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unbillable hours - a podcast about better professional services marketing

unbillable hours - a podcast about better professional services marketing

100 episodes — Page 1 of 2

Ep 28C2E26 - AI in consulting - exploring best practice (feat. Michael Boham)

It's 2026... and we're still wondering: How are consulting firms using AI? How should they use it? So, we decided to ask someone who should know: QVALNT's Michael Boham is building solutions for this very space and has a few opinions about how firms should leverage AI, how they shouldn't do it, and where value can genuinely be found (spoiler: it's about so much more than just the tooling!). Episode guest Michael Boham, founder, QVALNT Credits Voices, production, etc. by Ash and Flo Creative and design advice by @calmar.creativ Into, outro voiceover for the unbillable hours podcast by @iamthedakota Music also by @iamthedakota

Mar 6, 202635 min

Ep 27C2E25 - From service to program - how to package consulting capabilities for greater impact

Sure, consulting services are great. But you know what's even better? Consulting programs! As in: Outcome-focused, time-boxed, and IP-supported bundles of services and capabilities. They're just so much clearer and therefore more helpful for everyone... plus they can really improve your delivery! And in this episode, Ash and Flo will give you the full rundown of why they're great and how you might start to design some. Credits Voices, production, etc. by Ash and Flo Creative and design advice by @calmar.creativ Into, outro voiceover for the unbillable hours podcast by @iamthedakota Music also by @iamthedakota Shownotes No notes for this one!

Jan 23, 202632 min

Ep 26C2E23 - When and how to introduce your firm's services (without losing the plot)

Alright... you've stuck with us long enough - which is why, yes, finally: you'll get to talk about your services (yay!). In all seriousness, though: There IS a time and a place to introduce prospects to your services, of course... It's just not at the start. And in this episode, we'll explain where they belong, and how you should introduce them. Listen to it here! Credits Voices, production, etc. by Ash and Flo Creative and design advice by @calmar.creativ Into, outro voiceover for the unbillable hours podcast by @iamthedakota Music also by @iamthedakota Shownotes No notes for this one!

Jan 16, 202624 min

Ep 25C2E23 - Consulting's 2025 - a year in review with Jeff McKay

So how, exactly, did things go in 2025? And what, exactly, did we learn? We brought on advisor to the consulting industry, founder of Prudent Pedal and all-around sector strategist, Jeff McKay, to discuss his insights into where we've been, we're we're headed, and, sure: what to make of "AI" and other new pressures resetting consulting. Listen to it here! Episode guest Jeff McKay, founder, Prudent Pedal Credits Voices, production, etc. by Ash and Flo Creative and design advice by @calmar.creativ Into, outro voiceover for the unbillable hours podcast by @iamthedakota Music also by @iamthedakota Shownotes: Check out Jeff's blog about designing the AI era professional services org here

Jan 12, 202648 min

S2 Ep 22C2E22 - Consultancy positioning in the AI era

Nah ... AI isn't going to kill consulting. But it'll certainly change the sector ... especially by influencing perceptions and expectations. So, how can firms prepare? Ash and Flo's workshop answers the question of how consultancies can counter clients 'dwindling "willingness to pay" while positioning to capture whatever value can be found in the new, much-heralded AI solutions for themselves. Credits Voices, production, etc. by Ash and Flo Creative and design advice by @calmar.creativ Into, outro voiceover for the unbillable hours podcast by @iamthedakota Music also by @iamthedakota

Dec 5, 202533 min

Ep 24C2E21 - Your consulting proposition's second job: Building client self-confidence

THE PODCAST IS BACK! (Sorry for yelling...) And this time, we’re looking at the other side of the trust equation: not just whether clients trust you, but whether they trust themselves—to make the right decision, rally internal support, and deliver results. Listen in how a well-crafted consulting proposition can help them build this self-confidence... and, therefore, hire you ;) Credits Voices, production, etc. by Ash and Flo Creative and design advice by @calmar.creativ Into, outro voiceover for the unbillable hours podcast by @iamthedakota Music also by @iamthedakota Shownotes No notes for this one!

