With the development of information technology and the rise of knowledge economy, knowledge and intelligence have become the core elements of enterprise competition. However, in today's complex and volatile market environment, companies often face the following challenges:

The limited knowledge and skills of the internal personnel of the enterprise, which makes it difficult to deal with various complex and professional problems and needs;

Enterprise internal staff time and energy is limited, it is difficult to balance the daily work and strategic planning;

The vision and thinking of the internal personnel of the enterprise are limited, and it is difficult to break through the inherent cognition and inertia;

Insiders have limited creativity and inspiration, making it difficult to generate novel ideas and solutions.

In order to solve these challenges, more and more enterprises begin to seek the help of external platforms or institutions, with their expertise, skills or ideas in specific industries or fields, to provide effective solutions or improve work efficiency. This service model that uses external wisdom resources to expand its own wisdom capabilities is what we call "external brain service".

1. what is an external brain service?

As the name implies, the external brain refers to people or organizations in a specific industry or field. They have more professional knowledge and experience than ordinary practitioners or even operators in this industry or field, as well as the thinking mode of finding, analyzing and solving problems. They are hired, rather than employed, in stages to provide their professional advice or solutions to the clear demands of the business. The relationship between them and the business that employs them is a partnership, not an employment relationship.

Service refers to the specific content and form provided by the external brain for the enterprise, including but not limited to the following:

Consulting services: according to the problems or needs of enterprises, provide professional, targeted and operable suggestions or programs;

Research services: according to the information or data that the enterprise needs to know or master, the external brain conducts in-depth, objective and true, systematic and comprehensive investigation or analysis;

Creative services: according to the enterprise wants to express or convey the theme or goal, provide new and unique, attractive, in line with the brand image of the creative or design;

Training services: external brain provides professional, practical and interactive training or guidance according to the knowledge or skills that the enterprise wants to improve or improve;

Other services: according to the special needs of enterprises, provide other forms or content of services.

Based on the above definition, we can understand the external brain service as a new service model. It is a way for enterprises to obtain professional knowledge, skills or ideas through external platforms or institutions to solve problems in work or improve work efficiency.

What are the characteristics and advantages of 2. external brain services?

As a new service model, external brain service has the following remarkable characteristics and advantages:

Professionalism: The external brain is usually an expert or institution with rich experience and profound accumulation in a certain industry or field. They have a clear understanding and unique insights on the current situation, trends, problems, and opportunities of the industry or field. Able to provide companies with professional services;

Flexibility: there is a phased cooperative relationship between the external brain and the enterprise, rather than a long-term employment relationship, which can not only avoid the enterprise to bear additional labor costs and management costs, but also flexibly choose the right external brain to cooperate according to the needs of the enterprise at different stages;

Innovation: because the external brain is not bound by the inherent thinking and inertia within the enterprise, it can look at problems and needs from a broader and more open perspective, and can provide innovative and strong services for enterprises;

Efficiency: Because of the professional knowledge and skills, as well as the thinking mode of finding, analyzing and solving problems, the external brain can quickly understand the demands of the enterprise, efficiently complete the service content, and save the time and energy of the enterprise.

What are the application scenarios for 3. external brain services?

External brain services can be applied to various industries and fields. As long as enterprises need to obtain external intelligent resources to solve problems or improve efficiency, they can consider using external brain services. Below we take Shangpu Consulting as an example to introduce the specific application scenarios and cases of external brain services in the fields of market research, investment and financing consulting and IPO listing consulting.

(1) Market research

Market research refers to an activity that provides basis and suggestions for enterprises to formulate market strategy, marketing strategy and product development by collecting, sorting and analyzing market-related information. Market research involves a wide range of content, including industry analysis, market segmentation, user behavior, channel models, competitors, etc. Market research requires strong data collection, data analysis, and data presentation capabilities.

However, due to the lack of professional personnel or professional equipment, it is difficult for many enterprises to conduct effective and accurate market research. At this time, you can use external brain services to conduct market research.

