Greg Alexander

Pro Serv Blogs

The Art of Delegating New Business Development: A Success Story from Collective 54

In the competitive world of boutique consulting, the quest for generating new business can often feel like an uphill battle. For small firms, especially those navigating the complex waters of data analytics consulting, the challenge is not only in attracting clients but also in crafting a sustainable model for business development. This tale unfolds with the founder of an 8-year-old consulting firm, a beacon of ambition and innovation, who found himself at a crossroads after the primary responsibility of generating new business became a bottleneck in his quest for growth.

Pro Serv Blogs

The Transformation Journey: From Lifestyle Marketing Agency to a Professional Service Powerhouse

Once upon a time, in the bustling world of boutique marketing agencies, there lived a founder whose vision and creativity knew no bounds. His agency, a 17-year-old gem, shone brightly with creative services tailored for B2B clients. Yet, despite its sparkle, the agency remained a quaint lifestyle firm, not quite reaching the heights the founder had dreamed of. This is a tale of transformation, of a journey from contentment to ambition, led by the guiding light of Collective 54.

Pro Serv Blogs

Why You’re Not Getting Paid On Time and What to Do About It

As an owner-operator of a small service firm, whether it’s a consultancy, marketing agency, IT service provider, or any other service-oriented business, you’ve likely faced the frustrating challenge of chasing down late payments. It’s a widespread issue that disproportionately affects small service firms, and it can significantly hinder your cash flow and business growth. In this blog post, we’ll explore why this happens, how to diagnose and measure the extent of your collections problem, and offer both proactive and reactive strategies to improve your payment timelines. Plus, we’ll show you how joining a mastermind community like Collective 54 can make a difference.

Pro Serv Podcasts

Episode 197 – Building LinkedIn Authority to Drive Business Development Opportunities – Member Case by Justin Nassiri

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.

Pro Serv Blogs

From Cash-Strapped to Cash-Flow Positive: The Transformation of an IT Consulting Firm Owner

Once upon a time, in the competitive landscape of boutique professional service firms, there was an owner of an IT consulting firm who became a cautionary tale of rapid growth without the backbone of sound financial management. This is the story of Alex, whose journey from the brink of financial ruin to a model of fiscal responsibility embodies the adage, “Growth is not just about numbers; it’s about sustainable strategies.”

Pro Serv Podcasts

Episode 196 – Knowing When to Quit: Making the Tough Decision to Move On – Member Case by Julian Lumpkin

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.

Pro Serv Blogs

The Perilous Path of Debt-Fueled Growth: A Collective 54 Member’s Journey to Redemption

The allure of rapid expansion can often blindside the most astute of entrepreneurs. This tale unfolds the harrowing journey of a Collective 54 member, a spirited founder of a social impact consulting firm, who found himself ensnared by the seductive yet perilous embrace of debt to fuel his firm’s growth. His story serves as a cautionary tale and a beacon of hope for those navigating the tumultuous waters of business expansion.

Pro Serv Blogs

The Evolution of a HR Consulting Firm Owner: From Domain Expert to Savvy Businesswoman

Once upon a time, in the bustling world of human resources, there was a dedicated HR consultant named Sophia. Sophia had carved a niche for herself in the travel industry, providing tailored HR solutions to companies that were as diverse as the destinations they promoted. Her firm was her pride, built on a foundation of extensive domain knowledge and a passion for people management. Yet, despite her expertise, Sophia felt a growing realization that understanding human resources was only one part of the equation to business success.

Pro Serv Podcasts

Episode 195 – Mastering Cash Flow: Strategies to Thrive in Challenging Times – Member Case by Ken Yager

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.

Pro Serv Blogs

Beyond Profit and Loss: Elevating Your Service Firm with the Power of Balance Sheet Insights

As owner-operators of small service firms, we often find ourselves engrossed in the day-to-day operations, leaving little room to dissect the financial health of our businesses critically. Our endeavors, whether they be law, accounting, consulting, marketing agencies, or other service-based industries, demand a level of financial acumen that transcends basic bookkeeping. It is here that I wish to guide my peers from a position of advanced financial understanding to appreciate the nuanced power of the balance sheet over the income statement in managing and scaling our businesses.