Ascend produces results.

Most consulting companies are big on advice and short on implementation. Ascend excels in hands-on field level results.

Whether building a $50M software company from the ground up, launching new products, or introducing international companies into the US market, Ascend produces results. We typically work with only two or three clients at a time to maintain a dedicated focus that will ensure your campaigns and product introductions get the quality time they deserve.

To understand how the Ascend model will work for you see a few examples below.

Built $50M Company

The senior partners of Ascend worked for Applied Communications, Inc. (ACI), one of the largest and most successful banking software companies in the world. Back in the early 90’s the company was in a dramatic growth phase for both their product set and expansion in new geographical areas. With such robust growth in the core business, some new products and partnerships were not getting the key focus that they needed to succeed.

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Tony Parkinson, senior partner of Ascend, was asked to head a new division to focus exclusively on system software tools; this was the formation of Insession Technologies.

Over the next 10 years, Insession Technologies consolidated system software tools into a new business model and grew the business from nothing to over $50M in annual sales. A key part of the strategy was to identify many new software partners that had entered the post-incubator phase. These were companies that had installed a viable product within 5 to 10 customers, but didn’t have the resources (both capital and expertise) to rollout those products worldwide.

So how does this expertise from the senior partners of Ascend help our new clients today?

  • • Too often firms do not have the resources to launch a new product given their current challenges and focus. Ascend can augment your sales staff and validate a new product through a coordinated rollout.
  • • We identify synergistic partners that create greater results for your company and products. Insession Technologies’ success was significantly improved through our combined partnership program. That model can and will work for other software/technology companies looking to expand.
  • • We know how to assemble an effective team. Ascend has an extensive number of key contacts that could augment your current organization.
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    Launched New Products

    Given Ascend’s extensive sales and marketing management experience, we have been involved in many product launches. As described in the chart below, we implement a simple methodology that has been used for many years and has created significant market success for many clients.

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    In introducing a new company/product, we focus on a three phase marketing strategy: market assessment, implementation of marketing programs, and sales rollout.

    The key to any plan is hands-on involvement. At Ascend we work closely with our clients’ current customers and prospects to understand their strengths and weaknesses. With this information we begin to formulate a revised marketing plan for the client. At AscendMT we go beyond simply offering analysis and problem identification, we provide implementation solutions and support: That is the AscendMT difference.

    We work closely with your team to identify a clear and viable marketing plan. We then create a deferred compensation plan that is based on a successful rollout of that plan within North America. We are rewarded based on the success of our customers.

    Phase 1 – Assessment

  • • Company Review
  • • Payments Industry
  • • Competitors

    • Phase 2 – Marketing

  • • Manage Industry Analysts
  • • Leverage Partnerships
  • • Marketing Collateral
  • • Website Redesign

    • Phase 3 – Rollout

  • • Sales Management
  • • Joint Partnership Calls
  • • Extensive email campaigns
  • • Road shows – Webinars
  • • Direct Sales Efforts
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    Implemented Exit Strategy

    Software Client Sees Dramatic Turnaround

    In 2007, AscendMT was contacted by the board of directors of a small start-up. The board was faced with a difficult decision whether to continue investing in a company that appeared to be out of line with their original business plan.

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    The company offered web-based property management software. Despite a strong product and clear market niche, the company was in trouble. The initial investment was depleted and the original business model had not been validated before the funds ran dry.

    Enter Ascend MT

    The senior partners at AscendMT did a full review of their products, personnel, and markets.

    AscendMT cut the software company's operating expenses in half within 90 days, strengthened strategic partnerships, and invested in new revenue sources.

    As a result of these key moves, we were able to negotiate a multi-million dollar sale for the board of directors and stockholders.

    The small start-up went from potential shutdown to a multi-million dollar sale in less than a year!

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