What We Do

The Idea Hound® fetches success by assessing the current state of strategy, process and projects for individuals and organizations, then identifying improvements to these elements. We propose custom solutions utilizing these elements separately or collectively, so completion time depends on goals.

We want you to have every toy in the toybox, go all on all the best walks, and have your favorite treat whenever you want it. Our background is diverse so yours doesn't have to be, when you utilize our unique perspective and explore new places, big ideas move forward.

Process Creation and Improvement

Customers provide little, poor, or inconsistent feedback
Costs or schedules are difficult to keep in check
Stressed out, overworked staff (including you)
Repeated mistakes, often the same ones. Constant retraining.
Multiple people doing the same work a different way

Congratulations! You have a process problem. (It's the process, not the people.)

Processes are present in every day work, but not all of them add value. Some are frustrating, a few are ignored, others are adding time or cost to your organization. We'll sniff out success:

Assess current processes
Identify new process opportunities
Build and work with teams to create process maps and standard work
Short, live or virtual workshops teaching Lean concepts, customized for your group
We love working with creative teams, we make process engaging and fun.

The minimum investment in process work is $12,000.

Improving process frees up space to create!

Of Note: Your organization is not required to be in pursuit of a Lean environment to benefit from this work. However, we improve process with a heavy Lean influence and ask that those taking part in our process improvements are committed to working within the Lean Principles during our partnership.

Digging up the bone is hard if you can't find it. We'll help you discover all the great things that got lost in the yard.

Dig Up the Bone!

Project Planning and Assessment

Most dogs have an overflowing toybox, it's total chaos!

We are experts in collaring chaos and leashing ambiguity.

Project Planning and Documentation
Creating systems and checklists for flawless project execution every time
Building and assessing high-achieving, engaged teams
Developing and mentoring leaders through live and virtual events

Managing projects in multiple industries over two decades, our work includes:

Producing 55 events in 52 days with 120 previously unknown volunteers (to rave reviews and tripled impressions).

Building and presenting original training for a creative staff of 240 people.

Originating and cultivating national partnerships and programming in partnership

i with private and nonprofit organizations.

The minimum investment in project activities is $10,000.

Organize the Toybox!

Book Publishing Consultations

So you want to write a book.

How you publish your words affects where you are able to sell
Learn how buyers decide what to carry in their online and brick and mortar stores
Find resources for speaking engagements and selling opportunities
Guess who markets your book? It's you! No matter how you decide to publish, we have tips and tricks for climbing to the top of the bestseller list.

Regardless of your publishing source, your book's success and lifespan is dependent on your ability to network and market its message in both physical and online spaces. The book industry is a complicated mechanism, conventions exist that may not be easily visible, whether your book is self-published, contracted with a traditional publisher, or produced in a hybrid model.

As buyers and program managers in the independent bookselling and publishing world, we've helped promote and market authors for more than 15 years across the country:

Booksellers and buyers of a 60K title independent bookstore
Personalized selections presented to numerous book clubs
Featured speakers on panels
Written reviews for all genres including audiobooks and children's titles
Interviewed for professional industry articles
Planned hundreds of author events and tours
Built partnerships between books and other organizations, not just bookstores

A second round judge for the Audie Awards ® for a decade, Beth can also speak to audiobook plans and reader selection.

We'll share our best advice for your individual situation in 1:1 one-hour sessions.

Strategy Sessions are $350 per hour.