The hottest Consulting Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Technology Topics

Bootstrapping a Product

realkinetic • 0 implied HN points • 05 Jan 21
💼 Business Consulting
  1. Real Kinetic successfully launched a new software product called Witful without any VC funding, relying on their consulting revenues instead.
  2. Their approach is focused on steady growth, work-life balance, and sustainability, prioritizing profitability over rapid expansion.
  3. The technology decisions for building Witful were influenced by resource constraints, leading to the use of serverless architecture, Firebase, Elm, and TypeScript, for efficiency and resilience.

Our Engagement Process

realkinetic • 0 implied HN points • 04 Oct 18
💼 Business Consulting
  1. Real Kinetic uses a declining-engagement model emphasizing mentorship to help clients for long-term success and quick value delivery.
  2. Their assessment process involves on-site visits and delivering documents like Assessment Summary, Key Risks, Next Steps and Path to Production, and Best Practices and Recommendations.
  3. Real Kinetic transitions from an active weekly/biweekly involvement to a monthly/quarterly retainer-based model, aiming to make clients self-sufficient while providing continuous support.

What Do You Do?

realkinetic • 0 implied HN points • 24 Apr 18
💼 Business Consulting
  1. Real Kinetic focuses on helping companies get 'unstuck' and providing capabilities to remain unstuck.
  2. They emphasize looking at the broader business outcomes rather than just focusing on tactical implementation details.
  3. Their approach involves team-based mentorship, addressing technology, people, and business objectives to help clients become self-sufficient.

Biggest GenAI Regret Ever

Sector 6 | The Newsletter of AIM • 0 implied HN points • 20 Mar 24
🕹 Technology Consulting
  1. Infosys had the chance to be a leading player in IT consulting, similar to Microsoft, by investing in OpenAI early on.
  2. Even though they recognized OpenAI's potential back in 2015, Infosys may now feel they missed out as generative AI rapidly evolves.
  3. The former CEO of Infosys, Vishal Sikka, showed vision by supporting OpenAI, but recent events suggest that not capitalizing on this could lead to regrets.

On Databases and Memory

Thoughts from the trenches in FAANG + Indie • 0 implied HN points • 06 Jan 24
🕹 Technology Consulting
  1. Migrating from one database system to another, like from PostgreSQL to MongoDB, might not solve performance issues and could be costly and slow. It's often better to analyze if the migration will really help before proceeding.
  2. Understanding how databases work is crucial. Different databases use memory and disk in similar ways, so just switching systems might not lead to significant improvements.
  3. There are effective ways to boost database performance without major migrations. Improving cache, using faster disks, and optimizing indexing strategies can help both PostgreSQL and MongoDB perform better.
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✅ Monday briefing: Social media guidelines, social media sourcing, C4 fightback, PR imposter syndrome, tech regulation, hiring tips, top consultancies, toxic beauty, Samsung slammed, and more...

Wadds Inc. newsletter • 0 implied HN points • 09 May 22
💼 Business Consulting
  1. Social media guidelines from major outlets like The Guardian and The New York Times stress careful online behavior. Journalists are encouraged not to criticize colleagues and to clean up their tweets regularly.
  2. Research shows there's a gap in perception versus reality in public relations roles. Many practitioners feel they're not seen as good enough, even when senior managers welcome their expertise.
  3. Beauty content on social media can harm self-esteem, especially among young girls. Brands like Dove are working to change this by promoting diverse standards of beauty and addressing toxic beauty advice online.

✅ Monday briefing: A&E Storytelling, sports washing, Zoom termination, management consultancy threat cedes, tackling ageism, PR boom prediction, and more…

Wadds Inc. newsletter • 0 implied HN points • 13 Dec 21
💼 Business Consulting
  1. A&E departments can use storytelling on social media to give real insights into their work. This helps people understand what goes on behind the scenes.
  2. Ageism is a big problem, so there's a new guide aimed at helping people talk positively about aging. It encourages a better image of older adults.
  3. Many UK businesses are planning to hire more public relations staff soon. This suggests that there's a growing need for good communication as the market recovers.

