Smart Consulting Sourcing: Recent Episodes

Hélène Laffitte / Consulting Quest

Each week Hélène Laffitte, consulting sourcing expert and CEO of Consulting Quest, gives you the keys to better use, manage, and source consulting services.

Can AI replace procurement when buying consulting?
The narrative suggests automation is inevitable — the reality is more nuanced.

In this episode of Smart Consulting Sourcing, Hélène Laffitte explains what AI actually changes in consulting procurement — and what it doesn’t.

AI isn’t replacing buyers — it’s exposing weak briefs, loose evaluation criteria, and superficial proposal analysis. It can sharpen RFPs, structure comparisons, and challenge fuzzy thinking. But it cannot assume accountability, interpret organisational context, or distinguish persuasive language from proven capability.

Hélène outlines where AI genuinely strengthens the sourcing process, where its limits become clear, and why human judgment remains the critical control point.

From avoiding “algorithmic overconfidence” to using AI as a disciplined challenger, this episode offers a grounded perspective on smarter sourcing in the age of automation.

Tune in to learn how to make AI your procurement ally — not your substitute.

In this Quick Take on Smart Consulting Sourcing, Hélène Laffitte, CEO at Consulting Quest, explains how to handle conflicts of interest in consulting projects and why they represent a critical risk in professional services.

Discover how companies can manage consulting conflicts of interest in a practical and balanced way by setting clear boundaries in consulting contracts and MSAs, reinforcing commitments at the project level, and monitoring risks over time — all in under three minutes.

In this Quick Take on Smart Consulting Sourcing, Hélène Laffitte, CEO at Consulting Quest, unpacks how a make-or-buy strategy can help you design smarter consulting delivery models.

Discover how this simple framework clarifies what to keep in-house, what to outsource, and how to maximize value from your consulting partners — all in under three minutes!

Learn how to avoid over-outsourcing, reduce costs, and get the expertise you really need.

Can ChatGPT really replace McKinsey? The hype says yes—but the truth? Not even close. In this episode of Smart Consulting Sourcing, Hélène Laffitte cuts through the noise and reveals how Generative AI is truly reshaping the consulting world.

AI isn’t killing consulting—it’s killing bad consulting. From flashy claims to “10 prompts to replace McKinsey” memes, Hélène explains why technology can’t substitute for real expertise, context, and judgment. She breaks down how Gen AI actually works, where it genuinely accelerates consulting delivery, and why understanding its limits is just as important as embracing its power. From spotting “AI-washing” in proposals to knowing when to lean on human insight, this episode uncovers how consulting’s real value is evolving—from decks to decisions, insights, and execution.

Tune in to discover how to make AI your consulting ally—not your replacement.

Go-live might feel like a win—but it’s not the endgame. In this episode of Quick Takes on Smart Consulting Sourcing, Hélène Laffitte explains why launching your digital consulting procurement platform is just the beginning. True maturity comes from how you use the tool to evolve behaviors, refine processes, and drive better outcomes.

From training users effectively to adapting configurations and pushing for continuous improvement, Hélène reveals three powerful levers that help procurement leaders unlock real value post–go-live.

Tune in to learn how to turn your digital platform into a true driver of maturity.

Thinking about digitizing your consulting procurement process? Before you hit “deploy,” make sure you’ve got the right foundation in place. In this episode of Smart Consulting Sourcing, Hélène Laffitte, CEO of Consulting Quest, explains why digital tools can’t fix broken processes and why starting with a Procurement Maturity Assessment is essential. You’ll learn how to diagnose your consulting procurement capability, avoid costly tech missteps, and build a transformation roadmap with clarity and confidence.

Tune in to discover how to set your digital journey up for real success!

Can your consulting spend be smarter — just by using better tools?
In this episode of Quick Takes on Smart Consulting Sourcing, Hélène Laffitte, CEO of Consulting Quest, breaks down how digital platforms are revolutionizing the way companies manage their consulting spend.

Discover what the latest tools can really do — and why strategy still comes first. Tune in now.

How do you get the most from your consulting budget without compromising impact? In this episode of Smart Consulting Sourcing, Hélène Laffitte, CEO of Consulting Quest, shares a pragmatic, no-fluff approach to consulting utilization. Discover how to prioritize projects, choose the right delivery model, and unlock new sourcing options that stretch your budget and accelerate transformation. Tune in now.

Think spend analysis is just adding up invoices? Think again. In this episode of Quick Takes on Smart Consulting Sourcing, Hélène Lafitte, CEO of Consulting Quest, breaks down why real spend analysis is about insight; not just data. She shares five smart questions every procurement leader should ask to uncover inefficiencies, align suppliers with project needs, and boost the ROI of consulting spend.

If you want to stop reacting and start optimizing, this is your playbook. Tune in now and turn your consulting data into a strategic advantage!

Change management might not be in your procurement job description, but it should be. In this Quick Takes on Smart Consulting Sourcing episode, Hélène Lafitte explains why procurement professionals play a critical role in setting consulting projects up for success. From spotting misalignment early to designing collaboration into the process, Hélène shows how procurement can act as a catalyst for change even before the consultants are hired.

Tune in to discover how change fluency can make you a smarter, more strategic sourcing leader. Don’t miss this one!

A consulting agreement might not be flashy — but it’s one of the most critical tools in your consulting procurement arsenal. In this episode of Quick Takes on Smart Consulting Sourcing, Hélène Lafitte, CEO of Consulting Quest, breaks down the seven must-have elements every procurement pro should scrutinize before signing a consulting contract. From scope clarity and payment terms to IP rights and termination clauses, she highlights how a well-crafted agreement sets the stage for project success — and protects your organization from costly surprises.

Don’t miss this power-packed episode because smarter contracts mean smarter sourcing. Tune in now!

In this thought-provoking episode of Smart Consulting Sourcing, Helene Lafitte unpacks a question that every organization faces but few answer strategically: should you handle a consulting project in-house or bring in external experts?

With humor, clarity, and a practical five-pillar framework, Helene guides you through the complexities of the make-or-buy decision—looking beyond cost to consider capability, strategic value, and long-term impact.

If you’re tired of defaulting to habit and ready to treat consulting as a true strategic lever, this episode is a must-listen. Don’t miss it—your next big project might just depend on it.

Should you invest in an internal consulting team? In this episode of Quick Takes with Smart Consulting Sourcing, Hélène Lafitte, CEO of Consulting Quest, breaks down the strategic considerations behind this crucial decision. From analyzing consulting spend to defining a clear team mandate, she explains why internal consulting is about more than just cutting costs; it's about driving long-term efficiency, retaining knowledge, and optimizing ROI.

Discover when to build in-house expertise, when to rely on external consultants, and how to ensure your internal team aligns with broader business goals. Don’t miss this quick but insightful episode to smarter consulting decisions!

Companies spend billions on external consultants, but is there a better way? In this episode of Smart Consulting Sourcing, Hélène Lafitte, CEO of Consulting Quest, explores the growing trend of Internal Consulting Groups and how they can serve as a powerful strategic asset. Far from being just a cost-cutting measure, internal consulting helps organizations retain knowledge, develop future leaders, and optimize consulting spend without sacrificing expertise.

Discover how leading companies like Siemens and BASF have leveraged internal teams to drive transformation and why striking the right balance between internal and external consultants is key. Don’t miss this insightful episode—tune in now and rethink how your organization approaches consulting!

Change management is crucial in any procurement transformation, but when it comes to consulting, it takes on a whole new level of complexity. In this episode of QuickTakes with Smart Consulting Sourcing, Hélène Lafitte, CEO of Consulting Quest, explores why change management in consulting procurement is fundamentally different. From the intangibility of consulting services to the high-level stakeholder sensitivities, she unpacks the unique challenges and shares key strategies to ensure success.

If you want to drive real impact in consulting procurement, understanding these nuances is essential. Tune in now for expert insights that will help you navigate change with confidence!

Digitalizing consulting procurement offers immense potential—efficiency, transparency, and smarter decision-making. But without the right approach, organizations can fall into common traps that hinder progress.

In this episode of Smart Consulting Sourcing, Hélène Lafitte, CEO of Consulting Quest, breaks down the five biggest pitfalls companies face when implementing digital procurement solutions. From mistaking tools for the solution to ignoring stakeholder buy-in and overcomplicating the process, she shares actionable strategies to ensure a smooth and successful transformation.

Don’t let digitalization become a roadblock instead of an enabler. Tune in now to discover how to avoid these pitfalls and unlock the full potential of your consulting procurement!

