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From Complexity to Clarity: Small Business Consulting

Helping small businesses work smarter, not harder — saving time, improving productivity, and turning existing resources into actionable insights with planning, processes, data, dashboards, and client solutions.

Our Consulting Services

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SEO Services

Boost your online visibility and attract more customers with tailored SEO strategies for small businesses.

SEO ROI

Increase organic traffic, improve search rankings, and maximize online leads — explore custom SEO solutions designed for small business growth.

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Resource Planning

Optimize how your team spends their time, ensuring the right people are in the right place at the right time.

Resource Planning ROI

Reduce wasted hours, improve project delivery, and align team efforts with revenue-generating priorities. Better planning directly boosts productivity and profitability — explore the full resource planning process.

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Process Improvement

Streamline workflows and reduce inefficiencies with process improvement solutions.

Process Improvement ROI

Minimize errors and delays while freeing your team to focus on high-value tasks. Explore the full process improvement service to increase efficiency and client satisfaction.

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Strategic Insights

Turn your business data into actionable strategies with strategic insights services.

Strategic Insights ROI

Make informed decisions that drive revenue and efficiency. Learn more about strategic insights offerings for small businesses.

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Workforce Optimization

Ensure your team is focused on high-impact work with workforce optimization services.

Workforce Optimization ROI

Boost productivity, reduce overtime costs, and improve satisfaction by exploring workforce optimization strategies for measurable results.

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Data Analytics & Dashboarding

Transform business data into actionable dashboards with data analytics services.

Data Analytics ROI

Quickly identify trends and opportunities — learn more about data analytics dashboards for small businesses.

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CRM Alternative Solutions

Simplify client management with practical, custom, cost-effective CRM alternative solutions.

CRM Alternative ROI

Save time and reduce frustration — explore CRM alternative strategies tailored for small businesses.

Client Testimonials

"Mark has helped me significantly streamline my business. He identified several areas where things can be improved, implementing systems to best track monthly and yearly earnings. Any computer related issues he’s very knowledgeable to make corrections and has made my day to day work life more efficient. I highly recommend Mark and Informed Insights for small to medium small businesses to run more efficiently, thus improving my bottom line."

- Dean (Crooker Hancox Home Inspections)

"We own a trades company and are actively working with Mark, right now. Trust us, you won't be disappointed with what he can deliver. Best money we ever spent! Thanks Mark!"

- Tara (Grimcon Inc)

"I’ve had the pleasure of working with Mark Gemmell and his firm, Informed Insights, over the past year across a variety of engagements. From building out a resourcing plan and quoting workbook to analyzing workload and resourcing requirements for a large and growing services business, Mark has been an invaluable partner. His presence is calm, patient, and thoughtful, and he brings a level of reliability that is rare. Mark doesn’t just show up with ideas—he brings data-backed insights that give business leaders confidence to make smart decisions. I’ve been consistently impressed with his ability to architect solutions, design productivity models, and uncover the story behind the numbers. Mark is our go-to whenever we need clarity around resourcing, reporting, or business process design. I can’t recommend him and Informed Insights highly enough."

- Kelsey (Day1)

Blog

Insights, strategies, and practical tips to grow your business.

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Time-Saving Strategies for Small Business

Small business owners often feel stretched too thin. Learn actionable strategies to prioritize tasks and boost productivity.

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Small Business Administrative Support

Streamline admin work, delegate effectively, and focus on growth with practical support tips for small businesses.

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Workforce Planning Tips

Optimize your team with workforce planning strategies that help allocate tasks wisely and maximize efficiency.

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How to Streamline Small Business Operations

Simple, actionable ways to streamline workflows, save time, and improve overall operations in your small business.

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Resource Planning for Small Teams

Make the most of your small team by allocating tasks, balancing workloads, and increasing productivity.

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CRM Alternatives for Small Businesses

Explore CRM alternatives that help small businesses track clients, simplify processes, and improve relationships.

Coming Soon

Operational Efficiency for Startups

Boost your startup’s operational efficiency with practical tips to streamline processes and focus on growth.

Business Consulting – Frequently Asked Questions

Curious about how business consulting can help your organization run more efficiently and scale sustainably? Below are some of the most common questions small business owners and leaders ask when exploring how consulting can drive clarity, performance, and growth.

