But Before We Get There…

You can’t possibly have missed it as we’re shouting out everywhere, but our first monthly workshop is TOMORROW. I’ll be sharing all of our time- and money-saving SaaS recommendations.

All attendees will receive the Business Operations for Indie Consultants: Our Guide resource.

This will be the best 25 minutes of your day, so sign up for TheConsult.co to register today!

1. McDonald's: A Consulting Cautionary Tale

This week in TheConsult.co, Lauren explores how McDonald's is stirring the pot with transformative changes to its franchise model.

Here’s a sneak peek:

For decades, McDonald’s made few changes to its franchise agreements. That stability built enormous trust with operators, who ran process-focused businesses that churned outgrowth through food sales.

That changed in 2014, when the company began to implement a series of changes that escalated operating costs, squeezed profit margins, and complicated operations for franchise owners. 

Here are some highlights:

• 2017: Required $500k remodels, then raised the rent.

• 2018: Shifted training costs to operators and decreased field support.

• 2020: Limited marketing subsidies and raised fees.

• 2023: Increased performance standards and inspections.

• 2023: Increased controls on franchise sales and transfers.

• 2024: Increased annual fees for new and transferred franchises by 25%.

• 2024: Cost & Labor pressures from “Better Burger.”

Again, small in isolation. But each of these changes has raised expenses for franchisees. Many require training and management time to teach workers the new, more complex process. Owners feel higher cost of labor, management turnover, and increased capital investments.

But most of all, the changes have created a chorus of “What’s next?” among long time owners, eroding the culture of trust and stability McDonald’s built over five decades.

Dive deeper with us and explore the future implications for McDonald's and its franchisees by joining our Community.

Unlock full access to this article here.

2. Steal Our Proven Template for Client Kickoffs

Project kickoffs – they're not just meetings; they're your golden ticket to clinching the contract.

But let’s be real: prepping for them can feel like gearing up for a space mission, minus the cool suits. You’re juggling people, opinions, and a whole lot of coffee.

This is where systems and templates swoop in like superheroes. A standard procedure doesn’t stutter. It streamlines your prep, letting you focus on the expertise and unique value that wins clients over.

So, if you haven’t already, check out our Project Kickoff Deck template. 

And just in case you don’t already have enough reasons to be a member, stay tuned as our February workshop will deep dive into planning perfect kickoffs.

3. Are You Solving the Problems That Keep Your Clients Up at Night?

As indie consultants, we provide the greatest value when we are solving our clients’ hardest problems. 

But, we maximize our value when we are working (and billing) consistently. 

That’s why we love this HBR Professional Service Spectrum - a framework to evaluate your consulting services.

It's about striking the right balance between being indispensable and in demand by solving the problems that give your clients gray hair. 

Are YOU saving your clients a trip to the salon?

4. Your Formula for a Perfect Weekend

Why should we spend all of our energy on time management during the week when it’s just as important to get the most out of recharging over the weekend?

That’s why we love this science-backed recipe from WSJ.

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.

Having trouble viewing this email? Check out this and past issues on our website.

Was this newsletter forwarded? Someone is looking out for you. You should definitely subscribe!