In today’s fast-paced digital world, effective collaboration between procurement and business lines is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity. In this episode of Quick Takes with Smart Consulting Sourcing, Hélène Lafitte, CEO of Consulting Quest, unpacks how organizations can break down silos and foster seamless collaboration. From understanding each other’s priorities to leveraging digital tools for transparency, she shares actionable strategies to build trust and co-create processes that drive impact.

Don’t miss this insightful video on how to align procurement and business teams for smarter consulting decisions. Tune in now and start transforming your approach to collaboration!

Digital transformation isn’t just about flashy new tools—it’s about redefining how we work. In this episode of Smart Consulting Sourcing, Helene Lafitte, CEO of Consulting Quest, dives deep into the pivotal role of change management in digital procurement transformation. From real-world challenges like misaligned teams to actionable strategies for driving success, Helene breaks down why transformation in consulting procurement requires more than technology—it demands a mindset shift and strategic alignment across the board.

Don’t miss this insightful episode that uncovers the secrets to unlocking the full potential of your consulting spend. Tune in now and start transforming smarter!

In the world of procurement, centralised vs. decentralised procurement structures is one of the most debated topics. Should you centralize your consulting procurement? Opt for a decentralised approach? Or is the ideal solution a balanced hybrid?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer—but in this episode of Smart Consulting Sourcing, Helene dives deep into these concepts to help you determine which structure best suits your organisation. She explores what centralised and decentralised procurement structures look like, how they influence your organisation’s ability to maximise value from consulting, and how to organize your consulting procurement for optimal results. Don't miss it. Tune in.

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!

Consulting isn’t just a line-item expense; it’s a strategic investment poised to propel organizations toward unprecedented growth and efficiency. By balancing cost considerations with strategic alignment and reinvesting savings wisely, we can unlock the transformative power of consulting and chart a course toward enduring success.

In this episode of the Smart Consulting Sourcing podcast, we're delving into five key ways that cost savings from consulting can benefit companies. Join your host, Helene, as she explores the connections between cost, value, and how they fuel organizational transformation. Discover how navigating this terrain wisely can reshape the future trajectory of your company.

In the realm of business strategy, the significance of cost savings cannot be overstated. Today, we kick off 'Decoding Cost Savings in Consulting,' a series that will shed light on this important topic. We aim to make understanding savings in consulting simple yet essential for success.

Effective consulting procurement isn’t just about cutting costs; it’s about ensuring that every dollar spent translates into tangible organizational benefits. From demand management to negotiating prices, we’ll dissect the strategies that lead to genuine value.

Join us as we shift the focus from immediate savings to long-term gains. By adopting a holistic view of value, we empower you to make informed decisions that align with your organization’s overarching objectives.

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to gain invaluable insights into the art of smart spending in consulting. Tune in and embark on a journey towards a more prosperous and strategic approach to procurement.

In this episode of the Smart Consulting Sourcing podcast, your host, Helene, dives into a topic that's essential but often misunderstood in the world of consulting: the cost of revenue. Think of it like the Cost of Goods Sold in other industries, but instead of physical products, we're talking about the brainpower, time, and expertise of consultants. So, the cost of revenue covers everything it takes to get those brilliant minds working on your project.

We're delving into what exactly makes consulting firms financially tick. Is the cost structure as straightforward as it seems? What's the formula for profitability here? And most importantly, what's truly crucial in negotiations—is it focusing on the consultants' margin, or is it the measurable value you get from their expertise?

Understanding these inner workings can give you a real edge in negotiating consulting fees effectively. Don't miss out on this insightful discussion!

When embarking on a new project, finding the right fee structure can significantly enhance your company's value. The optimal approach depends on factors such as the project's essence, the nature of deliverables, the surrounding context, and your flexibility with fees, along with the level of commitment you seek from your consulting partner.

Value-sharing emerges as a strategic choice when aiming for high expectations, expecting consultants to exceed standard norms. This model is particularly beneficial for certain types of projects, clients and consulting firms. However, it also comes with its challenges. Success with this model hinges on clear objectives, effective communication, and mutual trust between clients and consultants.

In this episode of the Smart Consulting Sourcing podcast, Helene explores these questions and more. Tune in for valuable insights.

You might think that figuring out how much a consulting project will cost is as simple as picking a price tag off a shelf. But in reality, it's much more complicated than that. Even when fee structures are clearly laid out, two projects that seem identical on paper can end up with very different cost estimates. Why does this happen? Well, there are a lot of different factors that affect the final number you see on a proposal.

Today, we're going to really dig into what influences consulting fees, going beyond just the basics. In today's episode of Smart Consulting Sourcing, aptly titled "Decoding Consulting Prices," your favorite host, Helene delves deep into the heart of what truly shapes consulting fees, providing invaluable insights for both seasoned professionals and newcomers alike.

Helene gives listeners the information and tools they need to make smart choices when hiring consulting services. In an industry where getting good value is really important, knowing what's really behind the numbers isn't just a skill—it's a big advantage. So, don’t miss the episode. Tune in.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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!

In the world of consulting, we often talk about how to start a project, manage it, and keep it on the right track. But what about when things don't go as planned? That's where our latest episode of "How to Buy Consulting Like a Pro” steps in, ready to reveal how to masterfully wrap up a consulting project with style and grace.

In this episode, your wonderful host, Helene covers everything from handling unexpected curveballs, and dealing with underperforming consultants, to the nitty-gritty of budgeting and payments. So, whether you're facing an unforeseen twist in your project, or your consultants are performing a disappearing act, we've got the strategies to help you pull off a smooth exit.

This is where you learn how to terminate consulting projects with confidence and professionalism, ensuring that when the curtain falls, it's on a high note.

As we approach the final phase of our journey on how to "Buy consulting services like a pro," today, we will delve into the critical topic of preparing for the transition when the consultants depart. Let us tell you that this is one of the most crucial steps in securing the impact of your project. You might wonder why. Well, projects are inherently temporary, and consultants won't be there forever to support you at every step. Think of it as a child's journey toward independence, acquiring the skills to live a life without perpetual reliance on parents for support. Similarly, you must have a plan in place for the inevitable moment when your consultants bid farewell. From this point forward, you must learn to function without depending on the expertise and support of the consultants. In this journey toward independence, procurement plays a pivotal role in ensuring a smooth transition and preserving the project's legacy. Join Helene in this engaging episode as she reveals how to prepare for this transition.

We're now entering the final stage of our journey on how to "Buy consulting services like a pro." Today, we'll delve into managing project performance and daily operations.

Picture this: You're the captain of a consulting project ship, and your consultants are your crew of superheroes. You've got the right team, you've set sail, but now what? That's where this episode comes in.

In this episode, Helene, your trusty host, takes you on an exciting journey into the world of consulting project management. Steering Committees, performance, and teamwork are the stars of the show. Helene reminds us to keep that committee informed, courageously confront low performance, and be ready to reshuffle the consulting team if the fit isn't perfect. But remember, collaboration is the secret sauce! Craft your dream team, wield your time wisely, and let your project soar. So, gear up and get ready to conquer the consulting world, project by project!

Effective project management is imperative for the success of your consulting project. Therefore, as a client, it's crucial to understand the intricacies involved in managing consulting projects. When you buy a car, you simply place an order and wait for the finished product to be delivered. There's no need to inspect the production line or be involved in the manufacturing process.

However, when it comes to consulting services, the dynamics are quite different. Managing the project becomes a crucial aspect of the process if you want to achieve the desired results. In today's episode of your favorite podcast series, "How to Buy Consulting Like a Pro," Helene delved into the world of managing consulting projects.

By managing consulting projects in a structured and organized manner, executives can ensure that projects are completed on time, within budget, and with high levels of quality and client satisfaction. So, if you are working with consultants, these lessons are your secret sauce for success. Tune in, and let's master this art together!

In the dynamic consulting world, success begins with the artful creation of a consulting agreement. But you know what? Crafting the perfect consulting agreement isn't just about paperwork; it's a masterstroke of strategy, protection, and securing your path to triumph. In the realm of consulting, where every decision carries weight, this foundational document wields unparalleled influence.

In this episode of our fan-favourite series, "How to purchase consulting services like a pro," your delightful host, Helene, takes you on a journey deep into the heart of this all-important masterpiece. Tune in to uncover the secrets of crafting that perfect agreement – one that not only sets crystal-clear expectations but also shields your interests and lays the groundwork for a consulting project that exceeds all expectations.

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.

If you are on your grand quest to find the perfect consulting firm, we have a vital tool up our sleeves to help refine that list of potential candidates: reference checks! Picture it as your magical crystal ball revealing the hidden truths about these consulting wizards.

