Collective 54

A bad contract can sink your business. Many service firms overcomplicate their client agreements, adding unnecessary friction—or worse, they leave out key protections. In today’s blog, Greg Alexander covers: - The 18 elements every contract needs - Two clauses that create more problems than they solve - How to set clear expectations upfront—without legal headaches #businessgrowth #contracts #clientagreements

Are you tracking the right numbers? In today’s blog, Matt Alexander shares: - The 10 core metrics every professional services firm should measure - Industry benchmarks to gauge performance - Actionable strategies to improve revenue, efficiency, and profitability From win rates to utilization rates to forecasting accuracy, these numbers separate high-performing firms from those struggling to scale. Which of these metrics are you tracking? Where do you see room for improvement? #salesmetrics #professionalservices #growthstrategy

The firms that track time properly don’t just survive—they thrive. One key lesson from buyers of professional services firms? Project profitability matters. If you can’t track labor costs, you can’t measure margins—or maximize valuation. In today’s blog, Rob Ripp explains: - How to accurately calculate project profitability - Why buyers pay a premium for firms with strong financial discipline - How simple time-tracking improvements can boost your bottom line If you’re not tracking time properly, you’re leaving money on the table. #professionalservices #businessvaluation #profitability

AI Isn’t Replacing You—It’s Giving You More Time to Grow. This week on the Pro Serv Podcast, Darren Horwitz shares how he’s leveraging AI to speed up processes, uncover insights, and optimize his firm’s operations. Key takeaways: - AI-powered data analysis – Identify trends & make smarter business decisions - AI for messaging & content strategy – Deliver the right message to the right audience - AI integration in client workflows – Automate tasks & enhance efficiency #AIforBusiness #ScalingFaster #ProServePodcast #Collective54 #ArtificialIntelligence

Most founders fail to maximize their firm’s value because they focus on financials—but buyers look beyond the numbers. In today’s blog, Todd Rapp, shares how to: - Turn intangible assets like brand and expertise into real valuation drivers - Reduce founder dependency for a smoother exit - Ensure your firm commands a premium multiple Which intangible asset has been most valuable in your business? Drop your answer below. #exitstrategy #consulting #scalingup

How should boutique firms structure retainer agreements for long-term success? In today’s blog, Greg Alexander breaks down the dos and don’ts of retainers—a powerful tool for predictable revenue, stronger client relationships, and better resource planning. What works: Clear scope, strong reporting, and well-defined pricing. What fails: Scope creep, underpricing, and lack of tracking. How do you approach retainers in your firm? Let’s discuss in the comments! #consulting #professionalservices #businessgrowth

The hardest step in scaling? Letting go. Chad Prinkey shares why holding onto client work keeps consulting firm owners stuck—and how to break free. - Empower your team to own key responsibilities - Improve operations by exposing SOP gaps - Shift from “doer” to “leader” for long-term success What’s your biggest challenge in letting go? #Leadership #ScalingSmart #ConsultingSuccess

This week on the Pro Serv Podcast, Brian Ackerman of Ascendient Healthcare Advisors shares how he’s using Collective 54’s scaling and exit tools to drive growth and reduce dependency on the firm’s partners. Key Takeaways: - The Firm Estimator & Exit Readiness Checklist – Are you on track for a lucrative exit? - Delegation & Knowledge Transfer – Why handing off responsibilities improves quality - Partner Calendar Optimization – How structuring your time fuels growth #Scaling #ProfessionalServices #ProServePodcast #Collective54 #ExitStrategy

Scott Arias explains why many firms perfect processes—but still fail to scale. Process without impact = wasted time. The best firms: - Refine processes to drive real results - Reward employees for outcomes, not busywork - Adapt to what actually works in the market Are you tracking effort or success? #Leadership #ScalingSuccess #BusinessStrategy

When the recession hit, one founder lost 40% of his firm’s revenue overnight. The mistake? Relying on one key client. The initial response? Denial. The solution? Leaning into a community of founders who had been there before. This founder’s journey from crisis to recovery is a masterclass in resilience. Read today’s blog to see how he rebuilt stronger than ever. #Leadership #BusinessGrowth #FounderLessons