Unleashed - How to Thrive as an Independent Professional

Zsigmond Fajth, former McKinsey consultant and co-founder of Gridd, builds AI-friendly PowerPoint templates for independent consultants. He describes flexible, auto-expanding layouts and embedded AI prompts. He demos a 260-template library, special consulting formats, Excel pasting that preserves formatting, and how templates adapt when AI changes content granularity.

Show Notes: Scarlett Jiang from Vantage AI, an AI product and services firm based in London, provides a one-minute overview of Vantage AI, highlighting their focus on data foundations and AI transformation. Vantage AI helps companies consolidate data from various systems into a single source of truth. Scarlett mentions the firm's experience with hospitality franchise clients, such as Burger King, KFC, and McDonald's. Mock Demo of Chatbot Scarlett introduces a mock demo of a chatbot designed for hospitality franchise owners. The chatbot can handle real-time queries about sales data, labor costs, and other key metrics. Scarlett explains the process of using the chatbot to query data, including translating natural language questions into SQL, which means users do not need to know SQL. Custom Dashboard Scarlett introduces the custom dashboard with data intelligence analyst chatbot functionality, allowing users to query via human natural language and retrieve insights from pre-ingested data warehouses. Sales Performance The chatbot can provide summaries of sales performance, labor data, and other operational metrics. Sales Performance Rank Scarlett shows how the chatbot can handle more complex queries, e.g.: If I had to focus on 3 stores to improve performance this quarter, which would you recommend and why? (chatbot showcase the capability to synthesize sales, reviews, and trend data into recommended action) Performance Graph The chatbot can provide detailed insights into top and bottom performers, including specific metrics like net sales and transaction counts. Scarlett discusses the benefits of using a chatbot for specific questions, rather than pre-built dashboards. The chatbot can also provide reasoning behind its answers, showing the steps it takes to generate insights. The Process of Building AI Tools Scarlett explains the process of building AI tools, starting with a diagnostic phase to understand the client's data journey and use cases. After the diagnostic, a strategic roadmap is created to prioritize use cases. A quick prototype is then developed, followed by data foundation transformation. The process can range from a few days to several months, depending on the complexity and scope of the project. Accounts Payable Month-end Reconciliation Demo Scarlett demonstrates a workflow automation tool for account payable month-end reconciliation. Accounts Payable Reconciliation This demo presents a finance use case built around month-end accounts payable reconciliation - a process every finance team navigates. Supplier invoice data sits across two systems: the AP subledger, which holds granular invoice-level detail, and the general ledger control account, which carries a single summary balance that should match. In practice, the two rarely align - late-posted invoices and manual journal entries that bypass the subledger are the most common culprits. This demo showcases an AI agent that pulls data from both sources, identifies and reconciles the gap automatically; and surfaces discrepancies to human reviewers for sign-off or overwrite - eliminating hours of manual investigation at close. Converting PDF Purchase Orders into CSV Files Scarlett demonstrates a tool that converts PDF purchase orders into CSV files. Snowflake Tables The tool extracts key information from the PDF, such as contract terms, payment schedules, and expenditures. The tool can transform the extracted data into a chart format for easier analysis. Reconciliation Report Payment Breakdown The tool is designed to automate the process of working with large amounts of unstructured data, reducing manual effort. Cost and Development Time Scarlett discusses the cost and development time for AI tools, noting that prototypes can be developed quickly. The bulk of the work involves data cleaning, ingestion, and transformation to ensure data accuracy. The development time can range from a few days to several months, depending on the complexity and scope of the project. The cost varies based on the specific requirements and the level of automation needed. Demonstration Videos: Pre-recorded Demo 1: Data Intelligence demo https://www.vantageglobal.ai/insights/demo-pages/data-intelligence-analyst Pre-recorded Demo 2: Accounts payable month-end reconciliation agent ​https://www.vantageglobal.ai/insights/demo-pages/ap-month-end-reconciliation-agent Pre-recorded Demo 3: Parsing unstructured data to structured data https://www.vantageglobal.ai/insights/demo-pages/purchase-order-explorer-agent Timestamps: 02:24: Demonstration of AI Chatbot for Hospitality Franchise Owners 07:14: Advanced Query Capabilities of the Chatbot 13:06: Process of Building AI Tools at Vantage AI 17:40: Case Study: Account Payable Month-End Reconciliation 28:03: Case Study: PDF to CSV Transformation 34:42: Cost and Development Time for AI Tools This episode on Umbrex: https://umbrex.com/unleashed/episode-643-scarlett-jiang-coo-at-vantage-global-ai-shares-3-live-client-ai-use-cases/ Unleashed is produced by Umbrex, which has a mission of connecting independent management consultants with one another, creating opportunities for members to meet, build relationships, and share lessons learned. Learn more at www.umbrex.com. *AI generated timestamps and show notes.

