Our mission is to spark new thinking and ideas for creating a thriving business and rewarding life.

ChatGPT

Well, we’re certainly hearing loads about this version of AI. I think it can be a big help, but not as big as everyone jumping on the bandwagon seems to think. (Remember Y2K and that frenzy?)

I put the Gettysburg Address, the Beatitudes, and the opening paragraph of my The Consulting Bible (good company, right?) through it for improvement, and the results were unimpressive. “Fourscore and seven” is not improved by using “eighty seven”!

I think the software will be great for obtaining concise versions of events and relationships, for instructions that are ordinarily obtuse, and for a sort of Google on steroids to find out about things. (At this stage it’s often “busy” and you have to wait. I bought a $20 monthly subscription to “cut the line.”)

So don’t give up trying to learn how to write better, just as you’ve probably regretted being unable to do math in your head anymore. I will admit, it’s certainly going to complicate evaluating term papers and dissertations!

Q&A
(send me your questions for future issues)

“My buyer has very mediocre coaches working with his franchisee clients. Consequently, they aren’t used very much. His plan is to place them in a new relationship where the clients can’t avoid using them. I think instead the buyer needs to be improving their abilities or replacing them. How do I handle this?”

—Terry Riley

You have to place it in the buyer’s self-interest. Frankly, this reminds me of a company replacing a faulty product by sending the customer two faulty products. Explain that, in this new, pivotal role, the coaches who before had a low profile will now be seen as of little help and a burden, and this will reflect directly on their decisions about renewing the franchise and providing referrals to others. Demonstrate the inevitable undermining of the business.

“I have a consulting/coaching firm which I began a dozen years ago. I have four employees and three subcontractors. Our annual revenues are between three and four million. How much do you think I could sell this business for in the near future?”

—Carlos Herrara

That depends on a great deal you haven’t told me and I’m not an expert in business valuation. But I will tell you this: Typically, boutique consulting firms sell for 1-2 times revenues or 4-6 times earnings in my experience. But a key determinant is whether the firm can attract and sustain new business without your presence. The owner is often the sole rainmaker. In that case, you may be required to spend X years with the firm post-acquisition to ensure a continuing revenue stream and to retain all key clients. Find yourself a specialist in these sales well before you plan to try to sell the business so that you can increase valuation and consider those other issues.

Send your questions to me at [email protected]

Developmental Stuff

Building Self-Worth

My overwhelming experience is that dysfunctional issues such as procrastination, excuses, fear, guilt, and other performance blockages are caused by low self-esteem. By that I mean a lack of self-respect and a lack of confidence in your own abilities. Join me for 90 minutes on Zoom to learn the specific techniques to build self-esteem and enjoy far more success and enjoyment in life. March 16.

Quarterly Insights

I’m providing four, hour-long Zoom sessions on current trends, my predictions, innovative marketing ideas, and the success factors of my global community every three months beginning in April. These will be recorded and distributed. You can ask “live” questions during these sessions. $1,000 annually.

The Advisory Suite

Join me for coaching in groups or one-on-one in a variety of configurations that suits your needs and timing. Rapid, pragmatic improvement, as always.

Alan’s Coaching Confidential Newsletter™

Sign up to receive my unique, monthly, highly targeted newsletter which contains inventive coaching methodology, case studies, and strange experiences in the coaching trade! I’ve coached thousands of business executives and entrepreneurs globally.

Million Dollar Consulting® for the World

I’ve provided 14 modules with videos from me, from your colleagues globally, slides, and text. They include everything from launch to self-esteem, proposals to fees, closing business to creating a brand. No upsells! It’s only $115. What do you think about a 10,000:1 ROI? We have over 500 people from 47 countries.

New: Million Dollar Consulting® for the World ADVANCED

The new program is available in March, you can order now, and it contains over 60 videos and has 15 modules focusing on what to do in the buyer’s office, overcoming crises, financial planning, and much, much more.

NEW: MASTER MASTER CLASS

On March 21-23 (2.5 days) I’m offering a unique session into my own success and techniques, and how I see things that others don’t, enabling rapid agreements and high-fee, low-labor projects. Can you identify patterns and contradictions in others’ behavior? Can you respond “in the moment” with a pithy example or quote? Can you produce social proof immediately for your ideas and approaches? Can you readily identify the most likely influence on a prospect? I can, and I’ll show you how in this intense session that’s going to be one-time only. You can attend this in person or virtually! $5,000, includes most meals (but not virtually!).

Sold out in person, remote attendance available.

SENTIENT STRATEGY

SENTIENT STRATEGY, my new book, will be released in March. It’s a revolutionary approach being facilitated by over 70 people in five countries. Here’s how you can reserve advanced copies of the book and gain bonuses for doing so.

Next Sentient certification sessions, 6 and 7 at 5 pm US eastern time, three hours each, write me to apply: [email protected]

Two spaces left.