The Boutique with Collective 54

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The Podcast that will help you grow, scale and exit your professional services firm.

Collective 54


    • May 30, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • weekly NEW EPISODES
    • 16m AVG DURATION
    • 217 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from The Boutique with Collective 54

    Episode 220 - How a “Too Small” Firm Got Acquired

    Play Episode Listen Later May 30, 2025 27:10


    Episode 219 - Data, Authority, and Demand: How Agile Sherpas Turns Annual Reports into a Lead Engine

    Play Episode Listen Later May 23, 2025 22:25


    Episode 218 - Leadership Alignment Is Not Agreement: How to Get Your Team Truly Moving Together

    Play Episode Listen Later May 20, 2025 14:52


    Episode 217 - The Founder's Force Multiplier: How to Hire and Leverage an Executive Assistant

    Play Episode Listen Later May 9, 2025 19:23


    Episode 216 - From Frustration to Focus: How One Firm Transformed Productivity with Time Tracking

    Play Episode Listen Later May 2, 2025 19:53


    Episode 215 - Stop Solving the Wrong Problem: Why Fractional Executives Drive Better Client Outcomes

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 25, 2025 21:35


    Episode 214 - How to Boost Margins and Scale Without Adding Headcount

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 18, 2025 20:59


    Episode 213 - Restricted Covenant Agreements: What Founders Need to Know

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 11, 2025 16:37


    Episode 212 - Merging for Growth: How Two Firms Became One Market Leader

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 4, 2025 17:54


    Episode 210 - Next-gen Digital Transformation for Small Firms: How to Leapfrog into the Future

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 21, 2025 24:10


    Episode 209 - The Future of Work: From AI Assistants to Autonomous Agents

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 14, 2025 17:25


    Episode 208 - Knowing When to Move On: Structuring a Sale to Meet Your Needs and Transitioning to Your Next Venture

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 7, 2025 25:35


    Episode 207 - Revitalizing Your Brand: Rebranding Your Professional Services Firm for Growth and Success

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 28, 2025 19:37


    Episode 206 - Accelerating Growth with AI: Practical Insights from Tenten Group

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 21, 2025 16:50


    Artificial intelligence is transforming how boutique firms operate, and Darren Horwitz, founder of Tenten Group, is leading the way. By leveraging AI to process years of business data, Darren has identified high-value opportunities and optimized his firm's service offerings. He's also using AI to analyze patterns in client interactions, refine messaging, and develop a targeted content strategy that resonates with ideal clients. Additionally, Darren is integrating AI into client workflows, streamlining brand management tasks to enhance efficiency and free up time for strategic initiatives. Join this session to discover how AI can help you unlock growth by improving decision-making, refining client deliverables, and scaling operations with greater precision.

    Episode 205 - Building the Blueprint: Using Collective 54 Tools to Scale and Exit Successfully

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 14, 2025 15:54


    Scaling a firm with the ultimate goal of a successful exit requires a precise strategy, the right tools, and disciplined execution. By leveraging proven frameworks and actionable insights, you can position your business to achieve maximum value when the time is right. Join Brian Ackerman, Partner at Ascendient Healthcare Advisors, as he shares how he's leveraging Collective 54 tools like the Firm Estimator, Exit Readiness Checklist, and EOS Integration Plan to scale his firm and maximize its value. In this session, you'll gain practical insights into how to apply these tools, optimize your operations, and develop a roadmap that sets your firm up for long-term success.

    Episode 204 - Fuel Your Firm's Growth: Mastering the Art of Strategic Acquisitions

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 7, 2025 15:21


    Acquisitions can be a game-changer for scaling your business, providing access to new markets, capabilities, and talent. However, making the right acquisition requires a clear strategy and a founder's perspective on what drives success. Join Sam Shepler, Founder of Testimonial Hero, as he shares his journey of leveraging acquisitions to accelerate growth. In this session, you'll learn how to identify opportunities that align with your vision, navigate the acquisition process, and unlock synergies that enhance your business. Whether you're exploring acquisitions for the first time or refining your approach, this session will provide actionable insights from a founder who's been in your shoes.

