When Performance Pay ACTUALLY Works (And When It Fails)

Have you ever wondered what happens when you stop trying to serve everyone and double down on one niche you know inside out? That's exactly what Julie Lawless did. From corporate comms for brands like Nissan and Mars Petcare to running her own firm in animal health and AgTech, Julie has built a business that thrives because it's focused. In this episode, we unpack how she made that shift, moving from hourly billing to retainers, building a standout reputation in a small industry, and leading a team that runs smoothly without her in every single detail. If you've been thinking about specializing or tightening your focus, you'll take a ton of practical insight from this one. Enjoy.Welcome to the Consulting Success podcast. I'm your host Michael Zipursky, and in this podcast, we're going to dive deep into the world of elite consultants where you're going to learn the strategies, tactics and mindset to grow a highly profitable and successful consulting business.Before we dive into today's episode. Are you ready to grow and take your consulting business to the next level? Many of the clients that we work with started as podcast listeners just like you, and a consistent theme they have shared with us is that they wished they had reached out sooner about our Clarity Coaching Program rather than waiting for that perfect time. If you're interested in learning more about how we help consultants just like you, we're offering a free, no pressure growth session call. On this call, we're going to dive deep into your goals, challenges and situation and outline a plan that is tailor made just for you. We will also help you identify where you may be making costly and time consuming mistakes to ensure you're benefiting from the proven methods and strategies to grow your consulting business. So don't wait years to find clarity. If you're committed and serious about reaching a new level of success in your consulting business, go ahead and schedule your free growth session. Get in touch today. Just visit Consulting Success - Grow to book your free call today.With over two decades in corporate communications at Elanco, Mars Petcare, and Nissan, Julie Lawless is a proven leader in strategic communications. A Pet Age "Woman of Influence," she notably managed Elanco's IPO and the landmark acquisition of Bayer Animal Health. In 2022, she founded Lawless Comms to provide purpose-driven counsel in M&A, crisis, and ESG communications to the animal health, veterinary, and food production industries, leveraging her deep expertise to make a positive impact.Connect with Julie Lawless: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julielawless/Discover more about Lawless Comms: https://www.lawlesscomms.com/Mentioned in this episode:The Inner CircleIf you're running a 7-figure consulting business and are ready to be in a room of committed peers, this is for you. The Inner Circle is a high-level mastermind focused on proven strategies for scaling and lifestyle design. This is not for everyone, but if it's for you, you already know. www.consultingsuccess.com/inner-circle

Want to learn how we can help you grow your consulting business? Schedule your free Growth Session Call today!  www.consultingsuccess.com/growMentioned in this episode:The Inner CircleIf you're running a 7-figure consulting business and are ready to be in a room of committed peers, this is for you. The Inner Circle is a high-level mastermind focused on proven strategies for scaling and lifestyle design. This is not for everyone, but if it's for you, you already know. www.consultingsuccess.com/inner-circle

