Smart Consulting Sourcing

We’re back with another Q&A episode of the Smart Consulting Sourcing Podcast! Today, we're tackling a critical topic: the impact of early procurement involvement in consulting projects.
 
Ever wondered how involving procurement right from the start can transform your consulting outcomes? What strategies can help align stakeholders effectively? And how do you overcome the common challenges of gaining buy-in from senior executives?
 
If you’re ready to elevate your consulting game and maximize the value of your investments, Helene is here with insights and strategies you won’t want to miss. Let’s jump right in!

When it comes to optimizing consulting spend, you're not just fine-tuning a few processes—you’re fundamentally shifting how your organization selects and manages consulting services. And let’s be honest, that kind of change often faces resistance, especially from the top. To succeed, you need everyone on board, from procurement to senior leadership.
 
At Consulting Quest, we rely on John Kotter’s 8 Steps for Leading Change, a proven framework to ensure smooth transitions and lasting success. Optimizing consulting spend touches every part of your organization, so getting buy-in, communicating clearly, and embedding new practices is essential. In this episode of Smart Consulting Sourcing Podcast, your host Helene will take you through how we use Kotter’s model to help organizations like yours get the most out of their consulting spend. Tune in!

Welcome to the Smart Consulting Sourcing Podcast's LIVE Q&A session! Today, we’re diving into some of the most pressing questions about consulting sourcing.
What’s the first step in choosing the right consulting project? How do you weigh cost versus value when selecting consultants? Should you go with boutique firms or stick to the big players? If you're looking to invest wisely in expertise and get the most out of that investment, you’re in the right place. This session is packed with the advice you need! Tune in.

In this episode of Smart Consulting Sourcing podcast, your favourite host, Helene, dives into the fascinating world of specialised and niche consulting—a trend that’s revolutionizing how businesses tackle their most pressing challenges. Think of niche consultants as your business's expert surgeons: for general health, you consult your GP, but for a heart condition, you want a cardiac specialist.
 
Similarly, as your challenges grow in complexity, so does the need for tailored expertise. From cybersecurity to sustainability, specialized consultants are equipped with the deep knowledge required to provide the precise solutions you need. Tune in to discover how to choose the right specialist for your unique business needs!

In this exciting new episode, we’re launching a fresh segment that’s sure to become a staple in your listening routine—a live monthly Q&A session. Each month, we’ll tackle a hot topic and answer the questions that matter most to you. This week, we’re kicking things off with a deep dive into a subject that every consultant or procurement professional faces sooner or later: negotiations.Today’s session is all about preparation. Specifically, how do you gear up for negotiating a consulting agreement? Are the strategies the same as in any other negotiation, or do consulting services require a unique approach? As we explore this foundational question, we’ll uncover the key factors that set consulting negotiations apart—factors you can leverage to secure the best outcomes for your business.Whether you're a seasoned negotiator or stepping into these discussions for the first time, today’s episode will sharpen your negotiation edge. Listen in and discover the key insights into consulting agreements that could be the deciding factor in your next deal.

In the ever-evolving landscape of business, the role of consulting services has never been more pivotal. For Strategy, Finance, and Procurement Executives, understanding the nuanced overlap between these domains is essential. It is this very overlap that can spell the difference between a consulting project that delivers transformative value and one that merely scratches the surface.
In this episode of our Smart Consulting Sourcing podcast, your host, Helene delves into this critical topic, offering a treasure trove of actionable insights designed to enhance your consulting sourcing processes. Tune in. Don't miss it.

When it comes to navigating the intricate world of consulting, the traditional mindset of price-slashing and hard-nosed bargaining often falls flat. Consulting isn't just another commodity; it demands a sophisticated approach where value and cost optimization go hand in hand.
In this episode of Smar Consulting Sourcing podcast, your host Helene offers profound insights that could transform how organizations engage with consulting firms. This nuanced strategy not only ensures better deals but also fosters a productive and positive relationship with consulting firms, ultimately driving greater success for all parties involved.

We will delve into a crucial aspect that every business executive, whether you’re in procurement, strategy, finance, or sitting in the C-suite, needs to master: the art of scoping your consulting projects.
Proper scoping isn't just about controlling costs—it’s about maximizing the value each consulting engagement brings to your organization. Scoping your consulting projects is not just a preliminary step before issuing an RFP; it’s a dynamic tool that plays a crucial role throughout the entire buying process.
Surprisingly, scoping remains relevant even after a project has started. It is essential for managing change orders and ensuring project adaptability. In this episode of the Smart Consulting Sourcing Podcast, Helene unveils some of the secret weapons we use at Consulting Quest to harness the full power of scoping.
Join us on the Smart Consulting Sourcing Podcast, where Helene explores how to procure, utilize, and manage consulting services as strategic investments. Don't miss it!

Optimizing consulting costs is the top priority for companies investing in consulting services. However, at Consulting Quest, we don't merely focus on cost-cutting; we prioritize obtaining the best value for your investment. We have developed a comprehensive framework that considers both scoping and pricing levers to ensure that every dollar you invest in consulting delivers maximum impact.
In this episode of the Smart Consulting Sourcing podcast, your host, Helene, introduces Consulting Quest's holistic approach to cost optimization, which extends beyond consulting fees.
Join us as Helene breaks down the key components of our framework, discusses why it is effective, and explores the strategies and tactics you can implement to unlock value and drive success in your consulting engagements.

Welcome to another episode of the Smart Consulting Sourcing podcast, where your favourite host, Helene, delves into the nitty-gritty of consulting sourcing, and today she's tackling a critical aspect, demand management.
Think of demand management as your trusted decision-making partner. It's there to ensure you're putting your resources where they truly count – on the projects that will drive tangible value for your organization. In simpler terms, it's about making smart choices with your consulting budget.
In this episode, Helene will explore why demand management is crucial for consulting procurement. She'll uncover how effective demand management can provide organizations with the foresight they need. Because having that foresight can be the difference between strategic success and playing catch-up with reactive damage control.
So, grab your headphones and tune in. Trust us, you won't want to miss this!