Smart Consulting Sourcing

Welcome to a brand-new episode of the Smart Consulting Sourcing podcast. Over previous episodes, we've shared multiple aspects of procuring consulting services, from crafting the perfect RFP to evaluating proposals and negotiating with shortlisted firms. In today's episode, we reach the climax where visions become reality—the consulting agreement. Get ready to dive into the process of shaping an agreement that sets the stage for a fruitful partnership.
 
In this episode, your favorite host, Helene, leaves no stone unturned as she explores every facet of this process, from defining project scopes and deliverables to establishing key performance indicators and contractual obligations. As you already know, the mission of this episode is to ensure that you extract the absolute best from your consulting project. Tune in.

Providing feedback to consultants whose proposals fell short is a wise practice. It's a win-win for both parties. Why? Well, reputable consulting firms with the expertise you seek take feedback seriously. When you share your insights, they use that valuable input to address previous shortcomings, increasing their chances of success in future bids. This process is vital for their growth and continued success.
 
But the question remains: how can you effectively communicate your feedback? Breaking the news of rejection is never easy, and nobody enjoys being on the receiving end. The key is to go beyond the simple "win or lose" announcement. Instead, emphasize their strengths, point out areas for improvement, and suggest specific actions they could have taken to enhance their prospects.
 
Are you eager to discover how to provide a comprehensive evaluation of a proposal? Join Helene in this episode as she unveils the power of feedback as a tool for growth and collaboration. Learn how to leverage this valuable resource to your advantage.

Welcome back to another power-packed episode of Smart Consulting Sourcing, your ultimate guide to mastering the art of buying consulting services like a pro.
Today, we delve into the realm of negotiation—a force of great power and potential. As Sun Tzu famously said, "Every battle is won before it's ever fought." In our previous episode, we laid the groundwork for successful negotiations, and now, we take it a step further. Get ready to harness the game-changing concepts of BATNA and ZOPA, guiding you like a seasoned captain navigating uncharted waters.
Let's uncover the treasure trove of savings opportunities within consulting proposals, making sure you secure the best agreements with your consultants. Let's begin this exciting journey to master negotiation!

Negotiation is like a thrilling dance of give-and-take. The process entails strategies for securing the best deal. If the consulting agreement is your vital weapon to ensure that you get the expected value from the project, an effective negotiation process is your key to reaching the winning agreement. Now here's the catch - you should not dive into the negotiation unprepared.
 
Before hitting the negotiation table, you need to do your homework. This episode of our podcast series, "How to Buy Consulting Like a Pro," helps you unleash your negotiation power with expert tips and examples from real-world scenarios. Learn from none other than Helene Laffitte, the consulting sourcing expert and the wonderful host of your favourite Smart Consulting Sourcing podcast series. Tune in.

In our "How to Buy Consulting Like a Pro" series, we've dived into the nitty-gritty of evaluating consulting proposals. But now, friends, we've hit the mother of all crossroads: the price.
If evaluating proposals is a brain-teasing puzzle, then pricing is the trickiest piece to figure out. Remember, the cheapest option isn't always the best one. In this episode, your wonderful host, Helene, spills the beans on hourly rates, flat fees, and even some baffling clauses.
With this insider knowledge, you're now equipped to make that final call and choose the perfect consultant for your project. So tune in, my friends and connections, and let the sourcing games begin!

The quest to find the perfect consulting partner may be a long one, but it does not necessarily have to be a complicated journey. All you need to do is apply the proper techniques to navigate this process confidently and we aim to be your guide, offering pro tips and guidance every step of the way. We started discussing how to write a winning RFP and have now reached the proposal evaluation stage. In the past three weeks, we've guided thoroughly reviewing, grading, and identifying the most promising proposals that align with your objectives. In this episode, we dive into the fascinating world of pitch sessions with consultants, a critical step in refining your evaluation. Get ready for an attack filled with valuable insights, strategies, and expert advice that will empower you to make informed decisions and choose the perfect consulting partner. Tune in and keep watching all the episodes. Remember, your aim is not to find the most brilliant or cheapest proposal but to identify a consultant who can solve your specific problem and address your unique needs.

We embarked on the journey of consulting proposal analysis three weeks ago. Our mission is to unravel the mysteries of effective proposal analysis and shortlist consulting firms' crème de la crème proposals.
After laying the groundwork for success by covering topics such as building the right team, evaluating deliverables, and assessing approaches, we are now ready to bring it all together and grade the proposals before the pitching session. Consulting, at its core, is a human-to-human business built on mutual trust, and this is precisely what makes the analysis process so nuanced.
But fear not. Your wonderful host Helene is here to decode the puzzle of consulting proposal analysis for you. In this episode of our immensely popular "Buy Consulting Like a Pro" podcast series, Helene will guide you on how to grade your proposals in preparation for the pitching session. Don't miss it; tune in!

Want to find that one proposal that stands out with its comprehensive understanding of objectives, tailored solutions, and clear deliverables?
Join host Helene in the latest episode of Smart Consulting Sourcing as she explores the crucial step of analyzing proposals in consulting procurement. Learn how to identify the most promising proposals and make informed decisions for your project.
Gain insights on evaluating deliverables, proposal content, approach, and more. Don't miss this valuable resource to elevate your consulting sourcing skills. Subscribe now on YouTube or your favorite podcast platform. Happy sourcing!

Hello there, aficionados of all things consulting procurement!  If you've been tuning in to our exciting series, "Buying Consulting Services Like a Pro," hosted by the one and only Helene, get ready for a thrilling ride. We've already spilled the beans on crafting that killer RFP to find your perfect consultant match.
And now, your killer RFP has brought in a flood of proposals. But how do you separate the crème de la crème from the rest? That's where our podcast comes in! In today's episode, we're diving headfirst into the process of analyzing proposals, giving you all the tips and tricks you need to make that crucial decision.
Buckle up and join us as we unveil the secrets of approaching this task, involving the suitable evaluators, and getting down to the nitty-gritty. Trust us; you won't want to miss it!

Crafting proposals is rarely a consultant's idea of a good time. It gets even more challenging when clients fail to convey their expectations through RFPs, leaving consultants to make assumptions. This wastes time, effort, (and money) for consultants and hinders the alignment between the client’s goals and the potential consulting partners' skills, ultimately jeopardizing the project's success.
But fear not! You can make life easier for consultants by conducting a brief session as a client. It helps them understand your objectives, lets you grasp their expertise and approach, and builds that all-important personal connection. By taking this small step, you can rest assured of receiving proposals that meet your expectations and showcase the value they bring to your organization.
In our latest episode of "Buy Consulting Services Like a Pro," our fantastic host Helene delves into the nitty-gritty of hosting effective briefing and Q&A sessions with potential consulting partners. Tune in for an insightful and information-rich episode that will transform your approach to buying consulting services.