As the most influential domestic leading brand of market research in China, Shangpu Consulting has more than 1000 professional market researchers and advanced market research equipment, and can provide all-round market research services for enterprises in all walks of life. The market research services of Shangpu Consulting include the following aspects:

Industry analysis: Shangpu Consulting Company can conduct in-depth analysis on the development status, development trend, development potential and development obstacles of various industries, and provide industry insight and strategic guidance for enterprises;

Market segmentation: Shangpu Consulting can segment the market according to the target market and target customers of the enterprise, identify different market segmentation groups, and provide market positioning and marketing strategies for the enterprise;

User behavior: Shangpu Consulting can collect and analyze user needs, preferences, satisfaction, loyalty, etc. through a variety of methods, such as questionnaires, in-depth interviews, focus groups, observation methods, etc., to provide enterprises with user insights and product optimization;

Channel mode: Shangpu Consulting Company can analyze the advantages and disadvantages, cost-effectiveness and risk control of different channel modes according to the product characteristics and market characteristics of the enterprise, and provide channel selection and channel management for the enterprise;

Competitors: Shangpu Consulting can collect and analyze competitors' strategies, products, prices, marketing, innovation, etc. through a variety of channels, such as public information, secret purchases, industry insiders, etc., to provide enterprises with competitive intelligence and competitive strategies.

The following are some specific cases of Champu Consulting in the field of market research:

Case 1: A well-known e-commerce platform wants to enter the Chinese market, but does not know much about the Chinese market, and entrusts Shangpu Consulting to conduct market research. Through the analysis of China's e-commerce industry, Shangpu Consulting found that China's e-commerce market has been very mature and highly competitive, mainly dominated by several giant platforms, and Chinese consumers have a high degree of trust and loyalty to e-commerce platforms, which is difficult to change easily. Therefore, Shangpu Consulting recommends that the e-commerce platform not directly compete with the Chinese giant platform, but look for some market segments or characteristic markets, such as cross-border e-commerce, social e-commerce, live e-commerce, etc., use its own advantages and Features to attract consumers, and establish good relationships with local partners, and gradually open the Chinese market.

Case 2: A well-known car brand wants to launch a new type of electric car, but it is not clear about the needs and preferences of the target users, so it entrusts Shangpu Consulting to conduct user behavior research. Through questionnaire surveys and in-depth interviews with potential users, Shangpu Consulting found that users are most concerned about the mileage, charging convenience, safety and price of electric vehicles, and have different consumer psychology and purchase motives. Therefore, Shangpu Consulting recommends that the car brand should fully consider the needs and preferences of users in product design and marketing strategies, highlight the advantages and characteristics of the product, and formulate different pricing and promotion strategies for different user groups to improve User awareness and willingness to buy.

Case 3: A well-known catering brand wants to expand its market share, but is not satisfied with its own channel model, so it entrusts Shangpu Consulting to conduct a channel model study. Through the analysis of the existing channel mode of the catering brand, Shangpu Consulting Company found that the brand mainly relies on offline physical stores and take-out platforms to sell its products, but there are some problems in these two channel modes, such as high rental cost of physical stores, limited geographical location, unstable passenger flow, high commission of take-out platform, low service quality, brand image loss, etc. Therefore, Shangpu Consulting Company recommends that the catering brand try to develop some new channel models on the basis of maintaining the existing channel model, such as self-built websites or APP, cooperation with other platforms, opening vending machines or self-service cabinets, etc. In order to increase the exposure and sales volume of its products, and enhance its brand image and customer loyalty.

(2) Investment and financing advice

Investment and financing consulting refers to an activity that provides professional advice and services for enterprises in investment, financing, mergers and acquisitions, restructuring and so on. Investment and financing consulting involves a wide range of content, including financial analysis, valuation analysis, market analysis, risk analysis, transaction structure design, transaction negotiation and so on. Investment and financing consulting requires strong financial knowledge, market knowledge, legal knowledge, communication skills, etc.

However, many enterprises are difficult to carry out effective and successful investment and financing activities due to lack of professional personnel or professional experience. At this point, you can use external brain services to conduct investment and financing consulting.

As the most powerful domestic leading brand of investment and financing consulting in China, Shangpu Consulting Company has more than 500 professional investment and financing consultants and rich investment and financing consulting experience, and can provide a full range of investment and financing consulting services for enterprises in all walks of life. Champ Consulting's investment and financing advisory services include the following:

Financial analysis: Shangpu Consulting Company can conduct in-depth analysis of the financial situation, financial statements, financial indicators, etc. of the enterprise, providing financial diagnosis and financial optimization for the enterprise;

Valuation analysis: Shangpu Consulting can select appropriate valuation methods, such as price-to-earnings ratio method, price-to-book ratio method, cash flow discount method, etc., according to the characteristics and objectives of the enterprise, to provide reasonable valuation results and valuation recommendations for the enterprise;

