How can consultants develop industry-specific knowledge?

I've recently switched my focus industry within Carrington West and bar the "entry level" stuff (setting up relevant news feeds, joining specfic groups on social etc.), I found the most powerful thing to upskill was having the humility to ask questions to the experts. Every SME of any subject breathing today had to start somewhere and I found asking these questions and being vulnerable enough to admit you have no knowledge on a topic will (90% of the time) bring out the better nature in people who will want to help, explain and pass on the knowledge that they ultimately got from someone else at some stage! Don't be shy, give it a go if you aren't already!

Los consultores adquieren conocimientos de la industria mediante investigación activa, conexiones y colaboración con expertos internos. Participan en eventos, comunidades profesionales y analizan casos para obtener información práctica. La educación continua y el desarrollo de habilidades técnicas son prioritarios. La retroalimentación constante de clientes y colegas ajusta y mejora sus conocimientos, creando una base sólida. Este proceso alimenta un círculo virtuoso del conocimiento, donde la aplicación práctica, la visualización y análisis de resultados son fundamentales para el crecimiento profesional continuo.

Te comparto algunas estrategias que pueden funcionar: Inmersión Profunda: Esto implica consumir una amplia gama de recursos: desde libros y artículos especializados hasta informes de mercado y análisis de tendencias. Participar en conferencias, seminarios y foros de la industria también es esencial para mantenerse al tanto de los cambios y avances más recientes. Networking Estratégico: Establecer conexiones sólidas con profesionales clave de la industria proporciona una invaluable fuente de información y conocimiento. Participar en eventos de la industria, unirse a grupos de discusión en línea y buscar mentorías con líderes del sector pueden abrir puertas a perspectivas y oportunidades únicas.

Expertise and knowledge built over time and shared to teams by concrete practical pragmatic case studies. Discuss success stories as well failure

Consultants can develop industry-specific knowledge through continuous learning, networking, client immersion, cross-industry experience, and collaboration. Engaging in industry events, obtaining certifications, and leveraging technology for research are essential. Hands-on experience with clients, mentorship, and analyzing case studies contribute to a well-rounded understanding. Embracing a proactive, learning-oriented mindset ensures consultants stay updated on industry trends, fostering expertise and delivering valuable insights to clients.

I personally read a lot of articles and white papers. You may also try to do a SWOT and PESTEL analysis and gain a deeper understanding of a particular industry or a company. Read annual reports of the companies in your target space. You will get a lot of content.

A crucial task beyond researching the available information, publications and materials on the industry (macro) is an analysis and understanding of the micro-perspective of individual players in the given industry. This can be done by studying relevant companies, ideally through active engagement with decision-makers in the given company. Try to get a qualitative, real-world perspective from people who operate in the industry on a daily basis. This will allow you to see the actual workings, characteristics and issues much more vividly.

Consultants can build industry-specific knowledge by systematically analyzing key issues within the targeted sector. This involves conducting thorough market research to identify trends, challenges, and opportunities. Understanding the regulatory landscape and economic factors impacting the industry is crucial. Engaging in dialogue with industry stakeholders, including clients, competitors, and experts, can provide valuable perspectives. Consultants should also assess historical data and case studies to comprehend past challenges and successful strategies. Hands-on experience through immersion in industry projects is vital for practical insights.

As mentioned in the first point, analyzing what my guests say in the interviews is key to have an opinion and expand on it. Industry drivers are examined in the comments sections when professionals share their opinions and one can analyze challenges and opportunities. One thing I do is schedule an interview per week with a key person of influence from my industry and share thoughts and learn to write my next article topics.

Es muy importante que sepas identificar riesgos y oportunidades del sector en el que trabajas como asesor Hacer un buen análisis de diagnóstico para identificar problemas claves debe ser tu tareas mas importante. Busca los estandares mas adecuados de tu sector, sé la persona que mas lo conozca y pueda ayudar a dar soluciones a los problemas identificados. Ofrece siempre mas de lo que te comprometas

As an example, data benchmarks results. I've experienced the best practices in big data to create feasible, effective, and innovative solutions. The most effective insights come from experience and stakeholders typically value reporting. When it comes to Key Insights, Technology will always mimic our experiences to teach itself and Key Indicators are necessary for the fastest computers in the world to operate. It's our experience in reality that allows us to become consultants. Becoming a top consultant in your field is something that comes with time and being human.

