The hottest Consulting Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Technology Topics

Daily Brief: Income Statements & Heat Engines

Math Meets Money • 1 HN point • 20 Aug 24
💼 Business Consulting
  1. Every business operates on a basic principle: income equals revenue minus costs. This is like a simple equation that explains how money flows in and out.
  2. A business can be thought of as a heat engine where revenue is the input, total costs are the output, and net income is the useful energy left over to be used by the company.
  3. Businesses help organize and order capital, just like heat engines organize particles. Understanding these similarities can make it easier to grasp how businesses function.

Indian IT Spices Up Generative AI with New Recipes

Sector 6 | The Newsletter of AIM • 39 implied HN points • 25 Jun 23
🕹 Technology Consulting
  1. Indian IT companies are actively developing generative AI solutions to tap into new business opportunities. They are innovating and expanding their offerings in this area.
  2. Wipro started its generative AI practice two years ago and is working with various companies to create centers of excellence. They are also collaborating with academic institutions to boost their research.
  3. Partnerships with tech giants like Google Cloud are helping companies like Wipro advance the use of generative AI in enterprises. This supports businesses in adopting these new technologies effectively.

AI and Knowledge Work

Tanay’s Newsletter • 119 implied HN points • 22 Feb 24
🕹 Technology Consulting
  1. AI is enhancing productivity and quality in knowledge work like software engineering and customer support.
  2. AI benefits are not uniform; it tends to help lower performers more, but can also assist top performers by reducing menial tasks.
  3. AI is not a cure-all; it has limitations and understanding when to use it is crucial for optimal results.
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In House vs. Outsourced Red Teams (Part 1)

Locks and Leaks • 19 implied HN points • 27 Dec 23
🕹 Technology Consulting
  1. Different organizations may benefit from various approaches to red teaming based on their needs, budgets, and internal capabilities.
  2. There are more nuanced red teaming models than just in-house or outsourced, such as hybrid operator model, learning model, and hybrid mitigation model.
  3. Some discouraged red teaming models include relying solely on part-time teams or contingent workers due to trust, loyalty, and capability concerns.

S2: Ep3 - Reflections

CAUSL Effect • 19 implied HN points • 22 Dec 23
💼 Business Consulting
  1. Starting a business is really hard, and making money from scratch is tougher than having a regular job. There are many things you can control, but many more you can't.
  2. Losing a co-founder can feel really lonely and make you doubt your path, but it can also be a big turning point in your journey.
  3. Building tools that help others do their own analysis is rewarding, and being part of a supportive team makes a big difference in your work life.

The Big Tech War has started. Here is how you will win [Finance Fridays]

Technology Made Simple • 59 implied HN points • 27 Aug 22
💼 Business Consulting
  1. The Big Tech companies are engaging in a war for market dominance, expanding into new areas by acquiring smaller companies and investing in new technologies.
  2. To succeed in the tech industry, you can make money as an employee, consultant, or entrepreneur, each path offering different levels of risk and potential rewards.
  3. Being an employee provides stability and a clear career path, while being a consultant allows for flexibility and higher pay, but with the risk of unstable income and no benefits.

Equal Ventures is Hiring Associates

Equal Ventures • 19 implied HN points • 04 Dec 23
💼 Business Consulting
  1. Equal Ventures is hiring two Associates for its investment team in New York to work on industry research, investment analysis, and portfolio support
  2. Candidates with 2-4+ years of experience in consulting, equity research, private equity, or investment banking are encouraged to apply, along with those who are intellectually curious, passionate about startups, professional, self-directed, and friendly
  3. Potential applicants are required to email their LinkedIn profile, resume, and answer specific questions related to industry sectors, investment opportunities, contrarian beliefs, and personal passions, with responses expected within 2 weeks

How we built a business out of recession - chapter 25 - we want a Gordon.

The ZIPster • 44 implied HN points • 15 Nov 24
💼 Business Consulting
  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.

A Note: What Is "Management" Anyway?

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 92 implied HN points • 28 Feb 24
💼 Business Consulting
  1. Management is different from hierarchical command-and-control, bureaucratic obedience, and market haggling. It's about reconciling various interests for the smooth operation of the system.
  2. Peter F. Drucker viewed the manager as a trustee of civilization and envisioned a role that balanced freedom, efficiency, equity, and order.
  3. Management is seen as a profession that aligns the interests of all stakeholders while ensuring the free development of individuals within society.

What can 236+ years of consulting teach you about getting clients?

Harmony • 19 implied HN points • 13 Jun 23
💼 Business Consulting
  1. Consultants often get their first clients through existing professional networks or referrals from colleagues or friends.
  2. Networking and establishing partnerships are common methods for consultants to acquire new clients and expand their reach.
  3. Thought leadership, content creation, and utilizing platforms are effective strategies for consultants to attract clients and showcase their expertise.

Onboarding A Million Users

Athena Scale • 19 implied HN points • 18 Apr 23
🕹 Technology Consulting
  1. Achieving a million users is a significant milestone for companies.
  2. Not all startups need to aim for 1 million active users to be successful.
  3. Handling 1 million users requires efficient infrastructure and preparation.