Nov 21, 202527 min

Ep 23C2E20 - Frameworks That Work: Designing Your Consulting IP with Charlotte Crowther

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 Credits Voices, production, etc. by Ash and Flo Creative and design advice by @calmar.creativ Into, outro voiceover for the unbillable hours podcast by @iamthedakota Music also by @iamthedakota

Sep 19, 202538 min

S25 Ep 5C2E19 *Replay* Making rain (differently)

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!) Voices, production, etc. by Ash and Flo. Creative and design advice by @calmar.creativ Into, outro voiceover by @iamthedakota Music also by @iamthedakota Please find the shownotes to this episode at unbillable-hrs.com.

Sep 12, 202535 min

S2 Ep 18C2E18 - From proposition to thought leadership: How to plan consultancy content

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! Credits Voices, production, etc. by Ash and Flo Creative and design advice by @calmar.creativ Into, outro voiceover for the unbillable hours podcast by @iamthedakota Music also by @iamthedakota Shownotes Check out the upcoming Deltek Webinar feat. Flo here

Sep 5, 202522 min

S2 Ep 17C2E17 - Everyone Sells: How to build your firm's holistic sales capability

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. Credits Voices, production, etc. by Ash and Flo Creative and design advice by @calmar.creativ Into, outro voiceover for the unbillable hours podcast by @iamthedakota Music also by @iamthedakota Shownotes No notes for this one!

Jun 27, 202519 min

S2 Ep 17C2E16 - Why "cold outbound sales" don't work in consulting (and what to reach out instead)

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... Credits Voices, production, etc. by Ash and Flo Creative and design advice by @calmar.creativ Into, outro voiceover for the unbillable hours podcast by @iamthedakota Music also by @iamthedakota Shownotes No notes for this one!

Jun 20, 202525 min

S2 Ep 15C2E15 - AI and advisory - some notes

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! Credits Voices, production, etc. by Matt Hodkinson and the "Consultancy Edge" team Creative and design advice by @calmar.creativ Into, outro voiceover for the unbillable hours podcast by @iamthedakota Music also by @iamthedakota Show notes Link to the Trends - AI report on bondcap.com

Jun 6, 202535 min

Ep 22C2E14 - Acing case study creation

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 Credits Voices, production, etc. by Ash and Flo Creative and design advice by @calmar.creativ Into, outro voiceover for the unbillable hours podcast by @iamthedakota Music also by @iamthedakota Show notes Find Lead Comet's website over at: https://leadcometdigital.com/ Follow James on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesleadcomet/

May 23, 202534 min

S2 Ep 13C2E13 - "Stacking" propositions for a multi-service firm

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 😉. Credits Voices, production, etc. by Matt Hodkinson and the "Consultancy Edge" team Creative and design advice by @calmar.creativ Into, outro voiceover for the unbillable hours podcast by @iamthedakota Music also by @iamthedakota Show notes Find all "Consultancy Edge" episodes over at: https://www.thevisibleauthority.com/blog/how-to-structure-multiple-value-propositions-without-losing-your-firms-identity

May 9, 202524 min

S2 Ep 12C2E12 - Competing (and winning) against bigger firms

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). Credits Voices, production, etc. by Ash and Flo. Creative and design advice by @calmar.creativ Into, outro voiceover by @iamthedakota Music also by @iamthedakota Show notes Link to the The Visible Authority case study Flo refers to

May 2, 202526 min

S2 Ep 12C2E11 - Positioning, productisation and pushing boundaries with Florian Heinrichs (Consultancy Edge re-broadcast)

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! Credits Voices, production, etc. by Matt Hodkinson and the "Consultancy Edge" team Creative and design advice by @calmar.creativ Into, outro voiceover for the unbillable hours podcast by @iamthedakota Music also by @iamthedakota Show notes Find all "Consultancy Edge" episodes over at: https://podcast.totalgrowthownership.com/ Find Matt's LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthodkinson/ And do check out Matt's full YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNyv2M0jJ-zAtGzxOgW7cpw

Apr 11, 202553 min

S2 Ep 10C2E10 - Articulating your consultancy's point of view; designing its signature method

And, here we are: This is the sixth and final episode of our "value proposition design" mini-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! Credits Voices, production, etc. by Ash and Flo. Creative and design advice by @calmar.creativ Into, outro voiceover by @iamthedakota Music also by @iamthedakota Show notes No notes for this one!

Apr 4, 202520 min

S2 Ep 9C2E9 - The right way to promise consulting results (Value Proposition Design part 5)

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! Credits Voices, production, etc. by Ash and Flo. Creative and design advice by @calmar.creativ Into, outro voiceover by @iamthedakota Music also by @iamthedakota Show notes No notes for this one!