Based on previous experience and analysis, ESG, disaster recovery and cybersecurity are the top 3 industry-specific challenges for the manufacturing companies in Taiwan. After the discussion and verification with some of our key customers, we decided to develop the consulting service offerings to address these key challenges for the manufacturing industry in Taiwan.

I apply key learnings from industry professionals from other sectors that have been for more than a decade following a system that works and that I can adapt to my industry. There are some changes to be made but there are plenty of paid courses that add amazing value. Those courses are often given by industry professionals with an outstanding track record. When you apply these systems into your industry, adding value about your findings is key to keep growing!

Para aplicar las ideas claves es importante que utilices benchmark del sector. Ver los casos de uso mas interesantes del sector te permitirá tener una visión holisitica de las soluciones a plantear, respecto a los problemas indentificados

In terms of application, the below can be explored. a. Implementation of the insights gained through hands-on experiences in client engagements will help with the application of the insights b. Utilization of analytical skills to apply knowledge effectively in addressing industry-specific challenges will go a long way.

Instead of reading books or taking some training courses, the most effective ways to update and deepen the industry-specific knowledge should be learnt from the customers directly.

The best way to obtain industry knowledge is to be interested. Ask questions...of internal industry specialists if you have them in your company or of friends or connections in that space. Try to understand what unique challenges their industry faces in common tasks: staffing, reporting, compliance, access, etc. Then research industry trends, read books and don't make assumptions. I love to learn about individuals and their work, so asking questions is a great way for me to connect with people and most are so willing to share their knowledge and expertise.

There are many ways in which industry specific knowledge can be actively acquired. For instance, from being mentored by an industry expert; networking with professionals in the given industry, especially industry ‘insiders’ with a wealth of experience in it; having access to structured e-learning tools and a curriculum that has been developed by qualified industry experts; attending conferences, seminars, workshops, and other forums in which knowledge gathering can be done; and reading industry publications.

Actively engage with clients in the industry to gain firsthand experience and insights. Understanding their challenges and objectives provides practical knowledge that goes beyond theoretical understanding. Seek mentorship from experienced professionals in the industry. Learning from someone with extensive industry knowledge can accelerate your understanding and help you navigate complexities more effectively.

As mentioned, have weekly interviews with industry professionals where you both add value to eachother. Also, if you want internal progress, listen to your customers, their feedback is the best thing that can happen to the business. Continuous learning is key and books work best for me but you need to research the best book for the specific thing you need fixing in that specific current moment.

I have detailed some of my recommendations below to assist contribution to this topic. a. Fostering mentorship relationships with experienced professionals for guidance and additional insights will help consultants in respect to Industry specific needs. b. Engaging in cross-functional projects to understand the interconnectedness of industries will help a long way. c. Continuous assessment of industry publications and blogs to maintain a holistic understanding is a major means of following through with the industry. d. Embracing a commitment to continuous learning and remaining adaptable to changes in the industry landscape is a personal decision that the consultant should prioritize.

So I have spent a lot of my career being a "demo queen". Meaning I gave lots of really good demos of software solutions for data based marketing solutions. If I was going to need to do one for an unfamiliar industry (or really any client) I would do the following: Look at their webpage, look at their competitors, look them up on Hoovers and/or Dunn & Bradstreet etc. Then I would sign up for their email marketing and/or loyalty program etc. I would research what that industry focused on; how they marketed etc. and then create a story around that with the software solution that I was working with at the time.

The other thing to consider is becoming an expert in a very small niche within the wider sector. Doing this makes it a little easier to a) go deep in your knowledge acquisition and b) stand out in a less competitive environment

Um in der Beratung wirklich gut zu performen, sollte das Wissen auf 3 Säulen basieren: - fundierter fachlicher Background - Wissen aus möglichst verschiedenen Kundenfällen, um best practises wirklich aus der Praxis zu kennen - eigene persönliche Erfahrungen im Fachgebiet, da diese enorm das Einfühlungsvermögen in spezifische Situationen und Herausforderungen erhöhen Das zusammen ergibt meiner Erfahrung nach dann die richtige Mischung in der Beratung: fachlich fundiert, mit best practises am Start und dem richtigen Gespür, was der Kunde wirklich braucht.

In your first consulting gig, be the fly on the wall. 1. Listen to every conversation around you. 2. Read every relevant article you can get your hands on. 3. Join any event that you can. 4.Connect with peers or even superiors on LinkedIn 5.Follow Top Voices relevant to your industry on Linkedin. 6.Reach out and ask questions when you need help. There are no such things as stupid questions. These are the strategies that have served me well in my 15 years of consulting.