The hottest Consulting Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Technology Topics

Eight Years Pathless & Money Reflections | #299

Boundless by Paul Millerd • 350 implied HN points • 02 Jun 25
đź’Ľ Business Consulting
  1. Writing has become the main source of energy and joy. Even though it took time to make money from it, the creative freedom it provides is very fulfilling.
  2. After eight years of being self-employed, the income earned is similar to when employed. Building skills and improving the relationship with money have been key to this journey.
  3. Working independently has helped develop many skills, but it sometimes misses out on the joy of collaboration. Being open to teamwork in the future could bring new satisfaction.

TBM 332: The Last Strategy Framework You'll Ever Need

The Beautiful Mess • 674 implied HN points • 09 Jan 25
đź’Ľ Business Consulting
  1. Strategy frameworks help teams figure out what questions to ask and how to answer them. They provide tools to organize and visualize ideas for better clarity.
  2. Different strategy frameworks focus on various aspects of a business. Some are good for visual thinkers, while others suit goal-oriented people or those who prefer simpler approaches.
  3. Understanding and applying strategy is challenging because it's about real-life situations. Successful strategy involves collaboration, adaptability, and accepting uncertainty rather than relying on perfect plans.

How to Push Back on High Quotes or Pricing

Nail It and Scale It • 59 implied HN points • 13 Jun 24
đź’Ľ Business Consulting
  1. There are different pricing models like Cost Based Pricing, Value Based Pricing, and Competitive Pricing. Each has its own approach, and knowing these can help you negotiate better.
  2. When facing a high quote, compare it with multiple offers to push back effectively. This gives you leverage and helps you find a fair price.
  3. Being clear about what you're willing to pay and understanding the value of the service can help you have better negotiations without getting stuck on high quotes.

How to Keep Your Data Team From Becoming a Money Pit

SeattleDataGuy’s Newsletter • 282 implied HN points • 23 May 25
đź’Ľ Business Consulting
  1. It's important to focus on outcomes, not just outputs. Creating a lot of dashboards means nothing if they don't help people make better decisions.
  2. Making good data work requires engaging with stakeholders. Understanding what users actually need can lead to more effective solutions.
  3. Success in data teams means having clear ownership and goals. Projects can fail if no one knows who is responsible for them or what they should achieve.

TBM 329: Deep vs. Broad Context Traps

The Beautiful Mess • 608 implied HN points • 26 Dec 24
đź’Ľ Business Consulting
  1. Having deep knowledge in one area can make people think their ideas will work everywhere. But different situations need different approaches.
  2. People with broad, but shallow knowledge might see patterns everywhere but miss the unique details that influence outcomes.
  3. It's good to mix deep and broad experiences. Reflecting on your past can help you understand where your beliefs come from and how they fit into different contexts.
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Trying in public...works?

Trying In Public • 39 implied HN points • 02 Jul 24
đź’Ľ Business Consulting
  1. Trying in public can be beneficial, even if it's intimidating. By sharing your work or thoughts, you may discover that others are waiting for someone to voice the same ideas.
  2. Using quizzes for marketing can be a creative and engaging strategy. Consider starting with the result you want to sort people into and mapping questions based on that.
  3. Engaging with feedback and experimenting with new ideas can lead to growth and learning. Don't be afraid to try new tools or trends to see what resonates with your audience.

From 9-to-5 to Building a Career Portfolio: How One Consulting Project Changed My Life

SeattleDataGuy’s Newsletter • 612 implied HN points • 08 Dec 24
đź’Ľ Business Consulting
  1. Building a solid skill set is crucial early in your career. Try out different skills and projects to find what you enjoy and what works for you.
  2. Seizing opportunities is key. Say yes to things that can help you grow, and be proactive about creating your own chances.
  3. Think of your career like building an investment portfolio. Every skill, project, and connection adds value, so keep investing in yourself and your network.

When should you offer a productized service?

Kenny’s Sub • 199 implied HN points • 05 Feb 24
đź’Ľ Business Consulting
  1. Productized services are service offerings that are made to be like products with clear packages and prices. This helps both service providers and clients understand exactly what to expect.
  2. There are many benefits to productized services, such as easier pricing, scalability, and clearer communication. However, this model isn't for everyone and might limit customization for clients with specific needs.
  3. To create a productized service, it's important to define what you offer clearly, set up attractive packages, and build trust with potential clients through testimonials and clear terms.

Developer rolls the dice on massive uptown casino complex

The Charlotte Ledger • 373 implied HN points • 01 Apr 23
đź’Ľ Business Consulting
  1. A developer plans a massive casino and hotel complex in uptown Charlotte after new gambling laws are passed
  2. A beloved business requests historic status, potentially affecting new tower developments near Morehead Street
  3. Chick-fil-A and Carvana partner to tackle traffic congestion by allowing drive-thru customers to idle in a car vending machine

A Trust Issue.

News Items • 373 implied HN points • 05 Sep 23
đź’Ľ Business Consulting
  1. John Ellis discusses corruption in America's courts and the pursuit of reform.
  2. Jay Alix alleges McKinsey consulting firm has been breaking the law in bankruptcy courts.
  3. Consider subscribing to News Items for more insightful content on legal issues.

