

Pro Serv Podcast by Collective 54
Collective 54
The Podcast that will help you grow, scale, and exit your professional services firm.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jun 21, 2024 • 16min
Episode 175 – Best Practices For Handling Layoffs and Restructuring a Boutique Professional Service Firm
In this session, we explore what to do when the rosy forecast does not materialize, and you need to restructure your firm. This includes how to determine who to layoff, when to lay them off, how to do so in the proper way, how to support the now former employees during the transition and how to preserve the culture and keep morale up with the remaining employees.

Jun 14, 2024 • 21min
Episode 174 – Resilience in the Spotlight: How One Marketing Agency Thrived Despite Employees Trying to Capitalize On The Cancel Culture
Join us as we delve into the gripping tale of a marketing agency's journey through the tumultuous waves of cancel culture. In the height of societal pressure, the agency's founders, driven by fear and uncertainty, offered their employees overly generous contracts. As the dust settled, they realized the unsustainable nature of their decisions and faced the daunting task of restructuring their workforce agreements. Tune in to discover how Ryan Gill and Chris Kneeland, Partners at Cult Collective, navigated this challenging terrain, replacing idealistic contracts with market-based, realistic agreements, and emerged stronger than ever before. This episode is a testament to the power of resilience and adaptability in the face of adversity.

Jun 7, 2024 • 20min
Episode 173 – Blueprint for Scaling: How a CPA Firm is Scaling Through Franchising
In this session, we delve into the strategic journey of an accounting firm that has mastered the art of scaling by franchising its proven system. Collective 54 Member Matthew Peterson, Owner at True North Accounting, will share how they've transformed their business model to offer franchise opportunities that empower other entrepreneurs to build their own successful accounting firms. We explore the benefits and challenges of this approach, the critical components of their franchise system, and hear a firsthand account from a franchisor who has thrived under this model. Join us to discover how franchising can be a game-changer in the accounting industry.

May 31, 2024 • 16min
Episode 172 – How to Build a Thriving Small Service Firm From a Single Anchor Account
In this session, we delve into the strategic approach of leveraging an anchor account to establish and grow a small service firm. Exploring the real-world example of how an IT Service firm was built with MetLife as the anchor account, we uncover the keys to success in building a thriving business around a single, foundational client. From cultivating strong relationships to diversifying services and expanding clientele, our discussion with Collective 54 Member Michael Gibbs, Founder & CEO at SureStep, offers actionable advice for entrepreneurs looking to navigate the journey of entrepreneurship with confidence and purpose. Tune in to learn how to harness the power of an anchor account to propel your service firm to new heights of success.

May 24, 2024 • 17min
Episode 171 – Mastering the Hire: Securing the Ideal Sales Leader for Your Boutique Firm
In this session, we delve into the art and science of hiring the perfect sales leader for boutique professional service firms. Join Collective 54 member David Kendall, President & CEO at KAI Partners, as we discuss the unique challenges these firms face, the qualities that define a successful sales leader in this niche, and practical strategies to identify and attract top talent. Whether you're in the early stages of building your sales team or looking to elevate your firm to the next level, join us for expert advice and real-world examples to guide you through the hiring process.

May 17, 2024 • 16min
Episode 170 – Taking the Reins: A CEO's Journey of Buying Out the Founder and Shaping the Future of a Boutique Professional ServiceFirm
In this session, we delve into the ambitious journey of a CEO who took the bold step of buying out the founder of a boutique professional service firm. Through an intimate conversation with Collective 54 Member Jessica Knox, CEO at Metrix, we explore the intricate negotiations, strategic planning, and the emotional rollercoaster that defined this pivotal transition. Discover how this daring move not only reshaped the firm's future but also set a new course for its legacy, culture, and the very essence of leadership within the industry. Join us as we unveil the challenges, triumphs, and the profound lessons learned along the way in transforming vision into reality.
https://www.collective54.com

May 10, 2024 • 20min
Episode 169 – Maximizing Revenue Growth: Transforming Early Career Professionals Into Seasoned Revenue Generating Employees
In this session, we discuss some of the secrets of unlocking expansion revenue from within existing accounts. You'll learn from Collective 54 Member Phil Leary, Chief Operating Officer at Allata, on how nurturing and developing employees who begin their careers in non-revenue generating positions can lead to a surprising uptick in your bottom line as they learn how to become natural rain makers. Discover the approaches used to transform these high potential employees into powerhouse revenue generators, and how this approach not only boosts your firm's financial health but also fosters a culture of growth and innovation.
https://www.collective54.com

May 3, 2024 • 18min
Episode 168 – Thriving Amidst the Heat: Navigating a Sudden Surge in Industry Competition
In this session, we delve into the challenges and opportunities presented when your industry segment suddenly becomes the hotbed of competition. With both heavyweight corporations and agile boutiques flocking to capitalize on the trend, how do you ensure your firm doesn't just survive but thrives? We'll explore strategic insights, share expert advice, and discuss real-world examples that have successfully navigated these waters. From differentiating your firm to innovating your offerings and optimizing operations, get ready to learn how to stand out and stay ahead in an increasingly crowded market.
Join us, together with Collective 54 Member Brad McAllister, Co-Founder & Director of Operations at WAP Sustainability, as we uncover the keys to turning industry heat into your competitive advantage.
http://www.collective54.com

Apr 19, 2024 • 14min
Episode 167 – From Timelines to Bottom Lines: How a Consulting Firm Shifted From Time and Materials to Fixed Fees After 40 Years
In this session, we peel back the layers on how a seasoned ERP implementation consulting firm revolutionized its business model, moving from the traditional time and materials approach to a groundbreaking fixed fee structure.
Join Collective 54 Member Alan Wyne, CEO at Innovia Consulting, and discover the strategic decisions that led to this bold shift, the challenges overcome along the way, and the significant impact it had on their competitive edge and profit margins. Tune in to witness a story of adaptation, resilience, and success that could redefine the way you think about how you monetize your expertise.
http://www.collective54.com

Apr 12, 2024 • 20min
Episode 166 – How to Go From Idea to Implementation Faster Than a Speeding Bullet
In this session we delve into the fast-paced world of an executive coach in the interior design industry, exploring the methods that she uses when it is time to stop studying and start doing.
Our role model, Collective 54 Member Gail Doby, Co-Founder at The Pearl Collective, shares her expert insights on how to deal with a large volume of ideas, how to prioritize them, how to sequence them, and how she includes her executive team to quicken implementation.
http://www.collective54.com