Why Leverage Smaller Consulting Firms

Upon being hired, I was tasked with three, year-one objectives; Improve the tech division services, reduce overall costs and develop the organization digital strategy.

I knew I would fail on my own

I learned as a first time CIO, to surround yourself with people better than yourself. I found my University Hospitals tech leadership team, affectionally dubbed “whiz kids”, from some outstanding global advisory firms. They were well trained and experienced. Now in their early thirties, their focus shifted to growing families. They wanted off the road. The timing was perfect for all of us. We developed a strategy on our own. In four years, the entire organization completed a massive turnaround, tech being a significant catalyst. All of us went on to become CIOs elsewhere.

The value of having a team with strategic chops and consulting experience never left me. This is one of my keys for a successful career.

As the first externally recruited executive in a long time, the last thing I wanted to do was show up and ask for one year and millions of dollars to bring in a typical consulting firm to help with the digital strategy. I knew with the right boutique firm; we could develop the strategy in 12 weeks at fractions of the cost. Three months later, the team responsible for developing the strategy presented to the executive team. It was adopted. A one-page summary was presented to the Board. We were on our way.

Experiences like these taught me the value of leveraging smaller teams who have equivalent training and experience of traditional firms but are agile and half the cost. We replicated this same approach in our cybersecurity strategies and elsewhere in the organization. The results spoke for themselves. There was no turning back.

Other than feeling safe, or history, it is difficult for me to understand why organizations use the old-fashioned approach. It’s not just my experience. The results I find of others leveraging smaller, agile companies, the more convinced I am this is the best approach. Leverage the best talent, but at a reasonable cost and timeframe.

Advantages of Boutique Consulting Firms

Personalized Service and Client Focus

Ability to offer personalized service and maintain a strong client focus. These firms can build closer relationships with their clients, tailoring their services to meet specific needs. This personalized approach often results in higher client satisfaction and more effective solutions.

Flexibility and Adaptability

Unlike large firms, they are not bound by rigid structures and bureaucratic processes, allowing them to respond quickly to changing client demands and market conditions. This agility enables them to implement innovative solutions and adapt strategies as needed, providing a competitive edge in dynamic environments.

Niche Expertise and Specialized Knowledge

Focus allows them to provide highly targeted insights and solutions that larger firms, with their broader service offerings, may not be able to match. Clients seeking expertise in specific areas often turn to boutique firms for their in-depth understanding and tailored approaches.

Faster Decision-Making Processes

The streamlined organizational structure facilitates faster decision-making processes. With fewer layers of management, these firms can make quick decisions and implement changes efficiently. This speed is particularly advantageous in healthcare where timely responses are crucial to success.

Competitive Pricing

You receive the same level of talent but without the inherent overhead of a giant firm. Many boutique firms have no physical space to pay debt on nor sophisticated training programs since they hire primarily seasoned leaders.

Personal Connections

This is harder to describe but I find the people easier to connect with. For the majority, they are not preoccupied with position nor politics and just want to do good work and have fun. I think this may be indicative of their previous decision to leave a traditional firm and to work in a smaller team culture.

Decisions. Next time you need a consulting firm, think about which kind is in best position to help your organization succeed. The traditional firm is not always the best solution. Compare and contrast. Take calculated risks.