Market analysis: Shangpu Consulting Company can conduct a comprehensive analysis of the industry and market in which the enterprise is located, including industry scale, industry structure, industry competition, industry trends, etc., to provide market insights and market strategies for enterprises;

Risk analysis: Shangpu Consulting can identify and evaluate various risks that enterprises may face in investment and financing activities, such as market risk, policy risk, legal risk, operational risk, etc., and provide risk avoidance and risk control for enterprises;

Transaction structure design: Shangpu Consulting can design appropriate transaction structures, such as equity transactions, debt transactions, mixed transactions, etc., according to the objectives and conditions of the enterprise, and provide transaction optimization and transaction execution for the enterprise;

Transaction negotiation: Shangpu Consulting Company can effectively communicate and negotiate with each other on behalf of the enterprise, deal with various details and problems, and strive for the maximum benefit and the best result for the enterprise.

The following are some specific cases of Champ Consulting in the field of investment and financing consulting:

Case 1: A well-known Internet platform wants to conduct a new round of financing, but is not sure about its own valuation and financing amount, and entrusts Shangpu Consulting to conduct valuation analysis and financing strategy. By analyzing the financial situation, market situation and competition situation of the Internet platform, Shangpu Consulting Company adopts two valuation methods, cash flow discount method and market comparison method, comprehensively considers the growth, profitability, risk and other factors of the platform, provides a reasonable valuation range and financing amount for the platform, and suggests that the platform should choose appropriate investors and financing methods, in order to ensure its voice in the financing process and the space for future development.

Case 2: A well-known manufacturing company wants to acquire an overseas peer company, but does not know much about the other party's financial situation and transaction structure, and entrusts Shangpu Consulting to conduct financial analysis and transaction structure design. Through in-depth audit and evaluation of the financial statements, financial indicators and financial risks of the other enterprise, Shangpu Consulting Company provided a detailed financial report for the manufacturing enterprise, and designed a suitable transaction structure according to the objectives and conditions of the manufacturing enterprise, such as equity ratio, payment method, guarantee terms, etc., and provided suggestions for the manufacturing enterprise on transaction optimization and transaction execution.

Case 3: A well-known educational institution wants to carry out strategic cooperation with an internationally renowned educational group, but it is not clear about the content and method of cooperation, and entrusts Shangpu Consulting to conduct market analysis and transaction negotiations. Through the analysis of China's education industry and international education industry, Shangpu Consulting Company found that there are many complementarities and synergies between the two, such as curriculum content, teaching methods, teachers, etc., and according to the characteristics and advantages of the educational institution and the education group, it provides a cooperation framework and cooperation content for both parties, such as resource sharing, brand authorization, joint operation, etc, and on behalf of the educational institutions and the education group for effective communication and consultation, reached a win-win cooperation agreement.

(3)IPO listing consultation

IPO listing consultation refers to an activity that provides professional advice and services for enterprises in the process of Initial initial public Offering (IPO) and listing on the stock market. IPO listing consultation involves many aspects, including listing conditions, listing location, listing method, listing preparation, listing review, listing promotion, etc. IPO listing consulting requires strong securities knowledge, legal knowledge, accounting knowledge, public relations skills, etc.

However, due to the lack of professionals or professional experience, it is difficult for many enterprises to carry out a smooth and successful IPO listing activities. At this time, you can use the external brain service to carry out IPO listing consultation.

As the most experienced domestic leading brand of IPO listing consulting in China, Shangpu Consulting has more than 300 professional IPO listing consultants and rich IPO listing consulting experience, and can provide a full range of IPO listing consulting services for enterprises in all walks of life. Champ Consulting's IPO advisory services include the following:

Listing conditions: Shangpu Consulting Company can conduct a comprehensive assessment of the basic situation, financial situation and operating conditions of the enterprise, and provide suggestions on whether the enterprise meets the listing conditions and whether it is suitable for listing;

Listing location: Shangpu Consulting Company can analyze the advantages and disadvantages, requirements and standards, policy environment of different securities markets according to the characteristics and objectives of enterprises, and provide enterprises with suggestions on choosing the best listing location and listing plate;

Listing method: Shangpu Consulting can analyze the advantages and disadvantages, cost-effectiveness, risk control, etc. of different listing methods according to the needs and conditions of enterprises, and provide enterprises with suggestions on choosing the most suitable listing method and listing mode;

