Luk’s Bi-Weekly 'Think Piece' For Consultancy Owners

EDITION #107

AUGUST 21, 2024

Dear reader, 

Here comes the 107th edition of my newsletter. 

In my new article in this edition, I discuss the importance of signature methodologies to boutique consultancies' success.

While I have discussed signature methodologies on multiple occasions, I’ve always considered them one of the foundational elements of success in a boutique consulting business.

However, this foundational element deserves its own article, so I explore what a signature methodology is, why it is crucial for boutique consultancies to develop one, and how they can do so.

As always, I hope to create a bubble of calmness with my bi-weekly ‘think piece’, a place of stillness in the face of everyday stress—a chance to reflect on what really matters in your consulting work.

Enjoy reading, 

Luk

MY NEW ARTICLE

Why Every Boutique Consultancy Needs a Well-Defined Signature Methodology

Without a repeatable signature methodology, a consultancy tends to underperform.  

I know that it’s a bold statement. However, I am deeply convinced that boutique consultancies can only perform at the highest level with a crystal clear value proposition combined with a repeatable, signature methodology. That’s why I spend much time developing these signature methodologies with my clients.  

The absence of a standardised approach leads to higher process variability and inconsistent, unpredictable outcomes. Clients today are seeking reliability and certainty more than ever before.

READ MY NEW ARTICLE

MY RECENT ARTICLES

PERFORMANCE

Defining The High-Performing Boutique Consultancy

PROFITABILITY

Why One-Stop-Shop Consultancies Are Bound to Be Low-Performing

STRATEGY

How Boutique Consultancies Can Overcome Prospects’ Indecisiveness

CONSULTANCY GROWTH

Moving Beyond One-Off Projects in a Boutique Consultancy

MY LINKEDIN POSTS

STRATEGY

Interested in understanding the structure of a consulting signature methodology? 

CONSULTANCY GROWTH

Without existing client growth, boutique consultancies are trapped in a survival battle.

SERVICE DESIGN

Too many boutique consultancies are making their services up as they go.

STRATEGY

Why are so many boutique consultancies touting “customised services” on their websites? 

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

When prospects don't seek out a consultancy's services, the firm is on a fast track to low performance. 

MY BITE-SIZED ADVICE

In this section, I recap the pieces of advice and inspiration I share with my followers on LinkedIn every Monday – all learned or observed throughout my personal journey as a consultant.

Follow #consultingmonday on LinkedIn to never miss a dose of inspiration at the start of the week.

CONSULTING MONDAY, AUGUST 12

“With a 14% cut in revenue, reducing our services felt like taking a big risk. But our re-commitment to what we were truly excelling at was unwavering. The results after 18 months: a 16% profit increase, and our clients recognize us again as the go-to experts in our original expertise domain. By cutting back on services that diluted our value, we’ve improved our financial performance, deepened our impact, established a better quality of life for us and the team, and discovered that saying ‘no’ to distractions is the key to realizing the full potential of our expertise.” (Recent quote from a consultancy co-owner)

CONSULTING MONDAY, AUGUST 5

I encounter the same story almost weekly: a small, struggling consultancy trying to be everything to everyone. They stretch their limited capacity thin and never get beyond small-ticket, one-trick pony consulting projects. As a result, they have to chase new clients constantly, leaving no time to develop existing ones. In their misguided ambitions, they keep inventing new services, thinking it will ultimately land them bigger projects. Fast forward two years: the consultancy owner hits burnout, and half of the overstretched team has left. I just don’t get this short-sighted, self-destructive mindset that leads these consultancies nowhere.

HERE'S HOW I HELP CONSULTANCIES

If you knew a way to become a high-performing consultancy, would you adopt it?

Stupid question, I guess.

My High-Performing Consultancy Review provides a 360-degree evaluation of challenges such as:

- market positioning and target audience definition;

- visibility and reputation in the market;

- new client acquisition;

- existing client development and retention;

- pipeline management and revenue predictability;

- expertise differentiation;

- non-linear scaling/growing;

- business performance measurement (financial & consulting KPI's);

- key player attraction and retention.

You'll receive a detailed report of your strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and areas for improvement, along with quick wins and actionable insights to help unlock your consultancy's full potential.

Don't settle for mediocrity. Book your High-Performing Consultancy Review today and take the first step towards a brighter future for your boutique consultancy. 

Here's a detailed article explaining the Consultancy Performance Review. 

PS. My ideal clients: founder-led boutique consultancies with revenue between 2M and +/- 20M and/or between 20 and +/- 100 consultants. 

BOOK A CALL →

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