In this episode of your favorite podcast series, "How to Buy Consulting Like a Pro," our excellent guide, Helene, spills the beans on how to wield this secret weapon. We're talking about digging deep, folks, and asking former clients the questions to uncover their experiences and evaluate these consultants' natural powers.

So, grab a seat, tune in, and arm yourself with the inside scoop on authentic references and make confident decisions.

The quest for the perfect consulting firm is filled with twists, turns, and the occasional dragon to slay. We've all been there, desperately seeking that elusive partner with the ideal "Consulting DNA" to bring our projects to life. It can sometimes be daunting. But fear not; your favorite host Helene guides you through this exciting journey in this captivating podcast episode and shares some valuable insights. Don't miss this enlightening episode filled with expert advice and real-life examples to help you conquer the challenges of finding the perfect match in consulting heaven.

In today's episode of our podcast series, "How to buy consulting services like a pro," we'll embark on a quest to decode Consulting DNA. So, why is it essential to consider Consulting DNA in your Request for Proposal (RFP)?

Just like DNA carries the genetic information that shapes who we are, Consulting DNA encompasses the specific traits and qualities you seek in a consultant. By clearly defining your Consulting DNA, you paint a vivid picture of the consultant you seek.

Do you require someone with ninja-like problem-solving skills? Or perhaps a master communicator who can effortlessly navigate the complexities of your industry? Specify it in your RFP, and let the universe (and consultants) know what you're after.

So, take some time to create your consulting DNA profile and find your match made in consulting heaven - it's like online dating, but for your business!

And in this episode, Helene shows you the key points to consider when defining the DNA of your perfect consultant. Tune in and discover the secrets to finding your ideal consulting match.

If you've been following our podcast on buying consulting services, you know that a well-crafted RFP is crucial for a consulting firm to understand your needs and expectations. Sharing a clear plan for selecting the right consultant for your RFP is also essential.

This ensures fairness for all parties and makes it more enticing for top-notch firms to participate. Think of it as a recipe for a perfect soufflé. In this episode, Helene will show you how to create a transparent and attractive selection process, from defining criteria to communicating with potential bidders.

Tune in and get ready to level up your consulting game.

The RFP (Request for Proposal) is crucial in finding the right consultant and achieving your objectives. Unfortunately, many businesses don't place enough importance on this aspect or take the time to improve their RFP-writing process.

However, a well-crafted RFP can make the difference between the success and failure of a consulting project. To buy better, you need first to understand the nuances of RFP writing, and hence we launched this podcast series, "How to buy consulting services like a pro." In this episode, Helene explains how a successful RFP depends on being specific about scope, deliverables, timing, and budget as the core components of your RFP.

She also discusses the significance of clearly stating the problem statement and project objectives, striking a balance between specificity and openness, setting the project's direction and communicating expected deliverables without being too prescriptive. Don't miss it.

Context is like the key to a locked door; it's what unlocks the understanding of any given situation. Whether you're briefing your junior team or sending a proposal to a client, context is the missing piece of the puzzle that can make or break your success. Crafting that perfect RFP for consulting is no different, and as the client, it's up to you to set the tone and provide the context for a successful project.

But let's face it, setting the context for an RFP can be overwhelming, leaving you feeling like a lost sailor without a compass. Fear not, and we understand your dilemma, so we've got you covered with this episode. Helene breaks down the process of setting the context accurately by adding the correct elements in perfect proportion, like a chef adding just the right amount of seasoning to a dish to make it mouth-watering. So, tune in and don't miss out on this informative episode.

So, you're thinking about buying consulting services. You must already know it but let me reiterate -- it's a journey that can be longer and more complicated than the plot of an M. Night Shyamalan movie. But don't worry; we've got your back with this podcast series that, we hope, will make you a pro at it!

Before diving into the consulting pool, you must learn how to craft the perfect RFP (Request for Proposal). And in case you missed it, we've already covered a lot of ground in previous episodes - like when you need an RFP and what you should include.

But in this episode, we're tackling a crucial topic - how to set your company's background in the RFP. It's like painting a picture of your company for consulting firms to see without giving away too much confidential information. It's like a dance between being open and being secretive. And trust me, it's not a cha-cha; it's more like a tango.

Luckily, your favorite host Helene is a pro at this stuff and will teach you how to do it right. So, tune in to master the art of writing perfect RFPs!

Over the past episodes of our new podcast series, "How to buy consulting like a Pro," we have explained why crafting a Request for Proposal (RFP) for the following consulting project is crucial for your business. If you put in the time and effort to create a thoughtful RFP, you'll be more likely to attract the right-fit consultants who can deliver precisely what you need. Plus, a well-written RFP can help ensure that the project stays on track, meets your goals, and stays within budget.

if you're in charge of creating an RFP for your business, this podcast will give you some practical tips and advice for making it the best it can be. And if you're a consultant who wants to respond to RFPs, reading this article will help you understand what clients are looking for and how to make your proposal stand out.

Think of it like this: if you're going to a business meeting, you want to make sure you're dressed to impress, right? Crafting a great RFP is like dressing up your project in its best suit and tie. And tuning into this podcast episode is like getting expert advice on ensuring that suit fits perfectly and looks amazing.

When crafting that perfect RFP, you can think of it like building a house- you need a solid foundation before you can start putting up the walls and roof, right? That is why this episode covers some fundamental elements of a successful RFP, leaving the nitty-gritty technical stuff.

The RFP process starts with assembling the perfect team and delegating tasks and responsibilities. Almost like a game of soccer- you need everyone to play their position to win the game.

And finally, the perfect RFP is like baking a cake- you need the right ingredients in the right amount. Similarly, your RFP needs to be clear, realistic, simple and formalized without unnecessary details.

So, there you have it. Building a successful RFP is like building a house, playing soccer, and baking a cake all rolled into one. It's all about having the right team, delegating tasks effectively, and keeping it simple yet effective.

So, that was just a sneak peek of today's episode. But if you want the entire enchilada, listen to Helene elaborate on all these points. Her insights will surely give you a head start in nailing your RFP process, and that's what you want, right? A rock-solid RFP that will help you grab hold of the best consultants for your project. So, don't miss out!

One of our friends recently made a hilarious comparison between a blind consultant hunting and going to a restaurant and asking the chef to whip up a dish without telling them what you want. It might turn out delicious, but it's not exactly what you had in mind. The same goes for consulting.

An RFP is crafted to spare you the misery of embarking on a pointless crusade. Hence, if an RFP is an indispensable component of a consulting project, why even ask, "Do I always need consulting?" Well, while an RFP is an essential tool for consulting projects, it may not always be the first step.

The key is to identify the project scope, budget, and expertise required, and evaluate the approaches of potential consulting firms before deciding when to initiate the sourcing process with an RFP.

This podcast is your go-to guide for streamlining your search for the perfect consultant. Trust us, don't miss out!

Never underestimate the power of a well-crafted RFP for consulting simply because a foolproof RFP could be your ticket to success for any consulting project. If you're looking to bring in external expertise to help your organization tackle a new project or problem, taking the time to craft a comprehensive RFP can make all the difference.

Creating a clear and comprehensive RFP may be a daunting task, but it always pays off in spades by attracting the right consultants, clarifying your needs, and ultimately optimizing ROI from your consulting spend.

In this episode of our new podcast series, "How to buy consulting services like a pro," your favorite host Helene walks you through the benefits of writing an RFP for consulting, shares tips for crafting an effective one, and provides examples of successful RFPs. This guide will give you the tools you need to make the most of your consulting projects. So, get ready, grab a pen and paper, and tune in.

Have you ever wondered what strictly consultants bring to the table and how they can help your business achieve more success? If so, then this podcast is for you!

In the end, consulting is all about creating value. But measuring the value created from consulting is like examining the worth of a good joke. Is it the number of laughs it generates, the money it makes, or the satisfaction it brings to the audience?

It's hard to say, but you know it when you see it. And with the right consultant, you'll know it when you see the value they create for your business.

In this second episode of the series "How to buy consulting services like a pro," Helene delves deeper into what consultants bring to the table. From technical expertise to insights into organizational culture and politics, consultants can provide valuable data, benchmarks, methodologies, tools, and processes.

In this episode, Helene, your favorite host, takes a stab at this question – when to use consulting services from the perspective of end users: strategy leaders, operations leaders, and marketing leaders. She also looks at what procurement should know about it and how it can help address this need.

