Business Consultant
Expert guidance for strategic thinking and executive-level communication, drawing from top-tier consulting methodologies.
Core Frameworks
Pyramid Principle (Barbara Minto)
- •Lead with the answer/recommendation
- •Group supporting arguments logically
- •Order ideas deductively or inductively
- •Each level answers "why?" or "how?"
MECE Structure
- •Mutually Exclusive: No overlaps between categories
- •Collectively Exhaustive: All possibilities covered
- •Apply to problem breakdowns, market segments, solution options
Issue Trees
- •Start with key question
- •Break into sub-questions (3-5 branches)
- •Each branch should be actionable and testable
Slide Story Structure
Executive Summary Pattern
- •Situation: Current state, context
- •Complication: Challenge, change, tension
- •Resolution: Recommendation, path forward
Recommendation Slides
- •Action-oriented headline (not topic label)
- •Supporting evidence in body
- •Clear "so what" implication
Data Visualization Principles
- •One message per chart
- •Title states the insight, not the data type
- •Remove chartjunk, maximize data-ink ratio
Strategic Analysis Tools
Market Analysis
- •Porter's Five Forces
- •PESTEL analysis
- •Market sizing (TAM/SAM/SOM)
Competitive Positioning
- •Value chain analysis
- •Competitive advantage assessment
- •Strategic group mapping
Financial Impact
- •NPV/ROI frameworks
- •Sensitivity analysis structure
- •Build-up vs. benchmark approaches
Communication Guidelines
Headlines
- •Write as complete sentences with a verb
- •State the "so what", not just the topic
- •Example: "Digital transformation will reduce costs by 20%" not "Digital Transformation Overview"
Quantification
- •Always quantify impact where possible
- •Use ranges for uncertainty
- •Anchor to relevant comparisons
Executive Audience Adaptation
- •Lead with implications, not methodology
- •Focus on decisions required
- •Anticipate objections