What does a business consultant actually do?

A business consultant helps identify inefficiencies, improve processes, and guide strategy so organizations can grow sustainably. The goal is to bring structure, clarity, and focus to everyday operations.

When should a small business hire a consultant?

When you’re feeling stuck, overextended, or unsure what to prioritize next, a consultant can help assess your current state, find improvement opportunities, and build a realistic plan forward.

How can consulting improve team performance?

Consultants bring objective insight into how work gets done, helping teams clarify roles, streamline communication, and align effort with business goals.

Do consultants only work with large companies?

No — in fact, small businesses often see the biggest impact. With smaller teams, process clarity and leadership alignment can quickly translate into measurable results.

How long does a typical consulting engagement last?

Engagements vary based on goals. Some projects take a few weeks for assessments, while others span several months for implementation and measurable impact tracking.

What kind of results can I expect from business consulting?

Tangible outcomes often include increased efficiency, clearer role definitions, improved planning accuracy, better use of data, and higher team engagement.

Is consulting worth it for small teams?

Yes — small teams benefit from targeted improvements that make work easier and more predictable, often freeing leadership to focus on growth instead of daily firefighting.

What industries do you work with?

We work across multiple industries, applying universal process improvement and leadership principles that can be adapted to fit your specific operational context.

How do I know if my business processes are holding me back?

Warning signs include unclear responsibilities, missed deadlines, constant rework, or difficulty scaling operations. A short assessment can reveal what’s causing the friction.

What’s the difference between process improvement and business consulting?

Process improvement focuses on how work gets done, while business consulting also includes strategic alignment, leadership enablement, and data-driven decision support.

How does data play a role in effective consulting?

Data highlights where resources are spent and where bottlenecks exist. We use it to confirm assumptions, measure progress, and guide evidence-based recommendations.

Where should I start if I’m not sure what my business needs?

Explore the service-specific FAQs below or contact us to discuss your goals. We’ll help identify which area — process improvement, planning, or strategy — will create the most value first.

About Us - Informed Insights

Informed Insights was born from a simple idea: small business owners shouldn’t have to navigate complex operations alone. We saw businesses full of talented people, incredible products, and unique skills, but struggling to manage resource planning, improve processes, optimize their workforce, and turn data into actionable strategic insights.

Our mission is to bring clarity to these challenges by focusing on process improvement, workforce optimization, and data analytics tailored for small businesses. We believe in maximizing the value of the tools, people, and processes you already have before recommending new systems or additional staff. This practical approach ensures every improvement builds on your existing strengths and creates sustainable results.

Whether it’s refining resource planning, implementing workflow improvements, or exploring CRM alternative solutions that better fit your needs, we provide actionable strategies that help small businesses move from reactive management to proactive growth — enabling leaders to focus on what matters most.

About Me - Mark Gemmell

Mark Gemmell

I’m Mark Gemmell, and for over 15 years I’ve been helping businesses run smarter, not harder. I’ve built, scaled, and led high-performing teams across industries, from start-ups to established operations. Along the way, I discovered my passion for creating tailored solutions that combine workforce optimization, process improvement, and data analytics with the practical realities of running a small business.

My objective has always been to maximize the use of the tools, people, and processes you already have before suggesting new investments. Rather than throwing in expensive systems or extra headcount, I focus on uncovering efficiencies, aligning resources, and ensuring existing capabilities are fully optimized. This approach helps small businesses achieve meaningful results without unnecessary complexity.

I love partnering with small business owners who are masters of their craft but may need support in other areas — whether that’s resource planning, workflow optimization, or finding the right CRM alternative solutions. My goal is always to simplify complexity, implement sustainable systems, and provide the strategic insights leaders need to make confident decisions.

Every project is a collaboration. I take the time to understand your business, uncover pain points, and design solutions that make a tangible impact on productivity, profitability, and long-term growth. By focusing on clarity, strategy, and sustainable practices, I help small businesses thrive with confidence.

Get in Touch for a Free Discovery Call

Serving small business owners in Kitchener-Waterloo — virtual services available across Canada.