After all, consulting services are not commodities. If you’re buying consulting services, look for impact in return. Leaders need to focus on implementing successful consulting projects to ensure the best results. So, if you're ready to unlock the full potential of consulting services for your business, tune in and pick up some valuable insights for your next project.

Believe it or not, some people don't think reducing their consulting spend is worthwhile. They already added the cost to their OPEX and say it's just a drop in the ocean - but what about the maximum impact that could be achieved?

We at Consulting Quest want businesses to truly understand the value of optimizing ROI from their projects - and through our 15-episode "6-Levers Series", we show you how. From why optimize, how to optimize, where you may go wrong and what are the benefits of optimization - we cover it all!

So this is our final episode of the series - a recap to everything you need to know about maximizing your consulting ROI. Get ready for some real gems of knowledge! And remember: Don't wait around - get optimizing now! We may be passionate about consulting ROI and helping anyone who needs it. So if, while on your journey, you feel a little lost, don't worry! Just give us a shout out, and we'll be happy to have a chat. Happy optimizing!!

Consulting procurement is a complicated and challenging process, especially if you're looking to optimize the return on your investment. Thankfully, there are tools and methodologies available that can help you effectively manage your consulting spend and maximize your ROI.

The Consulting Sourcing Toolbox is one such resource that offers a comprehensive collection of tools and strategies designed specifically for consulting procurement. The Toolbox includes various tools to help you optimize your consulting spend.

Combining the right tools and methodologies, the Consulting Sourcing Toolbox can help you make the most of your consulting budget and maximize your ROI. In this episode of our 6-Levers Series, Helene discusses all four categories of consulting sourcing tools. Tune in.

You have to improve your Consulting Procurement capability to maximize the ROI of your spend. One way of doing that is using an easy-to-follow framework that we call, at Consulting Quest, "The Consulting Performance Scanner." This scanner will let you explore the three main dimensions of your procurement and dig up enough data to help you understand the patterns of your Consulting Spend, capture quick gains, and even gain support from your team members to jumpstart a self-funded journey, helping you to build the case for change. Join Helene in this episode of our 6-Levers Series to know about the principles of "Consulting Performance Scanner" and how to make the most of it.

Working to maximize the ROI of consulting spend requires a company-wide transformation. By combining strategies such as investing in the right projects, having a structured RFP process, and collaborating between business lines and procurement teams, organizations can achieve an average increase of 25-50% in ROI with potential savings or earnings in the hundreds of millions depending on the size. Transformation is essential for success - this episode offers tips on how to use the six levers to get started!

Everybody knows that when done correctly, consulting can have a major impact on a business. By now you know that our 6-Levers approach is intended to help consulting buyers make educated choices while buying consulting services.

Over the previous episodes, we explained the six levers in detail and how they can help to optimize the ROI of your consulting spend. And a major part of that ROI is related to the value and impact of consulting. You can say, these are the real benefits of using these six levers.

In this episode, Helene discusses the types of impacts you can expect from a successful consulting project. Simply put, by optimizing the ROI on consulting spend, a company can see improvement at all levels of work and this is one of the greatest impacts any company can achieve. Tune in to know about all these impacts in detail.

When it comes to better managing your consulting, it is a part of your transformation journey, and we all know that transformations are notoriously difficult. Leaders must work on improving consulting sourcing maturity to take their transformation efforts up a notch.

It entails a lot of work - but if done correctly, it can bring huge advantages to the table, which include cost savings and cost avoidance benefits as well as many other intangible benefits.

And that constitutes our sixth and last Lever to optimize the ROI of your Consulting Spend: "Improving your Consulting Sourcing maturity."

In this episode of our 6-Levers series, Helene shares with you what organizations can do to achieve this maturity. Tune in.

We all know that consulting is a big business. In fact, it's a $250 billion industry. But what's not so well known is that a lot of companies are leaving money on the table by investing in the wrong projects, overpaying, or failing to capture the full potential of their projects.

Procurement is often sidelined in these situations, relegated to administrative tasks such as contract management, purchase orders, and payments. But procurement has more to bring to the table: performance measurement, spend management, relationship building, and risk assessments are key success factors for purchasing any goods and services, including consulting.

Procurement leaders can help make sure the suppliers meet or exceed the buyer's expectations in terms of quality, delivery, and cost. When done right, this can lead to significant savings for the company.

Our 6-levers podcast series aims to help clients do it right so that they can optimize the benefits of their consulting investment. We already have told you about the four levers, and the 5th lever is about partnering with your consulting suppliers. Tune in and learn how you can get the most out of your consulting projects

When optimizing the ROI of your consulting investment, the amount of money you invest in the project is not directly proportionate to the impact it creates.

If you want to maximize the value of your consulting investment, you have to invest wisely and not pour loads of cash into a project expecting results. And that means investing in the right projects, setting up the right delivery model, securing the impact of your projects, and, yes, keeping your consulting costs under control.

How do you do that? How to identify the areas that can be the source of significant savings? In this episode of our 6 Levers series, Helene discusses how you can refocus your spend on the must-haves, work with existing resources in new ways, trim your budgets, anticipate your expenses and control your projects to keep them on track. Tune in.

In this episode of our 6-Levers podcast, Helene answers one of the top concerns of business leaders --" how can I secure the maximum impact from my consulting projects?"

Our answer is to start by investing wisely in the right areas. But what are those areas of opportunity, and how do you spot them? It starts with working on the right projects and assembling the right project team.

Welcome to the second episode of our 6-levers series, where we show you how to maximize your consulting spend ROI.

In this episode, we discuss the second lever- the right delivery model selection. Starting with what we mean by the delivery model to discuss the options and how to leverage them effectively, this episode explains it all.

Watch this episode and every episode of this series; we promise, at the end of the series, you’ll emerge a wise, educated, informed consulting buyer and user.

Even though consulting is a $300 billion industry, some business entities still doubt the value-creation potential of consulting. Some even consider availing of consulting services as a sign of weakness.

Contrarily, in some industries, executives depend a lot on consultancies. The bottom line is that consulting can be an invaluable resource when used effectively. At the same time, we must acknowledge that not all projects are good candidates for consulting support.

To ensure maximum value from your consulting spend, you must first ensure that you're spending the right amount of money on the right projects and investing strategically. But making that decision is easier said than done.

Therefore investing in the right projects has to be your first lever as you strive to optimize your consulting ROI.

This Smart Consulting Sourcing podcast episode tells you how to use this lever most effectively.

Procurement transformation is at the core of capturing maximum value from your consulting spend, and our six levers can help you achieve just that. But before initiating that process, business leaders and stakeholders must understand and accept that the procurement transformation will impact the entire organization, and the company as a whole can benefit from what best-in-class procurement can offer.

But for any change to take place, procurement needs the blessings of the top management and stakeholders. Ironically, they often do not care, and this nonchalance only reflects the absence of synergy between business lines and procurement. Changing this mindset is the first step to optimizing your consulting ROI.

In this week's Smart Consulting Sourcing episode, Our Expert Helene Laffitte explains all there is to know before you start using our 6-Levers of Optimizing the ROI of your Consulting Spend.

So, we're in the third episode of our 6 levers series.

In this episode, we explain why their approaches are inadequate. What implications do they have on the optimization process, why aren't they working, and what should they focus on instead? How do human skills and collaboration take center stage in it all? This episode explains them all.

In this episode, we explain in detail how managing consulting spend creates value for organizations. Companies invest up to 3 % of their revenue in consulting projects but rarely do they manage this category.

The lack of management makes it costly. On the other hand, companies could save at least 25 % of what they spend by focusing on optimizing ROI on consulting spend.

This optimization process must involve procurement from the early stage of the project.

Managing consulting spend from early on can lead to immense value for the company -- not in terms of monetary saving alone but also in terms of synergy, efficiency, and collaboration value. And that answers why organizations should optimize the ROI of their consulting spend.

Not optimizing consulting spend can be a costly problem for companies. Although some companies attempt at systematically managing consulting spends, the entire initiative may fall flat in the absence of a proper plan and strategy.

Where do companies go wrong? How to do it right by utilizing the seven levers to optimize consulting spend? Where and how should you start?

The 6-lever series presented by Consulting Quest gives you an opportunity to get all these questions answered, so that you can understand the consulting category better and take the most sensible steps to optimize your spend in this category.

We have created this series with references to real-world problems with insights from real-world problem solvers. As always, consulting support can play the role of a differentiator for businesses, especially at a time of worst inflation and recession.

Why not use it wisely? This series is aimed at facilitating just that. At the end of the series, you’ll emerge as a wise, educated, informed consulting buyer and user.