    Episode 203 - Accelerate Your Firm's Growth Now: A Proven, Relationship-Driven Sales Strategy for Professional Services

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 4, 2025 20:35


    In the seller-doer model, where professionals both deliver services and generate new business, relationship selling is a powerful approach for driving growth. By focusing on authentic connections, you build trust and credibility, positioning yourself as a trusted advisor while fostering lasting partnerships. Join this session with David Ackert, CEO of Pipeline Plus to explore how to leverage the seller-doer advantage, tailor your approach to client needs, and create genuine value in every interaction, enabling sustainable business development through meaningful relationships.

    Episode 202 - From Consulting to Product: Navigating a Bold Pivot

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 24, 2025 18:41


    Transitioning from consulting to a product-driven model can unlock growth but requires strategic decisions and innovation. There are graveyards full of services companies that tried to make this pivot and have not survived it. Lawrence King, founder of Headstorm, shares his journey of transforming his consulting firm into a product powerhouse in the agriculture industry. If you've ever considered developing a product, this session will help you understand what it takes to be successful. Join to learn how to achieve product-market fit, how to navigate operational shifts between consulting and product models and how to build a roadmap for innovation and sustained growth.

    Episode 201 - The Road to a Successful Exit: Timing, Advisors, and Process

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 17, 2025 20:40


    Exiting your business is a multi-step process that requires strategic planning and the right team at the right time. This session breaks down the timeline of an exit, from assessing your firm's worth and preparing marketing materials to managing buyer interest and creating competitive tension. Learn when to hire key advisors, what each phase entails, and how to make a strong first impression with potential buyers. By understanding the process and investing in top-tier expertise, you can navigate the complexities of an exit and maximize your outcome.

    Episode 200 - How to Get the Most Out of Your Membership: A Blueprint for Success

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 10, 2025 29:05


    How can you leverage your membership to its fullest? What does it take to become an exceptional member of our community? In this inspiring session, our 2024 Member of the Year will share the mindset, actions, and strategies that set them apart. Learn how to manage the volume of ideas you get from the community, how to get ideas implemented and how to build meaningful relationships with fellow members. Whether you're a new member or a seasoned veteran, this session will leave you inspired to elevate your own engagement and impact.

    Episode 199 – Next-Gen Tech: Transforming the Professional Services Industry

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 4, 2025 16:30


    Next-generation technologies are revolutionizing the professional services industry. Join Alex Bratton, CEO of Lextech and practical tech futurist, for an insightful session exploring how next gen technology will reshape the way we work and serve clients. Gain clarity on disruptive trends and learn how to harness their potential for strategic advantage in professional services. From AI's immediate impact to future disruptive technologies, this session will help you stay ahead in an industry on the cusp of transformation.

    Episode 197 – Building LinkedIn Authority to Drive Business Development Opportunities

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 13, 2024 20:44


    Harness LinkedIn to become the go-to authority in your industry. This session covers building trust and awareness at scale using thought leadership and a formula for cutting through the noise. Discover strategies to stand out, track essential metrics, and align LinkedIn with your broader marketing efforts. Leave with actionable tools to enhance your LinkedIn presence and drive engagement.

    Episode 196 – Knowing When to Quit: Making the Tough Decision to Move On

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 6, 2024 19:41


    At Collective 54, we often discuss the “Valley of Death” firms face when moving from Growth to Scale. But what if the cost of this journey is too high? In this session, C54 alumni Julian Lumpkin shares his story of deciding to close his firm and what came next. He'll reveal the tough questions he asked himself and offer strategies for communicating this decision both internally and externally. Walk away with insights on how to navigate this turning point and confidently plan your next chapter.

