possible. In the future SAHAJ should gain local support to make sure all legal regulations have been tackled. After this Programme, an official update on the status of the organisation takes place every 12 months. With this information, a new Programme is one of the possibilities to boost the organisation if needed. Participation in a yearly SharePeople Experience Week is also an option.