Valuation Approaches...

Musings on Markets • 0 implied HN points • 20 Jun 10
💰 Finance Consulting
  1. Valuation is fundamentally simple, but people often make it more complex than it needs to be. It's important to focus on the basics and not get caught up in unnecessary complications.
  2. Different consulting firms promote their own proprietary valuation methods, but they all link back to excess returns and providing an easier approach. The names and acronyms might sound fancy, but the core ideas are similar.
  3. When valuing a company, it's best to stick with an approach that you're comfortable with. The real challenge is estimating important factors like growth and risk, not finding a new valuation model.

[in case you missed it] Data Science Weekly - Issue 320

Data Science Weekly Newsletter • 0 implied HN points • 12 Jan 20
🕹 Technology Consulting
  1. Creating successful data projects needs careful planning. It's not just about getting the model right; you have to think about the project's context and how it fits into the bigger picture.
  2. AI is speeding up material discovery significantly. Researchers are using AI to create new materials much faster than traditional methods, which could change many industries.
  3. Data lakes offer flexibility in storing data. Unlike data warehouses that require strict definitions, data lakes allow for various data types and structures, making them adaptable but also posing some challenges.

Building CAUSL - Episode 12: The Future of CAUSL

CAUSL Effect • 0 implied HN points • 30 Aug 23
💼 Business Consulting
  1. A merger with LeanConvert means a big change for CAUSL. The consulting side will stop, but the focus will shift to analytics and experimentation.
  2. The journey isn't over; it's just changing direction. The goal was always to get to this new role, and it feels like a new beginning.
  3. There will still be updates through the Building CAUSL newsletter. The author plans to share the development of a free analytics toolkit for everyone.

Corrected Headlines

Human Capitalist • 0 implied HN points • 16 Sep 24
💼 Business Consulting
  1. Every news story has more detail than just its headline, so it's important to dig deeper. Understanding the background helps us see the bigger picture.
  2. There's a focus on the people behind business news, highlighting corporate changes and workforce trends. Recognizing the human aspect makes the stories more relatable.
  3. The post encourages readers to suggest headlines that need more context. This shows that everyone can contribute to the conversation about important news.

What is restructuring?

The Flâneur Accountant • 0 implied HN points • 29 May 24
💼 Business Consulting
  1. Restructuring is important for companies, especially when they are in trouble. It's like going to the dentist after ignoring a toothache for too long.
  2. There are different types of restructuring: operational, financial, and ownership. Each type aims to reorganize a company to become stronger and more competitive.
  3. Restructuring professionals have skills in accounting, law, and crisis management. They help companies navigate hard times and improve their overall situation.

Investment consultants are (quietly) doing great

Fund Marketer • 0 implied HN points • 01 May 24
💰 Finance Consulting
  1. Investment consultants are becoming very influential in the market, with 85% of large investors relying on them for manager selection. This shows they play a key role in guiding investment decisions.
  2. The top twenty investment consultants control a large portion of the industry, making it easier for them to shape which managers are chosen by clients. This concentration means fewer choices for investors.
  3. Investment consultants warn that trendy investment options, like private assets, can be risky and often lead to disappointing results for late investors. It's important to be cautious and think long-term.

How I Calculate Profit

Kartick’s Blog • 0 implied HN points • 03 Nov 24
💼 Business Consulting
  1. Income is only counted when it's actually in the bank, not just when it's invoiced. This helps reduce the risk of relying on money that might not come in.
  2. Expenses are recognized in full when they occur, even if they are spread out over time. This practice makes it easier to see the real financial impact right away.
  3. It's smart to overestimate taxes and expenses while understating income. This cautious approach helps in planning for potential financial shortfalls.

