The Consultancy Business

'Questions are the answer to everything': Sales for nice people with Martin Stellar

Mon, 13 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0100

How do you sell well - and ethically - if you are fortunate enough to be a 'nice person'?!

In this final episode of the Consultancy Business podcast, we are joined by Martin Stellar.

Martin, a former monk, is now a consultant who is passionate about helping nice people sell more.

https://martinstellar.com/

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Advance, the new course from The Consultancy Business, is now available exclusively at TBD+.

Advance is designed to equip independent consultants with skills and tools that complement your own expertise to help you run your business as effectively as possible.

Practical, to-the-point and structured in accordance with best practice in adult learning, each lesson will deepen your knowledge in a different domain, from defining success to pitch-perfect pricing.

About TBD+

Already attracting members from Meta, NASA, Omnicom, startups, SMEs, and a host of others, TBD+ offers a unique space to connect with industry leaders, get new business opportunities, and access exclusive original (and curated) content.

Whether you’re looking to learn, network, or solve those burning questions, TBD+ has you covered, and it’s available via desktop or the handy app.

Key benefits of joining TBD+ include:

- Curated summaries and a host a of original content

- Opportunities to meet industry executives

- Exclusive learning content

- Access to hours of thought leadership material with TBD Conference talks and Mouthwash interviews

For just £24.99 a month, you gain instant access to a global network that’s dedicated to keeping you ahead of the curve. Sign up now and connect with innovators who will help you thrive in today’s fast-changing world.

Sign up here: members.tbdpl.us

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Come over to our new podcast home...

We're delighted you've found the Consultancy Business Podcast from Phil Lewis Associates. We are no longer making new episodes of this podcast - so, once you've listened to this episode (and as many TCBP episodes as you like!) come over and find us at the brilliantly named 'The Phil Lewis podcast' - at this link: https://podfollow.com/phillewis

Neurodivergence in consultancy: Sarah Castor-Perry and Nathan Whitbread

Mon, 02 Dec 2024 02:00:00 +0100

What does it mean if you are neurodivergent and working as a consultant? Also, how do consultants best accommodate neurodiversity in the organisations we serve?

For this episode, Phil is joined by Nathan Whitbread and Sarah Castor-Perry. They are both specialists in neurodiversity, and helping workplaces to better understand neurodivergent workforces.

Sarah Castor-Perry's work as a coach and consultant is with Kernel - here.

Nathan Whitbread is The Neurodivergent Coach - here.

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Advance, the new course from The Consultancy Business, is now available exclusively at TBD+.

Advance is designed to equip independent consultants with skills and tools that complement your own expertise to help you run your business as effectively as possible.

About TBD+

Whether you’re looking to learn, network, or solve those burning questions, TBD+ has you covered, and it’s available via desktop or the handy app.

Key benefits of joining TBD+ include:

- Curated summaries and a host a of original content

- Opportunities to meet industry executives

- Exclusive learning content

- Access to hours of thought leadership material with TBD Conference talks and Mouthwash interviews

Sign up here: members.tbdpl.us

Mentioned in this episode:

Come over to our new podcast home...

Sustaining excellence: how to stay at the top of your game

Mon, 04 Nov 2024 00:00:00 +0100

Consulting at the highest level - how do you do it? How do you keep doing it over time? And if you are doing it, what do you need to be aware of?

Sam Bevans from Apella Advisors, and Vivienne Hsu, a partner at JBI (Just Build It) join Phil for two seperate conversations, discussing what it's like to operate and thrive at the top level of consulting.

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Advance, the new course from The Consultancy Business, is now available exclusively at TBD+.

Advance is designed to equip independent consultants with skills and tools that complement your own expertise to help you run your business as effectively as possible.

About TBD+

Whether you’re looking to learn, network, or solve those burning questions, TBD+ has you covered, and it’s available via desktop or the handy app.

Key benefits of joining TBD+ include:

- Curated summaries and a host a of original content

- Opportunities to meet industry executives

- Exclusive learning content

- Access to hours of thought leadership material with TBD Conference talks and Mouthwash interviews

Sign up here: members.tbdpl.us

Mentioned in this episode:

Come over to our new podcast home...