What if the biggest growth opportunity in your consulting business isn't scaling, but in simplifying what you deliver? This week I'm talking with Abhijit Verekar, founder and CEO of Avèro Advisors, a 50-person consulting firm that's helping U.S. cities and counties modernize through smarter tech strategy. And also of course now through AI. Abhijit built his success by breaking the rules that most consultants blindly follow. He's not selling software, he's not doing implementation. He's the independent advisor that government leaders actually trust. And now he's doubling down on AI and Micro-SaaS to deliver faster results without losing what makes consulting valuable: the human experience. So in this episode, you're going to discover why being truly independent is your most powerful differentiator in a crowded market; how to use AI to accelerate delivery without eroding your fees and authority; and the surprising way that Abhijit turned government bureaucracy into a high-margin, moat-protected niche. If you ever wondered how to build a consulting business that wins hard-to-acquire clients and stays ahead of technology, this one's for you. Welcome to the Consulting Success podcast. I'm your host Michael Zipursky, and in this podcast, we're going to dive deep into the world of elite consultants where you're going to learn the strategies, tactics and mindset to grow a highly profitable and successful consulting business.Before we dive into today's episode. Are you ready to grow and take your consulting business to the next level? Many of the clients that we work with started as podcast listeners just like you, and a consistent theme they have shared with us is that they wished they had reached out sooner about our Clarity Coaching Program rather than waiting for that perfect time. If you're interested in learning more about how we help consultants just like you, we're offering a free, no pressure growth session call. On this call, we're going to dive deep into your goals, challenges and situation and outline a plan that is tailor made just for you. We will also help you identify where you may be making costly and time consuming mistakes to ensure you're benefiting from the proven methods and strategies to grow your consulting business. So don't wait years to find clarity. If you're committed and serious about reaching a new level of success in your consulting business, go ahead and schedule your free growth session. Get in touch today. Just visit Consulting Success - Grow to book your free call today.Abhijit Verekar is the Founder & CEO of Avèro Advisors, dedicated to modernizing local governments through tech innovation. With 20+ years of experience, he bridges the gap between technology and public service, guiding agencies through complex ERP implementations and strategic IT overhauls. Combining a finance background with creative problem-solving, Abhijit helps municipalities save millions and streamline operations. Under his leadership, Avèro has earned multiple Inc. 5000 honors. A Forbes Technology Council member, he is a speaker known for turning daunting IT projects into success stories.Connect with Abhijit Verekar: https://www.linkedin.com/in/verekar/Discover more about Avèro Advisors: https://averoadvisors.com/Mentioned in this episode:The Inner CircleIf you're running a 7-figure consulting business and are

Want to learn how we can help you grow your consulting business? Schedule your free Growth Session Call today!  www.consultingsuccess.com/growMentioned in this episode:The Inner CircleIf you're running a 7-figure consulting business and are ready to be in a room of committed peers, this is for you. The Inner Circle is a high-level mastermind focused on proven strategies for scaling and lifestyle design. This is not for everyone, but if it's for you, you already know. www.consultingsuccess.com/inner-circle

In today's market, there are two types of consultants: those who passively wait for the phone to ring, hoping their reputation brings in the next deal, and those who proactively shape their clients' thinking and create their own opportunities. One is struggling; the other one is building a future-proof book of business. So what's the real difference? Well, one is an Activator.I'm here with Matt Dixon, author of the well-known book The Challenger Sale, and the researcher who literally wrote the book on this topic. He studied thousands of people working in professional services, and that includes many, many consultants, to decode what the absolute best are doing differently. So don't go anywhere because Matt is about to give you the three core mindsets of a top performer and show you how to shift from just being an Expert to becoming the Activator your clients truly and deeply value.In this episode you will learn:The single biggest mistake experts make in sales conversations.Why the most important "conversation" happens before you ever speak to a prospect.How to scale a service business with a team of coaches without sacrificing quality.The philosophical shift from chasing revenue to embracing "continuous growth."The Four Conversations model for a more authentic and effective sales process.The common trap of "moving down market" and why it rarely works.How to leverage AI as a powerful tool while understanding its limitations.Welcome to the Consulting Success podcast. I'm your host Michael Zipursky, and in this podcast, we're going to dive deep into the world of elite consultants where you're going to learn the strategies, tactics and mindset to grow a highly profitable and successful consulting business.Before we dive into today's episode. Are you ready to grow and take your consulting business to the next level? Many of the clients that we work with started as podcast listeners just like you, and a consistent theme they have shared with us is that they wished they had reached out sooner about our Clarity Coaching Program rather than waiting for that perfect time. If you're interested in learning more about how we help consultants just like you, we're offering a free, no pressure growth session call. On this call, we're going to dive deep into your goals, challenges and situation and outline a plan that is tailor made just for you. We will also help you identify where you may be making costly and time consuming mistakes to ensure you're benefiting from the proven methods and strategies to grow your consulting business. So don't wait years to find clarity. If you're committed and serious about reaching a new level of success in your consulting business, go ahead and schedule your free growth session. Get in touch today. Just visit Consulting Success - Grow to book your free call today.Matt Dixon is a world-renowned expert on sales and customer experience. As a founding partner of DCM Insights and a frequent Harvard Business Review contributor, his research has shaped modern business strategy through bestselling books like the modern classic The Challenger Sale, The JOLT Effect, and his newest work, The Activator Advantage. As a sought-after speaker and advisor to management teams around the globe, his data-backed frameworks help companies attract, retain, and grow their customers.Connect with Matt...

