
unbillable hours - a podcast about better professional services marketing
So, your job is to market a consultancy?
Excellent - then we have something just for you: unbillable hours, our podcast about better professional services marketing.
“unbillable hours” is all about selling business services through highly effective marketing. You know, the kind which gets clients through the door, competitors on edge, and the practice to respect you.
Oh, and: it’s free, and created by two folks who have nothing to sell (we have jobs, mind you).
Care to give it a try? Then listen in right away - or read a bit more about the project here:
https://unbillable-hrs.com/
Latest episodes

13 snips
Jun 6, 2025 • 36min
C2E15 - AI and advisory - some notes
Dive into the world of AI as the hosts dissect a pivotal report on its impact in consulting. They stress the need for critical thinking over hype, emphasizing the importance of understanding AI trends and the necessity of reskilling. The conversation shifts to the evolving landscape of professional roles, revealing potential job losses and transformations through AI oversight. Managing client expectations is highlighted, urging professionals to focus on strategic outcomes while navigating the complexities of AI implementation in consultancies.

May 23, 2025 • 35min
C2E14 - Acing case study creation
Ah, yes: Case studies - the workhorses of consultancy business development! So important to prove you can deliver your proposition! And yet, often in such sorry, sorry states... (Like, really: Many of them are not exactly great). The team invited Lead Comet's James De Roche to discuss why so many case studies don't work, how to fix them, and much more - listen to their conversation here!
Episode guest
James De Roche, founder, Lead Comet
Credits
Voices, production, etc. by Ash and Flo
Creative and design advice by @calmar.creativ
Into, outro voiceover for the unbillable hours podcast by @iamthedakota
Music also by @iamthedakota
Show notes
Find Lead Comet's website over at: https://leadcometdigital.com/
Follow James on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesleadcomet/

May 9, 2025 • 24min
C2E13 - "Stacking" propositions for a multi-service firm
Yes, we've explained how to design a value proposition. But what if a single proposition won't cut it - because your firm is large enough to house several practices, multiple service lines, and an even greater number of services? Ash and Flo explain, but want to remind you again here: Multi-propoisition stacking is a tool to facilitate effective strategy in larger firms - it's not your excuse to stay as broad and messy as possible 😉.
Credits
Voices, production, etc. by Matt Hodkinson and the "Consultancy Edge" team
Creative and design advice by @calmar.creativ
Into, outro voiceover for the unbillable hours podcast by @iamthedakota
Music also by @iamthedakota
Show notes
Find all "Consultancy Edge" episodes over at: https://www.thevisibleauthority.com/blog/how-to-structure-multiple-value-propositions-without-losing-your-firms-identity

May 2, 2025 • 26min
C2E12 - Competing (and winning) against bigger firms
Discover how small and mid-sized consultancies can effectively take on larger competitors. The hosts share strategies to de-risk the buying journey and pick smarter battles. They emphasize the power of specificity in addressing client needs, showcasing how unique branding and authenticity can set firms apart. With practical insights on carving out niches, the discussion highlights agility and specialization as critical advantages. Personal anecdotes and humor add a relatable touch, making this a must-listen for those in professional services marketing.

Apr 11, 2025 • 53min
C2E11 - Positioning, productisation and pushing boundaries with Florian Heinrichs (Consultancy Edge re-broadcast)
Surprise episode! For this one, we'll break from our pre-planned curriculum of "how-to" episodes to syndicate a conversation between Total Growth Ownership's Matt Hodkinson and Flo for Matt's "Consultancy Edge" podcast. Listen to the two of them discuss positioning, productisation and pushing boundaries in consulting!
Credits
Voices, production, etc. by Matt Hodkinson and the "Consultancy Edge" team
Creative and design advice by @calmar.creativ
Into, outro voiceover for the unbillable hours podcast by @iamthedakota
Music also by @iamthedakota
Show notes
Find all "Consultancy Edge" episodes over at: https://podcast.totalgrowthownership.com/
Find Matt's LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthodkinson/
And do check out Matt's full YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNyv2M0jJ-zAtGzxOgW7cpw

5 snips
Apr 4, 2025 • 20min
C2E10 - Articulating your consultancy's point of view; designing its signature method
The final installment of the value proposition design series dives into the essentials of articulating a consultancy's unique perspective. It emphasizes the need to understand client pain points and frame diagnostic statements rooted in real experiences. The discussion then shifts to creating a signature methodology that addresses these issues innovatively. Listeners learn how to craft a cohesive narrative that connects client challenges to solutions while strategically positioning their consultancy in the market.

6 snips
Mar 28, 2025 • 25min
C2E9 - The right way to promise consulting results (Value Proposition Design part 5)
Explore how to define your consultancy's value proposition effectively! The conversation dives into the importance of clarifying expectations with clients, distinguishing between immediate impacts and long-term outcomes. Discover how being specific about services boosts understanding and trust. The role of data-driven insights and testimonials in shaping client proposals is highlighted, stressing transparency and realistic outcomes. Tune in for quick, actionable tips on communicating your expertise and winning over clients!

9 snips
Mar 21, 2025 • 21min
C2E8 - Describing your clients' needs, struggles, and options (Value Proposition Design, part 4)
Explore the intricacies of understanding clients' needs and struggles, as the hosts break down the jobs-to-do framework. Learn how to address hurdles that clients face and discover effective strategies for problem-solving. Delve into the significance of recognizing client objectives and the importance of presenting viable alternatives. Insights on enhancing service value propositions with creativity and technology add depth to the discussion. It's all about aligning your offerings with the challenges your clients truly encounter!

6 snips
Mar 14, 2025 • 35min
C2E7 - Who are our best clients, really? (Defining your consulting firm's ideal client profile)
Explore the art of defining your consulting firm's ideal client profile. Learn about the importance of analyzing past engagements to attract clients that truly fit your business. Discover strategies to differentiate your firm in a competitive market. Plus, find out how a well-defined value proposition can enhance your client relationships. Tune in for actionable insights that can transform your approach to professional services marketing!

14 snips
Mar 7, 2025 • 26min
C2E6 - Why do clients come to us? A quick guide to defining your consulting firm's specialization
Discover why clients choose specific consulting firms by exploring their core motivations. Learn to identify client pain points and how to refine your firm’s messaging for impactful marketing. This discussion provides actionable strategies to create a compelling value proposition that resonates with potential clients. Tune in for insights that will transform your approach to client relationships and enhance your firm’s specialization!