Meeting rising online demand: An interview with Ocado’s Melanie Smith – McKinsey

If you are on your grand quest of finding the perfect consulting firm, we've got a vital tool up our sleeves to help refine that list of potential candidates: reference checks! Picture it as your very own magical crystal ball, revealing the hidden truths about these consulting wizards.

In this episode of your favourite podcast series, "How to Buy Consulting Like a Pro," our wonderful guide, Helene, spills the beans on how to wield this secret weapon. We're talking about digging deep, folks, and asking former clients the questions to uncover their experiences and evaluate these consultants' real powers.

So, grab a seat, tune in, and arm yourself with the inside scoop on authentic references and make confident decisions.
#Podcast #smartconsultingsourcing #referencecheck
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As the saying goes, "you get what you pay for" but what if you could get high-quality consulting services without breaking the bank? That's the question on everyone's mind and lucky for you, our live webinar "Buy Better: Keep Your Consulting Costs Under Control" will answer all your burning questions.

Learn from our knowledgeable speakers Helene Laffitte and Laurent Thomas on how to keep your consulting costs in check. So, don't let the fear of overspending control your business decisions, instead watch this webinar and learn how you can keep your consulting costs under control.

Some of the essential points covered in the webinar include the following:
✅ What is the reality of consulting procurement?
✅ What are the best practices to buy better?
✅How to unlock the potential?
✅ What do you need procurement?
✅ What are the benefits and key steps involved?
✅ What is relevant competition and how to leverage it?
✅ How to negotiate effectively and efficiently?

Chapters
00:00 - Introduction
06:20 – The reality of consulting procurement
13:30 – What are the best practices to buy better?
32:27 – Scope to the strict necessary
50:26 – Leverage relevant competition
55:44 – Negotiate efficiently
1:00:50 – Q&A
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OUR VIDEOS - PLAYLIST
👉 Webinars: https://bit.ly/3AUvnTA
👉 Knowing the Consulting Industry: https://bit.ly/3sh7Rwn
👉 Buying Consulting: https://bit.ly/3LaFQPQ
👉 Managing the Consulting Category: https://bit.ly/3La0JKE

If you are a professional in consulting and are looking to level up and learn more about the industry, visit the Consulting Quest website at: https://consultingquest.com

For weekly articles and updates on the consulting industry, subscribe to our newsletter at: https://consultingquest.wiki

For regular weekly videos about the consulting business, subscribe to our channel at: https://bit.ly/3sdUlth

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You can also subscribe to our podcast channel for weekly podcasts on everything related to consulting at: https://podcast.smartconsultingsourcing.com/

Stay tuned for our next video!

#BuyBetter #ConsultingCostControl #Procurement #ConsultingIndustry #SmartConsultingSourcing

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The quest for the perfect consulting firm is filled with twists, turns, and the occasional dragon to slay. We've all been there, desperately seeking that elusive partner with the ideal "Consulting DNA" to bring our projects to life.

It can sometimes be daunting. But fear not; in this captivating podcast episode, your favorite host Helene guide you through this exciting journey and share some valuable insights along the way.

Don't miss this enlightening episode filled with expert advice and real-life examples to help you conquer the challenges of finding the perfect match in the consulting heaven.

#ConsultingDNA #FindingThePerfectMatch #RealLifeExamples #smartconsultingsourcing
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105 4

In today's episode of our podcast series, "How to buy consulting services like a pro", we'll embark on a quest to decode Consulting DNA. So, why is it important to consider Consulting DNA in your Request for Proposal (RFP)?

Just like DNA carries the genetic information that shapes who we are, Consulting DNA encompasses the specific traits and qualities you seek in a consultant. By clearly defining your Consulting DNA, you paint a vivid picture of the consultant you're seeking.

Do you require someone with ninja-like problem-solving skills? Or perhaps a master communicator who can effortlessly navigate the complexities of your industry? Specify it in your RFP, and let the universe (and consultants) know what you're after.

So, take some time to create your consulting DNA profile and find your match made in consulting heaven - it's like online dating, but for your business! And in this episode, Helene shows you the key points to consider when defining the DNA of your perfect consultant.
#ConsultingDNA #RFP #smartconsultingsourcing #matchmaking
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102 4

If you've been following our podcast on buying consulting services, you know that a well-crafted RFP is crucial for a consulting firm to understand your needs and expectations. It's also important to share a clear plan for selecting the right consultant in your RFP.