    Episode 195 - Mastering Cash Flow: Strategies to Thrive in Challenging Times

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 29, 2024 21:13


    2024 was challenging for many professional services firms, but those that optimized cash flow are now better positioned for 2025. Join this session to uncover the root causes of poor cash flow management and learn how operational factors impact cash flow. Gain insights on weekly cash flow management and aligning it with KPIs. Leave with actionable strategies to optimize cash flow and strengthen your firm's resilience.

    Episode 194 – How to Grow Revenue and Stop Wasting Time with the Wrong Prospects

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 15, 2024 21:39


    Are you struggling to grow revenue and win new business? Do you know the trigger events that put prospects in the market for your services? Are you talking to the wrong prospects? In this session, we'll dive into strategies for identifying these trigger events and refining your ideal client profile (ICP) enabling you to offer a focused, niche service that resonates with the right prospects. Gain actionable insights on how to continuously focus your ICP to recognize when clients enter your market, helping you attract and win ideal clients that lead to revenue growth. Whether you're defining your ICP for the first time or sharpening it further, this session will provide you with practical strategies to grow your business by targeting clients with high potential for alignment and success.

    Episode 193 – Navigating a Partial Exit: Strategies for Maximizing Value and Retaining Control

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 8, 2024 16:57


    As founders, many of us dream of a successful exit, but what happens when you're ready to sell part of your business while keeping a stake in its future growth? In this session, we'll explore the dynamics of a partial exit—a strategy that allows founders to take some chips off the table, while still staying involved and benefiting from the company's ongoing success. Whether you're considering selling a minority stake or a significant portion of your business, this session will arm you with the strategies, insights, and practical knowledge you need to approach a partial exit with confidence. Join us to learn how to unlock value while keeping a seat at the table for future growth.

    Episode 192 - Unlocking the Power of Fractional CxOs: Insights for Scaling Your Business

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 1, 2024 23:18


    In today's fast-evolving business landscape, the demand for fractional CxO services is growing rapidly. Join this session to learn what a fractional CxO is, how it's different than consulting, which funcitonal areas are being fractionalized and why this model is gaining in popularity. We will explore common use cases and leaders in the space, and what to consider before using a fractional CxO. Whether you're looking to hire a fractional leader or become one, this session will equip you with actionable strategies and a clear understanding of the landscape.

    Episode 191 - Innovative Approaches to Talent Supply Chain and Hiring for Large Deals

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 18, 2024 19:24


    Many boutique pro serv firms are hesitant to pursue large deals without a delivery team in place or have concerns that they can hire to meet demand without compromising on quality. Join this session to learn from a pioneering firm that has developed a unique approach to solving talent supply chain challenges when pursuing large deals. Ben Johnson, CEO at Particle41 will share the innovative strategies that the firm uses to ensure they have the right people in place to deliver on large deals.  

    Episode 190 - The Power of Testimonials: Boosting Sales and Credibility in Professional Services

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 11, 2024 14:53


    In this session, you will discover the immense value of client testimonials in selling your services. We will explore how testimonials serve as powerful social proof, helping to build trust and credibility with prospective clients. You will learn strategies for soliciting authentic and compelling testimonials from satisfied clients and techniques for presenting them in various formats, including case studies and video testimonials. The session will also cover best practices for integrating testimonials into your marketing and sales materials, such as websites, proposals, and presentations. 

    Episode 189 - A Rainmakers Journey to a $3 Million Book of Business

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 4, 2024 18:21


    This session will explore the journey to building a $3M book of business, focusing on the importance of authenticity, vulnerability, and forming deep, meaningful relationships. Participants will learn how to strategically position themselves to be chosen for work, while also incorporating business development activities they genuinely enjoy, alongside people they like. The session will also reveal one simple, daily habit—taking just 10 minutes—that has proven to generate more business than any other strategy.