Mar 28, 202524 min

S2 Ep 8C2E8 - Describing your clients' needs, struggles, and options (Value Proposition Design, part 4)

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! Credits Voices, production, etc. by Ash and Flo. Creative and design advice by @calmar.creativ Into, outro voiceover by @iamthedakota Music also by @iamthedakota Show notes No notes for this one!

Mar 21, 202520 min

S2 Ep 11C2E7 - Who are our best clients, really? (Defining your consulting firm's ideal client profile)

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. Credits Voices, production, etc. by Ash and Flo. Creative and design advice by @calmar.creativ Into, outro voiceover by @iamthedakota Music also by @iamthedakota Show notes Link to our handy "Best Engagement Review Guide" (a Google Doc)

Mar 14, 202535 min

S2 Ep 6C2E6 - Why do clients come to us? A quick guide to defining your consulting firm's specialization

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? Credits Voices, production, etc. by Flo Creative and design advice by @calmar.creativ Into, outro voiceover by @iamthedakota Music also by @iamthedakota Show notes No notes for this one!

Mar 7, 202525 min

S2 Ep 5C2E5 - How to refine your firm's value proposition (a crucial step towards strategy!)

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. Credits Voices, production, etc. by Ash and Flo. Creative and design advice by @calmar.creativ Into, outro voiceover by @iamthedakota Music also by @iamthedakota Show notes Link to Luk Smeyer's and Flo's piece on TheVisibleAuthority.com (it's titled "Building a Winning Consulting Value Proposition")

Feb 28, 202527 min

S2 Ep 4C2E4 - How to prepare your bizdev strategy

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. Credits Voices, production, etc. by Ash and Flo. Creative and design advice by @calmar.creativ Into, outro voiceover by @iamthedakota Music also by @iamthedakota Show notes No notes for this one!

Feb 21, 202530 min

Ep 21*Reupload* C2E3 - What success looks like in bizdev systematization

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! Credits Voices, production, etc. by Ash and Flo. Creative and design advice by @calmar.creativ Into, outro voiceover by @iamthedakota Music also by @iamthedakota Credits Voices, production, etc. by Ash and Flo. Creative and design advice by @calmar.creativ Into, outro voiceover by @iamthedakota Music also by @iamthedakota Show notes Credits Voices, production, etc. by Ash and Flo. Creative and design advice by @calmar.creativ Into, outro voiceover by @iamthedakota Music also by @iamthedakota Show notes Show notes Link to the SPI research report Flo mentions A news release by SPI featuring some of the market stats

Feb 21, 20252 min

S2 Ep 3C2E3 - What success looks like in bizdev systematization

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! Credits Voices, production, etc. by Ash and Flo. Creative and design advice by @calmar.creativ Into, outro voiceover by @iamthedakota Music also by @iamthedakota Show notes Link to the SPI research report Flo mentions A news release by SPI featuring some of the market stats

Feb 14, 20252 min

S2 Ep 2C2E2 - Making the case for systematized business development

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! Credits Voices, production, etc. by Ash and Flo. Creative and design advice by @calmar.creativ Into, outro voiceover by @iamthedakota Music also by @iamthedakota Show notes Link to Simon Nathan's LinkedIn-post with the Kennedy Insight data Link to AI solution vendor "fifthrow.com" (an example for AI solutions "eating into" consulting)

Feb 7, 202523 min

S33 Ep 5S33E5 - A new chapter!

A new year, a new chapter for the podcast! Listen to how Ash and Flo will focus the show on "systematizing" business development from now on, and hear them explain the concept and underpinning structure so you can understand what's coming (well' be exploring systematic strategy, client journey, firm story and bizdev systems from here on in... we hope you enjoy it!). Voices, production, etc. by Ash and Flo. Creative and design advice by @calmar.creativ Into, outro voiceover by @iamthedakota Music also by @iamthedakota

Jan 31, 202521 min

S33 Ep 4S33E4 - Recapping 2024 (Partnerships edition)