While the consulting sector has embraced digitalization in a big way, procurement remains a labor-intensive activity with lots of data and paperwork to handle. Digitalization can take the hassles out of the traditional procurement process.

Today, there is a plethora of tools and technologies that can be leveraged to automate procurement processes and make them more efficient --SRMs, Negotiation & Decision, Contract Management, Procure-to-Pay, Financial Performance, procurement analytics, and more. Indeed, there cannot be a better time than this to start digitalizing procurement.

Join Helene in this episode of the Smart Consulting Sourcing podcast to learn more about the digitalization of procurement.

Executives are generally averse to the idea of working with consultants. This reluctance primarily comes from two managerial mistakes: a negative perception of Consulting and inefficient Consulting Procurement capabilities.

However, the management sometimes cannot just do without some expert help. Failing to avail of this support, it may miss out on many valuable insights and perspectives.

So, onboarding management to work with consultants is the first step to ensuring the success of your consulting project.

In this episode of our Smart Consulting Sourcing podcast, Helene tells you about the steps you can take to create an environment of collaboration between consultants and your executives.

It's true -- all types of business spending have a head and a tail. More often than not, tails are way bigger than heads. So, what makes up this huge part of your consulting spend? A series of fragmented, low-cost, one-time purchases. Individually, each purchase may not be that expensive, but when they add up over time, they become huge and can be a major drain on your bottom line.

So, you must be thinking just getting rid of all the expenses in this bracket will help you control your spending. No, it's not that easy. Not all the expenses landing in the tail are unnecessary. Tail spend may include necessary purchases, non-strategic purchases, duplicate purchases, and some utterly unnecessary purchases. So it's important to be able to differentiate them all. By identifying these items and categorizing them based on their priority, Companies can free up cash flow and use it to invest in more impactful projects.

It all starts by analyzing your tail spend and understanding where this money is going. In this episode of our Smart Consulting Sourcing podcast, Helene tells you how to go about it. Don't miss it.

From advising you on how to make your operations leaner and more efficient to helping you find ways how to adapt your business to the changes that are underway, consultants can benefit your organization and create value for it in multiferous ways.

But you cannot expect to reap the maximum advantage from the consulting support if you end up hiring a consultant based only on ranking and client feedback, whereas the qualification process should be tailored to your company's needs and ways of working.

In other words, what value consultants deliver to their clients and how they do that depends to a large extent on the area of their specialization. Hence, understanding what consultants do is the key to perceiving how they can create value for your organization.

In this episode of our Smart Consulting Sourcing podcast, along with our two distinguished guests -- Eli Peleg and George Hemingway -- we explore what consultants do and how they do their work with clients and procurement. Eli is a senior partner at Programa, and George is the managing partner at Stratalis Consulting. Tune in for a great conversation.

When it comes to buying consultancy services, people tend to shortlist firms concerning their prestige, brand awareness, methodologies, and so on, and as expected, MBB tops their desired list. However, it's not that only the top companies can really solve your issue. Sometimes, a local consulting firm with a sound knowledge of the local culture and economy often makes a better option for you.

In this episode of the Smart Consulting Sourcing podcast, Helene brings your attention to some aspects beyond ranking that would help you find the right consultancy for your need -- not just the best ones.

Building up an organizational set-up that would make your consulting souring process more efficient is like laying the foundation of a house. Consulting sourcing is not like purchasing commodities; it calls for deep expertise, experience and extensive research.

In this episode of the Smart Consulting Sourcing podcast, Helene discusses five ways to build an organizational set-up for the ease of sourcing the right consultants! It does not matter how big your organization is, this podcast will help you approach this goal more strategically and confidently.

Spend analysis is all about turning your spending data into valuable insights. In consulting, the process helps you to examine your company's spending to find areas where you may save costs and improve the impact of your projects. Providing you with a fact-based picture ultimately helps you to decide whether your consulting investment was a wise decision or not.

What did you spend money on? What are the functions/business units buying Consulting Services? Who are the project sponsors? How many times a year? How much did they spend? What type of Consulting did they buy? Spend analysis helps you to comprehend all these issues, and this insight can be your weapon for rapid wins and value generation. So, how do implement the process? What are some of the levers to capture its benefits?

In this episode of the Smart Consulting Sourcing podcast, Helene explains it all. Do tune in.

The effectiveness of a consulting project is significantly influenced by multiple elements. Negotiating these terms could be complicated and time-consuming. What if you could negotiate these points once and enjoy its benefits for all current and future projects together over a given period?

In this episode of our Smart Consulting Sourcing podcast, Helene explains what a Master Service Agreement is, why you need one for your consulting project, when you should use one and how it is different from Consulting Agreement.

When we started Smart Consulting Sourcing, we weren’t sure exactly where it would lead.

Today, it gives us immense pleasure to see that SCS has become a valuable resource for Procurement Leaders. It's hard to believe that it's been 100 episodes already, but time really does fly when you're having fun.

With that in mind, we are presenting this special episode to recall and relive the little victories of this awesome journey, albeit the fact that we had our share of rainy days as well!

I have Laurent -- the chairman of Consulting Quest, with me to anchor the conversation with his signature style, laced with inimitable wit and unmatched sense of humor.

So, whether you've been with us from the very beginning or you're just joining us now, we hope you enjoy this special episode. Do let us know what you found inspiring or made you smile!

Procurement strategy outlines how an organization will go about procuring goods and services.

You always stay focused on your business goals with a sound procurement strategy in motion.

Consulting can influence the entire strategy and is frequently utilized to accelerate it.

Optimizing consulting spend is all about anticipation and identification of the best options for different types of projects.

Different levers help in designing the procurement strategy for consulting and they include consulting strategy, make-or-buy strategy, consulting procurement process, and the like.

Believe it or not, the consulting market is booming. And in such a market, consultants enjoy a host of bargaining advantages. So, what does it mean for clients? Well, they need to be extra cautious while purchasing consulting services and the procurement team has to play the most vital role in it all. Besides staying up-to-date on new developments in the consulting industry, they must also have a good understanding of the competitive landscape.

Only a person with deep familiarity with the industry can coin these techniques and they can be very effective in earning a winning edge when it comes to hiring a consultant in a booming consultancy market. So, don't miss it.

What is the best fee structure from the client's perspective -- a flat fee structure, retainer-based fee or performance-based fee structure? How do consultants stand to benefit from these systems? How do the consultancy fees vary according to the firms' capabilities and industries? In this podcast, Helene digs into all these topics with her inimitable mix of wit and humor. Don't miss it.

The question is, as a client, do you at all need to write an RFP when you know there may not be many candidates bidding on your project?

The answer is an emphatecic YES. Know why from this episode of our Smart Consulting Sourcing podcast series, where Helene examines the overall significance of RFP for consulting and why it is needed even when the bidding does not involve much competition.

While measuring the performance of consulting service providers is crucial for your business, it's not a methodical and straightforward process. No wonder, 57% of companies don’t have a systematic Performance Evaluation system for the Consulting Category. On the other side of the spectrum, most consulting firms work without having a reliable system for measuring clients' satisfaction. Many of them learn it the hard way -- they come to know about their clients' dissatisfaction with their performance only when they lose that account.

A contractual document must be there to ensure the best interest of both parties. Such an agreement acts as a guiding force for the consulting firm. Is your team capable of crafting a flawless consulting agreement? Are you avoiding common mistakes? How to ensure you get what you pay for? Listen to this episode to find answers to all these questions and more.

In this episode of our smart consulting sourcing series, Helene takes a close look at the factors that differentiate purchasing consulting services from any tangible products and even less complicated services. Next, she explains the areas, where the procurement team has to focus their efforts to ensure that your purchase is a win-win for you as well as aligned to your business goals. Listen to this episode and take your first step to make a confident purchase of consulting services.

In this episode of our Smart Consulting Podcast Series, Helene argues that all that businesses need to do is change their perspective about what makes a top consulting firm. She discusses four aspects that they should emphasize while searching for the right firm, instead of hiring one just because it's top-ranking. Tune in to listen to this very interesting episode.

Just like a map helps you to identify your current location and suggests a route to your desired destination, the consulting procurement maturity grid can help companies to assess their present procurement capabilities, allowing them to take steps to the upper levels.

In this episode of our Smart Consulting Sourcing podcast, Helene discusses the dimensions and levels in the consulting procurement maturity grid and explains what companies can do to transcend each level. Tune in to gain a new perspective on your procurement capability!

Procurement, both direct and indirect, might be considered subsidiary, both play an important role in the development of a firm. Understanding the similarities and distinctions between the two can eventually help you prepare for effective supply chain and spend management strategies, even if they are different functions that demand different techniques and technologies.

