DIFM (Do It For Me) Vs DIWM (Do It With Me)

While this is not a common catchphrase yet in this part of the world (Southeast Asia), it is important to know how it affects the world of scaling businesses as we in BlackStorm Group had already adopted this in the rollout for our clients for a period of time to fit into our 100 days programme.

A. DIFM (Do It For Me)

It involves outsourcing tasks or projects to experts who handle everything independently.

For startup founders, it means enlisting external professionals to manage specific aspects of the business, such as marketing campaigns, technical development, or financial planning.

The advantages of DIFM include freeing up time for founders to focus on core activities like strategic planning and innovation, ensuring high-quality output from specialists, and leveraging expert knowledge without needing to hire full-time staff.

However, it can be more costly and may result in less direct control over the outcomes.

Examples:

A. Marketing Campaign Management
Your startup needs to launch a comprehensive marketing campaign but lacks in-house expertise. You hire a marketing consultant to take full control of the campaign. They develop strategies, create content, manage social media, run ads, and track performance, providing you with regular updates and results. This hands-off approach allows you to focus on other core aspects of your business.

B. Financial Planning and Analysis

Your startup requires detailed financial planning and analysis to secure funding. You engage a financial consultant to handle everything from creating financial models, forecasting revenue, preparing investor presentations, to conducting market analysis. They deliver comprehensive reports and insights, ensuring your financial plans are robust and ready for investor scrutiny.

B. DIWM (Do It With Me)

It emphasizes on collaboration between the startup team and external specialists.

Instead of completely outsourcing, the founders work alongside consultants, contractors, or other experts to achieve their goals.

The DIWM model offers several benefits, including capability-building within the startup team through hands-on learning, maintaining greater control over projects while still accessing expert guidance, and fostering a sense of ownership and involvement in the process. This collaborative effort can enhance the quality of the final product and ensure it aligns closely with the startup's vision and objectives.

Examples:

A. Product Development

You have a concept for a new product but need expert guidance to bring it to market. You collaborate with a product development consultant who works alongside your team. They provide expertise in product design, prototyping, and testing, while your team contributes with domain knowledge and feedback. Together, you iterate on the product, ensuring it aligns with market needs and is ready for launch.

B. Sales Strategy Development

Your startup is looking to improve its sales strategy. You partner with a sales consultant who works closely with your sales team. Together, you analyze current sales processes, identify gaps, and co-create new sales strategies. The consultant provides training and mentorship to your team, helping them implement the new strategies and monitor progress. This collaborative approach ensures your team is empowered and capable of driving sales growth.

Startup founders and entrepreneurs often face numerous challenges and decisions as they scale their businesses. Understanding when to seek external help can be critical, especially when they are funded and have the resources to invest in expert support.

Both approaches can be highly effective, and the choice between DIFM and DIWM often depends on a startup's specific needs, resources, and growth stage. Some startups might even adopt a hybrid model, combining elements of both to leverage the advantages of each.

A. When to Use Do It For Me (DIFM)?

1. Lack of Expertise or Experience
Founders may lack specific skills or experience required for certain tasks.

A tech startup founder might need a seasoned marketing consultant to handle a full-scale marketing campaign. This allows the founder to delegate complex tasks to experts, ensuring high-quality execution while they focus on core business activities.

2. Time Constraints
Scaling a startup requires timely execution of various tasks.
An e-commerce startup needs a rapid website overhaul for a major product launch. Professional consultants can deliver faster results, leveraging their experience and resources to meet tight deadlines.

3. Critical Projects

Certain projects or tasks are mission-critical and need to be executed flawlessly.

Preparing financial documents for a significant funding round. Ensures precision and expertise, reducing the risk of errors that could impact the business significantly.

B. When to Use Do It With Me (DIWM)?

1. Building Internal Capabilities
Founders want to develop their team's skills and knowledge.

A startup wants to improve its in-house sales team’s effectiveness. Consultants work alongside the team, providing training and mentorship, empowering the team to handle future tasks independently.

2. Collaborative Problem Solving

Complex problems require a collaborative approach to find optimal solutions.

Developing a new product where both technical and market insights are crucial. Combines the consultant’s expertise with the team’s insights, leading to innovative and well-rounded solutions.

3. Long-term Strategy Development
Founders need to develop and implement long-term strategies.

Creating a comprehensive growth strategy that includes market expansion and product diversification. Consultants collaborate with the founders, ensuring the strategy aligns with the company’s vision and goals while providing ongoing support and adjustments as needed.

Key Considerations for Founders

1. Assess the Stage of the Business

- Early-stage startups might benefit more from DIFM to quickly build a strong foundation.

- Growth-stage startups might prefer DIWM to develop internal capabilities and ensure sustainable growth.

2. Evaluate the Budget and Resources

- Consider the cost-benefit ratio of hiring external consultants.

- Ensure there are adequate resources to engage high-quality consultants without straining the budget.

3. Define Clear Objectives

- Clearly outline the goals and expectations for the consultant’s involvement.

- Ensure alignment between the consultant’s expertise and the business’s needs.

In conclusion getting external help at the right time can significantly accelerate the scaling process and enhance the overall success of the business. By understanding when to leverage DIFM and DIWM, founders can make informed decisions that align with their growth strategies and objectives.