Unlock

About the Author

Matt Hulett is a seasoned business leader renowned for his expertise in transforming struggling companies into successful ventures. With a career spanning over two decades, Hulett has held leadership roles in various industries, from technology to consumer products. His work often involves stepping into challenging situations where businesses are either stagnant or declining, and he brings a unique perspective on how to revitalize and reposition these companies for growth.

Hulett's approach is grounded in practical experience, having been involved in the turnaround of several high-profile companies. He has a deep understanding of market dynamics, strategic planning, and operational efficiency, which he shares in his book, Unlock: 5 Questions to Unleash Your Company’s Hidden Power. This book is a culmination of his experiences and serves as a guide for business leaders looking to unlock their company's potential.

Main Idea

In Unlock, Matt Hulett presents a framework for business leaders to assess and unlock their company's hidden potential. The book revolves around five critical questions that every leader should ask to evaluate their business's current state and future prospects. These questions are designed to help leaders understand their market, position their company strategically, and execute a successful plan for growth.

The core message of the book is that businesses can change their trajectory by aligning themselves with market opportunities, leveraging their strengths, and addressing their weaknesses. Hulett emphasizes that success requires not just a good idea but also the right timing, market fit, and execution. The book is filled with practical insights, real-world examples, and actionable advice that can help leaders navigate the complexities of the business world.

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Question 1: Is Your Market Growing?
• Question 2: Are You in the Right Market?
• Question 3: Is Your Timing Right?
• Question 4: Are You Positioned Correctly?
• Question 5: Do You Have a Winning Plan?
• Conclusion

Introduction

The introduction of Unlock sets the stage by emphasizing the importance of asking the right questions to unlock a company's potential. Hulett begins by discussing the challenges that businesses face in today's rapidly changing environment. He highlights the necessity of being adaptable and strategic in order to stay competitive.

Hulett introduces the five key questions that form the backbone of the book. These questions are not just theoretical; they are based on his extensive experience in turning around businesses. The introduction serves as a call to action for business leaders to critically evaluate their current strategies and be open to change. Hulett makes it clear that the book is not just about identifying problems but also about finding solutions and taking action.

Question 1: Is Your Market Growing?

The first question addresses the importance of market growth. Hulett explains that understanding whether a market is expanding or contracting is crucial for determining a business's potential for success. A growing market provides more opportunities for expansion, while a shrinking market may require a pivot to new opportunities.

Hulett emphasizes the need to assess the Total Addressable Market (TAM), Serviceable Addressable Market (SAM), and the market's growth rate. He explains how these metrics can help businesses understand the size and potential of their market. Hulett provides examples of companies that have successfully navigated market changes by identifying growth opportunities.

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