Drive to the Tangible

The “how” behind the “what” is usually what most consultants miss when working with customers.  When navigating a new or growing industry, being able to provide clarity or some semblance of operational know-how pushes your credibility beyond just a “Bob” to a trusted adviser. I consider this “driving to the tangible”. If I can’t touch,…

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Consulting 101: False Positive

Our team had just hit the week of go-live and everything was running smoothly. We felt we had met all the requirements and UAT was going well. After a successful cut-over from the old system to the new, we were staffed for any issues that may occur. Our biggest measure of success would be determined…

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Lean Packing Methodology

Trademark pending… The Lean Packing Manifesto:  We are uncovering better ways of packing clothes for a four-day travel week by doing it and helping others do it. Through this work we have come to value:  Function over form  Overhead space over checked luggage  Light weight luggage over clothing options Planning over procrastination  That is, while there…

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Consulting 101: Bag Tags

Full disclosure: I’m Platinum. If you don’t mind, I’m going to make a generalization about all humans. Humans of all cultures have status symbols. Whether you wear rings around your neck or wear a crown atop of a throne made of games, each culture and civilization has some item that means, “I’m better than you. Nana nana…

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Consulting 101: Taking Notes

#172727407 / gettyimages.com Throughout my “formative” years teachers would write notes on the board for students to furiously copy down. We would then be tested on said notes every few weeks. Then in college students were expected to copy down the important pieces of information that spewed for teachers like alcohol from sorority girls on…

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Consulting 101: Flavor Infused Water

You’ve finally made it. You’ve hit consulting puberty and you’re finally a consultant. How do I know, you ask? Because you have an opinion about your favorite flavor infused water. It’s like your voice cracked and mom started buying deodorant hoping you’d get the hint. Congratulations. You are now a consultant. Soon you’ll be taking dinner orders!…

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Consulting 101: The Pack Mule

This is you. You are now a pack mule. Once a week you will identify enough belongings to last you for 4 days. You will then proceed to stuff them in as small a suitcase as possible because overhead space is limited. You’ll put your laptop bag on top of the tiny suitcase and wheel…

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Consulting 101: Be a Sponge

I haven’t been at this consulting thing for very long but I can already see huge personal growth in my self. I contribute this to being a “sponge”. What do I mean? When I say “be a sponge” I’m not talking about the fry cook from Bikini Bottom. I’m talking about absorbing as much knowledge,…

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Consulting 101: The Intro

The views expressed in this post do not reflect those of my employer. Unless they match, then they do. Not sure if I really need this but I figured whynatte. So. I’ve been a consultant for two months exactly. And I’ve learned a lot. A whole lot. This series will help explain some of the…

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