How to Sell AI Consulting at High Margins

Enterprise AI Trends • 189 implied HN points • 05 Jul 25
đź’Ľ Business Consulting
  1. AI consulting is tough for many businesses because they struggle to be unique. Most try to offer either simple products or expensive custom services, but neither works well.
  2. OpenAI is changing the game by expanding its consulting services to focus on big clients. They want to build long-term relationships, not just make quick money.
  3. OpenAI sees consulting as a way to embed its technology into companies for the future. This strategy helps them create a profitable service while also deepening their involvement in enterprise tech.

Sneakily effective innovation

The Uncertainty Mindset (soon to become tbd) • 79 implied HN points • 24 Apr 24
đź’Ľ Business Consulting
  1. Organizations often avoid innovation because they fear failure and think it's too complicated or expensive. Instead, they can use small and simple experiments to explore new ideas safely.
  2. Learning to ask good questions and frame problems well is essential for effective innovation. This helps teams come up with better experiments that can inform their decisions.
  3. Workshops can offer hands-on experience for teams to develop their innovation skills. By collaborating on real challenges, they can create practical solutions that they can apply again in the future.

The 2x2 Edition

Why is this interesting? • 1568 implied HN points • 01 Aug 23
đź’Ľ Business Consulting
  1. 2x2 charts are a common tool in consulting and presentations to explain ideas
  2. The concept of 2x2 charts originated from the worlds of game theory and business strategy
  3. 2x2 charts aim to simplify complex ideas for better understanding and execution in organizations

Consulting

Erdmann Housing Tracker • 147 implied HN points • 02 Jul 25
đź’Ľ Business Consulting
  1. Residential real estate markets are driven by predictable factors that many people don't understand. This means there are unique opportunities for wise investors who know where to look.
  2. Valuations in housing markets can be off, leading to assets being mispriced. Identifying these misvaluations can help investors make profitable decisions.
  3. Different cities experience their own market trends and turning points. Being aware of these local shifts is important for understanding where real estate investments could be lucrative.

The Corner Store vs The Wholesaler

The Data Jargon Newsletter • 59 implied HN points • 21 May 24
đź’Ľ Business Consulting
  1. The corner store model focuses on personal relationships and tailored solutions, while the wholesaler model is more about scale and efficiency. It's important to know what type of service you need for your business.
  2. Consulting firms can operate like either a corner store or a wholesaler, but they can't do both well at the same time. Understanding which approach fits your needs can save you money and frustration.
  3. Often, businesses think they need the efficiency of a wholesaler, but what they really need is the personal touch and problem-solving skills of a corner store. A personalized approach can lead to better outcomes.

👩🏽‍🚀 The Acquisitions Co. Field Guide

alohomora • 235 implied HN points • 26 Mar 23
đź’Ľ Business Consulting
  1. The Acquisitions Co. Field Guide offers insights on navigating government for early-stage startups.
  2. Numerous opportunities and resources are available for companies working with the government like funding programs and institutional investors.
  3. Understanding different government contract mechanisms and agencies, like SBIR programs, is crucial for startups looking to work with the government.

How a Photoshoot at Peter Hurley’s Studio Left Me With a New Understanding of My Appearance

Michael’s Newsletter • 235 implied HN points • 11 Apr 23
đź’Ľ Business Consulting
  1. Facial expressions are crucial for communication, like squinting eyes and slight closed-mouth smiles.
  2. Managing perceptions is vital in client-facing fields, from appearance to online presence.
  3. Authenticity and self-acceptance are key; flaws make you unique, and going off-script can lead to great outcomes.

Thank You for 100k: A Journey Through 2024 and Beyond

SeattleDataGuy’s Newsletter • 294 implied HN points • 31 Dec 24
đź’Ľ Business Consulting
  1. In 2024, I gained over 100,000 subscribers on both YouTube and Substack. I really appreciate the support and plan to create even better content next year.
  2. This year showed trends like cloud data migrations and smaller, fractional data teams, which are changing how companies handle data. It's important to keep an eye on these shifts in the data world.
  3. Looking ahead to 2025, I want to finish my book on data leadership and offer more webinars and mini-courses. I'm excited to engage even more with my readers and build a community.

Seattle Data Guy In 2024

SeattleDataGuy’s Newsletter • 871 implied HN points • 26 Dec 23
đź•ą Technology Consulting
  1. Seattle Data Guy's work in 2023 involved filming videos, virtual conferences, and writing articles and newsletters.
  2. Client trends in 2023 showed shifts towards greenfield projects, solution design, marketing, and education.
  3. Popular articles in 2023 covered topics like data modeling, breaking out of tutorial hell, and essential templates for data analytics.

Vitamins and painkillers — or remedy?

The Jolly Contrarian • 119 implied HN points • 12 Jan 24
đź’Ľ Business Consulting
  1. Business offerings can be classified as painkillers (address immediate problems) or vitamins (guard against problems over time).
  2. Painkillers may provide quick revenues, but vitamins are stickier, build better relationships, and offer stable income over the long term.
  3. In the legal operations world, the focus should be on diagnosing and providing practical advice, rather than just masking problems or offering generic solutions.