Government as a Service

Engineering Open Societies • 19 implied HN points • 01 Apr 23
🕹 Technology Consulting
  1. Government as a Service aims to address unique challenges governments face with tailored software solutions.
  2. The product strategy focuses on aligning incentives with government partners to create mutual value and revenue streams.
  3. The technical architecture emphasizes common infrastructure, modularity, and security for efficient development and deployment.

Service as a Software: The New SaaS

Jakob Nielsen on UX • 27 implied HN points • 19 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Consulting
  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.

Create a SWOT in 2 Minutes

The Security Industry • 21 implied HN points • 22 Jan 25
💼 Business Consulting
  1. A SWOT analysis helps businesses identify their strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats, which can guide their strategy. It's a simple way to evaluate a company's position in the market.
  2. Using tools like HarvestIQ.ai can make creating a SWOT analysis quick and easy, potentially saving time compared to hiring a consultant. This software can provide detailed insights on vendors and competitors.
  3. Businesses should keep an eye on the evolving cybersecurity landscape and the competition, as changes in regulations and economic conditions can impact success and growth opportunities.

Is your “coach” or “consultant” label costing you clients?

The Ask Newsletter — by Ellen Donnelly • 10 implied HN points • 11 Jun 25
💼 Business Consulting
  1. Calling yourself a 'coach' or 'consultant' is too vague and might turn potential clients away. It's important to find a specific label that reflects your unique skills.
  2. Identifying what makes you different can help you attract the right clients. Think about your past experiences and what you're passionate about to define your niche.
  3. Your business position can change over time as you grow and learn. It's okay to adjust your label and services to better match what you offer today.

DNC Consultants Made Millions on the Harris Campaign. But They Still Can't Afford Mirrors.

JoeWrote • 27 implied HN points • 14 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Consulting
  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.

Regrouping Startup Strategies

Startup Strategies • 57 implied HN points • 20 Feb 24
💼 Business Consulting
  1. The author aims to highlight cool startups that may not get enough recognition due to funding issues.
  2. Artificial Intelligence (AI) has significantly impacted the startup funding landscape, leading to job losses.
  3. The author offers opportunities for startups to get featured, pitch coaching, and content agency services.

Adriana Tica Chats with Ellen: All things strategic marketing

The Ask Newsletter — by Ellen Donnelly • 10 implied HN points • 04 Jun 25
💼 Business Consulting
  1. Building authority online takes time and effort. It’s important to focus on a clear, strong idea that showcases your unique perspective.
  2. Consistency is key in marketing. You don’t need to be on every platform, but having one place for potential clients to find you is essential.
  3. Even great writers can struggle with newsletters. It's vital to understand the marketing side to make sure your newsletter is profitable.

Find out What's Valuable and then do Nothing Else

🔮 Crafting Tech Teams • 19 implied HN points • 18 May 23
💼 Business Consulting
  1. Focus on what is valuable and don't get distracted by other tasks or activities.
  2. Learning from mentors and industry leaders can provide inspiration and guidance for professional growth.
  3. Podcasts and discussions about pricing strategies, consulting journeys, and tech leadership can be valuable resources for personal and career development.

UX Roundup: AI Research Window | AI Skill Substitution | World Economic Forum Predicts More UX Jobs | AI-UX Consultant | Bad Bird Lip-Synch

Jakob Nielsen on UX • 19 implied HN points • 20 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Consulting
  1. There is a limited time to study how people use AI since soon everyone will have experience with it. Right now, researchers can still compare results between people who use AI and those who don't.
  2. The introduction of AI is changing job markets significantly. Some jobs, like translation, are declining, while others, like web development, are booming because AI helps workers be more productive.
  3. The World Economic Forum predicts that UX jobs will grow by 50% in the next five years. While there's some skepticism about job predictions, there is a general agreement that UX roles will keep increasing as AI continues to evolve.

Frances Odera Matthews Chats with Ellen: All things solo business operations

The Ask Newsletter — by Ellen Donnelly • 7 implied HN points • 02 Jul 25
💼 Business Consulting
  1. Using Notion can help organize and streamline your business processes, making it easier to track and share important information.
  2. Solopreneurs often complicate things too early, so it's important to simplify and focus on what truly matters for your business.
  3. Hiring help comes with hidden costs, so it’s essential to weigh the benefits before making a decision.

Building CAUSL - Episode 10: Going Solo and Building a Product

CAUSL Effect • 19 implied HN points • 01 Jun 23
💼 Business Consulting
  1. The founder is rethinking his business after losing a co-founder, which has made it hard to focus on growth and delivery at the same time.
  2. He plans to rebuild his income through consulting while also developing a new product called Analytics Powerpack, aimed at helping teams analyze data easily.
  3. Starting something new has ups and downs, and he's learning to adapt and adjust his plans based on market needs and personal limits.

