How can I help you?
Hi, my name is John Dyer.
I’m a Business Advisor with wide experience and proven success in driving business growth and increasing effectiveness.
By specialising in strategic, operational and human resource planning, I have developed tailored strategies and opportunities for people to learn and grow as they engage in your business as it strives to reach its objectives and vision.
I work in a collegial and efficient manner that delivers rewarding results and use proven methodologies that assist businesses to realise more of their potential.
The value of ‘people’ and ‘culture’ in the work-place cannot be understated. I believe strongly in understanding the people aspect in any business that I work with so that existing strengths can be supercharged and built upon. At the same time, opportunities to improve and develop come to light and specific plans are put in place to ensure alignment in attitude, aptitude, and focus.
If you’re looking to further achieve and enhance your business’s health, value and sustainability, I’m here to assist.
Keystone’s Core Values are:
- Respect for others
It is crucial to show respect for each person and appreciate that their views are important and need to be considered as part of daily life at work. - Listen carefully
Asking relevant questions and being an active listener leads to vital insights and discovery of the real issues that need to be considered to move forward. After all, listening is fundamental to good communication. - Do what I say I will do
Sometimes more, never less. - Do the right thing
Maintaining a trust and working towards resolution of the issues so people can move forward. - Constantly pursue learning and growth
Change is rapid and being aware of new ideas, being open to challenges and taking opportunities to learn and develop then continuing to acquire new knowledge leads to innovation and being at the forefront.
Keystone’s Business Philosophy
There are primarily four key areas Keystone believes are crucial to driving competitive advantage and business success:
- People
Having the right people in the right seat is paramount to allow for business fluidity. Training and mentoring are important to allow for personal growth and to stimulate a stronger level of engagement. - Numbers
Understanding the financial position at the management level of the business is crucial. There is also opportunity for each part of the business and its team members to have some form of numerical measure too. This helps drive responsibility and accountability. - Processes
Each business has its own unique way of delivering to both the internal and external customer. Transparency of well-developed processes and ‘customer journey mapping’ allows for a business to understand and be more efficient in its market place. The result expected is improved internal and external customer experiences. - Issues
Every business face issues and challenges to some degree that need to be solved. Having a method to involve, review and resolve these issues and challenges with key people is pivotal to gaining positive traction.
Like a keystone in an arch, focussing on these four primary elements and bringing them together into a simple yet powerful framework allows a business to focus, change and grow.
A little bit about me.
I hold formal tertiary qualifications in business, financial services and education and have been involved in owning, managing and operating multiple successful businesses. I have held senior positions in financial services, retail, energy, manufacturing and education. I have developed skills and knowledge in financial management, business acquisition and business start-ups. I have governance experience having held many Directorships.
I am an active member of:
- The Institute of Directors
- Canterbury Employers’ Chamber of Commerce.
- A Network of Independent Business Professionals
I continue to assist many businesses in Canterbury and wider afield. Many remain as long term clients.
Outside of work, I enjoy skiing, camping, sport and classic cars. I also dabble in a little painting but I particularly enjoy time with my family.
Additionally, I spend time tutoring students in Maths as part of my contribution back to the community.
Services.
What has worked for other business owners
I follow a proven process to frame the relationship so it is transparent and leads to driving a culture of responsibility and accountability by all parties.
My initial focus is discovering the current situation, spending quality time in the business and building a relationship of trust and credibility.
The key is to clarify what owners want from their business, how internal people see themselves and what their issues are as they go about performing their roles on a daily basis.
As well, discovering how the key external customers see your business often proves to be insightful and a catalyst for improving the quality of service.
Sometimes the results require some robust discussion to reach agreement and set the scene!
Once the initial discovery phase is complete and the outcomes are shared, we agree an approach that will deliver value straight away. We set a regular time for me to come and assist with alignment and implementation as per our plan.
By reviewing regularly, we keep each other on track and start to see a difference.
Depending on needs I also have relationships with other professionals who are able to assist in particular situations if required. A good example would be HR legal advice.
How I kick start my partnership with you
1) Connect to discuss the needs of your business and agree to partner.
2) Discovery process of your business and your people.
3) Generate a presentation of key themes of issues and nuances in the business that are structured in a ‘no holds barred’ approach with recommendations for you to consider. This report is unique to your situation, definitely not a ‘cookie-cutter’ approach.
4) Following a workshop with you and your people as appropriate, a plan of action is established and implemented with markers reviewed at least quarterly.
Projects
I am able to undertake specific projects to help business owners meet specific needs. I have completed many different types of projects over recent years. These have included, but not limited to:
- Recruitment across the board including Senior Executives, Office Administrators, and Technicians
- Analysis of software applications and development of functional enhancement requirements
- Negotiated purchase of land and buildings
- Negotiated settlement deals with NZTA to land owners affected by extensive Roading Projects
- Facilitated the development of complex consenting programmes with Regional Authorities on behalf of business owners
I look forward to having the opportunity to discuss a specific project where you believe further assistance and guidance will add value to your business.
Fees
Keystone tailors its fees to suit the situation and will discuss these transparently with you upon exploring the needs of your business.
Sectors
Keystone is able to support clients from a range of sectors. I work with small businesses specialising in one industry to those with multiple branches around New Zealand, large numbers of people, and complex processes across many different and varying industries.
Typically, business issues and needs follow similar patterns. I am adaptable, no matter what the business size or industry type.
Testimonials.
“John has worked alongside our senior management team since 2016 and continues to provide advice and assistance on a regular basis.
John has built positive relationships with our people and helped us refocus and break through to the next level of growth opportunities in our company. He is diligent and his approach has made our life easier as we move to the next phase.
We recommend John to any business, large or small where a third-party view would assist with the conversations needed so as to prioritise and implement a different approach in your business.”
Jeff and Michelle Lee
– Commercial Door Services Ltd
“I have known John for over 25 years, both professionally and personally. He is a bright thoughtful thinker with a great manner who remains calm in all situations. John is a great strategic / people focused development leader. If you have a tricky high-pressure development requirement within your business, I cannot think of a person I would look to more than John.”
Gordon Sutherland, CEO/Managing Director
– AW Fraser Ltd
“With a rapid increase in business since the Christchurch earthquakes, we have been focussing on getting by on a day by day basis but felt it was time for our business was well placed for the future. We engaged John and working with him has been a pleasure and his advice invaluable. John’s easy-going manner put staff at ease and he has given us direction to move forward as a team with a clearer vision and focus.”
Jill Copplestone
– KC Fence Systems Ltd
“I have found John has gone above and beyond with regards to his guidance and advice over a long and stressful period. He has given sound advice for a new owner to understand and I have no hesitation in recommending him.”
Debbie Plank
– Let’s Get Graphic Design Shed Ltd
Do you know the potential of your business?
Contact me today and accomplish the extraordinary.