Burnout: why wellbeing matters more than you might think

Mon, 07 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0100

Wellbeing is a word that's everywhere these days - but do consultants take it as seriously as we should?

Phil is joined by Fiona McKinnon and Alex Strang of Moment Company to discuss the all-too-real impact of burnout - on our practices and on our clients.

We also discuss a range of ways that consultants can protect and enhance our own wellbeing with the performance coach Dominic Beecheno, who has been helping people survive and thrive at work for nearly two decades.

Find out more:

Moment Company: https://momentcompany.co

Dominic Beecheno: https://www.kaizencoaching.co.uk

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Lead generation agencies - a consultant's friend or foe?

Mon, 02 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0100

Thousands, and thousands, and thousands of pounds. That's what Phil lost to a lead generation agency this year.

Is this common in new business lead generation? Or are there some business, like there are consultants, who are grounded and ethical?

So when Phil was approached by Namit Jindal from Deliverability Ninja, he was invited on the podcast to examine his lead generation approach in much more detail.

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W*nkernomics: Calling Out Corporate BS

Mon, 29 Jul 2024 00:00:00 +0100

Do you struggle with simple tasks like using the phrase “circle back” in every email? Have you never used the word “synergies” in a Linkedin post?

You need Wankernomics.

Wankernomics started life as a live show, helping thousands of Australians unlock the secrets to workplace success through the ancient art of being an annoying wanker. And, for the first time, they're heading to the Edinburgh Fringe!

Joining The Consultancy Business this time are James Schloeffel and Charles Firth - and although Wnkernomics is a comedy act, at the heart lie serious lessons about how we communicate at work - should we REALLY be breaking silos?!

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How to survive the future: Tom Cheesewright

Mon, 01 Jul 2024 00:00:00 +0100

When consultants stare into the future, we are often confronted with uncertainty. So how do we prime our practises to survive and thrive?

This month, Phil is joined by Tom Cheesewright, an independent consultant, writer, broadcaster - and 'applied futurist'.

Remember to subscribe the podcast and share with people who you think will like it!

You can find more of Tom's work here: https://tomcheesewright.com

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Why the “quick fix’ is a myth: Steve Hearsum

Mon, 03 Jun 2024 00:00:00 +0100

This month's guest is consultant, superviser and speaker Steve Hearsum. Steve is the author of 'No Silver Bullet: bursting the bubble of the organisational quick fix' and joins Phil to discuss the true role of consultants in a world where complex problems do not have easy answers.

You can find Steve's book here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Silver-Bullet-Solutions-Psychology-Management/dp/1738553809

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AI - the consultant’s friend or foe? A panel debate

Mon, 29 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0100

Opinion on the seemingly unstoppable rise of AI is varied in every sector - but how worried should consultants be about AI - and can it help? Joining Phil for this panel debate are:

Dan Sodergren - keynote speaker, expert media guest and author on the future of work, technology and AI

Liz Timoney - trainer of over a thousand corporate leaders, coach, speaker and author of Unstuck: Change Your Life Story

Simon Moore - CEO of IB, doctor of Psychophysiological Psychology and a Chartered Psychologist with the BPS.

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Change activists in consultancy: Magic Breakfast's Carmel McConnell MBE

Mon, 08 Apr 2024 03:00:00 +0100

Carmel McConnell MBE launched Magic Breakfast, providing breakfasts to schools, after learning that pupils near her City of London office were going hungry. She has also written a book about practical steps to drive social change, called The Change Activist.

Phil's conversation with Carmel is a must-listen for anyone looking to place social impact at the heart of their consultancy business.

Find and support Carmel's Magic Breakfast initiative here.

Find Carmel's book The Change Activist: Make Big Things Happen here.

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Getting to clarity: Agendascope's Matt Mower and copywriter Steve Clinton

Mon, 04 Mar 2024 01:00:00 +0100

We go in search of clarity in this episode of the Consultancy Business podcast.