In a year where many consultancies struggled, US martech boutique "Stitch" crushed it. Their secret? Intentionally designing a strategy around a single tech vendor, and then building from there. Stitch CEO Michael Burton is back to share why doubling down on a partnership like this worked, how the tech consulting landscape is shifting, and why 2025 looks even better. Listen in to learn why sometimes "putting all your eggs in one basket" might be smarter than you think. Episode guest: Michael Burton, Founder and CEO, Stitch. Voices, production, etc. by Ash and Flo. Creative and design advice by @calmar.creativ Into, outro voiceover by @iamthedakota Music also by @iamthedakota Pls. find the shownotes for this episode at unbillable-hrs.com

Dec 27, 202434 min

S33 Ep 3S33E3 - Copying science

Most consultancies "do marketing" like they think it should be done, which is: as mere promotion. The most successful firms, however, do it differently - and follow a process which, Ash and Flo argue, is much more similar to scientific publishing... Listen in to learn how, why - and why you should consider 'copying science' in this way, too. Voices, production, etc. by Ash and Flo. Creative and design advice by @calmar.creativ Into, outro voiceover by @iamthedakota Music also by @iamthedakota

Nov 29, 202420 min

Ep 20S33E2 - Regarding AI

Did "Gen AI" just create a "leopards-eat-my-face" moment in consulting? Ash and Flo aren't entirely sure yet... but they're certain the technology - with all its current issues - has started to impact the industry. Listen in on their discussion how firms and their marketers should respond: Voices, production, etc. by Ash and Flo. Creative and design advice by @calmar.creativ Into, outro voiceover by @iamthedakota Music also by @iamthedakota

Nov 17, 202427 min

S33 Ep 1S33E1 - Researching consulting

It’s that time of year when consulting firms pull out their crystal balls to forecast the future. But we’re turning the spotlight back on them. Austin McNair from Hinge gives us a sneak peek into their upcoming research on high-growth consulting firms. Curious about what makes firms thrive or want our wild predictions? Tune in and get ahead of Hinge’s newest insights. P.S.: Please participate in their survey to indirectly tell us where we have it all wrong ;) - https://hingemarketing.com/unbillable Episode guest: Austin McNair, marketing lead, Hinge Voices, production, etc. by Ash and Flo. Creative and design advice by @calmar.creativ Into, outro voiceover by @iamthedakota Music also by @iamthedakota Pls. find the shownotes for this episode at unbillable-hrs.com.

Nov 1, 202432 min

S32 Ep 5S32E5 - Hard parts

Ever wonder why consultancy marketing is such an uphill struggle? Well, we've identified the root causes—and in this episode, Ash and Flo will both present them to you and share tips for resolving them. Enjoy! Voices, production, etc. by Ash and Flo. Creative and design advice by @calmar.creativ Into, outro voiceover by @iamthedakota Music also by @iamthedakota

Oct 18, 202430 min

S32 Ep 3S32E4 - Acing LinkedIn-Newsletters

Ever wondered whether setting up one of those LinkedIn-Newsletters we're all constantly invited to subscribe to would be ... worth it? We always had our doubts... until we came across Westofcenter's Andy West, who, clearly, aced the LI-NL with his helpful, concise, and, above all, highly social "Agency Advisory." So... we invited him to the show, and asked him to explain ... Episode guest: Andy West, founder, Westofcenter Consulting Voices, production, etc. by Ash and Flo. Creative and design advice by @calmar.creativ Into, outro voiceover by @iamthedakota Music also by @iamthedakota Pls. find the shownotes for this episode at unbillable-hrs.com.

Sep 27, 202429 min

S32 Ep 3S32E3 - Reducing cost

Stressed out by "new biz," RFPs, pitches and proposals? Might be your firm's vague value proposition is at fault... Listen to Ash and Flo discussing the "downstream" issues caused by too broad, too generic propositions, and how these lead to much-too-high pre-sales and bid management efforts and business development cost. Oh, and, stay tuned for their tips re. how to do better! Voices, production, etc. by Ash and Flo. Creative and design advice by @calmar.creativ Into, outro voiceover by @iamthedakota Music also by @iamthedakota

Sep 13, 202424 min

S32 Ep 2S32E2 - Promising outcomes

We constantly tell consultancy marketers to speak less about what their firms do, and more about which outcomes they can deliver. But hey, easy for us to say, right? What are you supposed to do if your firm doesn't seem to have any hard outcome data points to share? Ash and Flo explain: Voices, production, etc. by Ash and Flo. Creative and design advice by @calmar.creativ Into, outro voiceover by @iamthedakota Music also by @iamthedakota

