The Growth Barrier Scan systematically identifies the one to three most critical growth barriers facing your company – and shows you exactly where to focus your efforts.
When growth stalls, many companies react by simply doing more: more marketing, more sales, more initiatives. Often, these efforts are misdirected. The Growth Barrier Scan takes a different approach, starting with a structured analysis of what is actually holding your growth back.
Growth issues are reflected in the numbers. But the root cause goes deeper.
Stagnant sales, too few new customers, overly long sales cycles—these are all warning signs. They show that something is going wrong, but not why.
A single symptom can have many triggers. Long sales cycles occur because trust is lacking, positioning remains unclear, or the offer misses the customer's needs—often these factors work in tandem.
Anyone who treats only the symptom without knowing the root cause is wasting resources. The Growth Barrier Scan uncovers the cause.
What the scan analyzes
Five areas. One systematic analysis.
01
Strategy
Is the strategic direction clear?
Are your goals, target customers, and competitive advantages clearly defined and consistently aligned?
02
Market
Is there enough market potential?
Have the right markets and segments been selected, and do they offer sufficient growth potential?
03
Positioning
Why should customers choose this particular company?
Is the value proposition clearly differentiated, and do the brand, pricing, and offering consistently reflect this position?
04
Customer engagement
Are you reaching the right customers with the right message?
Are your target audience, messaging, and channels aligned to generate awareness, interest, and trust?
05
Sales
Are you converting interest into revenue?
Are your sales process, proposal design, and customer support effective, or are you losing clients and orders?
How the scan works
Clear. Independent. Focused.
The Growth Barrier Scan is a compact external analysis that identifies and prioritizes growth inhibitors—conducted by Dr. Ulrich Sperling.
1
Initial Consultation
It begins with a structured conversation with the CEO or the management team. The goal: to grasp the context, develop hypotheses, and set priorities.
2
Assessment
Ulrich Sperling interviews key individuals within the company. He reviews strategy papers, market data, and communication and sales materials. He examines positioning, brand presence, and the competition from an external perspective.
3
Analysis
The findings are clearly structured. The analysis separates facts from assumptions and reveals patterns.
4
Final Report
A precise report provides a diagnosis of the one to three central growth barriers, prioritized recommendations, and concrete next steps.
What you receive
What you get at the end of the scan
The Growth Barrier Scan is not an exhaustive deep dive. It is a structured, evidence-based orientation. Compact, clear, and actionable.
The final report includes
A reasoned assessment of the 1 to 3 most likely growth barriers, with an explanation of why they are hindering growth.
An assessment of where the greatest leverage lies.
Initial recommendations: What to prioritize – and what can wait.
A proposed next step – whether or not we continue working together.
The report is not a slide deck. It is a readable document for decision-makers.
Investment: CHF 5,000 - 8,000
Duration: 2 - 4 weeks
Ready to take the first step?
A Growth Barrier Scan is the right choice when growth has stalled and the cause is unclear—or when there are conflicting internal opinions about where the problem lies. The process begins with a free 20-minute consultation to determine if the scan is the right fit for your situation.