First, clarity of mind and of decision-making, with AgendaScope's Matt Mower. Building on hard-won experience from a long career in consultancy, Matt has developed AgendaScope as a tool to help businesses make smarter, quicker decisions.

Then, Phil gets advice and insight on writing copy with clarity, from experienced business copywriter Steve Clinton. Steve is a specialist in creating 'words that work for coaches and consultants'.

A quick note: we've dropped the paywall, so the full-length versions of all past episodes are now available, entirely for free, wherever you get your podcasts. Please spread word, and share the Consultancy Business link with anyone who might be interested. That's www.podfollow.com/consultancy.

Also, you can find AgendaScope online here. Copywriter Steve Clinton is here.

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The straight-talking strategy man: Deri Llewellyn-Davies

Mon, 05 Feb 2024 01:00:00 +0100

Deri Llewellyn-Davies is a true consultancy multi-hyphenate: an experienced board advisor, NED, chairman, facilitator, author, business owner and investor. If there are two things Deri is known for, they are understanding strategy, and speaking plainly.

Find us online to become part of the Consultancy Business community.

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All in the mind: Dr Simon Moore, chief psychologist and CEO of IB

Mon, 08 Jan 2024 10:22:00 +0100

Exploring the role of psychology in your work and your decision-making, and that of your clients. Dr Simon Moore is chief psychologist and CEO at IB, a consultancy that promises to use behavioural science to boost your company's ROI. In the second half of the episode, Simon and Phil answer tricky questions from members of the Consultancy Business community.

Find us online to join the Consultancy Business community.

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Reap what you sow: The Jockey Club's Stuart Williamson and consultant Claire Croft

Mon, 04 Dec 2023 03:00:00 +0100

The Jockey Club's Stuart Williamson on how he navigates consultant relationships - in particular those who help in a crisis. Then, for the second half of the episode, Phil's long-time business partner Claire Croft joins to answer questions and problems shared by members of the Consultancy Business community.

Find us online to join the Consultancy Business community.

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Stick to what you know? - Barbara Marchelle

Tue, 21 Nov 2023 06:00:00 +0100

Business consultant Barbara Marchelle has a golden rule that she sticks to: she only works with people in areas she has direct, personal experience of managing. What can we learn from this approach, and why is it effective? This bonus edition of the Consultancy Business podcast is an in-depth chat with Barbara.

Find us online at The Consultancy Business.

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Asking the right questions: Invesco's Matthew Heath and Steven Hughes of Wondermap

Mon, 06 Nov 2023 02:00:00 +0100

So much of navigating consultant-client relationships is about context. It’s about how you get to grips - quickly and well - with what’s really going on in an organisation, so you can make a positive impact. To get this right, you need to be asking your client the right questions from day 1 of your relationship. Phil speaks with Invesco's Matthew Heath, and Steven Hughes, founder of Wondermap.

Join us at the Consultancy Business.

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Are you offering value for money? - Tina Fegent and Immediate Media's David Reay

Mon, 02 Oct 2023 04:00:00 +0100

As consultants, when we fail to offer value for money, we can lose a client or fail to make a sale. But how can we know we are offering best value for money - while not under-pricing ourselves? Phil speaks with procurement consultant Tina Fegent, and Immediate Media's David Reay.

Find out more about the Consultancy Business community.

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Start as you mean to go on - insights from KUGU and Nationwide

Fri, 01 Sep 2023 05:00:00 +0100

What clients value most in consultants, and how to set up any independent consulting relationship for success. Phil Lewis speaks with Nationwide's head of media relations Sara Batchelor, and Scott Williams, chief product officer at German scale-up KUGU Home.

Join the Consultancy Business community at theconsultancybusiness.com.

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Introducing The Consultancy Business

Thu, 17 Aug 2023 09:00:00 +0100

Life as an independent consultant can be tough. In the Consultancy Business podcast, Phil Lewis and team help you tackle common hurdles, and offer hard-won, practical advice. New episodes monthly. Find us online here.

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