#33 Secrets to Success: Expert Strategies from Consulting Guru, Alan Weiss

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Oct 20, 2023

Contrarian Marketing Podcast hosts Kevin and Eli have an in-depth conversation with Alan Weiss, author of over 60 books on consulting. They discuss Alan's background, approach to consulting, learning, and more. Topics include becoming a successful consultant, specializing vs generalizing, what makes a great consultant, writing books, technology and AI.

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ANECDOTE

Alan Weiss's Unique Hobbies

Alan Weiss has flown a WWII B24 bomber, the Goodyear Blimp, and other aircraft without a pilot license.
He collects rocks globally, stamps, and model trains as part of his lifelong hobbies.

INSIGHT

Cause vs. Blame in Problem Solving

Problem solving requires identifying the actual cause, not just blaming someone.
You must remove the cause to solve problems effectively, not just treat symptoms.

ADVICE

Sell What You Create

Clients don't buy what you do but what you create for them.
Promote results and tangible outcomes rather than just services or credentials.

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In this special episode of the Contrarian Marketing Podcast, hosts Kevin and Eli have an in-depth conversation with Alan Weiss, author of over 60 books on consulting and considered an icon in the field.

They discuss Alan's background, his approach to consulting, writing, learning, and more. Listeners can expect to gain insights into becoming a successful consultant as well as Alan's perspectives on technology, AI, relationships, and personal development.

⚠️ In the episode, we announce the launch of a cohort-based SEO course!

Key Discussion Points

- On learning to become a consultant: get a coach, focus on marketing yourself, have money set aside, get buy-in from loved ones (00:39:00)

- On specializing vs generalizing: "You can generalize and thrive or specialize and die." Specialists become commoditized. (00:41:30)

- On what makes a great consultant: Have original intellectual property (IP), be resilient, tolerate ambiguity, have a sense of humor (00:34:25)

- On writing books: Writes books in 2 months, 20 pages a day, doesn't do much editing, has sold over 100k copies of books (00:12:23)

- On technology and AI: Sees it as an aid but doesn't think it can replace human creativity and relationships (00:18:15)

Quotes

"A consultant is somebody who is six yards ahead of you on the skis, demonstrating how to bend your knees and traverse the mountain." (00:39:37)

"It's not about what you do, it's about what you create." (00:08:02)

"You have to have original IP, original intellectual capital, and that doesn't mean it has to be brand new." (00:34:09)

About Alan Weiss

Alan Weiss, Ph.D., is the author of over 60 business books and founder of Summit Consulting Group. He has consulted for Fortune 500 companies for over 30 years and was inducted into the Professional Speaking Hall of Fame. Alan popularized the concept of value-based fees and has written several bestselling books on consulting, including Million Dollar Consulting and The Consulting Bible.

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