This ensures fairness for all parties and makes it more enticing for top-notch firms to participate. Think of it as a recipe for a perfect soufflé.

In this episode, Helene will show you how to create a transparent and attractive selection process, from defining criteria to communicating with potential bidders.
#consulting #rfp #smartconsultingsourcing #selectionprocess
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143 0

The RFP (Request for Proposal) is crucial in finding the right consultant and achieving your objectives. Unfortunately, many businesses don't place enough importance on this aspect or take the time to improve their RFP-writing process.  

However, a well-crafted RFP can make the difference between the success and failure of a consulting project. To buy better, you need first to understand the nuances of RFP writing, and hence we launched this podcast series, "How to buy consulting services like a pro." In this episode, Helene explains how a successful RFP depends on being specific about scope, deliverables, timing, and budget as the core components of your RFP.

She also discusses the significance of clearly stating the problem statement and project objectives, striking a balance between specificity and openness, setting the project's direction and communicating expected deliverables without being too prescriptive.

#Timeline #RFPwriting #setthecontext #Deliverables#budget
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167 6

Context is like the key to a locked door, it's what unlocks the understanding of any given situation. Whether you're briefing your junior team or sending a proposal to a client, context is the missing piece of the puzzle that can make or break your success. Crafting that perfect RFP for consulting is no different, and as the client, it's up to you to set the tone and provide the context for a successful project.

But let's face it, setting the context for an RFP can be overwhelming, leaving you feeling like a lost sailor without a compass. Fear not, we understand your dilemma and that's why we've got you covered with this episode. Helene breaks down the process of setting the context accurately by adding the right elements in perfect proportion, like a chef adding just the right amount of seasoning to a dish to make it mouth-watering. So, tune in and don't miss out on this informative episode.

#consultingsourcing #RFPwriting #setthecontext #NDAs #consultantselection
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346 10

So, you're thinking about buying consulting services. You must already know it but let me reiterate -- it's a journey that can be longer and more complicated than the plot of an M. Night Shyamalan movie. But don't worry; we've got your back with this podcast series that, we hope, will make you a pro at it!

Before diving into the consulting pool, you must learn how to craft the perfect RFP (Request for Proposal). And in case you missed it, we've already covered a lot of ground in previous episodes - like when you need an RFP and what you should include.

But in this episode, we're tackling a crucial topic - how to set your company's background in the RFP. It's like painting a picture of your company for consulting firms to see without giving away too much confidential information. It's like a dance between being open and being secretive. And trust me, it's not a cha-cha; it's more like a tango.

Luckily, your favorite host Helene is a pro at this stuff and will teach you how to do it right. So, tune in to master the art of writing perfect RFPs!

#consulting #RFP #business #procurement #companybackground #confidentiality #heleneconsults #podcast #businessstrategy #procurementprocess
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198 10

We were blown away by the amazing response to our women's day special podcast! And you know what? We're not done celebrating all the incredible women out there just yet. So, we've decided to keep the momentum going by continuing the series. And, Today's episode is going to be a real treat! We've got Carmella Long, a procurement veteran who's going to give us the inside scoop on her journey through the procurement world. And let me tell you, she's got some serious street cred.

With over 30 years of experience in procurement and supply chain, Carmella's worked in some of the toughest industries out there, from oil and gas to petrochemicals and even environmental. She's seen it all, folks.

But what really sets Carmella apart is her unique perspective. Having worked in a technical sales role for five years, she's seen the procurement world from the other side of the table. And let me tell you, it's an eye-opener. Carmella realized that as a supplier, her interests aligned with those of the procurement team - both just want to help the company achieve better performance. It's like procurement is just a mirror image of sales.

Now, let's talk about the challenges. Carmella started her career in an overly male-dominated arena, which wasn't easy. But with the help of some amazing female colleagues (not even from procurement!), she was able to thrive in her role. let's just say, she's come a long way since then.

So, if you want to hear all about Carmella's journey and how she navigated the challenging path to get where she is today, you do not want to miss this episode! Tune in now!

#womensupportingwomeninbusiness
#InclusiveNetworking
#PromoteWomenOwnedBusinesses
#ProcurementEmpowerment
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