Market-oriented strategy defines goals and focuses action based on the structure of the marketplace.  Understanding the marketplace provides a strong foundation for answering many questions that are critical to success such as:

• Which growth opportunities are worth attention?
• What new products or services should we develop?
• How will we create competitive advantage for our company?

Strategy that is grounded in the marketplace provides a realistic basis for aligning day-to-day actions with long-term ambitions, setting goals and objectives, allocating resources and focusing actions.

Utgoff Consulting uses a collaborative consulting style to maximize the benefits clients receive from every project. Experience has shown that this approach empowers clients to make well-reasoned decisions while creating the organization-wide commitment necessary for implementation and action.  When appropriate, collaboration extends to coaching to develop capabilities within the client organization that minimize the need for consultant resources going forward. If additional capabilities are required, Utgoff Consulting can recommend reliable, highly qualified professional services with expertise in areas such as operations management, public relations, marketing communications, web design/development, strategic organization development, human resources and finance.

Karen Utgoff is a market-oriented business strategist.  She earned her MBA from The Wharton School at The University of Pennsylvania.  As a management consultant, she is adept at collaborating with owners, executives and managers of organizations to develop and implement thorough strategic marketing solutions and business plans. 

Areas of expertise:

• Strategic marketing, market-oriented business strategy and business planning.
• Tactical marketing management for new initiatives, startup, spinout and re-launch situations.
• Analysis of markets, competitors, industrial structure, and value chains.
• Development and facilitation of decision-driven planning processes.

Karen’s experience spans diverse domains including bioinformatics/in silico biology, software, distance learning, older consumers, elevators, and technology commercialization.

She has led, advised, and worked on a number of economic development and entrepreneurship initiatives including: The Regional Technology Corporation/Technology Enterprise Council; The Springfield Business Incubator at the Andrew M. Scibelli Enterprise Center; and MassBedrock.