Bedrock (Study Abroad Consulting – US & Vietnam)
Challenge:
Bedrock, a study abroad consulting firm focused on placing Vietnamese students into top US universities, was struggling with profitability, an outdated business model, and an unsustainable operational structure. The previous ownership had limited success in scaling, with inefficiencies in sales, pricing, and execution. Upon acquisition, the company required a full restructuring, including attracting new investors, redefining services, optimizing operations, and executing a sustainable growth strategy. Additionally, the challenge was exacerbated by a short timeline to achieve profitability, as external stakeholders pressured for rapid financial turnaround.
Deliverables & Execution
Acquisition & Investment Strategy
- Investor Attraction: Secured new investors to stabilize financials and support restructuring efforts.
- Equity & Ownership Restructuring: Redefined company ownership structure post-acquisition, ensuring strategic alignment with new goals.
- Financial Strategy: Conducted a full financial assessment to eliminate inefficiencies and redirect resources toward high-impact areas.
Business Model Overhaul & Service Expansion
- New Business Model Implementation: Shifted from a broad study abroad consultancy to a more premium, results-driven model targeting top-tier US universities.
- Pricing & Revenue Model Optimization: Adjusted service pricing to reflect value-added differentiation while improving profitability.
- Service Expansion: Introduced new offerings such as essay counseling, admissions strategy consulting, and interview coaching.
- Competitive Positioning: Developed a value proposition that differentiated Bedrock from traditional study abroad firms by focusing on elite placements and holistic student development.
Operations & Execution Optimization
- Team Restructuring: Hired and restructured the team, including admissions counselors, essay coaches, and operations managers, to enhance service delivery.
- Sales & Marketing Overhaul: Redesigned the sales funnel, implemented a consultative sales approach, and leveraged digital marketing to improve lead generation.
- Process Standardization: Built an operational framework to ensure consistency in service delivery and client engagement.
- Compliance & Legal: Ensured all contracts, client agreements, and business operations adhered to Vietnamese and US educational consulting regulations.
Market Expansion & Growth Execution
- Strategic Partnerships: Developed collaborations with high schools, educational institutions, and private tutors to drive student enrollment.
- Brand Revitalization: Enhanced Bedrock’s brand image through a new website, targeted content marketing, and social proof via student success stories.
- Technology Integration: Implemented CRM and tracking systems to monitor student progress, optimize marketing efforts, and streamline internal operations.
Result
Full Business Model Transition
Shifted from a low-margin, high-volume model to a premium, high-value consulting service.
Increased Revenue Streams
Diversified income sources by adding essay counseling, mentorship programs, and premium admissions coaching.
Path To Profitability
Despite market challenges, Bedrock is on a structured path to financial sustainability, with improved revenue metrics and a more scalable model.