Want to learn how we can help you grow your consulting business? Schedule your free Growth Session Call today!  www.consultingsuccess.com/growMentioned in this episode:Get Expert Insights into Your Consulting Business: Claim Your FREE Growth Session Now!Want to get personalized feedback and actionable insights on your consulting business from seasoned experts who've been in your shoes? The Consulting Success Clarity Coaching Program offers just that, and you can experience a taste of it with a FREE, no-obligation Growth Session. On this call, you'll explore how to optimize your business model, refine your messaging, and build a predictable stream of high-value clients. https://www.consultingsuccess.com/grow Double Your Revenue & Gain Control with Clarity 2.0's Proven Growth System.Stop grinding and start leading. Clarity 2.0 is more than coaching; it's an ROI-verified Growth System built for consultants. Gain personalized coaching, proven frameworks, and intelligent AI-powered tools to accelerate your learning. Discover how to attract ideal clients, command premium fees, and build confidence. Over 1,000 consultants have already transformed their businesses. Learn how to intentionally lead your growth. Book your Growth Session Call: www.consultingsuccess.com/grow

My guest today is an American running a consulting business from the mountains of Switzerland. He takes every Friday off and skis many mornings in the winter before his clients even log on. This is not an accident; it is by design. I am talking to Paul Koetke, who is a consultant that mastered the art of building a business that serves his life, not the other way around. He consciously chose to sacrifice his ego to gain more freedom.You are going to want to stick around because we are going to break down the practical decisions that Paul made to put his lifestyle first and how you can do the same without your revenue taking a hit. Welcome to the Consulting Success podcast. I'm your host Michael Zipursky, and in this podcast, we're going to dive deep into the world of elite consultants where you're going to learn the strategies, tactics and mindset to grow a highly profitable and successful consulting business.Before we dive into today's episode. Are you ready to grow and take your consulting business to the next level? Many of the clients that we work with started as podcast listeners just like you, and a consistent theme they have shared with us is that they wished they had reached out sooner about our Clarity Coaching Program rather than waiting for that perfect time. If you're interested in learning more about how we help consultants just like you, we're offering a free, no pressure growth session call. On this call, we're going to dive deep into your goals, challenges and situation and outline a plan that is tailor made just for you. We will also help you identify where you may be making costly and time consuming mistakes to ensure you're benefiting from the proven methods and strategies to grow your consulting business. So don't wait years to find clarity. If you're committed and serious about reaching a new level of success in your consulting business, go ahead and schedule your free growth session. Get in touch today. Just visit Consulting Success - Grow to book your free call today.As the lead consultant at Koetke Consulting LLC, Paul Koetke is dedicated to building dynamic work processes. His career includes projects in a variety of industries, from construction management to healthcare and retail. Prior to founding his own company, Paul was a Customer Success Manager at Smartsheet, where he operated in a hybrid sales and consulting capacity. Inspired by his passion for helping clients achieve significant business transformations, he established his own consulting practice. Paul earned an MBA from HEC Paris and a Bachelor's in Industrial Engineering.Connect with Paul Koetke: www.linkedin.com/in/paulkoetke/Discover more about Koetke Consulting LLC: www.koetkeconsulting.com/Mentioned in this episode:Double Your Revenue & Gain Control with Clarity 2.0's Proven Growth System.Stop grinding and start leading. Clarity 2.0 is more than coaching; it's an ROI-verified Growth System built for consultants. Gain personalized coaching, proven frameworks, and intelligent AI-powered tools to accelerate your learning. Discover how to attract ideal clients, command premium fees, and build confidence. Over 1,000 consultants have already transformed their businesses. Learn how to intentionally lead your growth. Book your Growth Session Call: www.consultingsuccess.com/growGet Expert Insights into Your Consulting...

