Stratefix: Revolutionizing SME Growth with Implementation-Led Management Consulting
Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are the backbone of the Indian economy, contributing over 65% to the nation's GDP. Yet, while startups chase valuations and corporates enjoy institutional support, the "missing middle"—profitable, sustainable SMEs—often finds itself alone when trying to scale. They have the profit, they have the potential, but they lack the hand-holding to cross the chasm into becoming large-scale enterprises.
Mukul Goyal, Co-founder of Stratefix Consulting, is changing this narrative. Based out of Surat, Stratefix doesn't just offer strategy on paper; they are "Implementation Consultants" who get into the trenches with founders to execute change. From hiring the right team to digitizing operations, Mukul and his partner are proving that with the right partnership, Indian SMEs can compete on a global stage.
The Generational Shift in Indian SMEs
For years, management consulting was seen as a luxury for the elite. Traditional SME owners were cost-conscious and skeptical of "outside advice." However, Mukul points out a massive cultural shift currently underway.
The New Face of the SME Owner
The decision-makers in msmes are no longer exclusively 55+ year-old patriarchs. A new generation is taking the helm:
- Age Bracket: 25 to 40 years old.
- Background: Educated abroad (US, Canada, Australia) with experience in global firms like EY, McKinsey, or Deloitte.
- Mindset: They value time over cost and understand that expert consulting is an investment, not an expense.
"Five years back when we started... most of the people were at the age of around 50-55. But in last five years this entire shift has changed," Mukul notes. This generation speaks the language of efficiency and is eager to transform their legacy family businesses into professionalized organizations.
Solving the "Brotherhood" Gap
The biggest challenge for SMEs isn't a lack of ideas—it's a lack of execution. Mukul identifies several recurring pain points: hiring and retaining talent, implementing functional ERP/CRM systems, and moving from paper-based to paperless organizations.
Stratefix solves this through a unique "Together" approach. Unlike "The Big Four" firms that might provide an instructional report, Stratefix works side-by-side with the client. "In SMEs, we speak SME language... SME language is not that I will instruct you. SME language is: I will not instruct you, we will discuss and we will do it together."
The DNA Process: Validating the Need
Before any project begins, Stratefix insists on a process they call DNA (Detailed Analysis). It's a "first principles" approach to ensure they are the right fit for the organization.
The DNA Analysis Step-by-Step
- Audit: Reviewing existing documents and processes across all levels (Top to Lower management).
- Validation: Asking: "Do you really need consulting, or just a quick fix?" Mukul uses the analogy: "Why do you need surgery if a Band-Aid can help?"
- Scope Definition: Defining exact timelines and measurable outcomes.
- The Menu Book: If consulting isn't needed, they provide a detailed report the founder can use independently.
Overcoming Resistance to Change
One of the hardest parts of consulting is on-the-ground implementation. When a consultant suggests changes, long-time employees often resist, claiming, "We've done it this way for 15 years."
Mukul’s strategy is simple: Show them "What's in it for them."
"If I don't show you what's in it for you, and if I ask you to change, you will not change," he explains. For example, when implementing a Daily Activity Report (DAR), employees initially view it as micromanagement. Stratefix reframes it as a "batch recording" tool for the employee’s own benefit—a personal log to track their own productivity and achievements. Once the influencer in the group understands the personal value, the resistance melts away.
— Mukul Goyal, Co-founder, Stratefix
The Butterfly Effect of Transparent Consulting
Stratefix doesn't rely on aggressive sales pitches. Their growth is driven by what Mukul calls the "Butterfly Effect" of authenticity. By telling clients the truth—even when it means telling them they *don't* need Stratefix yet—they build an unbreakable bond of trust.
"Once you start speaking to people authentically, you build trust. You give them the advice not what you desire, but what they deserve," Mukul says. This ethical approach has turned Stratefix from a two-man operation in a municipal garden (their first "office") into a leading consultancy serving multiple cities including Indore, Jaipur, Nagpur, and beyond.
Lessons for Founders
Mukul shares several key takeaways for entrepreneurs:
- We are all in the same boat: Whether it's manpower, finance, or efficiency, the challenges are universal. You are not alone.
- The Art of Delegation: Use the "Four Quadrants" of leadership—Directing, Coaching, Supporting, and Delegating. Be clear about which stage you are in with your team.
- The Value of Time: Understand the cost of your hour. Focus on innovation and networking; let others handle the tasks you've already mastered.
Ultimately, Mukul defines an entrepreneur as someone who can figure out "what to do" and "how to do it" even in the dark. By lighting the path for thousands of SMEs, Stratefix is ensuring that the ripple effect of Indian entrepreneurship continues to expand globally.
About the Guest
Mukul Goyal is the Co-founder of Stratefix Consulting, a premier management consulting firm specializing in the SME and MSME sectors. Based in Surat, Mukul has over a decade of experience in helping businesses scale through strategic implementation and digital transformation. He is a passionate advocate for the "Tier-B" cities of India and is dedicated to professionalizing legacy businesses. Mukul is also an active member of various local business communities and a mentor to budding entrepreneurs.