Saurabh Gupta, founder of Binocs, and provides a brief background on his career at KPMG and Verizon. Saurabh explains that Binocs uses generative AI to accelerate commercial due diligence, industry analysis, and company analysis. The tool is designed to support private equity clients, particularly in analyzing private companies. Saurabh mentions that the focus of the demo will be on industry analysis and investment memos. Binocs Home Page A Demonstration of Binocs Saurabh navigates to the commercial due diligence section of Binocs, highlighting four main areas: industry analysis, investment memos, growth strategy, and valuation analysis. Industry analysis Saurabh explains the process of conducting an industry analysis, including selecting a geography, industry segments, key players, and uploading documents. The tool allows for detailed analysis at various levels, from country to state, and is used globally by clients in different regions. The inputs required for an industry analysis, include industry name, geography (state, country or region), and optional focus area description and project code. How Binocs Generates Industry Reports Saurabh demonstrates how to input data for an industry analysis, selecting Colorado as an example geography. Geography Input The report generated includes an executive summary, industry overview, industry segments, key industry trends, customer overview, industry market size, and more. The report also includes references and sources used in the analysis, which can be linked to for further information. Company Snapshot Saurabh explains that the system builds a knowledge base each time a report is run, searching the web for relevant information and creating a detailed issue-tree based approach to identify the right references. Product Report Exporting Reports When asked if the reports can be exported and shared with listeners, Saurabh confirms that they can be downloaded as PowerPoint presentations or PDFs. The system allows users to share the report link without requiring a login, making it accessible to others. The extensive amount of information in the report, including various topic areas and subcategories is highlighted. Saurabh mentions that the report can take 30 minutes to 60 minutes to run, depending on the granularity of the analysis. Building Market Models Saurabh explains that the system not only compiles information but also performs cognitive work, such as building market models and triangulating market sizes. The system can calculate market sizes by analyzing various factors, giving an example of market sizing of Building Materials Distribution market size through the US value of construction, material share, and distribution margins. The detailed logic and assumptions used by the system allows users to audit and adjust the results. Market Size Estimation Saurabh provides an example of how the system triangulates market sizes and builds multiple market models for accuracy. Competitive Positioning Saurabh discusses how the system can analyze competitive positioning using social media reviews, G2 reviews, and comparative literature. The system can also perform financial benchmarking by connecting to public filings and comparing public competitors' revenue growth, profitability, and operating efficiency. It is noted that the system currently does not allow downloading data into Excel but mentions it is on the roadmap. Saurabh highlights the potential inorganic opportunities identified by the system and the detailed competitor profiles available in the appendix. The Company Profile Section Saurabh introduces the company profile section, which includes an investment memo for conducting a deep dive into a company. Investment Memo The system can generate an overview of the company's geographical footprint, products and services, distribution channels, and key purchasing criteria. The report also includes industry analysis and financial benchmarking, if financial data is available. Pricing Structure