B2 (Boosters)
While B1 focuses on optimising the core business, B2 initiatives – or Boosters – are about selective acceleration. These are targeted interventions designed to layer additional growth on top of BAU performance. For instance, if B1 targets 20% growth, B2 initiatives should deliver an extra 10%, pushing overall growth to 30%. Think of Boosters as adding nitrous oxide to an already well-tuned engine—they provide that extra burst of speed when needed.
Characteristics of Effective Boosters
- Selective Focus
- Limited to 2-3 high-potential initiatives
- Built on proven success patterns
- Clear route to rapid scaling
- Defined timeline (typically 6-18 months)
- Investment Criteria
- Additional resource commitment beyond BAU
- Clear return expectations
- Measurable success metrics
- Manageable risk profile
- Implementation Approach
- Dedicated cross-functional teams
- Regular progress monitoring
- Agile execution methodology
- Quick pivot capability if needed
Types of Booster Initiatives
- Geographic Expansion
- Entering new regions with proven products
- Scaling successful market approaches
- Leveraging existing capabilities in new territories
- Example: Taking a successful product into similar markets
- Product Enhancement
- Adding premium features to existing offerings
- Creating industry-specific versions
- Developing complementary products
- Example: Adding AI capabilities to an established software platform
- Channel Development
- Expanding distribution networks
- Building strategic partnerships
- Developing new go-to-market approaches
- Example: Adding enterprise sales to an SMB-focused business
Key Success Factors
- Evidence-Based Selection
- Clear proof of concept from existing operations
- Market validation
- Resource availability
- Team capability
- Focused Execution
- Dedicated leadership
- Protected resources
- Clear milestones
- Regular review cycles
- Risk Management
- Staged investment approach
- Early warning indicators
- Contingency planning
- Quick stop/pivot mechanisms
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Overextension
- Taking on too many boosters simultaneously
- Stretching resources too thin
- Losing focus on core business
- Poor Initiative Selection
- Choosing unproven concepts
- Inadequate market validation
- Misalignment with core capabilities
- Execution Challenges
- Insufficient resource allocation
- Weak leadership commitment
- Inadequate monitoring systems
Remember: Boosters are not experiments – they’re calculated investments in proven success patterns. The key is to identify what’s working exceptionally well in your current operations and apply additional resources to scale these winning elements. This approach provides a balance between the safety of BAU improvements and the ambition of breakthrough innovations.