Listing preparation: Shangpu Consulting can assist enterprises in various listing preparations, including formulating listing plans, preparing financial reports, writing prospectuses, hiring intermediaries, improving internal governance, etc., and providing preparatory optimization and preparatory supervision for enterprises;

Listing audit: Shangpu Consulting Company can effectively communicate and coordinate with relevant departments on behalf of the enterprise, handle all kinds of documents and materials, and provide audit response and audit approval suggestions for the enterprise;

Listing promotion: Shangpu Consulting can use its powerful media resources and public relations resources to carry out all-round listing promotion work for enterprises, including formulating promotion strategies, organizing roadshows, issuing press releases, attracting investors, etc., and providing enterprises with promotion effect and promotion feedback.

The following are some specific cases of Champ Consulting in the field of IPO listing consulting:

Case 1: A well-known cloud computing company wants to IPO on NASDAQ (NASDAQ) in the United States, but is not familiar with U.S. securities regulations and NASDAQ requirements, and entrusts Shangpu Consulting to analyze the conditions and methods of IPO listing. Through the analysis of the financial situation, operating situation and market situation of the cloud computing enterprise, Shangpu Consulting Company found that the enterprise has the conditions for listing on NASDAQ in the United States, such as revenue scale, profitability, growth potential, etc., and listing on NASDAQ in the United States will help the enterprise to enhance its international reputation and competitiveness. Therefore, Shangpu Consulting recommends that the cloud computing company choose to list on Nasdaq in the United States, and choose to list in the form of American Depositary Receipt (ADR) to reduce listing costs and risks, and Improve listing efficiency and effectiveness.

Case 2: A well-known e-commerce company wants to be listed on China's Growth Enterprise Market for IPO, but it is not clear about the policy changes and audit standards of the Growth Enterprise Market. It entrusts Shangpu Consulting Company to prepare for IPO and audit guidance. Through a comprehensive review and revision of the financial report, prospectus, internal governance, etc. of the e-commerce company, Shangpu Consulting Company provides the company with an IPO listing application document that meets the requirements and specifications of the GEM, and assists the company and The relevant departments such as the China Securities Regulatory Commission, securities dealers, and accounting firms conduct effective communication and coordination, and provide the company with suggestions and solutions to deal with various problems and problems, ultimately help the company successfully through the IPO listing audit.

Case 3: A well-known cultural media company wants to list on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (HKEX), but does not know much about the market environment and investor characteristics of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, and entrusts Shangpu Consulting to promote and market its IPO. Through the analysis of the product characteristics, brand image and development prospects of the cultural media enterprise, Shangpu Consulting Company found that the enterprise has strong innovation and attraction, and has great market potential and investment value in the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. Therefore, Shangpu Consulting has formulated a comprehensive IPO promotion strategy for the company, including organizing multiple roadshows, issuing multiple press releases, inviting multiple well-known media to report, attracting multiple types of investors to subscribe, etc. And provided the company with a report on the promotion effect and promotion feedback, and finally helped the company successfully conduct IPO listing on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.

Development Trend of 4. External Brain Service

As a new service mode, with the development of information technology and the rise of knowledge economy, the development trend of external brain service will be as follows:

Scale: external brain services will cover more industries and fields, cover more problems and needs, attract more experts and institutions, and serve more enterprises and customers;

Platform: External brain services will use Internet platforms to achieve more efficient and convenient matching and transactions, such as online platforms, mobile platforms, social platforms, etc;

Personalization: external brain service will provide more customized and differentiated service content and form according to different customer characteristics and needs;

Value: external brain service will change from simple knowledge or skill output to a service mode that pays more attention to value creation and value transmission, and pays more attention to customer satisfaction and loyalty.

5. epilogue

In short, external brain service is a new type of service model. It is a way for enterprises to obtain professional knowledge, skills or creativity through external platforms or institutions to solve problems in work or improve work efficiency. External brain services have the characteristics and advantages of professionalism, flexibility, innovation, and efficiency, and can be applied to various industries and fields, such as market research, investment and financing consulting, and IPO listing consulting. External brain service is not a substitute for internal intellectual resources, but a supplement. It can help enterprises expand intellectual boundaries, improve intellectual efficiency, realize intellectual synergy, and create intellectual value. With the development of information technology and the rise of knowledge economy, the external brain service will show the development trend of scale, platform, personalization and value.