The conversation turns to the pricing of the reports, and Saurabh explains that unlimited access to the portal, which includes industry analysis and commercial due diligence reports costs $2,500 per month for three seats, while individual industry reports cost $500 each. The system allows users to purchase credits and run analyses as needed. Saurabh provides an overview of the current user base, which includes consulting firms, private equity companies, investment banks, and corporates. The system is used for various purposes, such as pre-LOI research, growth strategy, and industry analysis. Additional Features Saurabh mentions additional features like a chatbot that can answer questions and build proposals, interview guides, and expert interview notes. The system can connect to proprietary data sources and subscriptions, enhancing the depth of the analysis. The comprehensive nature of the tool and its potential to save time and resources for consultants and investors is a major benefit. Umbrex Members Discount: Saurabh is offering a 20% discount to Umbrex members. They recieve a discount coupon on the payment page when they sign up using a referral link. someone signs up using a referral link then they will get a discount coupon on the payment page. Disclaimer: The Binocs reports have been entirely generated by Artificial Intelligence. The research and insights provided are based on information we consider reliable at the time of generation. However, we do not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of this information. This report is intended for informational purposes only and should not be used as the sole basis for making investment decisions. Readers are encouraged to perform their own due diligence or consult with professional advisors before taking any action based on this content. Please note that any reliance on this report is at the reader's own risk, and we disclaim all liability for any potential errors or omissions. Timestamps: 02:22: Demo of Binocs: Industry Analysis and Investment Memos 05:29: Generating an Industry Analysis Report 07:13: Exporting and Sharing Reports 09:49: Cognitive Work and Market Modeling 13:45: Competitive Positioning and Financial Benchmarking 17:06: Company Profile and Investment Memo 26:18: Pricing and User Base 29:10: Additional Features and Future Plans Permalinks: PowerPoint: IR Building Product Distribution Binocs Concise PowerPoint: IM Hammertech Binocs PowerPoint: IR Building Product Distribution Binocs Disclaimer: The Binocs reports have been entirely generated by Artificial Intelligence. The research and insights provided are based on information we consider reliable at the time of generation. However, we do not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of this information. This report is intended for informational purposes only and should not be used as the sole basis for making investment decisions. Readers are encouraged to perform their own due diligence or consult with professional advisors before taking any action based on this content. Please note that any reliance on this report is at the reader's own risk, and we disclaim all liability for any potential errors or omissions. Timestamps: 02:22: Demo of Binocs: Industry Analysis and Investment Memos 05:29: Generating an Industry Analysis Report 07:13: Exporting and Sharing Reports 09:49: Cognitive Work and Market Modeling 13:45: Competitive Positioning and Financial Benchmarking 17:06: Company Profile and Investment Memo 26:18: Pricing and User Base 29:10: Additional Features and Future Plans This episode on Umbrex: https://umbrex.com/unleashed/episode-642-saurabh-gupta-co-founder-binocs-ai-driven-commercial-due-diligence/ Unleashed is produced by Umbrex, which has a mission of connecting independent management consultants with one another, creating opportunities for members to meet, build relationships, and share lessons learned. Learn more at www.umbrex.com. *AI generated timestamps and show notes.

