Minimum Viable Consulting Service (MVCS), A Path to a Sustainable Business Model

Consulting Business Model

Startup solo consultants need a workable Business Model that uses their expertise to make a profit. They might acquire some initial consulting work from close associates or former employers, but they need to find a sustainable Business Model for their service concept. They make initial assumptions about the client value they produce but need to test those assumptions before fully launching their business. This reduces the expense and time spent developing a service that no one needs. 

Minimum Viable Consulting Service (MVCS)

I’m using MVCS to denote an initial version of a consultancy that helps startups validate their service concept before launching a full-blown consulting business. Startup consultants are often advised to first write a Business Plan. But their business is often not mature enough to write a detailed Business Plan. Here’s where MVCS comes in. MVCS is similar to the popular Minimum Viable Product (MVP). MVP is an early product version with just enough features to use in customer trials. Likewise, MVCS is used to assess potential clients’ needs for a consultant’s service. Here’s a process for developing an MVCS.

Interview Potential Clients to Find Problems to Solve

The results from the interviews form the basis for the initial version of your MVCS. 

Your interviewing goal is to gather “pain” details from target clients about the problems they need solved.

Interview Guidelines: 

• The interviews are not the time to pitch your service. 
• “Ask don’t Sell.” Ask about past and present, not: Will you? Would you? 
• Actively listen. Ask follow-on questions to elicit details. Use their own words when possible.

 Suggested Questions:

1. What happened the last time you experienced a major problem in ……….?
2. What was the most difficult part of the problem?
3. Who made it difficult?
4. How did you solve it?
5. Why aren’t you satisfied with the solution?

Close the Interview

Thank them for their time and sharing their information. Caution: As you part company, resist the temptation to pitch your service. 

Develop Minimum Viable Consulting Service (MVCS)

Compile and analyze the information from your interviews. Use the findings to adapt your service offering. This is your MVCS. 

Pitch your MVCS to Potential Clients

Validate the client value of your MVCS by pitching to prospects. Ask why they hired you or didn’t. Repeat the MVCS interviewing process and improve your service until you’ve achieved a sustainable Consulting Business Model.

Enhancing Human Capital^SM (EHC^SM)
Deep Dive Updates

Last Month's Deep Dive

In July, we performed a deep dive on the topic “Dealing with Difficult Personalities.” We started out by discussing the psychology behind difficult behaviors. By understanding the history of people’s anger and mistrust issues, one can gain empathy for them. Then we discussed strategies for dealing with difficult people with more constructive means than confrontation. By remaining calm and not matching negative emotions (such as anger) with negative emotions, confrontations can be deescalated and in many cases resolved positively.

Upcoming Deep Dive

August 21st 2025 – TBD, facilitated by Dave Bassett

Please join us for the next installments of RPCN’s EHC Deep Dive on Thursday August 21 at 11:30 AM via Zoom. As the topic discussed at the DD last August, this month’s topic will be chosen slightly differently than we typically choose topics.

August 7th and 8th of August is the Global Leadership Summit (GLS), which is a 2-day leadership seminar held in Chicago but broadcast to well over 200 sites around the world. Speakers at the upcoming GLS include: Juliet Funt, Nick Saban, David Ashcraft, James Hewitt, Stephanie Chung, and John C. Maxwell, among others. 

We’ll pick a topic that was covered at the GLS and do a Deep Dive on it. The speakers and topics at the GLS are always impressive and it should be fun to go in depth on one of these topics. We’ll pick the topic as soon as the GLS is complete. Apologies, in advance, for the short notice as to what the topic we discuss will be.

RPCN’s Enhancing Human Capital Deep Dives are held [via Zoom] on the third Thursday of every month 11:30am – 1pm ET. Members and non-members are welcome to join us for the next event FREE of charge. To get more information about EHC, please see https://RochesterConsultants.org/EHC , or email the EHC team .

How Consultants and Other Solopreneurs are Leveraging AI to Scale

Running a solo business means juggling many roles, from marketing and client communication to project delivery and administration. This can quickly become overwhelming. Luckily, artificial intelligence (AI) is changing the game. More solopreneurs are using AI-powered tools to automate tasks, boost creativity, and grow their businesses efficiently.

Saving Time with Automation

One of the biggest advantages of AI is automation. Tasks like scheduling meetings, answering common client questions, managing emails, or sending invoices can take up valuable time. AI tools such as virtual assistants, smart calendars, and automated invoicing systems take care of these tasks quickly and accurately.

This automation lets them focus on the work that matters most, such as delivering quality projects and building relationships, without getting bogged down by repetitive admin work.

Boosting Creativity and Content Creation

Freelancers in creative fields are embracing AI to enhance their productivity. AI writing assistants can generate drafts or suggest ideas, helping writers overcome blocks and speed up content production. Designers can use AI-powered platforms to get layout suggestions or color palettes tailored to their brand.

By speeding up the initial creative process, freelancers can take on more projects and offer new services. AI is becoming a helpful partner rather than a replacement for human creativity.

Managing Client Communication

Maintaining great client relationships is critical for solo professionals. AI-based customer relationship management (CRM) tools help track conversations, schedule follow-ups, and remember client preferences. AI chatbots can handle routine questions around the clock, ensuring clients get timely responses.

This technology allows consultants to deliver a high level of professionalism and responsiveness, even as their client list grows.

Making Smarter Decisions with Data

AI tools also provide access to valuable insights. Analytics platforms analyze website traffic, social media engagement, and marketing campaign results. This data helps consultants understand what works and adjust their strategies.

For example, a consultant can discover which types of social media posts attract the most clients or which keywords improve website visits. Making data-driven decisions helps solopreneurs focus their efforts effectively and grow their business.

Learning and Skill Development

Continuous learning is essential for consultants to stay competitive. AI-powered education platforms recommend courses tailored to a person’s skill gaps and goals. This personalized approach saves time and ensures learning is relevant.

By quickly acquiring new skills, consultants can expand their offerings and meet evolving client demands.

Scaling Without Hiring

Typically, growing a business means adding staff. For solopreneurs, this can be costly and complicated. AI offers a way to scale output without increasing headcount. Automation, enhanced creativity, and improved client management mean consultants can take on more work and serve more clients efficiently.

Use AI Responsibly

While AI is a powerful tool, it should complement human input rather than replace it. Overusing AI-generated content or automated messages can feel impersonal. Maintaining authenticity is key.

Also, consultants need to be mindful of privacy and data security when using AI tools to protect client information.

AI Drives the Future

As AI continues to improve, consultants and other solopreneurs who adopt these tools will have a strong advantage. They’ll be able to work smarter, deliver better results, and grow sustainably.

AI is no longer optional for independent professionals who want to scale. It’s an essential part of modern solopreneur success.

—Bob Manard