How to Buy Standardised vs Custom Services

Kartick’s Blog • 0 implied HN points • 30 Oct 24
💼 Business Consulting
  1. Standardised services offer similar benefits and risks for all clients. You can expect predictability in delivery time and cost, like hiring an agency to find a software engineer.
  2. Custom services are unique for each client, with varying costs and outcomes. You often need to invest before seeing results, and the risks can be hard to predict.
  3. When buying standardised products or services, make sure to see the final result before committing. With custom services, be prepared for a longer conversation to understand the scope and pricing.

Experience strategy & corporate strategy

The Strategy Toolkit • 0 implied HN points • 24 Oct 24
💼 Business Consulting
  1. Experience strategy is important for businesses to connect better with their customers. It focuses on how customers feel about their interaction with a brand.
  2. Corporate strategy should include experience strategy to create a cohesive vision for the company. This means aligning customer experiences with overall business goals.
  3. Integrating both strategies can lead to better performance and customer loyalty. When a company works on these together, it can help grow the business.

Food fraud prevention strategies: Building an effective verification ecosystem (Manning, et. al. (2024) - A Review

The Rotten Apple • 0 implied HN points • 11 Nov 24
🍲 Food & Drink Consulting
  1. Food fraud is a big problem, and understanding the latest research can help businesses protect themselves better. Keeping updated with new methods to prevent fraud is important for food safety professionals.
  2. Creating a strong verification ecosystem is key to preventing food fraud. This means having reliable checks and balances in place to ensure the integrity of food products.
  3. The research emphasizes practical strategies to combat food fraud. Using these strategies can make a real difference in how businesses manage food safety and trust.

Game Theory Concepts Useful in Life

Kartick’s Blog • 0 implied HN points • 22 Jan 25
💼 Business Consulting
  1. Aim for win/win situations where everyone can succeed together. It’s better to work as partners instead of fighting against each other.
  2. Life is not just a one-time game; it's more like a series of games. How you treat people now will affect how they treat you later.
  3. Sometimes, it's wise to walk away from a game that’s rigged against you. Recognizing when to step back can save you time and trouble.

Decision Theory Concepts Useful in Life

Kartick’s Blog • 0 implied HN points • 10 Feb 25
💼 Business Consulting
  1. Exploration and exploitation are both important for success. You need to try new things to find better tools, but also focus on mastering the ones that work for you.
  2. Simplifying problems makes decision-making easier. Break down big questions into smaller, manageable ones to gain clarity and avoid getting overwhelmed.
  3. It's crucial to recognize opportunity costs in decision-making. When you commit to one option, you may be giving up on others that could be more beneficial.

Interesting Learnings from Choice Architecture

Kartick’s Blog • 0 implied HN points • 09 Feb 25
💼 Business Consulting
  1. How you present choices can greatly influence decisions. Present key options clearly and guide clients towards the best choice without overwhelming them.
  2. Using defaults can simplify decisions. If you recommend a primary option and label it as the default, it can help clients make quicker choices.
  3. It's important to frame choices positively. Highlighting gains or losses can affect how clients perceive options and may lead to better sales outcomes.

Competing on Price Vs Benefit

Kartick’s Blog • 0 implied HN points • 06 Feb 25
💼 Business Consulting
  1. Competing on price means attracting customers by offering the lowest cost. This often leads to a tough business environment where customers constantly look for cheaper options.
  2. Competing on benefit focuses on providing more value or quality to the customer, even if the price is higher. Customers are willing to pay more if they believe they will get better results or experiences.
  3. Most businesses don't only compete on price or benefit; they do both. They try to offer good value while also managing costs to appeal to customers.

Escalation Levels: A Framework for Better Sales Conversations

Kartick’s Blog • 0 implied HN points • 25 May 25
💼 Business Consulting
  1. Use different escalation levels in sales conversations to shift approaches when discussions stall. Just like a car needs different gears for different conditions, sales talks need different strategies for success.
  2. Start conversations by gathering information to understand the lead's needs better. This means asking questions and listening more than you talk to really get to the root of the problem.
  3. When necessary, be firm and clear in your communication. If someone can't follow your advice, be direct about what needs to change or you may need to walk away from the deal.