Sep 6, 202419 min

S32 Ep 1S32E1 - Taking stands

Can you position - and then successfully grow - a firm by positioning it around a extreme, if not "radical" candor? Nikhil Suresh and his colleagues over at Hermit Tech (a "radically ethical" data consultancy) sure think so - and continue to make waves by calling out the bullshit in all things digital, data, and AI. Listen in to hear Nik speak to how it's working for them! Episode guest: Nikhil Suresh, co-founder, Hermit Tech Voices, production, etc. by Ash and Flo. Creative and design advice by @calmar.creativ Into, outro voiceover by @iamthedakota Music also by @iamthedakota

Aug 23, 202435 min

S31 Ep 5S31E5 *Replay* - Service websites

Do your firm's service websites convert... or stink? Chances are, they're at least a bit smelly - simply because that's the expected state of things in this industry of ours. But don't fret... you can make them much, much more effective quickly by using the principle and structure Flo discusses in this episode. Oh, you might want to reference this Bain website as you listen to this (it's our case example for this episode). Voices, production, etc., by Flo only (just this time). Creative and design advice by @calmar.creativ Into, outro voiceover by @iamthedakota Music also by @iamthedakota

Aug 16, 202416 min

S31 Ep 4S31E4 *Replay* Account planning

It's a summer break replay y'all ... focused on a key, key topic: Strategic account management - if well executed - is one of the best ways to win new work for a firm. Which is why we invited friend of the show and account strategy expert Ute Wellenberg to explain how she drives effective account planning. And, well ... Let's just say: If your job is to market a consultancy - you can't miss this episode! Episode guest: Ute Wellenberg, friend of the show and account strategy GOAT (so to say). Voices, production, etc. by Ash and Flo. Creative and design advice by @calmar.creativ Into, outro voiceover by @iamthedakota Music also by @iamthedakota Pls. find the shownotes to this episode at unbillable-hrs.com!

Aug 9, 202427 min

S31 Ep 3S31E3 - Fixing workshops

In our experience, many consulting workshops are far less effective than they should be – and it really has to change. Which is why we invited Mesozoic’s João Landeiro, an expert in workshop design and facilitation, to hear from him how experts can turn unfocused examples of do-not-much ‘executive education’ into laser-focused productivity sessions driving real results. Episode guest: João Landeiro, founder, Mesozoic. Voices, production, etc. by Ash and Flo. Creative and design advice by @calmar.creativ Into, outro voiceover by @iamthedakota Music also by @iamthedakota Please find the shownotes for this episode at unbillable-hrs.com

Aug 2, 202443 min

Ep 19S31E2 - Increasing success (Deltek webinar replay)

Keen for some practical tips for improving your firm's business development AND delivery success? Then listen to this replay of a recent Deltek webinar, which has Flo summarize a few key pointers around value proposition refinement and "signature method" design! Episode host: Deltek, through their "Powering consulting efficiencies" series. Voices, production, etc. by Ash and Flo. Creative and design advice by @calmar.creativ Into, outro voiceover by @iamthedakota Music also by @iamthedakota Pls. find the webinary-accompanying blogpost here.

Jul 26, 202456 min

S31 Ep 1S31E1 - Rethinking productization

Yes, we've discussed productizing before on this podcast... but we hadn't done so with Eisha Tierney Armstrong yet, who literally wrote the book about it. So, Ash and Flo invited her on - and she kindly hopped on to share what she knows about structuring, templatizing, and tech-enabling services before building entire "products." A Highly recommended listen! Episode guest: Eisha Tierney Armstrong, co-founder, Vecteris, and author, "Productize" (among other things) Voices, production, etc. by Ash and Flo. Creative and design advice by @calmar.creativ Into, outro voiceover by @iamthedakota Music also by @iamthedakota Please find the shownotes for this episode at unbillable-hrs.com

Jul 19, 202439 min

S30 Ep 5S30E5 - Stacking propositions

Q: "Hey Ash, Flo - would love to implement some of the value proposition stuff you keep talking about. But we're a 15-practice firm! Where should I even start?" A: "You start by creating multiple propositions. Here, let me show you..." *proceeds to pull out pins, red string, and a Matryoshka doll* Voices, production, etc. by Ash and Flo. Creative and design advice by @calmar.creativ Into, outro voiceover by @iamthedakota Music also by @iamthedakota Please find the shownotes to this episode on unbillable-hrs.com. Oh, and: Register for the Deltek webinar with Flo (July 18th, 8pm CET) using this link right here. Thanks!

