Some frameworks just sit in decks. Others do real work. They spark interest, guide delivery, and help consulting firms stand out with confidence... and in this episode, we dive into the kind that do exactly that—signature frameworks—with designer and methodology expert Charlotte Crowther. We unpack how to craft one that’s not just smart… but strategic. So, iIf you’ve ever wondered what separates a slide from a system—this one’s for you!   Episode guest Charlotte Crowther, founder, SignatureFramework.com   CreditsVoices, production, etc. by Ash and FloCreative and design advice by @calmar.creativInto, outro voiceover for the unbillable hours podcast by @iamthedakotaMusic also by @iamthedakota  

Ever heard of ”Rainmakers” - the bizdev champions of the services world? HBR published a piece saying their game is changing. Ash and Flo dove in to figure out how, exactly (spoiler: it’s related to marketing!)

We’re back - and start our post-summer show with a deep dive into answers to the dreaded question ”What should our consultancy post about?” (or some such): Tune in to hear Flo discuss the best philosophy for thought leadership planning and how to derive content from your value proposition. Enjoy!

You’ve nailed your value proposition—now what? In this episode, we show how consultancies can embed business development capabilities across the whole firm, turning scattered effort into a coordinated go-to-market machine.

There, we’ll say it: ”Cold outreach selling” - whether by email, phone, or LinkedIn - doesn’t really work in consulting (with a few exceptions perhaps confirming this rule). So... what can you do instead? Ash and Flo share some insights and tips you might want to listen to before sinking another 20k into an outreach effort with no ROI...

We pause our strategy guide curriculum for a bit of news-related coverage - and have Ash and Flo review the new ”Trends - Artificial Intelligence” report by Mary Meeker and her Co-authors at VC firm, Bond. The two use it to share some views re. how consultancies should position in this so-called ”age of AI”... enjoy!

Ah, yes: Case studies - the workhorses of consultancy business development! So important to prove you can deliver your proposition! And yet, often in such sorry, sorry states... (Like, really: Many of them are not exactly great). The team invited Lead Comet's James De Roche to discuss why so many case studies don't work, how to fix them, and much more - listen to their conversation here!Episode guest James De Roche, founder, Lead Comet CreditsVoices, production, etc. by Ash and FloCreative and design advice by @calmar.creativInto, outro voiceover for the unbillable hours podcast by @iamthedakotaMusic also by @iamthedakota   Show notesFind Lead Comet's website over at: https://leadcometdigital.com/ Follow James on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesleadcomet/ 

Yes, we’ve explained how to design a value proposition. But what if a single proposition won’t cut it - because your firm is large enough to house several practices, multiple service lines, and an even greater number of services? Ash and Flo explain, but want to remind you again here: Multi-propoisition stacking is a tool to facilitate effective strategy in larger firms - it’s not your excuse to stay as broad and messy as possible 😉.

Oh, hey - a ”prequel!” Well, of sorts, at least: In this episode, Ash and Flo explore how small and mid-sized consultancies can compete—and win—against the big guys. They share four moves to help you out-position, out-deliver, and outsmart the giants, including how to de-risk the buying journey, pick smarter battles, and show up differently. It’s great input to have before refining your firm’s value proposition (hence the ”prequel” comment here).

Surprise episode! For this one, we’ll break from our pre-planned curriculum of ”how-to” episodes to syndicate a conversation between Total Growth Ownership’s Matt Hodkinson and Flo for Matt’s ”Consultancy Edge” podcast. Listen to the two of them discuss positioning, productisation and pushing boundaries in consulting!

And, here we are: This is the final episode of our ”value proposition design” series introducing the ”Value Proposition Canvas” by TheVisibleAuthority! In this one, we’ll cover why your firm needs both a point-of-view and a method of delivery, how the two are connected - and how you can go about designing yours. Enjoy!

In this episode, we tackle the next big question in value proposition design: “What can clients expect from us?” Flo breaks down how to nail your expertise, immediate impact, and business outcomes—from defining your consulting type to describing clear before-and-after states. Quick, punchy, and BD-ready. Tune in!

On to the next part of our strategy/value proposition design series: Describing your ideal clients’ needs and struggles - or, more specifically, jobs-to-do, hurdles to success, and options for overcoming said hurdles. Sounds complicated? Don’t worry, it isn’t - Ash and Flo will explain!

In this episode, we’ll dive even deeper into value proposition design ... and discuss the next critical issue: Defining your consulting firm’s ideal client profile or ”ICP.” Flo will guide you through all key steps, from defining ”ideal” to reviewing your best recent engagements, to deriving a crisp description of your ICP.

You’ve heard how important it is to refine your firm’s value proposition - so let’s get to it! In this episode, Flo will walk you through the process of filling in box nr. #1 in TheVisibleAuthority’s ”Value Proposition Canvas,” and find a comprehensive (and compelling) answer to the question: Why do clients come to you?

We’ve already told you how important it is to refine your firm’s value proposition before you refine its bizdev strategy. So, let’s explore a framework for doing just that, shall we? Listen to Ash and Flo explaining the ”five questions” you can answer to create a compelling proposition, and hear their tips for differentiating your promise to the market.

Ever heard the idiom ”sh#t in, sh#t out?” Well, it’s very much true for business development, too. Which is why, for this first episode in our mini-series about ”strategy,” Ash and Flo explain which inputs need to go into your bizdev strategy if you’re to be successful with it.

Since we seem to have screwed up last week's upload ... here's the very same episode, yet again, in full length and quality. Apologies, everyone! Ready to systematize your consulting firm's business development inititiatives? Well, let's start you off the right way then ... and discuss objectives, metrics and targets (yay!). Listen in to this "monologue" episode to hear Flo explain which benchmarks to pursue with your efforts... he'll keep it light on the math, we promise!   CreditsVoices, production, etc. by Ash and Flo.Creative and design advice by @calmar.creativInto, outro voiceover by @iamthedakotaMusic also by @iamthedakota CreditsVoices, production, etc. by Ash and Flo.Creative and design advice by @calmar.creativInto, outro voiceover by @iamthedakotaMusic also by @iamthedakota   Show notes CreditsVoices, production, etc. by Ash and Flo.Creative and design advice by @calmar.creativInto, outro voiceover by @iamthedakotaMusic also by @iamthedakota   Show notes Show notes Link to the SPI research report Flo mentionsA news release by SPI featuring some of the market stats   

Ready to systematize your consulting firm’s business development inititiatives? Well, let’s start you off the right way then ... and discuss objectives, metrics and targets (yay!). Listen in to this ”monologue” episode to hear Flo explain which benchmarks to pursue with your efforts... he’ll keep it light on the math, we promise!

Ready to change how your consultancy ”does bizdev?” Great! But chances are, you’ll have to convince a few other people in your firm... which is why, in this episode, Ash and Flo sketch out the case for shifting to a more strategic, more systematic way of business development. Enjoy!