To ensure the best possible outcome, the consultant's area of expertise must match the client's consulting needs. Any mismatch between the two might negatively impact the timeline and budget of the project. Hence, understanding the type of consultants is crucial.

A project scope statement is a description of the work that is in scope, as well as what will not be done throughout the project — the items that are out of scope. Here are seven reasons why a project scope statement is necessary. In today's podcast you'll know about what is a scope? why is it so important? How to negotiate with the help of a scope?

This podcast comes back on the recent controversy reported on a base less accusation by The French Senate and opposition on the French Government spending huge amount of money on consulting. The podcast looks into the report from a strategic and procurement standpoint to give the keys to decipher this controversy.

Corporate Social Responsibility is becoming an increasingly essential problem on a global scale, with many firms - large and small – addressing it directly and methodically. This is why global sustainability registries, such as the Global 100 Most Sustainable Corporations in the World, prioritize foreign corporations.

Even though North America and Europe remain the two most preferred consulting destinations, a slow but steady shift in the outlook is hard not to notice. In this episode of our Consulting Sourcing podcast, Helene examines the regional dynamics of the consulting industry, and how a new order is emerging with traditional players and rising stars -- both playing their parts in this evolution.

Global sourcing is a procurement approach aimed at utilizing global efficiencies in the delivery of products and services.

Global sourcing, in a nutshell, is a “sourcing strategy” that coordinates the world’s most cost-effective production and operation inputs, such as workers, materials, machinery, technology, suppliers, engineers, and other essential facilities.

SRM (Supplier Relationship Management) is a big topic in consulting. The method Procurement manages Consulting Providers should be consistent with the company's overall SRM policies.

We'll be able to unearth the hidden value in your supply base with good supplier relationship management. We can't have a connection with every supplier; for many, we only need them to deliver what we need on schedule, in full, and within the agreed-upon budget or price range.

Early stages in consulting of shifting from analogue to Digital model is the first look at where is consulting industry going in 2022? AI tools that help consultants analyze bid data to produce effective results. How consulting would help in a sustainable growth? What are the key components of consulting in 2022?

Always ask the 4R's of references from the potential consultants to ensure that the short-listed firms have the expertise they claim to have. You can leverage the service of a third-party provider like Consulting Quest to check the reference for your consulting project.

Today, procurement is a truly dynamic field. Did you know that Cloud Technology, Cognitive Procurement, Blockchain, and a slew of other new digital developments are altering the way we think about procurement and how it's organized and carried out?

We'll take a look at a few hot new trends and examine how they're shaping procurement today. Also, try to predict where they'll lead us in the future.

Consulting is a vast discipline. Its very nature makes it difficult to generalize it completely. When it comes to consulting spends, just like other intangible service categories, there should be tight control in the decision-making for the sourcing process as well as for the procurement, which is supposed to facilitate the process and ensure compliance.

Collaboration between operational entities and procurement is essential to ensure positive impact and savings.

On this week's podcast. I'll be talking about internal consultants. A team of internal consultants makes up an excellence group within an organization and plays a crucial role in the success of any project. The question how to use the best strategy and methods to be able to optimize this team's potential.

There are many reasons why consulting projects fail. And, while you can’t always blame the Consulting Firm for everything that goes wrong, there’s no denying that they’re part of the problem.

We’ve covered the safe techniques to derail a consulting project in this post (and a little of levity).

In this week’s podcast, I want to talk about how not to fail on a consulting project.

What to do when you have just one week left to negotiate and you (procurement) were not involved in any previous steps of the consulting process. Talking about the part where there is so little time and you need hard-core cost-cutting in the project agreement!

consulting #procurement #negotiations

The consulting industry in recent years was shaped by 3 major trends: Digital transformation, Technological disruption, and Cultural shifts within the industry due to globalization. Right now, the future holds exciting promises as well. The expertise topics offered to Clients expand and multiply even further in niche markets.

On this week’s Smart Consulting sourcing podcast, I want to talk about Transformation.

podcast #smartconsultingsourcing #consulting #sourcing

In today’s world, consultants strive to stay on the cutting-edge of knowledge by evolving and enhancing their expertise. Clients get the best out of the consultants but even consultants are benefiting from this as they get to build better portfolios and ensure long-term success.

On this week’s Smart consulting sourcing podcast, I will explain how the top 5 industry are leveraging consulting.

consulting #sourcing #smartconsultingsourcing

What is the value for a consulting project? Are procurement and business leaders talking the same language? Are we talking about savings? Cost avoidance? Or is it the impact of the project on the business?

On this week’s Smart consulting Sourcing podcast, I want to talk about the value created by consultants.

podcast #smartconsultingsourcing #consulting #sourcing

Basically, reverse auctions are a type of bidding process where suppliers undercut each other and progressively reduce their price. Do you know how, the seller lists a product at X dollars and you find yourself competing with other buyers to get the product for more than the previous bidder?

On this week’s Smart consulting Sourcing podcast, I will share with you my thoughts on reverse auctions and how they apply to sourcing consulting services.

podcast #smartconsultingsourcing #consulting #sourcing

When you launch a project, be it a project involving consultants or not, managing change from a project perspective is necessary and convince your stakeholders that this project is essential. Who are the stakeholders exactly?

On this week’s Smart consulting Sourcing podcast, I want to convince you that you must involve all your stakeholders in choosing the right consulting services.

podcast #smartconsultingsourcing #consulting #sourcing

Demand management is a term used in business to describe the process of managing demand to achieve business objectives. It is also used to describe the demand management practices of supply chains, which are used primarily to prioritize demand fulfillment and improve demand visibility.

On this week’s Smart consulting Sourcing podcast, I explain how to manage demand management for consulting services.

podcast #smartconsultingsourcing #consulting #sourcing

Like for any other category, Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) is a Huge Topic for Consulting Services. The way Procurement manages Consulting Providers should fit in the overall SRM practices for the company.

On this week’s Smart consulting Sourcing podcast, I explain to manage the relationships with your consulting suppliers.

podcast #smartconsultingsourcing #consulting #sourcing

Managing a consulting project is, first and foremost, about managing a project. You will need to manage three aspects to increase the likelihood of success: manage the stakeholders, manage the project and manage the change.

On this week’s Smart consulting Sourcing podcast, I explain how to work with consultants.

podcast #smartconsultingsourcing #consulting #sourcing

How do consulting firms build their prices? What is the cost breakdown of a consulting firm? Understanding the different fee structures and when to use them is key to create more value when buying consulting services.

On this week’s Smart consulting Sourcing podcast, I talk about consulting fees and rates.

podcast #smartconsultingsourcing #consulting #sourcing

Consulting is often defined as giving expert advice to other professionals. True, but I think it is a bit simplistic. Because sometimes the consultants don't give advice: they do the work !

On this week’s Smart consulting Sourcing podcast, I want to define what is consulting.

podcast #smartconsultingsourcing #consulting #sourcing

Sourcing doesn't start when you select the consultants you want to work with. It starts with a problem you want to solve. You could say sourcing starts even before you identify the projects that are sourcing candidates.

On this week’s Smart consulting Sourcing podcast, I provide 5 Real-Life Lessons About Consulting Sourcing.

podcast #smartconsultingsourcing #consulting #sourcing

You should always check if you have some Internal resources available when you start a project. Because it frequently entails keeping expenditures low and making the most of your internal talents and assets. However, this may rapidly run out of steam if the project team isn't granted adequate time and responsibilities to manage the project successfully. So how do you decide to launch a project internally or to hire consultants?

On this week’s Smart consulting Sourcing podcast, I discuss How to lead a make-or-buy analysis for a consulting project.

podcast #smartconsultingsourcing #consulting #sourcing

When you start a project, you must select the appropriate consulting firm. A first glance, a global project is calling for a global consultancy. But is it always true?

On this week’s Smart consulting Sourcing podcast, I discuss whether you always need worldwide consultants for global projects.

#podcast #smartconsultingsourcing #consulting #sourcing

It's not easy to find a consulting firm that meets all of your criteria, but it's well worth the effort! By following this straightforward process, you'll find the best fit for you and your project.

On this week’s Smart consulting Sourcing podcast, I tell you how to evaluate the quality of a consultant.

podcast #smartconsultingsourcing #consulting #sourcing

There are several markers that define the “Consulting DNA” of a company: the obvious capability & industry experience, but also the footprint, culture, and delivery model.

