Consulting 2.0

Consulting 1.0

1.0 to 2.0 Switch

Consulting 2.0

Consulting 1.0 refers to the traditional model of consulting, prominently characterized by large firms that dominate the industry. In this model, clients typically engage generalist career consultants who may lack specialized knowledge in niche areas. This approach often results in high overhead costs due to the extensive infrastructure maintained by these firms. Additionally, the setup process can be slower, as clients navigate the structured layers of decision-making within these large organizations. Furthermore, clients frequently purchase bundled services, which means they are essentially buying into the brand, along with access to partners, analysts, and other resources, instead of tailored solutions that address specific needs.

Consulting 2.0 surfaced as clients grew frustrated with the inefficiencies of the conventional model. In the conventional model, clients pay substantial fees primarily for a firm's name recognition, while the actual tasks are frequently handled by junior analysts and generalists who are still learning. In today's world, business challenges have become overly technical for generalists; instead of needing a "strategy consultant," you require a "computer vision expert for humanoid robot development." With the abundance of digital tools (especially AI tools) now available, it's not only feasible to operate in the new model, it's more likely to be more effective and productive than "old school" consulting.

Traditional consulting can be characterized as "humans selling time" and "we will solve this for you," while version 2.0 can be characterized as "humans selling specialized time" and "we will solve this with you." This shift is being largely driven by talent marketplaces, the rise of the gig economy, and solopreneurship becoming viable and realistic for those so inclined. In sum, Consulting 2.0 means that if you're looking for help, you're likely now able to find it to solve your exact problem for a fraction of the cost you'd pay for a big firm.