Consulting Success Podcast

How to Go From Expert to 'Activator' and Future-Proof Your Firm with Matt Dixon

51 snips
Nov 10, 2025
In this engaging discussion, Matt Dixon, a researcher and co-author of The Challenger Sale, reveals insights from studying top performers in consulting. He explains the crucial shift from being an Expert to becoming an 'Activator,' someone who proactively shapes client thinking. Matt highlights the decline in client loyalty and the importance of unique, innovative ideas. He outlines the three C's of commitment, connection, and creating value, emphasizing how Activators can build stronger, long-lasting relationships while effectively leveraging technology.
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INSIGHT

Incumbent Advantage Is Eroding

  • The trusted-advisor model no longer guarantees repeat business as clients now research and shop providers independently.
  • Incumbent firms must compete for follow-on work instead of expecting automatic renewals.
INSIGHT

Ideas Still Beat Information

  • Clients complete most of the buying journey themselves but still prioritize new ideas they can't easily find alone.
  • Unique insight and transformative ideas are the differentiators that mobilize buying committees.
ADVICE

Treat Business Development As Continuous

  • Commit to proactive business development and treat BD as a continuous rhythm, not something you do when desperate.
  • Prioritize BD even while delivering client work by scheduling regular activities that build pipeline.
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