The hottest Consulting Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Technology Topics
Dan Davies - "Back of Mind" 294 implied HN points 26 Jan 24
  1. The 1970s movie 'Carry On At Your Convenience' offers an interesting but awful look at British class politics and industrial relations.
  2. British industry problems in the film reflect real issues of sclerotic management, militant unions, lack of communication, and reliance on hard currency export markets.
  3. The British miscellaneous professional services sector may have stemmed from individual solutions to underlying institutional problems.
Pratap’s Substack 277 implied HN points 22 Feb 24
  1. AI can do much more than just make companies more efficient. It can actually change how we work and team up with machines.
  2. Working together as partners is key for big companies when using AI, not just buying software. They need deep collaboration to succeed in a new AI world.
  3. Startups have a big chance to tackle larger problems by creating complete solutions instead of just quick fixes. This approach can reshape how businesses operate.
SeattleDataGuy’s Newsletter 482 implied HN points 22 Feb 24
  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.
Jakob Nielsen on UX 27 implied HN points 19 Dec 24
  1. AI is changing how we work by making professional skills available almost instantly and at a low cost. This shift will allow tasks that used to require human expertise to be done by software.
  2. The new idea of 'Service as a Software' (SaaS) could disrupt many professional jobs by automating services like consulting, legal work, and design. This could lead to a significant boost in the economy.
  3. As AI becomes smarter and cheaper, it's expected to make high-quality expertise available to more people, changing how businesses operate and creating new opportunities in various fields.
Nail It and Scale It 59 implied HN points 13 Jun 24
  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.
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Trying In Public 39 implied HN points 02 Jul 24
  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.
Kenny’s Sub 199 implied HN points 05 Feb 24
  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.
The ZIPster 44 implied HN points 15 Nov 24
  1. Hiring experienced consultants can help a business grow quickly without long-term commitments. This helps you tackle competition and make informed decisions.
  2. Forming strong connections is important for business success. Having the right people with industry contacts can pave the way for new opportunities.
  3. Sometimes, it's hard to convince talented people to join your team. Offering them a share of the company can be an attractive incentive.
The Charlotte Ledger 373 implied HN points 01 Apr 23
  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
News Items 373 implied HN points 05 Sep 23
  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.
SeattleDataGuy’s Newsletter 541 implied HN points 07 Nov 23
  1. Have essential templates ready for data analytics consulting to speed up document creation and ensure clear processes.
  2. Key templates include a discovery template, proposal and SOW, basic deck, project kick-off email, onboarding checklist, and update email.
  3. Using templates like these can help in landing clients, maintaining communication, and streamlining project workflows.
The Uncertainty Mindset (soon to become tbd) 79 implied HN points 24 Apr 24
  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.
Karlstack 433 implied HN points 09 Mar 24
  1. Terrell Strayhorn faced consequences for financial misconduct and plagiarism, leading to a downgrade in his academic career.
  2. The case highlighted the controversial practice of retroactively correcting theses to address plagiarism issues, as seen in the examples of Strayhorn and Claudine Gay.
  3. The story of Terrell Strayhorn serves as a larger commentary on the issues within the DEI-industrial complex and the exploitation of noble ideals for personal gain in academic circles.
Building Rome(s) 7 implied HN points 04 Jan 25
  1. The author stopped writing in 2024 due to personal and professional changes but is returning in 2025 with fresh energy and focus.
  2. The newsletter has been rebranded to better reflect its content, now called 'The Art of Doing Technical Program Management', and will provide practical insights for TPMs.
  3. New subscription options and courses will be introduced, offering deeper content and personal coaching to help both new and experienced Technical Program Managers.
The Data Jargon Newsletter 59 implied HN points 21 May 24
  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.
alohomora 235 implied HN points 26 Mar 23
  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.
Michael’s Newsletter 235 implied HN points 11 Apr 23
  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.
JoeWrote 27 implied HN points 14 Nov 24
  1. Democrats and Republicans are more focused on their own interests than just winning elections. This means they may not take the best actions to help people.
  2. After losing the election, many Democrats blamed others instead of reflecting on their own mistakes. This shows a lack of accountability in the party.
  3. Building independent political power for working-class communities is needed because relying on established parties hasn't worked well. It's time for a change.
The Jolly Contrarian 119 implied HN points 12 Jan 24
  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.
Michael’s Newsletter 196 implied HN points 05 Sep 23
  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.
Sarah's Newsletter 319 implied HN points 20 Dec 22
  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.
Kenny’s Sub 119 implied HN points 27 Dec 23
  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.
Space Ambition 219 implied HN points 30 Jun 23
  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.
Michael’s Newsletter 176 implied HN points 11 Oct 23
  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.
Math Meets Money 4 HN points 21 Aug 24
  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.
Sector 6 | The Newsletter of AIM 59 implied HN points 12 Feb 24
  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.
DeFi Education 519 implied HN points 08 Jul 22
  1. Corporate financial restructuring helps businesses recover from financial difficulties. It's like giving a struggling company a fresh start.
  2. The topic is complex and many experts have written books about it. This means there’s a lot to learn that can't be covered in just one article.
  3. Understanding the key points of restructuring can help people make better decisions in business. It's important to grasp the basics if you're involved in finance.
Victor’s Substack 41 HN points 26 Mar 24
  1. Software engineering managers should not exist as they generally take on multiple roles poorly, whereas specialists could excel at each task.
  2. Engineering managers often were mediocre engineers who compensated by picking up non-engineering tasks and ended up in managerial roles.
  3. Best teams often function well without an engineering manager observing their every move, allowing engineers to focus and be more productive.