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Marcus Insights
Revolutionizing Consulting: AI-Powered Solutions to Rival McKinsey


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Role: CEO
Industry: Technology Consulting UK

Situation: We are theCTO - Uk-based technology consulting company with a revenue of around 1m. Our main focus is fractional CTO services and sometimes software development under our leadership and subcontracted trusted vendors. Now, with the recent generative AI development, we see a massive opportunity for us to build a new revolutionary product for the consulting space. The idea is to use the latest AI technology to allow small and medium-sized consulting businesses to compete with McKinsey and similar companies. To do this our software will use McKinsey fact-based and hypothesis-driven analysis to quickly break down any business problem into a logic tree, generate hypotheses, and explore them by generating an issue tree. Then automatically build the analyses plan to prove or disprove a hypothesis. This already creates a lot of value for SME consultancies as this dramatically increases the quality of their services, while reducing the time and number of people required. Later on, we would like to add AI analyses of uploaded data, AI-generated recommendations, and presentations. This later addition will allow us to sell automated consulting services directly to the consumers of those, not only to consulting companies. We believe in the idea and would like to understand how to grow from 0 to 50m in revenue in 36 months. We can cover the cost of software development and basic marketing, but we also can consider external investment if it helps us to grow.

Question to Marcus:


Go-to-market strategy


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Based on your specific organizational details captured above, Marcus recommends the following areas for evaluation (in roughly decreasing priority). If you need any further clarification or details on the specific frameworks and concepts described below, please contact us: support@flevy.com.

Digital Transformation

Technology Consulting UK is at a pivotal moment where leveraging Digital Transformation can not only redefine its business model but also disrupt the consulting industry at large. By integrating the latest in generative AI, your company can transform traditional consulting frameworks into more Agile, efficient, and cost-effective solutions.

This transition will not merely be an upgrade of tools but a fundamental shift in how consulting services are delivered, making high-quality analyses accessible to smaller firms. To capitalize on this, it’s essential to focus on building a robust digital infrastructure that supports AI-driven analytics, ensuring scalability and security. Additionally, fostering a culture that embraces change and innovation will be critical. As you develop your revolutionary product, consider how it can be integrated seamlessly into existing processes of SME consultancies, thereby enhancing their capabilities without overwhelming them with new complexities.

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Artificial Intelligence

The application of Artificial Intelligence in your product offering is a game-changer, enabling SME consultancies to level the playing field with giants like McKinsey. The AI-driven logic tree and issue tree generation, coupled with AI analyses of uploaded data, can significantly reduce the time and manpower needed for high-quality consultancy outcomes.

However, it’s crucial to approach AI development with a clear understanding of the ethical considerations, ensuring transparency and fairness in the AI’s decision-making process. Additionally, staying abreast of the latest AI advancements and regulatory changes will be key. Building partnerships with AI research institutions and participating in AI ethics forums can also provide valuable insights and credibility to your AI initiatives.

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Go-to-Market

Your go-to-market strategy should be as innovative as your product. Considering the disruptive potential of your AI-driven consulting tool, a phased approach could maximize adoption and feedback loops.

Initially, targeting niche markets where you can solve specific, high-value problems will allow you to refine your offering. Strategic partnerships with established consulting firms or industry associations can also provide channels for Market Entry and validation. Focus on creating compelling case studies and whitepapers that highlight the tangible benefits and ROI of your solution. Moreover, consider a pricing model that aligns with the value delivered, possibly incorporating subscription-based or performance-based elements, to make it attractive and accessible to SMEs.

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Strategic Planning

Strategic Planning for Technology Consulting UK should revolve around clearly defining the long-term vision and the strategic steps to achieve market leadership with your AI-driven product. This includes identifying the key market segments, understanding their unique challenges, and tailoring your solution to meet these needs.

Competitive analysis is also crucial, not just among traditional consulting firms but also against emerging tech-driven solutions. Your strategy should include a strong emphasis on continuous innovation, ensuring that your product remains at the cutting edge of what AI can offer to consulting. Building a roadmap that aligns product development, marketing, sales, and partnerships will be critical to achieving your ambitious growth targets.

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Market Research

Deep, ongoing Market Research is essential to understand the evolving needs of your target market and to stay ahead of industry trends. This research should not only focus on the immediate needs of SME consultancies but also on broader trends affecting the consulting industry, such as regulatory changes, shifts in business models, and emerging technologies.

Using advanced Data Analytics and AI itself in your market research can provide deeper insights and foresight into future opportunities and challenges. Engaging with your potential clients through workshops, webinars, and roundtable discussions can also provide valuable qualitative feedback to shape your product development and marketing strategies.

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Business Development

Your Business Development strategy should focus on building and nurturing relationships that can convert into early adopters and, eventually, loyal customers. This involves identifying key decision-makers within your target market segments and understanding their pain points, aspirations, and how your AI-driven solution aligns with their goals.

Developing a compelling Value Proposition that articulates the unique benefits of your solution, such as cost savings, efficiency gains, and Competitive Advantage, will be key. Networking in industry events, leveraging LinkedIn for targeted outreach, and engaging in content marketing can also raise awareness and generate leads. Collaborating with influencers and thought leaders in the consulting and technology space can further enhance your credibility and reach.

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Risk Management

As you embark on this ambitious path, Risk Management becomes crucial to navigate potential hurdles effectively. This includes Operational Risks related to software development, data security risks, and market adoption risks.

Implementing a robust framework for identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks is essential. This involves regularly reviewing your development roadmap, conducting thorough security audits, and engaging with early adopters for feedback to improve product-market fit. Additionally, consider Scenario Planning to prepare for unforeseen market shifts or regulatory changes that could impact your business model. Establishing a risk-aware culture within your organization can also help in proactively identifying and addressing risks before they escalate.

Learn more about Risk Management Scenario Planning Operational Risk

Project Management

Effective Project Management will be critical in bringing your visionary product to market within your ambitious timeline. This involves setting clear objectives, milestones, and deliverables for each phase of the project, from development through to launch and scale-up.

Adopting agile project management methodologies can provide the flexibility to adapt to changes and challenges without derailing your overall timeline. Regular progress reviews and stakeholder updates will also be important to maintain alignment and momentum. Leveraging project management software that facilitates collaboration, documentation, and tracking can further streamline the process and ensure accountability.

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Product Strategy

Your Product Strategy should center around delivering exceptional value through your AI-driven solution, with a clear roadmap for evolving the product based on user feedback and technological advancements. This involves not just the initial launch but also how you plan to expand and enhance the product over time.

Understanding the Competitive Landscape and positioning your product distinctly is crucial. This includes articulating how your solution is not just another tool but a transformative approach to consulting. Engaging with early users for beta testing and incorporating their feedback can also ensure that your product truly meets the needs of your target market.

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Customer Experience

Ensuring an outstanding Customer Experience is paramount, especially as you introduce a revolutionary new tool to the market. This goes beyond the user interface and User Experience of the software itself to encompass every touchpoint with your company, from initial inquiry through to ongoing support.

Building a customer success team that understands the specific challenges and goals of your clients can provide personalized support and foster long-term relationships. Additionally, creating comprehensive onboarding materials, tutorials, and a knowledge base can empower users to get the most out of your solution. Listening to customer feedback and making Continuous Improvements based on this input will also be key to retaining and growing your client base.

Learn more about Customer Experience Continuous Improvement User Experience

Did you know?
The average daily rate of a McKinsey consultant is $6,625 (not including expenses). The average price of a Flevy document is $65.


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