Show Notes: Lauri Euren, founder of Operating.app, explains that Operating is a tool for consulting firms or professional services that are growing and need help with staffing, internal resourcing, and month-end closes. The tool handles the workflow from time sheets to invoicing, supporting delivery across multiple projects. Operating.app Explained Lauri emphasizes that Operating is not a CRM system and can integrate with existing CRMs like Salesforce, HubSpot, and Pipedrive. Lauri explains that Operating is not for actual sales execution but for back-end processes like staffing, time sheets, and invoicing. The tool also monitors project health, margins, and financials, providing tracking and insights into project burn rates and utilization. Operating.app Demonstration Lauri demonstrates the main dashboard, which includes tabs for staffing, personal schedules, projects, and reports. Lauri describes the main entities in Operating: projects, people, and positions, and how they intersect to manage staffing and project assignments. Lauri explains the different sections and their functions. The dashboard includes pinned views for saved and shared views, time sheets for tracking hours, and various reporting options. Lauri highlights the importance of tailoring the use of Operating to different roles within the organization, such as consultants, COOs, and staffing managers. The invoicing feature generates invoices based on the invoicing schedule and billing type of the project. When saved, the invoice saves automatically to the accounting software used. Lauri explains that projects often come from CRMs like HubSpot or Salesforce and are enriched with metadata using AI tools like Copilot or GPT using the Operating MCP server and AI tools like Claude, ChatGPT, Gemini or Microsoft Copilot. Operating can handle different pricing structures, including per hour and fixed price models, and can model various types of work within the fixed price model. Planned vs Forecast Revenue Revenue Recognition The tool also includes revenue recognition features, allowing finance teams to track and recognize revenue accurately. Lauri mentions that Operating integrates with accounting tools like QuickBooks or NetSuite for billing and financial management. Clients Operating Serves Lauri discusses the ideal client size for Operating, typically starting from 10 people and scaling up to large firms with hundreds of consultants. The tool replaces spreadsheets and other point solutions for time tracking and resource planning. Lauri explains how Operating handles external consultants, tagging them differently in the system and managing their permissions and utilization. The tool allows for robust customization of permissions, ensuring that each user sees and edits only what they are allowed to. Managing a Project in Operating Lauri explains the end-to-end process of managing a project in Operating, from staffing to invoicing. The process includes adding a project, allocating team members, setting budgets, and tracking time sheets. Operating provides real-time profitability calculations and margin effects for projects. The tool allows for the creation of invoices based on time entries and integrates with accounting tools for final billing. AI Integration with Operation Lauri highlights the AI integration with tools like Claude, allowing users to query and manage projects using natural language. The MCP server in Operating acts as an AI agent, consuming data and executing queries based on user permissions. Customers can build automated tasks and health checkers using Cloud Code and AI, enhancing efficiency and accuracy. The tool's flexibility and customization options make it suitable for various roles and project management needs. Pricing Model Lauri explains the current pricing model for Operating, which is $22 per person per month for the full module and $11-$13 for individual modules. The tool is designed to be more affordable than enterprise competitors, making it a scalable solution for growing consulting firms. Lauri provides information on how interested parties can start a free trial or book a demo on the Operating website. Timestamps: 0:02: Introduction and Overview of Operating App 02:44: Features and Functionality of Operating 06:39: Detailed Walkthrough of Operating Dashboard 08:15: Integration with CRMs and AI Tools 13:39: Client Segment and Implementation 18:26: End-to-End Project Management in Operating 26:03: AI Integration and Customization 27:57: Pricing and Availability Links: Operating Website: https://www.operating.app/ MCP Server (Use directly in Claude, ChatGPT...): https://www.operating.app/blog-posts/ai-consulting-mcp-server Lauri's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eurenl/ This episode on Umbrex: Unleashed is produced by Umbrex, which has a mission of connecting independent management consultants with one another, creating opportunities for members to meet, build relationships, and share lessons learned. Learn more at www.umbrex.com. *AI generated timestamps and show notes.

Raman Julka, founder and CEO of ValueChaser.ai and former McKinsey partner, builds AI platforms that turn raw business data into auditable, consulting-grade reports in minutes. He demos company diagnostics and procurement insights, shows how uploads become detailed PDFs, Excel models, and CSVs, and explains why deterministic, multi-model orchestration and enterprise security set the platform apart.

A founder shows a platform that turns books into interactive AI avatars and scalable coaching agents. A live demo reveals a library where you can chat with books and get cited passages. Avatars can be built from images or video to act like consultants and retain memory. Specialized agent modes tackle A3 problem solving, Toyota Kata coaching, and live value stream mapping.

Nir Eyal, author and behavioral design expert behind Hooked and Indistractable, explores how beliefs shape perception and motivate action. He discusses experiments showing beliefs change what we see, techniques to identify and question limiting beliefs, mental contrasting versus magical thinking, and rituals like prayer and exposure practices to build resilience.