On this week’s Smart consulting Sourcing podcast, I tell you how to qualify a consulting firm for a project.

podcast #smartconsultingsourcing #consulting #sourcing

The first question is not "do I need a consultant?" Instead ask yourself: do I have an urgent problem? If yes, find your best understanding of the issue and why it needs a solution. Then ask yourself: what kind of consultant can solve this issue? Another way to put it would be: who should be part of my dream team to solve this issue?

On this week’s Smart consulting Sourcing podcast, I tell you how to find the right consultants.

podcast #smartconsultingsourcing #consulting #sourcing

As an executive, you're probably used to making quick decisions. Given the amount of work that you have to do, you can't afford to dither. Is it worth your time to organize a competition when choosing your consultants?

On this week’s Smart consulting Sourcing podcast, I explain why you should put consultants in competition.

podcast #smartconsultingsourcing #consulting #sourcing

Positive and mutually beneficial relationships with business partners, clients, and collaborators are essential for every project. And effective communication is a crucial ingredient in every relationship.

On this week’s Smart consulting Sourcing podcast, I give you my tips to build positive relationships with your consulting firms.

podcast #smartconsultingsourcing #consulting #sourcing

People often ask the differences between internal and external consultants. How independent are External and Internal Consultants? How does skills/experience level vary? Let's tackle the 7 most common questions you migh have and never dare to ask about internal consultants.

On this week’s Smart consulting Sourcing podcast, I answer 7 questions about internal vs external consultants.

podcast #smartconsultingsourcing #consulting #sourcing

If you're looking for the right consultant, several factors will help you decide whether a specialist or a generalist is right for your needs.

On this week’s Smart consulting Sourcing podcast, I discuss how to choose between generalist vs specialized consultants?

podcast #smartconsultingsourcing #consulting #sourcing

Demand management is a critical tool for procurement professionals and companies in general. But what are the key steps that can ensure successful Demand Management execution?

On this week’s Smart consulting Sourcing podcast, I talk about how to create value through demand management?

podcast #smartconsultingsourcing #consulting #sourcing

As clients have started to understand better what value consultants can bring them, many changes will shape the industry's future. Should you continue working with large consultancies?

On this week’s Smart consulting Sourcing podcast, I answer the question: Working with large consultancies: stop or encore?

podcast #smartconsultingsourcing #consulting #sourcing

The History of Consulting goes way back. Indeed, consulting has always existed. We can trace advisors to decision-makers back to the Antiquity. How old is Consulting?

On this week’s Smart consulting Sourcing podcast, I tell you a brief History of Consulting.

The right Consultant can play an instrumental role and can help your organization save money, make money, and solve a plethora of business issues. But how to describe and classify consulting work?

On this week’s Smart consulting Sourcing podcast, Consulting Sourcing Expert Hélène Laffitte talks about The 7-High Level Consulting Capabilities Categories That Every Client Should Know.

There are a number of reasons to embrace the Gig economy mainly for the freedom and flexibility , but also ethics or regulation issues. But what's the impact for the consulting industry and its clients?

On this week’s Smart consulting Sourcing podcast, Consulting Sourcing Expert Hélène Laffitte provides 6 Great Advantages of the Gig Economy and the impact for consulting clients.

Compensation models vary, and using the right one can benefit both parties, Clients, and Consultants, also ensure everyone is happy and gives their best to the project.

On this week’s Smart consulting Sourcing podcast, Consulting Sourcing Expert Hélène Laffitte talks about how Using the Right Compensation Models Can Benefit Your Project.

There is a multitude of reasons why Executives don't like to work with Consultants. Some are based on their personal experience; some are just urban legends.

On this week’s Smart consulting Sourcing podcast, Consulting Sourcing Expert Hélène Laffitte provides 5 reasons why Executives love to hate consultants.

We often describe the consulting market with the capabilities and the industries served. And most consulting firms will start there to introduce themselves. But to understand its structure, you will need to take a much deeper dive into what markers "make" the structure.

On this week’s Smart consulting Sourcing podcast, Consulting Sourcing Expert Hélène Laffitte talks about how understanding the consulting market will help you source the right consultants.

The Economy has a direct effect on the consulting market. And the same is true for the US market. What are the sectors driving growth? What is the impact on the US consuting industry?

On this week’s Smart consulting Sourcing podcast, Consulting Sourcing Expert Hélène Laffitte talks about the US Consulting Market .

Understanding disruptions can help you take advantage of the powerful new trends and position your company to optimize for the trends that will shape the future.

On this week’s Smart consulting Sourcing podcast, Consulting Sourcing Expert Hélène Laffitte talks about the future of consulting.

Competition inspires people to go for peak performance, and lack of it creates opportunities for subpar results.

On this week’s Smart consulting Sourcing podcast, Consulting Sourcing Expert Hélène Laffitte explains how to Get the Best Performances from Your Consultants.

The consulting landscape today is rich and diverse, and while this is beneficial to Clients, it also represents a challenge and to maximize the chance of success for your project, you want to hire consultants who have the right knowledge and who understand your business.

On this week’s Smart consulting Sourcing podcast, Consulting Sourcing Expert Hélène Laffitte explains how to select the right consulting partner for your project?

There are, unfortunately, no guarantees in life, so your best bet is to have a solid agreement and prepare yourself and your organization to deal with any unexpected problems that might arise during a consulting project. Just remember that all problems have a solution, and the better you plan ahead, the better the outcome will be. Here are some tricks to deal with potentially problematic areas.

On this week’s Smart consulting Sourcing podcast, Consulting Sourcing Expert Hélène Laffitte explains how to Avoid Potential Problems in the Course of a Project

Europe is the second largest economy in the world with two distinct zones.However, the size and dynamics vary significantly by country, and we need to look at the market at a more granular level.

On this week’s Smart consulting Sourcing podcast, Consulting Sourcing Expert Hélène Laffitte explains what are the main features of the European Consulting Market

Many companies have internal consulting groups. But how to know how and when to include them in a competition for a consulting project? To help you decide whether it is better to use your Internal or External resources, always focus on the benefits and the specifics of the particular project.

On this week’s Smart consulting Sourcing podcast, Consulting Sourcing Expert Hélène Laffitte gives you a few pointers to solve your make or buy dilemma

Having a good grasp of the supply market is key to get the best Sourcing outcomes. How many Consulting Firms serving your industry can you name? They are many ways to look at the consulting industry, but ultimately it is about the people.

On this week’s Smart consulting Sourcing podcast, Consulting Sourcing Expert Hélène Laffitte explains how people shape the Consulting Market and your perspective

To build a perfect sourcing process with little margin for error, lets talk about a few methods that can make it way more effective.

On this week’s Smart consulting Sourcing podcast, Consulting Sourcing Expert Hélène Laffitte explains how to Streamline Your Sourcing Process So You Can Have More Time for Things You Love

When you are buying services, and in particular intangible services like consulting, the bulk of the work comes after the procurement process has ended.

On this week’s Smart consulting Sourcing podcast, Consulting Sourcing Expert Hélène Laffitte explains how to better manage consulting projects

Creating dynamic and healthy relationships between Clients and Consultants benefits the industry and everyone who is part of it.

On this week’s Smart consulting Sourcing podcast, Consulting Sourcing Expert Hélène Laffitte explains How Can Clients Benefit by Providing and Receiving Feedback from Consultants not selected.

When you are investing in any project, you keep an eye on the return on investment. It should be the same for consulting.

On this week’s Smart consulting Sourcing podcast, Consulting Sourcing Expert Hélène Laffitte explains how to boost the ROI of Your Consulting Spend.

When you launch a project, you can always hope that the consultant will understand your needs, and writing a clear RFP is a crucial step in that direction.

On this week’s Smart consulting Sourcing podcast, Consulting Sourcing Expert Hélène Laffitte explains how to make sure you have an objective evaluation process of consulting proposals.

Let's start with the question - How important is measuring the performance of Consulting Services' providers?

On this week’s Smart consulting Sourcing podcast, Consulting Sourcing Expert Hélène Laffitte explains how to measure consulting Performance.

What are the main challenges that a consultant face when working with a client?

On this week’s Smart consulting Sourcing podcast, Consulting Sourcing Expert Hélène Laffitte interviews Marc Jantzen, Business Growth Specialist to discuss the Consultant's perspective on Consulting Sourcing

Anticipation is a key skill for procurement executives. If your objective is to create more value for your Company through your procurement work, now is the right time to start honing your anticipation skills.

On this week’s Smart consulting Sourcing podcast, Consulting Sourcing Expert Hélène Laffitte explains how to anticipate your consulting needs to start building relationships and intimacy with your providers.

