Smart Consulting Sourcing

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 real game-changers.
And if we zoom in on consulting – now that's the secret weapon. Aligning your consulting spend with the big picture strategy is where the real power lies. It's not just about hiring consultants; it's about picking projects that move the needle.
To sum it up, playing the procurement game strategically is a must. It challenges the old rules, pushes for teamwork, embraces tech, nurtures strong supplier ties, and rolls with the punches in this crazy business world. It's the winning playbook for businesses aiming for long-term success in the modern arena.
Don't miss out on these insights; Helene breaks it all down in this episode – the game-changer you need for a winning strategy!

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! But when we enjoy a meal, we tend to overlook these behind-the-scenes players, focusing more on the ingredients.
Procurement works the same way with direct (buying ingredients for your product) and indirect (getting stuff that supports your business). Even though indirect procurement doesn't get the same attention as the direct side, it's a crucial part of any organization's strategy.
While indirect procurement may not grab headlines like direct procurement, it's a vital part of any organization's strategy. It requires a different approach, a keen eye for detail, and an understanding of the broader business context.
In this Smart Consulting Sourcing podcast episode, Helene explains the strategic nature of both direct and indirect procurement and shares insights about their evolving landscape to empower clients for procurement optimization. Don't miss it.

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 to leverage the advantages that accompany these shifts.
Whether it's by engaging with boutique firms for their specialized knowledge or by demanding more value from your traditional consulting partnerships, the power is shifting into your hands.
Therefore, if you aim to adeptly procure consulting services, ensuring each dollar invested yields the anticipated impact, just stay tuned. Don't miss this episode.

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 innovative solutions. The question is, has this dramatic change really happened? Helene is peeling back the layers to uncover the truth behind these predictions and the actual state of disruption (or lack thereof) in consulting.
And of course, she talks about AI – the biggest headline-grabber. Is it really that fear-inducing, job-replacing monster that it is often portrayed as? Let's find out the truth about AI in consulting in this episode. 
So, gear up for a deep dive into this fascinating topic in our latest podcast episode. Join Helene as she explores the evolving consulting value chain and its implications for clients. Your thoughts and feedback are always welcome, so don't hesitate to connect and share your perspectives.

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 management, and crisis response expertise. In this episode of Smart Consulting Sourcing podcast, Join Helene, as she unravels the intricacies of the consulting market, offering insights that will empower you to navigate its dynamic waves.
Whether you're a procurement professional, a business leader, or simply curious about the consulting world, this episode promises a voyage into a world where strategy meets innovation, and decisions shape destinies. Tune in and be prepared to navigate the heart of the consulting market successfully. The adventure awaits—let's set sail together!

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 evolve in the future. So, join Helene on this journey as she explores how the consulting industry has been like a chameleon, adapting to the needs of businesses as they shimmy through the decades. These insights, like a compass, will guide you to understand where the industry might be headed and what it'll look like in the coming decades. Tune in, and let's embark on this historical joyride together!

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 than just an online presence; it's a dynamic playground. R&D? It's not just labs; it's the heart of innovation.
Discover versatile tools like Communication and ESG – the Swiss Army knives for businesses. A must-listen for those curious about how consulting powers success! Learn how consulting firms align with these competencies, creating harmony and guiding companies through the financial maze. Planning consulting services? This episode is your insightful guide to navigate the business world.

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, consulting firms mirror these business functions of their client organizations through their capabilities. It's an attempt to classify consulting offerings in the same manner one might organize their bookshelf – by theme, relevance, and genre. Except here, it's about aligning services with organizational needs.
Remember, in the modern business symphony, every consulting capability plays its unique tune, creating a harmonious ensemble that helps companies navigate the complex financial labyrinth and emerge victorious. Tune in for great insights.
 

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 pinching pennies anymore; it's about looking at the bigger, more impactful picture. So, whether you're gearing up for a consulting project or knee-deep in one, you'll want to hear what Helene has to say in this episode. We're breaking down what consulting is all about, exploring the different aspects of consulting projects, looking at the types of assignments, and more.
In a nutshell, we're dissecting the anatomy of a management consulting project, so you'll know exactly what to expect throughout the journey. Whether you're just starting or already in the thick of things, this episode will be your trusty guide. Don't miss out – let's get to the heart of your consulting project!

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 dollars; it's about investing in potential, and those savings are a delightful byproduct. You see, there's a shift happening in the world of procurement. Mature organizations are no longer just looking at immediate costs; they're looking at the bigger picture.
They're evaluating the entire value equation when it comes to consulting. In this final episode, your favorite host Helene, will guide you through how you can enhance this value creation throughout the procurement process.
It's all about seeing the bigger picture and making sure every step you take adds value to your organization's grand vision.
So, get ready to uncover the true value that goes beyond the bottom line. Tune in!