Show Notes: Erin-Michael Gill, founder of Genaesis, shares his upbringing in Middletown, Maryland, and his education at Benedictine College in Atchison, Kansas, where he studied astronomy and physics. He describes working at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office while pursuing graduate studies at Johns Hopkins University in applied physics, and later earning an MBA from MIT. Erin-Michael explains how his early exposure to patentability analysis shaped his view that intellectual property strategy often matters as much as the underlying technology. Working as a Patent Examiner Erin-Michael discusses his role as a patent examiner at the USPTO, evaluating applications for novelty and non-obviousness. He describes how examiners assess claims against prior art and why learning to identify the "one sentence" value proposition behind an invention became a durable skill for building and valuing companies. Intellectual Property Strategy at DuPont Erin-Michael describes moving from the USPTO into IP strategy at DuPont (Kevlar/Nomex), where he helped inventors protect and position new technologies. He recounts identifying a promising commercialization path for a new material, writing a business case, and being given the opportunity to help lead the effort to market. Improving PTO Operations Erin-Michael shares his experience advising during the Obama administration transition, contributing ideas to improve USPTO operations and reduce processing delays by addressing internal bottlenecks, incentives, and tools. Patent Portfolio Analysis and the "Patent Wars" Erin-Michael discusses later work analyzing patent portfolios and helping investors understand the strategic value of IP, including the dynamics behind major technology litigation that followed the rise of social platforms and smartphones. Founding Genaesis: GovCon M&A Erin-Michael explains how he entered the world of federal government contracting (GovCon) and why small-business set-aside programs create unique deal dynamics. He describes founding Genaesis to advise buyers and sellers of GovCon firms, with a focus on valuation, deal structuring, and growth through acquisition. Advising on Trade Agreements and IP Erin-Michael discusses his service on an industry advisory committee focused on intellectual property in trade, advising on complex trade issues across multiple administrations and highlighting why predictability and stability matter for investment and innovation. Timestamps: 01:53: Role at the Patent Office 04:52: Transition to IP Strategy 09:36: Involvement in the Obama Administration 12:06: Career in IP and Government Contracting 21:09: Founding Genaesis and Government Contracting 44:03: Service on Federal Advisory Boards 48:46: Impact of Trade Agreements on IP Links: Website: www.Genaesis.com Website Bio: https://www.genaesis.com/erin-michael This episode on Umbrex: https://umbrex.com/unleashed/episode-637-erin-michael-gill-founder-of-genaesis-on-govcon-ma/ Unleashed is produced by Umbrex, which has a mission of connecting independent management consultants with one another, creating opportunities for members to meet, build relationships, and share lessons learned. Learn more at www.umbrex.com. *AI generated timestamps and show notes.

Show Notes: Sarah Pomeranz, founder of Consultants for Impact, provides an overview of the organization. Sarah explains that Consultants for Impact was born out of her own struggle as an early-career consultant at Accenture during the COVID-19 pandemic. She felt a dissonance between the problems she solved at work and broader societal issues, leading her to explore how her skill set could address global challenges like pandemics, climate crises, and democracy preservation. Sarah took a one-year leave of absence from Accenture to explore opportunities for high-impact work and decided to help other consultants build careers in the public interest. What Consultants for Impact Does The organization offers a peer-to-peer advising approach and matches former corporate consultants with social impact roles. They provide resources like career check-in templates and Career Conversations to help consultants identify their core values and find impactful roles. The process involves self-paced reflection prompts, one-on-one conversations with an advisor, and access to a network of consultants and high-impact organizations. The Advising Process Sarah describes the first step in the process: applying for a Career Conversation on their website. Applicants are matched with advisors, who are all former consultants, and are given curated resources based on their interests and background. The Career Conversation involves reflection prompts on values, problem areas, and previous roles, followed by a one-on-one discussion to address uncertainties and challenges. Participants join the Consultants for Impact community, gaining access to opportunities, events, and resources. Career Guidance for Consultants Sarah explains that the career guidance is personalized, depending