Smart Consulting Sourcing

Smart Consulting Sourcing

Each week Hélène Laffitte, consulting sourcing expert and CEO of Consulting Quest, gives you the keys to better use, manage, and source consulting services.

Episodes

March 28, 2024 17 mins

You might think that figuring out how much a consulting project will cost is as simple as picking a price tag off a shelf. But in reality, it's much more complicated than that. Even when fee structures are clearly laid out, two projects that seem identical on paper can end up with very different cost estimates. Why does this happen? Well, there are a lot of different factors that affect the final number you see on a proposal.

Today...

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In the world of business, consulting services play a pivotal role in shaping strategies, driving innovation, and solving complex problems. However, the question of how to negotiate win-win deal with consultants while ensuring value remains a constant challenge for clients.

 

In this episode of Smart Consulting Sourcing podcast, your favorite host Helene delves deep into this issue, exploring various pricing models and their implica...

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Stepping into the consulting market can feel like navigating a labyrinth. With a myriad of firms boasting various services, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. But fear not, dear listeners, for in today's episode of Smart Consulting Sourcing podcast, we're diving headfirst into the depths of asymmetrical information and emerging victorious.

Picture this: you're faced with a sea of consulting firms, each vying for your attention with pro...

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Asymmetrical information isn't just an abstract concept relegated to economics textbooks; it's a pivotal notion that shapes real-world market dynamics. Join your trusted host, Helene, on the latest episode of the Smart Consulting Sourcing podcast, where we delve deep into the application of this theory in the realm of consulting procurement.

 

Discover how the disparity in information can tilt the playing field, leading clients to ...

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In the fast-paced world of business, organizations often turn to consulting services to navigate complex challenges, drive innovation, and achieve strategic goals. Yet, amidst the myriad of consultants and projects, how can businesses ensure they are truly maximizing the value of these engagements?

Navigating the complexity of evaluating consulting value requires more than just a casual approach. It calls for a combination of strat...

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Trusting the consultants involved in your projects can transform the entire consulting experience, making it smoother, more collaborative, and ultimately ensuring the effective application of recommendations. But why does trust wield such immense power in consulting?

Join your favorite host, Helene, on the Smart Consulting Sourcing Podcast, as she delves deep into the captivating psychology of trust. Explore topics ranging from the...

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Businesses are waking up to the fact that a top-notch indirect procurement game can be a differentiator for success. It's not just a cost center anymore; it's a strategic player in the company's victory.

But let's ditch the old-school thinking of direct versus indirect procurement. It's time to see it as a choice between strategic and non-strategic buys. Some direct stuff isn't that strategic, and surprise, some indirect buys are r...

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When you cook up a storm in the kitchen, everyone wants to know about the ingredients, right? But there's more to the culinary magic than just spices – it's the hidden elements that play a crucial role.

Think of the pots and pans, the table decoration -- all of them quietly contribute to the whole gastronomic experience and hey, don't forget that cookbook on your shelf – it's the one that gave you the recipe idea in the first place...

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Welcome back to another captivating episode of your favorite Smart Consulting Sourcing podcast, where your host Helene leads you through the dynamic realm of consulting, meticulously unraveling the ever-evolving Consulting Value Chain.

Delve into how consulting firms are adjusting to these transformations and discern the implications for you, the client. Guess what? Amidst this swiftly changing landscape, you have the opportunity t...

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In our latest podcast episode, Helene is diving into a topic that's been buzzing around the consulting world for quite some time – the much-talked-about disruption in the consulting industry, especially with the advent of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Trust me, this is a conversation you don't want to miss!

We've been hearing predictions about the consulting sector undergoing a seismic shift due to emerging companies and innovativ...

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Numbers tell a compelling tale of a vast market, estimated at $300 billion, showcasing resilience with a Compound Annual Growth Rate poised to surpass $400 billion by 2025.

Welcome to the big, vast consulting universe! What fuels this growth? The digital revolution, emerging markets, and global events like the COVID-19 pandemic and geopolitical conflicts—all reshaping the consulting landscape, demanding strategic planning, risk man...

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December 7, 2023 17 mins

Hey there, podcast listeners! Welcome to another episode where we're diving deep into the evolutionary journey of the consulting industry. You might be wondering, why bother with the history of consulting? Well, in a world where consultants seem to be around every corner, influencing businesses left and right, knowing where this all began not only gives us a deeper appreciation of its role but also offers insights into how it might...

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November 23, 2023 16 mins

In the previous episode, we delved into the intricacies of four essential business capabilities: Strategy, Operations, Finance & Risk, and Sales & Marketing.

These pillars are fundamental in steering organizations toward success. In today's episode, we explored the key pillars of modern business: Human Capital, Tech, and R&D. Picture a workplace not just hiring but nurturing talent to create a destination! Tech is more ...

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November 16, 2023 21 mins

In this episode, Helene has embarked on a journey through the intricate world of consulting capabilities. From the strategic North Star to the heart of business operations, and from finance & risk as the guardians of integrity to sales and marketing as the company's rockstar, she has explored how consulting brings the wind to your business sails.

If seven high-level competencies are paramount for any thriving organization, cons...

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November 2, 2023 18 mins

In this episode, we're diving deep into the world of consulting and asking the age-old question, "What is consulting?" "What really defines it?" In a nutshell, consulting is like a blend of expert advice, strategic planning, and meticulous execution – all in the name of supercharging an organization's success.

As the world of consulting keeps on evolving, so does the way we go about getting consulting services. It's not just about ...

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Hey there, and welcome back to the grand finale of our podcast series, "How to Buy Consulting Services Like a Pro. "Over the past few episodes, we've delved into the intricate world of consulting procurement, exploring the nooks and crannies of this ever-evolving landscape.

But today, we're here to talk about the real heart of the matter - the value of consulting. Buying consulting services like a pro is not about saving a few doll...

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In the world of consulting, we often talk about how to start a project, manage it, and keep it on the right track. But what about when things don't go as planned? That's where our latest episode of "How to Buy Consulting Like a Pro” steps in, ready to reveal how to masterfully wrap up a consulting project with style and grace.

In this episode, your wonderful host, Helene covers everything from handling unexpected curveballs, and de...

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As we approach the final phase of our journey on how to "Buy consulting services like a pro," today, we will delve into the critical topic of preparing for the transition when the consultants depart. Let us tell you that this is one of the most crucial steps in securing the impact of your project. You might wonder why. Well, projects are inherently temporary, and consultants won't be there forever to support you at every step. Thin...

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We're now entering the final stage of our journey on how to "Buy consulting services like a pro." Today, we'll delve into managing project performance and daily operations.

Picture this: You're the captain of a consulting project ship, and your consultants are your crew of superheroes. You've got the right team, you've set sail, but now what? That's where this episode comes in.

In this episode, Helene, your trusty host, takes you o...

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Effective project management is imperative for the success of your consulting project. Therefore, as a client, it's crucial to understand the intricacies involved in managing consulting projects. When you buy a car, you simply place an order and wait for the finished product to be delivered. There's no need to inspect the production line or be involved in the manufacturing process.

However, when it comes to consulting services, the...

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