Want to learn how we can help you grow your consulting business? Schedule your free Growth Session Call today!  www.consultingsuccess.com/growMentioned in this episode:Double Your Revenue & Gain Control with Clarity 2.0's Proven Growth System.Stop grinding and start leading. Clarity 2.0 is more than coaching; it's an ROI-verified Growth System built for consultants. Gain personalized coaching, proven frameworks, and intelligent AI-powered tools to accelerate your learning. Discover how to attract ideal clients, command premium fees, and build confidence. Over 1,000 consultants have already transformed their businesses. Learn how to intentionally lead your growth. Book your Growth Session Call: www.consultingsuccess.com/grow

Reaching a million-dollar net worth is a significant achievement, but finance expert Nick Maggiulli argues it can be a "dangerously misleading" milestone, creating a false sense of security. He joins Michael to reveal why your next financial moves are far more crucial than your last. Drawing on extensive data, Nick uncovers the surprising realities of wealth accumulation, highlighting the critical role of business ownership, strategic decision-making, and long-term consistency. If you’re a business owner aiming for true financial independence, Nick offers a fresh perspective and a practical roadmap for the journey from $1 million to $10 million and beyond.In this episode, you will learn about:Why a million-dollar net worth can be a misleading financial milestone.The six distinct levels of the "wealth ladder" and how financial strategies must adapt at each stage.The surprising math behind the journey from $1 million to $10 million for wage earners versus business owners.Why business equity and entrepreneurship are the primary drivers of extreme wealth.The "1% rule" framework for evaluating new income opportunities and prioritizing high-value clients.How to strategically approach selling your business, avoiding forced sales and planning backward from your idealized life.Key financial and business metrics to benchmark your progress on the wealth ladder.The immense power of compounding, consistency, and outlasting your peers in building wealth.How to navigate the AI era by identifying automation-resilient business opportunities.Understanding inflation and the "4% (or 5%) rule" for sustainable long-term financial security.Welcome to the Consulting Success podcast. I'm your host Michael Zipursky, and in this podcast, we're going to dive deep into the world of elite consultants where you're going to learn the strategies, tactics and mindset to grow a highly profitable and successful consulting business.Before we dive into today's episode. Are you ready to grow and take your consulting business to the next level? Many of the clients that we work with started as podcast listeners just like you, and a consistent theme they have shared with us is that they wished they had reached out sooner about our Clarity Coaching Program rather than waiting for that perfect time. If you're interested in learning more about how we help consultants just like you, we're offering a free, no pressure growth session call. On this call, we're going to dive deep into your goals, challenges and situation and outline a plan that is tailor made just for you. We will also help you identify where you may be making costly and time consuming mistakes to ensure you're benefiting from the proven methods and strategies to grow your consulting business. So don't wait years to find clarity. If you're committed and serious about reaching a new level of success in your consulting business, go ahead and schedule your free growth session. Get in touch today. Just visit Consulting Success - Grow to book your free call today.Nick Maggiulli is the creator of ‘Of Dollars And Data’ and COO at Ritholtz Wealth Management. He started blogging in 2017 as a New Year's Resolution, combining his passion for personal finance with data-driven insights. This journey led to his role at Ritholtz and the release of his bestselling book, Just Keep Buying, which has sold over 100,000 copies globally, and his latest...

Want to learn how we can help you grow your consulting business? Schedule your free Growth Session Call today!  www.consultingsuccess.com/grow