Positioned for Success

be the ONLY one at the Top through the apeX Model

the Model for Developing Strategic Focus

make the Marketplace see you as the ONLY viable choice.

for the right Clients. with the right Problem.

the apeX Model

. . . funnel upward to a singular Peak

  • your Toolbox. ( in-Demand “product” )

    Take inventory of the experiences and skills you have which are in-Demand ( customer assessment / customer listening ).

    Will need to be “productized” as a repeatable offering / strategy / model / approach to provide credibility and induce client confidence.

    Clients hire consultants to solve a problem or get a result they cannot get internally. The Expertise they don’t have.   

    The consultant clients have the most confidence in gets the work.

  • EXCLUDE. ( desired Profile )

    Good Client Demographics + Psychographics.

    Think of yourself as an investor, not a consultant – you want the greatest ROI at acceptable Risk (e.g., not a Bank CD).

    Maximize your Return on Expertise (ROE).

    What clients get most value / impact from your expertise?

    Who you do your very best work for. There is an Opportunity Cost to working with the wrong clients.

    Being anything to everyone means you’re nothing to anyone.

  • get ATTENTION. ( threat )

    “I wonder what they know / do that we don’t.”

    The brain is wired for survival – significant threats get #1 priority.

    Connect what you do to a significant threat to their survival they’re already concerned about / is a priority for them.

  • the SOLUTIION. ( contrarian )

    When clients have problem, they research / ask trusted resources / try internally.

    Their first reaction isn’t to hire a consultant – only after they fail. But most are afraid a consultant will just try the same thing without any better success.

    They need a different way of solving / an alternative strategy – this is their reason for talking to you.

  • get CONFIDENCE. ( product )

    Clients want to believe because they need a solution – they are motivated to investigate your POV. How does this work? They must buy into your POV before they buy your offering.

    Become a category of ONE because no one else has your option.

    PRODUCTIZE YOUR SOLUTION.

  • the DNA. ( background )

    How did you come up with this solution?

    This adds Credibility and Confidence by explaining the experiences and proof-points which played a role in the evolution of this offering.