on the individual's starting point and career goals. She uses the example of an independent consultant curious about impact to illustrate the process, emphasizing the importance of career as a tool for making the world better. The organization encourages consultants to think critically about where their skills can have the most impact, using the SELF framework (Significance, Efficacy, Leverage, Fit) to evaluate opportunities. The goal is to find roles that offer high impact, credible interventions, and opportunities for outsized effect. Job Search in the Impact Sector Sarah emphasizes the importance of thinking critically about problem areas and interventions, rather than just focusing on personal interests. She discusses the concept of Value Over Replacement Player (VORP) to highlight the importance of choosing roles where you provide more value than the next-best candidate.. The organization encourages consultants to consider unusual organizations and problem areas where their skills can have a significant impact. Roles for Consultants Sarah outlines various roles that consultants can transition into, including entrepreneurship, chief of staff roles, policy positions, product management, and grantmaking. She provides examples of successful transitions and the range of compensation levels, from bare-bones salaries to high six-figure earnings. The discussion includes the trade-offs between income and impact, with Sarah sharing her own experience of sacrificing future income increases for a more meaningful career. The organization helps consultants navigate these trade-offs and find roles that align with their non-negotiable values. Applying to the Impact Sector The conversation turns to preparing resumes and LinkedIn profiles for the impact sector. Sarah advises being thoughtful about solving core problems for resource-constrained clients and avoiding a salesy approach. She emphasizes the importance of demonstrating impact with metrics and specific examples. The organization coaches consultants on how to portray their experience in a way that builds trust and credibility in the impact sector. Building Relationships with NonProfits Sarah discusses how Consultants for Impact has built relationships with nonprofits and foundations around the world and created a reputation for providing high-quality referrals. Early efforts focused on building personal relationships and attending conferences in relevant cause areas. The organization now receives more referrals than they can handle, thanks to their reputation for curating top candidates. They also partner with other ecosystems like Umbrex to reach more consultants and build awareness of their services. Evaluating the Impact of Nonprofits Sarah advises evaluating the impact of nonprofits by focusing on the significance of the problem they address and the neglected nature of the issue. She recommends looking for organizations with external evaluators and focusing on real impact metrics rather than vanity metrics. Consultants for Impact works with third-party evaluators and foundations to assess the efficacy of nonprofits and ensure they are having a significant impact. They also provide resources and recommendations for high-impact organizations, helping consultants make informed decisions about their career paths. Promotion of Services Sarah explains how Consultants for Impact promotes their services through ads on LinkedIn, Meta, and Reddit, targeting consultants who are interested in self-discovery and career change. They also participate in workshops and events to raise awareness and connect with potential clients. The organization is committed to finding product-market fit and continuously improving their services based on feedback and referrals. Sarah invites listeners to visit their website and attend upcoming workshops to learn more about their offerings and connect with the community. Timestamps: 02:12: Consultants for Impact's Mission and Services 03:26: The Career Conversation Process 08:01: Personalized Career Guidance and Impact Framework 10:30: Sophisticated Job Search Strategies 15:05: Roles and Compensation in the Impact Sector 22:19: Preparing Collateral for the Impact Sector 24:39: Reaching Out to Nonprofits and Building Reputation 31:14: Evaluating the Impact of Nonprofits 36:17: Promoting Consultants for Impact and Future Plans Links: Consultants for Impact's website Application for free 1:1 career advising Consultants for Impact Career Check-In Template Understanding your Value Over Replacement Player (VORP): School for Moral AmbitionConsultants for Impact LinkedIn Refresh Guide Sign up for the Consultants for Impact newsletter, including 10 high-impact jobs every other week This episode on Umbrex: Unleashed is produced by Umbrex, which has a mission of connecting independent management consultants with one another, creating opportunities for members to meet, build relationships, and share lessons learned. Learn more at www.umbrex.com. *AI generated timestamps and show notes.

