Easy Peasy

Welcome back to The 2x2 - the ultimate newsletter for independent consultants! We're here to ignite your imagination, empower your expertise, and make this Twosday an unforgettable day of discovery. With curated tools, in-depth solutions, groundbreaking new methods, and a dash of coolness, we've got your consulting prowess covered from every angle.

Get ready for a quadruple dose of awesomeness this week as we introduce you to our strategic frameworks, share Amelia Waters’ secrets to working from home (with kids!), disclose our favorite books for answering your “why” and teach you how to be a real rock star.

1. Strategic Frameworks Made Easy (You're Welcome

As ex-MBB indie consultants, we know that strategic frameworks are more than just analytical tools—they're fundamental to our consulting DNA. Let’s take the MECE, for example. 

For those already acquainted with the MECE (Mutually Exclusive, Collectively Exhaustive) principle, its significance in structuring complex problems is a familiar concept. Yet, even seasoned professionals can benefit from revisiting its core tenets. Originating from McKinsey's consulting toolkit, MECE ensures that our analytical breakdowns neither overlap nor omit any vital facets.

By consistently applying MECE, we prevent the pitfalls of redundant analysis and potential blind spots in our evaluations. Take, for example, segmenting a mature market; with MECE, we guarantee that no niche is double-counted or overlooked, enabling a precise targeting strategy.

In an environment where precision differentiates exceptional consulting from the ordinary, maintaining a sharp MECE perspective ensures we continually deliver exhaustive and exclusive insights, reinforcing our reputation for meticulous problem-solving.

Guess what ?!?! Here at TheConsult, we're not just offering a refresher on these iconic frameworks but also providing tailor-made templates. These resources are meticulously designed to streamline application, ensuring that your interventions are not just insightful but also efficient. Join us to get access to our full library!

2. 10 Minutes with Amelia Waters

Welcome to our next episode of "The Best 10 Minutes of Your Day" We had the pleasure of chatting with Amelia Waters - linkedin.com/in/ameliawaters - the delightful indie consultant and master orchestrator of work and home life.

Here’s a snapshot of her wisdom:

• Know what gives you your dopamine high. For Amelia, it’s being around to see it all come together at the end, but then quickly moving on.  

• You can use your superpowers at home too. Amelia and her husband have orchestrated a curriculum for home-schooling her kids that allowed them to cultivate their own interests without diminishing their interest and skill in learning.

• The benefit of being a fractional consultant is that you’re able to select the projects that work best for you. For Amelia, that includes working from home so her family can be together.

Amelia's secret for awe-inspiring results from home? Two self-designed door signs.

Curious to listen to the conversation? Come on over and Join Us!

3. Have You Asked Yourself the Why?

Thinking of trading those corporate cubicles for the dynamic world of solo endeavors? Such transitions are definitely unfamiliar waters, but with the right guiding stars, the path becomes clear.

Three enlightening reads can be instrumental for defining your new model for success:

• "Life Is What You Make It" by Peter Buffett: Beyond the glitters of fortune, Buffett urges readers to craft their unique definition of success.

• "The Psychology of Money" by Morgan Housel: It’s not just about numbers; Housel unravels the deep-seated emotional ties we have with our finances.

• "Die with Zero" by Bill Perkins: A compelling case for valuing experiences and memories over amassing wealth.

Each book offers more than just financial wisdom—they provide insights into life’s bigger canvas. If you're charting new territories, these are must-reads to illuminate your path!

4. We All Want to Be Taylor Swift

Picture this: That lonely guitar in the corner transformed into your passport to a world of melody and rhythm. Embracing the world of guitar offers a symphony of benefits beyond the allure of the spotlight. From supercharging your brain and offering a zen escape from daily hustle, to becoming the life of any gathering, those six strings hold the power to elevate your life in more ways than one. Guess what? Swift and Sheeran both started off on their own. Here's how to truly unlock the magic of those six strings.

The digital age is a boon for budding guitarists. Websites like JustinGuitar and GuitarTricks break down complex melodies into bite-sized lessons, making the learning curve smoother than a guitar solo in a ballad. For a more interactive experience, apps like Yousician gamify your learning process. It's like Guitar Hero, but in real life. If camaraderie is your tune, consider joining local jam sessions or group lessons to share, learn, and elevate your skills in a community.

Ready for some inspiration? Meet Steely Dan Founder, Doobie Brothers member and Grammy winner Jeff “Skunk” Baxter, a consultant to the Department of Defense with a high-level security clearance in the Pentagon. Here he talks Asymmetrical Thinking in a Conventional World. 

P.S. While you're at it, don't just stop at playing. Understand the notes behind the magic. Dive into reading music with resources like MusicTheory.net and Teoria. We’ll be your groupies, G&T in hand.

Remember, the path to success is paved with continuous learning and embracing fresh perspectives. So let's stay connected, share ideas, and elevate your consulting business.

Stay curious, our friends.

TheConsult.co brought to you by Keenan Reid Strategies

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