Issue #8: Vibe Code These Four B2B 'Clean AI' Ideas.

OSS.fund Newsletter • 0 implied HN points • 08 May 25
💼 Business Consulting
  1. Businesses should focus on reducing carbon emissions from AI processes, as this creates new opportunities and boosts revenue. It's not just about being eco-friendly but also about staying competitive.
  2. Implementing efficient use of resources, like optimizing prompts and models, can lead to cost savings and lower emissions. Smaller models can handle tasks well, which also benefits the environment.
  3. Tracking and offsetting carbon emissions in AI operations can enhance transparency and trust with clients. Offering these solutions could differentiate a service firm in the market.

Issue #2: The AI Funding Approvals Merry-Go-Round

OSS.fund Newsletter • 0 implied HN points • 27 Mar 25
💼 Business Consulting
  1. AI projects need special handling because they combine different business areas, making approval complex. It’s not just another tech upgrade; it affects finance, operations, and strategy all at once.
  2. CFOs want clear financial impacts and risks before they approve AI initiatives. If the proposal is vague or overly technical, it can get rejected, even if it's a great idea.
  3. Using a standardized template for AI funding requests helps everyone. It makes proposals clearer and helps tech teams speak the CFO's language, leading to quicker approvals.

Why I Prefer Consulting Overhead to Corporate Overhead

Kartick’s Blog • 0 implied HN points • 25 Jun 25
💼 Business Consulting
  1. Consulting brings valuable skills while handling overhead. It's better to do these tasks myself as they teach me important business skills.
  2. Big companies often suffer from office politics, leading to mediocre outcomes. I prefer not to get caught up in that and focus on improving results.
  3. The skills I gain in consulting, like sales and contracts, are transferable to many future roles. They are more useful than navigating corporate politics.

Ten Opportunities Hiding in the AI Security Certification Wave

OSS.fund Newsletter • 0 implied HN points • 26 Jun 25
💼 Business Consulting
  1. AI security will be crucial for businesses by early 2026, as companies will require proper certification for using generative AI. This means there are important opportunities for companies to prepare and offer services that help with these certifications.
  2. There are various services that people will need, such as AI security testing and monitoring, to ensure compliance and manage risks effectively. This creates a chance for businesses to develop tools and services that meet these needs.
  3. Those who act quickly to provide solutions related to AI security certification can gain a significant advantage in the market, turning security challenges into profitable opportunities.

AuthOmnibus Review

ciamweekly • 0 implied HN points • 30 Jun 25
🕹 Technology Consulting
  1. AuthOmnibus is a great resource for learning about identity management. It helps people who are new to the topic find useful information easily.
  2. The site is organized into different sections, making it easier to navigate and understand the material.
  3. Alex Ward, the author, is an independent software consultant who focuses on sharing knowledge in the identity space. He's approachable and open for questions.

Services SoWs Are Dead. Long live the Software‑Defined SoW!

OSS.fund Newsletter • 0 implied HN points • 31 Jul 25
💼 Business Consulting
  1. Traditional Statements of Work (SoWs) are becoming less relevant because AI orchestration is streamlining processes. This means less time spent on integration work and more focus on effective solutions.
  2. The rise of software-defined SoWs allows for programmable and automated contracts, replacing old static agreements. This shift opens new opportunities for consulting firms to innovate and adapt.
  3. While the automation of tasks may seem threatening, history shows that new technology tends to create fresh job roles focusing on oversight and design, shifting the workforce toward higher-value activities.

🐿️ Tomorrow’s Not Too Soon - The Insanely Profitable Tech Newsletter

Squirrel Squadron Substack • 0 implied HN points • 06 Feb 26
💼 Business Consulting
  1. Big changes can happen very fast when teams focus and use tight feedback cycles, with many goals reached in under three months and sometimes in weeks.
  2. Your mindset matters: believing you can learn and change quickly makes rapid transformation possible.
  3. Repeatable methods, lots of practice, and client commitment—like daily check-ins, genuine questions, and doing the hard homework—make fast, reliable results happen.