Show Notes: Richard Millington talks about his Substack and consulting practice, Fever B. Richard shares his journey of starting his consultancy practice in 2009 or 2010, focusing on building online communities. During the pandemic, Richard received many requests for advice on becoming a consultant, leading him to start his Substack in April 2023. Richard explains how his Substack has become a side hustle, allowing him to reflect on his experiences and share valuable insights with his audience. Defining Community Consulting Richard defines community consulting, which involves building communities for customers in the technology space. He explains that community consulting helps companies save money by allowing customers to answer each other's questions, reducing the need for customer support. Richard emphasizes the importance of understanding psychology, incentive structures, and legal considerations when building communities, and he highlights the need for companies to hire the right team and have the right strategy, technology, and processes in place. How to Motivate Community Participants When asked how to motivate people to answer questions in online communities, Richard explains that people often help others for the intrinsic reward of feeling useful and making an impact. He discusses the importance of creating a sense of community and recognition for top contributors, such as unique roles and status within the community. Richard notes that financial incentives can sometimes backfire, as people may focus more on the money than on helping others. Surprising Insights on Substack Richard mentions that his most popular post, "The goal of your consulting website is to display as many trust signals as possible," received a lot of attention. He shares other popular posts, such as "Consulting is not selling your expertise" and "You only need to engage 50 people to be a success." Richard discusses his less popular but personally impactful posts, like those on contract structure and niche selection, which he found important for his audience. A Successful Approach to Content Creation Richard talks about his process for creating Substack posts. He explains that he has a routine of dedicating the first hour of his day to generating ideas and writing posts. He reflects on his past experiences and common themes among his coaching clients to create relevant content. Richard mentions that he is moving towards having a theme for a few months, leading into a program he is running, to provide a clear point of focus for his content. Examples of Consulting Projects Richard describes a recent project with a client in Las Vegas, where he helped launch a community from scratch. He explains the importance of strategy, internal buy-in, technology setup, and training for community success. Richard also discusses projects focused on improving existing communities, such as increasing engagement and proving return on investment. Courses and Coaching for Consultants Richard shares his experience with creating courses, starting with his first course in 2011, and the success of his video courses. He explains the benefits of cohort-based courses, which have higher completion rates compared to on-demand courses. Richard discusses his coaching programs, which help independent consultants select the right niche, market themselves, and attract clients. Strategies to Attract Clients Richard outlines six ways to attract clients: search engine optimization, algorithms, referrals, networking, advertising, and cold outreach. He emphasizes the importance of selecting the right acquisition channel and committing to it. Richard shares his personal experience with using social ads to grow his Substack audience and the costs involved. Pricing Advice for Consultants Richard discusses the importance of strategic pricing and the pitfalls of advice like "just raise your rates." He explains the need for a balanced approach to pricing, considering the type of client, the project's complexity, and the competition. Richard shares his approach to naming fees and the benefits of using a broad range to align with the client's expectations. Access more of Richard's advice on Indispensable Consulting And to learn more about the core foundations of a sustainable consultancy: "a clear niche, strong positioning, and well-defined offers that clients understand and are willing to pay for." join the Consulting Foundations Program Timestamps: 03:00: Defining Community Consulting 05:30: Motivating Community Participants 08:36: Popular Substack Posts and Surprising Insights 25:38: Richard's Approach to Content Creation 30:23: Consulting Practice and Client Projects 34:58: Courses and Coaching for Independent Consultants 47:15: Challenges and Strategies in Attracting Clients 47:35: Consulting Advice and Pricing Links: Personal Website: https://www.richardmillington.com/ Company Website: https://www.feverbee.com/ This episode on Umbrex: https://umbrex.com/?post_type=unleashed&p=244024&preview=true Unleashed is produced by Umbrex, which has a mission of connecting independent management consultants with one another, creating opportunities for members to meet, build relationships, and share lessons learned. Learn more at www.umbrex.com. *AI generated timestamps and show notes.