Elevating My Consultancy: The Success Story of Marci Fried

Marci Fried, a seasoned business consultant and expert at Start with Alignment, has built her career on helping companies optimize their operations and achieve long-term success. With over three decades of experience, her background spans financial advising, senior management roles at a Fortune 500 company, and running a successful small business for nearly a decade. Marci primarily works with CEOs and COOs, guiding them to elevate their businesses, drive organic growth, and strategize acquisitions.

Seeking to further enhance the value she delivers to her clients, Marci turned to Growth Institute’s Scaling Up Master Business Course. After reading Scaling Up with one of her clients, who is a COO, both felt the course would be a game-changer. This marked the beginning of Marci’s journey with Growth Institute, where her goal was to refine her coaching skills and elevate her expertise to better serve her clients. By enrolling in the Scaling Up program, Marci aimed to stay relevant, continually sharpen her consulting skills, and ensure that her clients achieve their goals and sustain growth. 

Discover how Growth Institute helped Marci Fried accelerate her clients' success and enhance her consulting practice.

Why did you choose to reach out to Growth Institute?

I love reading books related to business, especially from thought leaders who cover areas like hiring, strategy, people, and more. When Scaling Up caught my attention, I was drawn to how it presented People, Strategy, Execution, and Cash in a relatable and practical way. The People section, in particular, resonated with me, as it reinforced how everything starts with the right people. Reading the book, I realized how aligned it was with my approach, and I knew there was much more to learn. The *Scaling Up* program provided me with tools to convey these concepts to my clients, and I didn’t want to reinvent the wheel. I wanted to leverage the proven success of Scaling Up to elevate the value I bring to my clients.

How did Growth Institute contribute to your business's improvement?

I consciously chose to specialize rather than be a generalist, focusing on areas I was familiar with, like wealth management. With Scaling Up, I was able to help my clients with succession, scalability, and organic growth, which were crucial to their business needs. The program aligned with my vision to work with high-performing clients, emphasizing people as the foundation of success. What differentiates my firm is the ability to evaluate, formulate, and integrate these strategies into my clients’ practices, and the tools provided by Growth Institute helped me deliver that impact on a deeper level.

What improvements have you seen from the Scaling Up program?

The resources from Scaling Up have elevated the bar for both my clients and me. We now set tangible 90-day goals, dive deeper into people dynamics, and leverage A-players more effectively. One thing that stuck with me from the beginning was not to overwhelm my clients with too much too soon. So, I’m selective in what I introduce to them—like daily huddles, which have been a game-changer. Daily huddles help teams stay focused on what’s working while identifying challenges early. This continuous improvement ensures we address issues before they become major problems.

How did the content and sessions help you in your implementation process?

The Scaling Up program was incredibly well-structured, with videos broken down into manageable segments and reflection pieces that reinforced the lessons. The quality of the coaching sessions was outstanding, and the humility and authenticity of the people in my group left a profound impact on me. The global perspective of the community was inspiring. I felt like I won the lottery in terms of the exposure I gained to different entrepreneurs and their journeys. The breakout sessions provided deep, meaningful connections, and I couldn't have gotten that experience anywhere else.

How has joining Growth Institute impacted your leadership?

The Scaling Up program provided me with not only new tools but also concise explanations of how to use them. It gave me confidence and helped elevate my performance as a leader. I often share with my clients how proud I am of completing the program, and they appreciate the value it brings to my work. It's like having another partner alongside me, which helps me stay sharp and relevant.

How do you apply what you've learned at Growth Institute?

The program has helped me align better with my clients by providing clear resources from Scaling Up that we can use to evaluate their company and stay focused on key areas like the One-Page Strategic Plan (OPSP). The structured approach of the book, with its clear sections, makes it easy to refer back to. I often use it to guide my clients in staying focused on their goals. The ability to access these resources for reference is invaluable to me.

What did being part of a community of entrepreneurs helped you?

The global community I encountered through Scaling Up was inspiring. I loved the stories shared, and the breakout sessions allowed me to connect deeply with other business leaders. The authenticity and humility in the group were striking. Even though it was a large group, I always felt engaged, and the sessions started and ended on time, which built trust and commitment. The sense of a global business community was incredibly powerful.

Did the ROI justify your decision to enroll in the Scaling Up program?

The return on investment wasn’t just about the financial cost but also the time commitment. My time is my most valuable resource, and I’m incredibly grateful for the experience. It exceeded my expectations in every way. I’ve had decades of professional experience, but Scaling Up stands out as one of the most profound experiences I’ve had. The ability to move from intention to implementation speaks for itself and validates the program’s value.