Is a Weak Positioning Statement Hurting Your Consultancy?

Michael’s Newsletter • 196 implied HN points • 05 Sep 23
đź’Ľ Business Consulting
  1. A strong positioning statement is crucial for any consultancy as it forms the foundation of your business strategy.
  2. A good positioning statement should clearly communicate your target audience, the problem you solve, and your uniqueness.
  3. Testing your positioning statement against criteria like the Conference Test and Thank God Test can help ensure its effectiveness.

On a Personal Note

Sarah's Newsletter • 319 implied HN points • 20 Dec 22
đź’Ľ Business Consulting
  1. The author is relocating to Vermont, excited about being closer to snow for ski season and connecting with local communities.
  2. The author's startup, Versionable, is currently taking a back seat as they focus on settling into new changes and exploring different angles to address marketing challenges.
  3. The author is embarking on a new role as the Growth Lead at Prefect, highlighting their interest in ambitious team goals and a UI-first experience in data tooling space.

Five Links for August 2025

Five Links (and three graphs) by Auren Hoffman • 81 implied HN points • 03 Aug 25
đź•ą Technology Consulting
  1. Data businesses can be profitable but may not be suitable for venture capital. It's important to know which funding methods fit your business model.
  2. The consulting industry is facing challenges due to changes in technology and market needs, making it a ripe target for disruption.
  3. Sunlight might have health benefits for autoimmune diseases. Research shows that UV light can help improve conditions like multiple sclerosis.

Is the grass greener on the consulting side?

Kenny’s Sub • 119 implied HN points • 27 Dec 23
đź’Ľ Business Consulting
  1. Jumping into freelancing or consulting can seem better, but it often comes with its own challenges. It's important to realize that every choice has its problems.
  2. Finding the right work-life balance is key. It's okay to take breaks from things you do regularly to avoid burnout.
  3. When choosing what to work on, ask yourself what problems you're willing to tackle. Not every job will be perfect, and it's vital to focus on what truly motivates you.

Spotlight: Noemie Alliel – Managing Director @ Starburst

Space Ambition • 219 implied HN points • 30 Jun 23
đź•ą Technology Consulting
  1. Starburst Aerospace runs accelerator programs to help startups connect with large companies and secure funding. These programs provide valuable services and expertise to entrepreneurs without requiring direct investment.
  2. Successful startups often need a strong team and a well-researched idea, along with the ability to communicate their vision clearly. Investors look for uniqueness, innovation, and a solid understanding of the market.
  3. Emerging trends in the space industry include remote sensing, in-space manufacturing, and food production in space. These areas hold potential for significant growth and investment opportunities.

A 3-Year Roadmap For Starting a Consultancy

Michael’s Newsletter • 176 implied HN points • 11 Oct 23
đź’Ľ Business Consulting
  1. Starting a consultancy is a 3-year journey with specific themes and success criteria for each year.
  2. In year 1, focus on experimentation to develop fundamental entrepreneurship skills and choose a business path.
  3. In year 2, build a foundation by mastering consulting skills and selecting a specialization; In year 3, focus deeply on that specialization.

Daily Brief: MECE & Hilbert Spaces

Math Meets Money • 4 HN points • 21 Aug 24
đź’Ľ Business Consulting
  1. The MECE principle helps organize complex data into clear categories that have no overlap. This is crucial for making sense of complicated systems, like businesses or markets.
  2. In business, customer demographics can be viewed as various sets that can show how different characteristics are related. Understanding these relationships can help companies better target their products.
  3. Using concepts from physics, like Hilbert spaces, can help refine how businesses analyze and transform customer data. This approach can lead to better insights into customer preferences and behaviors.

Making Values More Valuable

PeopleStorming • 79 implied HN points • 17 Jan 24
đź’Ľ Business Consulting
  1. When developing company values, focus on creating a behavioral strategy rather than aspirational identity markers.
  2. Effective values highlight difficult tradeoffs between important elements like speed and inclusion.
  3. Frame values using the formula 'We favor X over Y' to capture key tradeoffs and promote decision-making alignment.

How I Left Facebook to Forge My Path in Data Consulting

SeattleDataGuy’s Newsletter • 482 implied HN points • 22 Feb 24
đź’Ľ Business Consulting
  1. Define your niche: Before starting a consulting business, determine what specific problems you aim to solve for clients.
  2. Attracting clients: Methods to find clients include content marketing, networking, referrals, sales outreach, and vendor partnerships.
  3. Creating a marketing funnel: Use frameworks like AIDA (Awareness, Interest, Desire, Action) to organize and target your content towards potential clients.

The New Era of GenAI Consultancies

Sector 6 | The Newsletter of AIM • 59 implied HN points • 12 Feb 24
đź•ą Technology Consulting
  1. Big companies are investing a lot of money in generative AI, showing they believe it can change how businesses operate.
  2. Most executives think generative AI is very important for their future plans, with many seeing it as a major change for their industry.
  3. Generative AI could add a huge amount of value to the global economy, potentially reaching trillions of dollars over the coming years.