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
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Thursday Mar 14, 2024
Fundamentals of Consulting Pricing - The Rates
Thursday Mar 14, 2024
Thursday Mar 14, 2024
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 implications. Tune in.
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Thursday Mar 07, 2024
How to Effectively Overcome Asymmetrical Information in Consulting?
Thursday Mar 07, 2024
Thursday Mar 07, 2024
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 promises of excellence. How do you separate the wheat from the chaff? Helene, your trusty host, is here to guide you through the fog of uncertainty.
It all starts with knowledge. But knowledge alone isn't enough. It's about leveraging that knowledge to your advantage. And let's not forget the importance of performance measurement. Armed with these weapons, you'll navigate the maze of asymmetrical information with confidence and emerge victorious on the other side. Tune in to Smart Consulting Sourcing Podcast for more insights and inspiration on your path to success.
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Thursday Feb 29, 2024
Navigating Asymmetrical Information in Consulting Procurement
Thursday Feb 29, 2024
Thursday Feb 29, 2024
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 either overspend on unnecessary services or fall short of their desired outcomes due to underspending. In an ever-evolving landscape of consulting procurement, where decisions can make or break strategic endeavors, it's imperative for clients to navigate through the haze of asymmetrical information.
Tune in to gain invaluable insights into overcoming this obstacle and making informed choices that drive operational excellence amidst the complexities of consulting procurement.
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Thursday Feb 22, 2024
Value and Impact: The Ultimate Yardsticks for Success in Consulting Projects
Thursday Feb 22, 2024
Thursday Feb 22, 2024
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 strategic planning, structured evaluation, and a commitment to continuous improvement. Join us on this episode of our Smart Consulting Sourcing podcast as we embark on this thrilling expedition. Delve into expert insights, uncover practical tips, and unearth hidden strategies. Tune in.
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Thursday Feb 08, 2024
Intangible Facets - Trust, Fit and Personal Connection in Consulting Services
Thursday Feb 08, 2024
Thursday Feb 08, 2024
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 pivotal Importance of Trust in Consulting to strategies for identifying consultants you can rely on.
Discover the role of emotional connections and interpersonal relations in project success, and embark on a fascinating exploration of human psychology as the ultimate key to unlocking success. Trust us, you won't want to miss this enlightening episode. Tune in now!
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Thursday Feb 01, 2024
Thursday Feb 01, 2024
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!
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Thursday Jan 25, 2024
Direct vs. Indirect Procurement: Understanding the Nuances
Thursday Jan 25, 2024
Thursday Jan 25, 2024
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.
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Thursday Jan 18, 2024
Navigating the Evolution of the Consulting Value Chain
Thursday Jan 18, 2024
Thursday Jan 18, 2024
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.
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Thursday Jan 11, 2024
Is Consulting being Disrupted? Navigating New Paradigms
Thursday Jan 11, 2024
Thursday Jan 11, 2024
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.
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Thursday Dec 14, 2023
Navigating the Consulting Landscape: Today’s Market Insights
Thursday Dec 14, 2023
Thursday Dec 14, 2023
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!
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The only podcast about consulting procurement
The Smart Consulting Sourcing podcast provides a complete and detailed overview of everything to create value through consulting.