10 Trend Predictions for Coaches, Consultants & Experts in 2025

The Ask Newsletter — by Ellen Donnelly • 15 implied HN points • 15 Jan 25
💼 Business Consulting
  1. More professionals will work part-time or freelance while running their businesses, allowing for more flexibility and varied income streams. This change is reshaping what commitment looks like in the workplace.
  2. In 2025, service providers will focus on creating one standout offer instead of many products, making it easier for both them and their customers. This means simplifying what they sell helps avoid overwhelming buyers.
  3. Successful deals will often happen quietly behind the scenes, showing that the best service providers may not always be the loudest on social media. It's becoming more common to have valuable exchanges out of the public eye.

What comes first: Your business model or your niche?

The Ask Newsletter — by Ellen Donnelly • 5 implied HN points • 30 Jul 25
💼 Business Consulting
  1. Your business model and niche are very important choices. They shape who you serve and how you earn money.
  2. Different niches require different business models, which can affect how much time you work and the money you take home.
  3. It's crucial to align your business model with your personal preferences and your clients' needs, as every path has trade-offs.

What is Sundar Pichai thinking?

Technology Made Simple • 39 implied HN points • 26 Mar 22
🕹 Technology Consulting
  1. Google invests significantly in AI and Machine Learning research to enhance their business model - focusing on data-driven ads and boosting operational efficiency.
  2. Google's AI projects often revolve around solving complex search problems, which aligns with their goal of improving search algorithms for hyper-specific advertising.
  3. By mastering core skills like math, theoretical knowledge, problem-solving, and coding, individuals can prepare themselves to tackle challenges at scale similar to what Google does.

The history of inhouse legal

The Jolly Contrarian • 59 implied HN points • 23 Oct 21
💼 Business Consulting
  1. In-house legal departments in banks have evolved over time from negligible involvement to becoming key players in managing legal relationships and adding value to the organization.
  2. The rise of magic circle law firms marked a period where law firms charged high rates for extensive legal work, benefiting from banks' willingness to pay for legal protection in their big financial deals.
  3. Management consultants stepped in to help banks reduce legal spend, resulting in the development of legal operations teams within organizations to optimize legal processes and costs.

Building CAUSL - Episode 9: The Cinderella of Lead Generation

CAUSL Effect • 19 implied HN points • 25 Apr 23
💼 Business Consulting
  1. The author is shifting focus from company updates to more engaging discussions that inspire thought and community interaction. They believe it's important to write about topics that spark conversations rather than just update on business progress.
  2. They define a lead as an actual conversation about their services, not just messages without responses. They're monitoring their lead data closely and have gained 15 leads so far, which they consider a decent start after a few months.
  3. Managing leads can feel stressful, especially when unsure if the opportunity will come through. The author prefers clear 'closed' leads over 'open' ones, as the uncertainty in 'open' leads can be more anxious than outright rejection.

Are you missing the window to influence your stakeholders?

CAUSL Effect • 19 implied HN points • 19 Apr 23
💼 Business Consulting
  1. It's important to understand that decisions happen over time, not just at deadlines. Stay engaged with your stakeholders to make sure you can influence their choices.
  2. To avoid wasting time, identify the minimum level of analysis needed to make a good decision. Don't chase perfection when it's not necessary.
  3. Remember that being a decision maker is hard. Our job is to provide insights when they're needed, so be timely to maximize your chance of influencing the outcome.

Building CAUSL - Episode 8: The Growth Conundrum

CAUSL Effect • 19 implied HN points • 07 Apr 23
💼 Business Consulting
  1. The team has learned a lot about managing projects by working closely on them, even though it's just two people. This hands-on experience has been valuable and helped them understand client needs better.
  2. Finding ways to grow is a major concern for the team since they are still small. They realize the need to adapt and look for new opportunities for their business.
  3. With new team members joining who bring different skills, they are expanding their services. This helps them to not only grow but also offer more value to their clients in areas like product leadership.

Why I am starting a hardcore tech company in my 50s

I Am Not a Robot • 55 HN points • 26 Jul 23
💼 Business Consulting
  1. Started a tech company in 50s due to interest in AI and experience in information retrieval and coding.
  2. Focused on building stable and reliable AI systems, despite current trend of fast-paced development fueled by VC money.
  3. Plans to start as a service provider in AI to build resilient systems and eventually create a product, prioritizing problem-solving and teamwork over money.

Building CAUSL - Episode 2: Overcoming Fear

CAUSL Effect • 19 implied HN points • 02 Mar 23
💼 Business Consulting
  1. Facing fears is a normal part of starting something new. It’s important to acknowledge those fears and know that you're not alone in feeling them.
  2. The fear of regret can be stronger than the fear of failure. You might worry about failing, but often the bigger fear is not trying at all.
  3. Having support from loved ones can make a huge difference. You don’t have to face your fears by yourself; encouragement from others can help you take the leap.

Why more clients aren't buying from you (yet)

The Ask Newsletter — by Ellen Donnelly • 10 implied HN points • 12 Feb 25
💼 Business Consulting
  1. Show your expertise in action. Document your thought processes and how you solve problems to help potential clients see your value.
  2. Position yourself as an authority by clearly sharing your unique mission and message. This attracts clients who resonate with your vision.
  3. Build relationships instead of just relying on cold leads. Most clients come from referrals and connections within your network.