

unbillable hours - a podcast about better professional services marketing
Ash, Flo
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/
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/
Episodes
Mentioned books

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!

11 snips
Feb 28, 2025 • 28min
C2E5 - How to refine your firm's value proposition (a crucial step towards strategy!)
Discover the vital steps to refine your firm's value proposition and how it ties into business strategy. Learn about the five essential questions that can shape a compelling promise to clients. The discussion covers defining specialization and avoiding common pitfalls in audience segmentation. Tune in for insights on crafting clear, outcome-focused messaging that resonates with clients' challenges. Elevate your market position and differentiate your firm with expert tips!

9 snips
Feb 21, 2025 • 30min
C2E4 - How to prepare your bizdev strategy
Explore the crucial elements behind successful business development strategies. Discover the dangers of focusing on technical capabilities instead of clear client value propositions. Learn how to transition from traditional sales methods to outcome-oriented approaches that enhance client success. The importance of aligning your strategy with broader business goals is emphasized, along with tips on leveraging AI for improved efficiency. Engage in building a sustainable model that reduces churn and fosters long-term client relationships through valuable content.

Feb 21, 2025 • 3min
*Reupload* C2E3 - What success looks like in bizdev systematization
Struggling to systematize your consulting firm's business development? Dive into insightful discussions on setting effective objectives and success metrics. Learn how benchmarks can guide your strategies amidst challenging growth rates. The hosts keep it light and engaging, making complex concepts accessible and fun. Get ready to transform your business development initiatives!

Feb 14, 2025 • 3min
C2E3 - What success looks like in bizdev systematization
Ready to systematize your consulting firm's business development inititiatives? Well, let's start you off the right way then ... and discuss objectives, metrics and targets (yay!). Listen in to this "monologue" episode to hear Flo explain which benchmarks to pursue with your efforts... he'll keep it light on the math, we promise!
Credits
Voices, production, etc. by Ash and Flo.
Creative and design advice by @calmar.creativ
Into, outro voiceover by @iamthedakota
Music also by @iamthedakota
Show notes
Link to the SPI research report Flo mentions
A news release by SPI featuring some of the market stats

8 snips
Feb 7, 2025 • 23min
C2E2 - Making the case for systematized business development
Discover how to transform your consultancy's business development approach! The discussion highlights the urgent need for systematic strategies amidst evolving client demands and emerging technologies. Explore the pitfalls of complicated business models and the declining margins in consulting. Learn about shifting from traditional selling to a more outcome-focused method that resonates with clients. It's all about innovative thinking and making your value proposition shine in a competitive landscape!