Blue Ninja founder and CEO Louisa Stewart has been described as a data nerd and a systems geek on more than one occasion.
She is all of those things, and much more! She is an incredible asset to your business as you grow and scale. She will not only help you capture good data, she will help you understand how to use that data intelligently to automate, scale and grow your business. That’s why she calls herself a Data Intelligence Specialist.
Today, Louisa sat down for an interview about the work she does with her clients and why she is so passionate about it.
Can you give us a practical example of the kind of work you do with clients?
A while ago, the founder of BakeBoxGifting approached me. If you’ve never tried a BakeBox then you are truly missing out! She’s brilliant, and her business was growing fast. She was ready to take a look at how to move forward, and I was excited to help advise her. Together, we went over her business strategy and what she was trying to achieve, and I advised on systems that could work for her. She provided a broad idea of her budget, so I focused on options that were the right size for her business and where she wanted to go in the future. It was clear she needed to invest to make it work, and part of our conversation was about recognising that investment was essential to grow effectively. It wasn’t just about buying a CRM and moving on—it was about finding a system that would help her scale and automate.
During our discussions, I would talk through different systems, clarifying options and dismissing those that weren’t suitable based on the gaps we identified. This process helped us quickly home in on her priorities. It was clear she had taken the time to work through her priorities, and together we dug deep to ensure the system would meet her business’s broader needs beyond the key functions.
After exploring several options, I introduced her to a software company I believed would be a great fit. I was very transparent with her, letting her know that if this partner didn’t feel right, I’d be happy to do more outreach and explore other options. I even sat in on the initial call with her and the partner to make sure she felt comfortable and could ask any questions.
After that, she took the lead, feeling much more confident about what she needed to push for her ‘must haves’ from the system. Much of that clarity came from the work we’d done together to define her priorities and ensure that the company she worked with could deliver on them. I handed things over to the software company but remained available to support if she needed more guidance.
A few months later, we had a catch-up call, and I was thrilled to hear that she feels completely in control of the steps she’s taking. She really took her time, made sure everything aligned with her goals, and is now prepared to automate much of the manual work she’s been handling herself. It was incredibly rewarding to see her reach this point, knowing that I helped her lay the groundwork and make informed, confident decisions that will help her grow her business in a sustainable way.
What is the value of getting a vetted introduction when you’re helping clients find the right system or solution for their business?
When I connect a client with a vendor, it’s not just about getting them to try a system. It’s about making sure there’s a good fit from the very first conversation. After I make an introduction, I join the initial call. That’s where we really start to dig into whether the system can meet the client’s needs. Am I getting a good vibe from the company that they can deliver? Am I confident that their product can stand up to what’s needed? Sometimes, it comes down to how the product feels—can someone who isn’t very technically literate confidently work with it? Are they changing the direction of the conversation because they don’t want to answer something? I can usually pick up very quickly when someone doesn’t have a solution for something we need.
For example, I was working with a client recently, and during our introductory call with a potential partner, we quickly uncovered an issue with the system that we wouldn’t have noticed without that conversation. So, I continued to research options, until we found a good fit. That’s why these intros are so valuable—both the client and the vendor get a chance to discuss the requirements in real time, and we can spot any red flags early on. It’s not just about ticking boxes; it’s also about the feeling you get. I can usually tell within the first few minutes if a vendor is really listening or if they’re just trying to sell something. It’s about having confidence that the vendor understands the problem and isn’t just pushing a product.
What is the difference between an audit and consulting hours?
The key difference between an audit and consulting hours is the level of involvement and transparency during the process. In an audit, I handle everything myself without explaining each step along the way—essentially, it’s a standalone review. I piece everything together independently and present you with a report on my findings.
In consulting, it’s more collaborative. I work through things with you in real-time, explaining my reasoning and helping you think through your own challenges. It’s a much more interactive process. This approach allows me to put the puzzle pieces together while we’re on a call, and that can lead to quicker, more tailored insights. Perhaps even more importantly, this process creates space for sparks of innovation and creativity that we can explore together.
What’s the added value of them being part of that reasoning process with you?
The added value of having clients be part of the reasoning process with me is that it brings clarity to their own ideas and thoughts. By talking things through, I validate their thinking and make them feel comfortable, whether they know something or not. A lot of people tend to shy away from discussing their problems, especially in tech, but it’s crucial because it’s often the only way to solve them.
During the process, we might uncover issues that are easier to solve than they expected, or identify deeper problems they hadn’t even considered. This dialogue helps them prioritise their plans and spending more effectively. It also lets them feel a sense of relief, knowing that they can voice their concerns and even if I can’t solve the problem right away, at least we’ve surfaced it.
It’s not just about achieving their end goal; it’s about figuring out if that’s the right goal and addressing anything that might be blocking them from reaching it first. Overall, this collaborative approach streamlines workflows and resolves underlying issues that might not have been discussed otherwise.
Interview with Mags Thomson – October 2024
Would you like to know more about working with Louisa in your business? Simply reach out for an introductory call.
When it comes to all things CRM, consulting and implementing Louisa is 💯 the person you NEED to speak too. Thank YOU Louisa for your passion to get the right systems and developers on board, your engaging and relatable way of being able to help with what would suit our needs best, and for your vast knowledge and expertise in making sure each new implementation is a smooth transition and success. Highly recommend 💫 – Jennifer Walker, Bakebox Gifting