Raise You BARS Introduces Structured Framework To Support Small Business Strategy And Operations

Raise You BARS, founded by business advisors Chris Baker and Allan Ruttan, offers a structured approach to help small and medium-sized businesses evaluate internal operations, leadership practices, and customer engagement strategies. The company’s methodology, referred to as the B.A.R.S. Method—standing for (Behaviours + Actions) Results = Success—serves as the foundation of its process for business assessment and planning.

The B.A.R.S. Method was developed as a way to help business owners clarify operational goals and identify areas that may benefit from refinement. Rather than offering fixed solutions, the model is designed to provide a framework through which business performance can be analyzed using defined behavioral and organizational markers. It places an emphasis on step-by-step guidance tailored to individual business contexts.

Allan Ruttan, co-founder and co-owner of Raise You BARS, noted that the company’s work often begins with businesses seeking clearer visibility into performance patterns or team dynamics. “Many small business owners manage competing responsibilities across their operations. Our framework is intended to support decision-making by helping them review processes, leadership effectiveness, and customer interactions,” said Ruttan.

As part of its services, Raise You BARS incorporates digital tools, including its internal diagnostic software. These tools are used to organize operational data and facilitate strategic discussions around potential efficiencies. The company has stated that its approach does not aim to replace formal auditing or financial consulting, but rather to offer a structured model for reflection and planning.

In addition to tools and frameworks, Raise You BARS engages clients through direct consultations and workshops focused on leadership development and team performance. These sessions are tailored to the specific needs of each client and draw on the founders’ prior experience in retail management, coaching, and business operations.

According to Ruttan, the company prioritizes adaptability over uniformity. “Our process is not prescriptive. It is adaptable to different industries and organizational structures,” he said. “The B.A.R.S. framework is meant to guide business owners through structured self-assessment and encourage action planning based on their own goals and resources.”

The company’s broader focus includes leadership training, communication practices, and customer experience. It emphasizes the importance of aligning internal practices with external outcomes, particularly in competitive or resource-constrained markets. Ruttan also noted that businesses working with Raise You BARS often come with varying levels of operational maturity, and the methodology is adjusted accordingly.

Raise You BARS works primarily with clients seeking to review existing practices, improve internal alignment, or better understand growth-related challenges. The company's services are not industry-specific and are applied across a range of business types and sizes.

The B.A.R.S. Method is designed to prompt structured dialogue among business stakeholders and to provide a basis for identifying operational priorities. It is not positioned as a solution in itself, but rather as a means of facilitating business planning efforts through a defined strategic lens.

Raise You BARS has produced an introductory webinar outlining its methodology and general approach, which is available online. For more information or to view the webinar, visit Raise Your BARS.