    Episode 188 - Mastering Pricing Strategy for Boutique Pro Serv Firms

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 27, 2024 16:27


    Join this session to gain a deep understanding of how to set, adjust, and optimize your pricing to enhance profitability, attract and retain clients, and stay competitive in the marketplace. We will explore cost-based, value-based, and competition-based pricing, helping you determine which approach aligns best with your firm's goals and market position. You will learn how to analyze your costs and market conditions to set prices that reflect the value of your services while ensuring profitability. The session will also cover techniques for communicating your pricing effectively to clients, handling pricing objections, and implementing dynamic pricing strategies to respond to market changes. 

    Episode 187 – Thematic Investing: What It Is and Why Your Firm Should Care

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 20, 2024 15:58


    Join us for an in-depth session on thematic investing, a powerful strategy embraced by private equity (PE) firms to capture emerging trends and drive superior returns. Mark Gartner, Managing Director at RLH Equity will help you understand what thematic investing is, why it is gaining traction among PE firms, why you should care and what it could mean for your firm.

    Episode 186 - Scaling Strategically: Portfolio of Firms vs. Scaling a Single Firm

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 13, 2024 16:55


    Join us for an insightful session that explores the strategic considerations and benefits of scaling through a portfolio of firms versus scaling a single firm. This session will provide a comprehensive analysis of both approaches, helping you determine the best path to sustainable growth and market dominance. We will delve into strategies for managing risk, allocating resources, and driving innovation across multiple firms compared to focusing on a single entity. The session will provide insights into how diversification through a portfolio can mitigate market fluctuations and foster resilience. You will also gain practical tips on evaluating your current business model to decide which scaling strategy aligns best with your long-term goals. 

    Episode 185 - Transforming Revenue Streams: Converting Non-Recurring to Recurring Revenue

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 6, 2024 15:32


    In this session we will explore the journey of converting a non-recurring revenue business into a sustainable recurring revenue model. Brick Thompson, CEO of Blue Margin will share the challenges he faced, the steps taken to implement change, and the benefits realized from establishing a steady, predictable income stream. This session is perfect founders looking to stabilize and grow their revenue.

    Episode 184 - Leveraging Offshoring Amid Rising Domestic Labor Costs

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 30, 2024 15:30


    Join Jamie Shanks, Founder & CEO at Get Levrg, for an enlightening session on the current trends with offshoring and nearshoring. We will explore which regions are trending for which skillsets and cost differences between regions. We will delve into how to leverage offshore talent for both back office and front office work. Discover the numerous benefits of offshoring, including cost savings, access to a global talent pool, and increased operational efficiency. 

    Episode 183 - Leveraging AI to Increase Profits in a Pro Serv Firm

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 23, 2024 20:31


    In this session, John Arnott, CEO at C1M, will share how AI can revolutionize your business strategy and significantly increase profits. We will explore the transformative power of AI, demonstrating how it can streamline operations, enhance innovation, and drive measurable financial results across various aspects of your business. Join this session to gain a solid understanding of AI technologies and their applications in optimizing processes, improving decision-making, and boosting overall profitability.

    Episode 182 - Leveraging an Expert Network

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 16, 2024 17:38


    Join this session to learn what an expert network is and how it can be a game-changer for your firm. Member Thom McLeod, Founder and Managing Partner at Tenzing Consulting will share with members the myriad ways an expert network can accelerate growth, enhance client offerings, and foster innovation within your firm. We will explore how to identify opportunities to leverage expert knowledge to create value-added services and differentiate your firm in a competitive market. 

    Episode 181 - Transitioning Leadership: A Founder's Journey from Coach to COO

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 9, 2024 16:55


    Join John Sherk as he shares a compelling story of navigating leadership transitions in a boutique business. Over the course of a decade, John mentored a young founder who, at 33, has built a remarkable company but struggles with the challenges of scaling up. Now, at 55, John has stepped into the role of interim COO, not only to guide the company's growth but to develop the next generation of leadership. John will discuss how he's strategically planning for a 5 to 10-year transition, preparing the company for an eventual exit while ensuring its current and future leaders are equipped to sustain success. Learn how this model of "mentorship in action" is filling crucial leadership gaps, aligning with long-term business goals, and creating a roadmap for both personal and organizational growth.

