success

Pro Serv Blogs

Stop Selling and Grow Your Business

When I joined my father’s marketing research company in 1997 as his first employee, I had no idea that letting go of sales would ultimately 10x our revenue. My initial role was building our new research service, while my father handled all sales. Since our new service was an upsell to existing clients, the sales process was relatively straightforward at first.

Pro Serv Blogs

A Tale of Transformation: From Cash Accounting Chaos to Accrual Clarity

In the bustling world of boutique professional service firms, where expertise and innovation drive success, there lies an often-overlooked aspect of business that can make or break even the most visionary entrepreneurs: financial management. Today, I want to share a compelling story from within the Collective 54 community—a tale that underscores the critical importance of sophisticated financial practices and how embracing expert advice can lead to transformative outcomes.

Pro Serv Blogs

Scaling a Professional Services Firm is Like Traveling to the Moon – It Isn’t Rocket Science: Part 1 – The Moonshot

Professional services firms face constant pressure to be creative and rise above the clutter. For executives, particularly CEOs and COOs, one of the most effective ways to break through is by leveraging the power of strategic partnerships. By forming alliances with complementary companies and key industry players, professional services leaders can expand service offerings, enter new markets, unlock new revenue streams, and maximize their return on investment (ROI).

Pro Serv Blogs

Core Values: The Secret Blueprint for Sustainable Business Success

When it comes to shaping the future of your business, defining core values is essential. However, many founders delay this step far too long, leaving their culture to chance. In today’s workforce, especially with Gen Z leading the charge, culture reigns supremely. If your organization’s core values are not well-defined, it will not attract or retain top talent.

Pro Serv Blogs

Founders, This is How Your Finance Team Increases Your Valuation

A close friend reached out to me after the company she founded failed its second due diligence. The buyer’s reasoning was harsh. “We don’t understand your numbers. And we think you don’t understand them either.”

Ouch.

Frustrated and anxious, she asked me: what does it take?

Only four things, I told her. Do this and I guarantee it won’t happen next time.

Pro Serv Blogs

10 Tips for Entrepreneurs to Go the Distance in Professional Services

As entrepreneurs in the professional service firm arena, we often embark on a journey with dreams of scaling our businesses, achieving success, and ultimately reaching the coveted exit. However, the reality is that many founders falter along the way, lacking the endurance required to go the distance. In a world where millions of firms are started each year, only a select few make it to a successful exit. Why? Because the path is long, challenging, and demands unwavering mental toughness.

Pro Serv Blogs

Narrow your Focus and Grow your Pro Serv Business

When I launched my consulting firm in 2021, many people were shocked and worried for me when I told them I would only work with construction companies. Initially, I wondered if they might be right, but choosing to specialize in a vertical market has turned out very well for us. My company Well Built Construction Consulting works in strategic plan development and execution support for the construction sector. We’ve been in business for less than four years and have experienced comparably rapid expansion to peer companies precisely because of our targeted approach. We have 10 full-time staff members, an extended team of another 5-8 professionals, and strong net profits at this early stage of growth.

Pro Serv Blogs

Exit Dreams and Tax Nightmares: The Lurking Threats behind your S Corporation

A few years ago, we advised a group of professional services sellers in connection with a dream of an acquisition event: $100 million+ exit as a platform company to a well-known private equity group within the professional services space. The deal promised not only a healthy cash payment of $50-60mm at closing, but potentially, future riches from the sale of the owners’ rollover equity once the business achieved another exit at an even higher valuation.