

Consulting Mastery
Karie Miller & Ahmad Munawar
Welcome to Consulting Mastery, where we help B2B consultants master the business of consulting. Join us as we explore the art of delivering outstanding client value, earning a higher income, and thriving in today's marketplace.
Episodes
Mentioned books

11 snips
Apr 14, 2025 • 16min
The expert's blind spot
Are you drowning in expertise but still can't land clients? I've noticed a dangerous trend among consultants who obsess over proving their brilliance while prospects slip away. The harsh truth? Your impressive knowledge means nothing if clients can't understand how you'll solve THEIR specific problems. When you speak in jargon and technical details only your peers appreciate, you create distance instead of connection. In this episode, I break down why being relatable trumps being impressive, and reveal the simple "results mechanism" framework that transforms abstract expertise into tangible client outcomes that sell.Show Notes:Why the "ivory tower expert" approach actually repels the clients you want to attractThe car engine metaphor: why your expertise is useless without a "transmission" to deliver resultsHow Warren Buffett's investment philosophy applies perfectly to client decision-makingThe counterintuitive reason your peers should find your marketing "superficial" (and why that's good)The critical difference between collecting "voice of customer" language and understanding underlying client beliefsWhy listening at a deeper level reveals the true objections hiding beneath surface questionsThe two-part formula clients use when deciding to hire you (and why most consultants focus on the wrong part)Simple frameworks to translate your complex knowledge into language prospects actually understandHow to position yourself as both expert and partner rather than distant genius

11 snips
Apr 7, 2025 • 16min
10 positioning truths and a lie
Feeling lost in a sea of consultants? Discover the key to standing out: powerful positioning. Clients look for specialists, not generalists. Learn why attracting ideal clients requires focusing on the transformation you provide, not just services. Uncover the truth behind why prospecting without solid positioning is futile, and how polarizing opinions can draw in your dream clients. Plus, find out the dangerous lie holding many consultants back from premium success.

7 snips
Mar 31, 2025 • 16min
Are you the owner or the operator?
Discover the critical difference between merely operating your business and truly owning it. Explore the mindset shift that can unlock your potential and reveal hidden opportunities. Insights on how the scientific method can guide your decision-making process are shared, along with the truth about valuing mistakes as learning experiences. The hosts discuss the balance between ownership and operation, emphasizing how strategic thinking can propel your business toward extraordinary growth.

8 snips
Mar 24, 2025 • 21min
Your business can't outgrow your identity
Discover why some consultants thrive while others falter, despite having similar skills. It’s all about self-perception and identity, creating invisible barriers to growth. Explore the difference between an employee mindset and a business owner mindset, and learn how your identity can limit your potential. Ahmad shares his transformation from feeling stuck for years to embracing a new perspective. Uncover the deeper motivations behind financial goals and rethink what work-life balance truly means as you push past self-imposed limitations.

24 snips
Mar 17, 2025 • 22min
Why your value proposition is failing
In this engaging discussion, consultant Anastassia Laskey shares her insights on the shifting landscape of consulting. She reveals why many are failing with 'soft' value propositions and emphasizes the need for 'hard' propositions that align with measurable outcomes. Topics include the importance of targeting specific organizations, the challenges of cold outreach, and the detrimental impact of AI on generic services. Anastassia also humorously addresses the need to understand audience awareness to effectively engage potential clients.

5 snips
Mar 10, 2025 • 20min
The generalist trap
Many consultants fall into the trap of being a generalist, believing it attracts more clients. However, this approach often undermines their credibility and profits. Specializing allows you to command higher rates and fosters deeper client respect. Through real-life stories, the differences in client perception between specialists and generalists are starkly highlighted. Embracing a niche not only enhances marketing effectiveness but also empowers consultants to decline unsuitable projects, ultimately leading to a thriving business.

8 snips
Mar 3, 2025 • 20min
Cracking the cold market
Turning cold prospects into paying clients isn't as simple as posting on LinkedIn. Most consultants underestimate the effort required, often falling for the myth of an 'easy button' solution. The key lies in building authentic connections, not just broadcasting content. Hear a real-world case study of how one client landed a six-figure deal in mere weeks. Learn why executives don't engage with strangers and the vital steps needed to warm up those icy leads. Emphasis is placed on nurturing relationships, paving the way for meaningful business opportunities.

7 snips
Feb 24, 2025 • 20min
Content that actually works
Struggling with content creation? You’re not alone! Learn why the best ideas lie in your client conversations. Discover the key difference between consultant and influencer content and how your lack of production value might be an advantage. Get a simple framework to showcase your unique perspective and position yourself as the go-to choice for clients. Plus, hear how one consultant slashed content creation time dramatically. Authenticity over polish is the name of the game—real connections trump perfect presentations!

7 snips
Feb 17, 2025 • 14min
Who wins when the deal closes?
Are you ready to transform your consulting approach? Discover how focusing on client journeys enhances their success and alters lives beyond the deal. Learn why great consultants prioritize impact over money, which ironically leads to greater financial success. Dive into the shift from transactional sales to meaningful enrollment processes that resonate with clients' true needs. Explore how understanding the ripple effect of your work can elevate your consulting practice to new heights, creating lasting value for everyone involved.

9 snips
Feb 10, 2025 • 24min
The myth of perfection
Do you struggle with perfectionism in your projects? Discover how the obsession with flawless systems can actually sabotage your success. The discussion emphasizes prioritizing action over an unrealistic pursuit of perfection. Learn why marketing and delivery aren't meant to be perfect and how successful services evolve. A seasoned expert shares a 3-step framework to help you break free from self-imposed barriers. It's time to embrace imperfection and accelerate your personal and business growth!