Launching a large consulting project can be daunting. Often the project will impact several functions and locations. How to make sure the project will deliver?

On this week’s Smart consulting Sourcing podcast, Consulting Sourcing Expert Hélène Laffitte explains why should Finance and Strategy get involved in decision-making on large consulting projects.

Simplification goes a long way when drafting a Consulting agreement. However, you need to always consult with your Legal team first and foremost when drafting your agreement, but here are some great recommendations.

On this week’s Smart consulting Sourcing podcast, Consulting Sourcing Expert Hélène Laffitte explains how to draft the right consulting agreement.

Lets talk about an important part of project management for consulting projects. At one point in time, the consultants will leave your organization. How do you prepare the take over of the projects?

On this week’s Smart consulting Sourcing podcast, Consulting Sourcing Expert Hélène Laffitte explains how to prepare the transition for when the consultant departs.

In many companies, the business lines continue to avoid working with procurement executives when sourcing consultants. Why is procurement sidelined when dealing with consulting services? It is an easy answer: TRUST.

On this week’s Smart consulting Sourcing podcast, Consulting Sourcing Expert Hélène Laffitte explains how to make my internal clients to trust me for consulting sourcing?

Over the past 20 years, the growth of in-house consulting groups has been one of the most notable elements of change in the fast-moving Consulting Industry.

On this week’s Smart consulting Sourcing podcast, Consulting Sourcing Expert Hélène Laffitte explains Why should you develop an internal consulting group?

With the constant pressure on cost reductions and sustainable savings, many Companies are starting to notice their Tail Spend, even in the Consulting Category.

On this week’s Smart consulting Sourcing podcast, Consulting Sourcing Expert Hélène Laffitte explains how to take control of the consulting tail spend.

A simple scan of your consulting expenses can open the door to significant quick wins and value creation.

On this week’s Smart consulting Sourcing podcast, Consulting Sourcing Expert Hélène Laffitte explains how to improve your consulting sourcing capability

When companies face difficulties such as Covid 19 and start to be cash-constrained, they often look to reduce their expenses, and Consulting looks like a non-essential line. On this week’s Smart consulting Sourcing podcast, Consulting Sourcing Expert Hélène Laffitte discusses whether you should freeze your Consulting expenses during a crisis or not.

Having a consulting strategy is about aligning your consulting budget with your strategic priorities to accelerate the execution of your strategy.

On this week’s Smart consulting Sourcing podcast, Consulting Sourcing Expert Hélène Laffitte discusses about how to make sure your consulting spend is supporting your strategy.

Disruption is pretty much everywhere which means that there are opportunities to work with consultants to take advantage or react to the disruption in your industry.

On this week’s Smart consulting Sourcing podcast, Consulting Sourcing Expert Hélène Laffitte interviews Laurent Thomas to discuss about what is disruption in consulting.

Writing well-defined requirements is the cornerstone of a successful consulting project. Even when you don’t organize a tender..

On this week’s Smart consulting Sourcing podcast, Consulting Sourcing Expert Hélène Laffitte discusses about the RFP for Consulting services.

When you launch a project, you know that assigning an independent task force can bring focus, speed, which is sometimes enough for the success of a project. Lets see what could be your options.

On this week’s Smart consulting Sourcing podcast, Consulting Sourcing Expert Hélène Laffitte explains how Make or buy strategy looks like for the consulting category.

Consultants can bring value to their clients that can be eiher technical or political. And it is important to measure that value.But how do you that exactly?

On this week’s Smart consulting Sourcing podcast, Consulting Sourcing Expert Hélène Laffitte explains how to measure the performance of a consulting project.

Working with consultants can help client organizations to accelerate their projects. But when is the right time to work with consultants?

On this week’s Smart consulting Sourcing podcast, Consulting Sourcing Expert Hélène Laffitte & Laurent Thomas discuss value creation and timing when working with consultants.

Companies are improving the way they source their consultants, the industry itself is evolving. Let's look at why and how.

On this week’s Smart consulting Sourcing podcast, Consulting Sourcing Expert Hélène Laffitte explains how the consulting industry is evolving

In order to launch a consulting project, you will need to put several skills and experiences that are often spread out over several departments. Here are 3 phases of the high-level process.

On this week’s Smart consulting Sourcing podcast, Consulting Sourcing Expert Hélène Laffitte explains who does what in the Consulting sourcing process.

There are several metodologies that can generate value for companies and Demand management is one of them . But what is Demand management exactly?

On this week’s Smart consulting Sourcing podcast, Consulting Sourcing Expert Hélène Laffitte explains how to implement Demand Management for the Consulting category

Today Hélène is welcoming Laurent Thomas, EVP Oil & Gas at Solvay Novecare & former Senior Partner at Oliver Wyman who will tell us where to focus in the consulting sourcing process.

On this week’s Smart consulting Sourcing podcast, Consulting Sourcing Expert Hélène Laffitte explains where to focus in the Consulting Sourcing Process. #sourcing #consulting #smartconsultingsourcing

Sometimes it is important to understand what your options are before defining your requirements. You can look for consultants before or after writing your RFP, depending on how well you can define your needs… On this week’s Smart consulting Sourcing podcast, Consulting Sourcing Expert Hélène Laffitte explains how to find new consulting providers for your projects. #sourcing #consulting #smartconsultingsourcing

When you write an RFP, You want to make sure that you will get solid proposals from your short-listed providers so that you can choose the best fit for you. Do you hire the right team? What are the results you are expecting?

On this week’s Smart consulting Sourcing podcast, Consulting Sourcing Expert Hélène Laffitte explains what are the main pitfalls when writing an RFP for Consulting.

It may sound obvious, but you won’t see the benefits of your consulting unless you measure the impact. What elements to monitor? How to segment your category? How to define the targets? How to track the results?

On this week’s Smart consulting Sourcing podcast, Consulting Sourcing Expert Hélène Laffitte explains how to monitor the consulting category.

Mastering the sourcing process is essential to create more value through consulting. But to unleash greater value, you need to start looking at consulting as a category. What are the benefits of category management? How does it apply to consulting?

On this week’s Smart consulting Sourcing podcast, Consulting Sourcing Expert Hélène Laffitte explains why Consulting is a standalone category, based on the criteria developed in Jon O’Brien’s book “Category Management in Purchasing.”

Now you have a consulting proposal that you think answers to your needs: you can start negotiating. What are the key steps in the negotiation? How should you prepare the negotiation? How do you get the best deal for your organization?

On this week’s Smart consulting Sourcing podcast, Consulting Sourcing Expert Hélène Laffitte explains how to negotiate a consulting agreement.

After assessing the proposals and selecting the most promising, you have now a short-list of the most promising candidates. How do you narrow down to one winner?

On this week’s Smart consulting Sourcing podcast, Consulting Sourcing Expert Hélène Laffitte explains how to select the right consulting provider for your project

Assessing the written proposals is a key step in the process. It helps identify the most promising proposals and move forward to the decision.

On this week’s Smart consulting Sourcing podcast, Consulting Sourcing Expert Hélène Laffitte explains how to assess the written proposals for your project.

How to find right consultants for a project? How many providers should I invite in the competition? DO we need to sign an NDA?

On this week’s Smart consulting Sourcing podcast, Consulting Sourcing Expert Hélène Laffitte explains how to organize a healthy competition to find the right consultants for your project

How can you measure the impact of a given project if you don’t define the expectations? Defining the scope of your project is a compulsory step in the sourcing process.

On this week’s Smart consulting Sourcing podcast, Consulting Sourcing Expert Hélène Laffitte explains how to define your needs for a consulting project.

Should we organize a competition between consultants? Should we write an RFP? Who should be involved in the process?

On this week’s Smart consulting Sourcing podcast, Consulting Sourcing Expert Hélène Laffitte explains how to get started with the consulting sourcing process.

Many dimensions can impact the value consultants can bring to your company. So how do you get started to understand what a consulting firm does?

On this week’s Smart consulting Sourcing podcast, Consulting Sourcing Expert Hélène Laffitte helps us understand the structure of the consulting market and the different typologies of consulting firms.

Many executives are reluctant to work with consultants, often because they don’t see the value they bring to their organization.

On this week’s Smart consulting Sourcing podcast, Consulting Sourcing Expert Hélène Laffitte gets us to look at the consulting industry through the prism of value.

People often wonder how big the consulting industry is. And there are many ways to answer this question. Just as there are many ways to look at the market.

On this week’s Smart consulting Sourcing podcast, Consulting Sourcing Expert Hélène Laffitte gives the keys to approach the complexity of the consulting market.