Transforming Business Planning: The Launch of X JOB for Team-Based Side Projects

The Evolution of Business Planning with X JOB

In an era of continuous change, the need for companies to innovate and generate new value has never been more pressing. 株式会社ROOKIE, headquartered in Shinjuku, Tokyo, has launched a groundbreaking service called X JOB (Kakeru Job). This innovative service is designed to support local businesses in their quest for fresh ideas and product development by forming teams with seasoned professionals from large corporations.

Addressing the Challenges of a Rapidly Changing Environment

The business landscape is undergoing significant transformations, characterized by declining populations, technological advancements, and increasingly diverse customer needs. As companies grapple with these challenges, many small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) find it difficult to leverage their existing capabilities and resources to create new products or branches of business due to time constraints and a lack of expertise. Herein lies the value of X JOB, which aims to build the critical skill of planning in a collaborative manner. It provides a supportive framework where external experts and client team members co-create solutions and execute projects together, thereby enriching the in-house knowledge of corporate employees.

Key Features of X JOB

1. Gathering of Experts: The service brings together a team of experienced project participants who have previously worked in prominent companies such as Toyota and large consulting firms. Unlike conventional consulting, they actively co-develop business strategies and products alongside the client.

2. Team-Based Approach with Project Managers: At the heart of X JOB is the presence of experienced project managers (PMs) who lead team-based collaborations with side project professionals. This structure alleviates common obstacles faced with freelance talent, such as difficulty in implementing tasks and maintaining timely communication. The program is designed to offer a sense of security and ease for businesses venturing into outsourcing for the first time.

3. Knowledge Transfer to Employees: Utilizing a proprietary “business and product planning template” developed by ROOKIE, project processes become transparent, facilitating the organic accumulation of expertise among client team members. This collaborative effort is not merely about outsourcing but represents a pivotal first step toward internal capability development.

4. Affordable and Effective Solutions: By optimizing the use of freelance professionals, X JOB provides expert assistance at a fraction of the cost (less than one-third) compared to traditional consulting firms, making high-quality guidance accessible for SMEs.

Leveraging Senior Talent

X JOB also integrates seasoned professionals aged 50-60 alongside the dynamic 30-40 age group. This collaboration maximizes outcomes by combining the agility of current workforce members with the wealth of experience offered by veteran planners. Through the engagement of senior personnel, ROOKIE aims both to solve labor shortages and to enhance project efficacy.

Real-World Applications

- Mobility Company:

- Project Overview: Development of a business plan and product marketing strategy for electric mobility solutions.
- Support Team: A product planner in their 30s and a public relations expert in their 40s.

- Video Production and Advertising Agency:

- Project Overview: Planning for event participation and developing website/video production concepts.
- Support Team: A business planner in their 30s and a project manager.