    Episode 180 – Achieving a Successful Exit in Record Time

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 2, 2024 19:16


    Join this session to hear the remarkable journey of how member Tim Foster achieved a successful exit in just three years, compared to the industry norm of 15 years. Discover the innovative strategies and key decisions that enabled Tim's firm to fast-track its growth and gain valuable insights from the lessons learned from the exit process. Tim will also share what he would do differently next time and provide practical advice and actionable tips for founders who are contemplating an exit. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from someone who has navigated the exit process successfully in record time.

    Episode 179 – Scaling Success: How a Consulting Firm Grew from 12 to 250 Employees and Achieved a Triumphant Exit in 14 Years

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 26, 2024 18:53


    In this session we explore the remarkable journey of a consulting firm that expanded from a small team of 12 to a robust organization of 250 employees over 14 years. Discover the strategic decisions, leadership principles, and innovative practices that fueled their growth and led to a successful exit. Join us as we delve into the challenges they faced, the lessons they learned, and the key factors behind their impressive transformation.

    Episode 178 – From Idea to Publication: Navigating the Book Writing Journey

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 19, 2024 13:16


    Join us for an enlightening session where Jamie Wasserman, Leader at Geigsen, will share the inspiring story behind her decision to write a book. Gain insights into the thought process and motivations that led to the creation of the initial manuscript. We will explore the decision to hire a publishing partner rather than opting for self-publishing, and the factors that influenced the choice of publisher. Join this session to learn from an author's firsthand experience and gather valuable tips for your own writing and publishing journey.

    Episode 177 – Accidentally Running a Firm: A Journey from Freelancer to Boutique Firm

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 12, 2024 19:14


    In this session we will delve into the fascinating story of transforming a lifestyle firm into a thriving boutique business. Miles Kailburn, Founder and CEO of OTM will share how and when the decision was made to shift from a freelancer model to a true boutique, to today's efforts to scale the firm. Discover the challenges, strategies, and lessons learned along the way, and gain valuable insights for your own business transformation.

    Episode 176 – From Sidekick to Success: How a Trusted Number Two Fueled a Consulting Firm's Growth and Exit

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 28, 2024 17:24


    In this session, we dive into the incredible journey of a consulting firm founder who found a pivotal ally in their number two. Join Brian Albers, COO at Data Clymer, and discover how his dynamic partnership with his founder drove the company's growth, navigated the scaling challenges, and ultimately led to a successful exit. Through candid conversations and valuable insights, we explore the essential role of a strong second-in-command in transforming vision into reality.

    Episode 175 – Best Practices For Handling Layoffs and Restructuring a Boutique Professional Service Firm

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 21, 2024 16:22


    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.

    Episode 174 – Resilience in the Spotlight: How One Marketing Agency Thrived Despite Employees Trying to Capitalize On The Cancel Culture

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 14, 2024 20:38


    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.

    Episode 173 – Blueprint for Scaling: How a CPA Firm is Scaling Through Franchising

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 7, 2024 20:08


    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.

    Episode 172 – How to Build a Thriving Small Service Firm From a Single Anchor Account

    Play Episode Listen Later May 31, 2024 16:11


    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.

    Episode 171 – Mastering the Hire: Securing the Ideal Sales Leader for Your Boutique Firm

    Play Episode Listen Later May 24, 2024 17:12


    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.

    Episode 170 – Taking the Reins: A CEO's Journey of Buying Out the Founder and Shaping the Future of a Boutique Professional ServiceFirm

    Play Episode Listen Later May 17, 2024 16:20


    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

    Episode 169 – Maximizing Revenue Growth: Transforming Early Career Professionals Into Seasoned Revenue Generating Employees

    Play Episode Listen Later May 10, 2024 19:59


    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

    Episode 168 – Thriving Amidst the Heat: Navigating a Sudden Surge in Industry Competition

    Play Episode Listen Later May 3, 2024 17:57


    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

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