Jul 12, 202445 min

S30 Ep 4S30E4 - Structuring know-how

All consultancies have know-how... but not all of them have it formalized (let alone refined to a point where it might become some form or IP). If your firm is in the latter group - which steps could you take towards a more refined, compelling form of "know-how-packaging"? We asked Curley Thirty Three's Liam Curley for tips: Episode guest: Liam Curley, Founder, Curley Thirty Three. Voices, production, etc. by Ash and Flo. Creative and design advice by @calmar.creativ Into, outro voiceover by @iamthedakota Music also by @iamthedakota Please find the shownotes to this episode on unbillable-hrs.com.

Jul 5, 202441 min

S30 Ep 3S30E3 - Tweaking messaging

Ash and Flo discuss a recent think piece from Source Global Research, pointing to interesting changes in professional services buyers' spending patterns and service buying preferences. Is it time to tweak your firm's messaging? Voices, production, etc. by Ash and Flo. Creative and design advice by @calmar.creativ Into, outro voiceover by @iamthedakota Music also by @iamthedakota Please find the shownotes to this eposide at unbillable-hrs.com.

Jun 14, 202419 min

S30 Ep 2S30E2 - Formalizing methods

Sure, your firm has frameworks - but does it have a "signature methodology," i.e., a proprietary process designed to help educate prospects and structure engagements? If not, you should design one ASAP - and listen to this to learn how you might do it: Voices, production, etc. by Ash and Flo. Creative and design advice by @calmar.creativ Into, outro voiceover by @iamthedakota Music also by @iamthedakota

Jun 1, 202424 min

S30 Ep 1S30E1 - Leveraging feedback

Have your value prop, signature method, and offerings defined (as per our earlier episodes)? Great, congrats! Then you're ready to keep improving everything by using client feedback in some of the ways Ash and Flo describe here. Voices, production, etc. by Ash and Flo. Creative and design advice by @calmar.creativ Into, outro voiceover by @iamthedakota Music also by @iamthedakota

May 24, 202426 min

S29 Ep 5S29E5 - Shaping PoVs

Does your consultancy have a point of view on its clients' industry, business, and challenges yet? No? Well, then, this is the episode for you because in it, Ash and Flo share their framework for distilling one (or several, should you need them). Voices, production, etc. by Ash and Flo. Creative and design advice by @calmar.creativ Into, outro voiceover by @iamthedakota Music also by @iamthedakota Please find the shownotes to this episode on unbillable-hrs.com.

May 17, 202424 min

S29 Ep 4S29E4 *BONUS* - Behind the scenes

bonus

Ever wonder how we're producing this humble podcast? Well, Flo spilled the beans when speaking to John Tyreman over at "Podcasting in Professional Services," and John was kind enough to permit us to re-release the episode here, in this feed, so here you go! Episode guest: Flo Heinrichs, founder, client friendly. Voices, production, etc. by John Tyreman and crew at Red Cedar Marketing. Check out John's podcast over at https://www.redcedarmarketing.com/podcasting-in-professional-services (or wherever you get your podcasts)

May 15, 202433 min

S29 Ep 2S29E3 - Segmenting properly

"Market segmentation" remains the most under-utilized source of differentiation in all of consulting... So how can you segment properly, and create an edge for your firm? Ash and Flo discuss: Voices, production, etc. by Ash and Flo. Creative and design advice by @calmar.creativ Into, outro voiceover by @iamthedakota Music also by @iamthedakota

May 10, 2024

S29 Ep 2S29E2 - Going offline

Is digital marketing really the end-all, be-all of consultancy business development? Our guest for this episode, Interview Valet's Tom Schwab, disagrees (and so do Ash and Flo) - and explains why, right now, the greater opportunity might be exploring everything besides digital ads, SEO, and social selling: Episode guest: Tom Schwab, Chief Evangelist Officer & Founder, Interview Valet. Voices, production, etc. by Ash and Flo. Creative and design advice by @calmar.creativ Into, outro voiceover by @iamthedakota Music also by @iamthedakota Pls. find the shownotes for this episode at unbillable-hrs.com.

Apr 26, 202434 min