In Case Interview Secrets, you'll discover step-by-step instructions on how to dominate what many consider to be the most complex, most difficult, and most intimidating corporate job interview in the world—the infamous case interview. Victor Cheng, a former McKinsey management consultant, reveals his proven, insider's method for acing the case interview. Having personally secured job offers from McKinsey, Bain & Company, Monitor, L.E.K, Oliver Wyman, and A.T. Kearney, he has also been a McKinsey case interviewer—providing you with a hands-on, real-world perspective on what it really takes to land job offers.Cheng’s protégées work in all the major strategy management consulting firms, including McKinsey, The Boston Consulting Group, Bain & Company, Monitor Company, A.T. Kearny, Oliver Wyman, L.E.K, Roland Berger, Accenture, and Deloitte, as well as in the strategic planning departments of numerous Fortune 500 companies. Whether you’re an undergraduate, MBA, PhD, or experienced-hire applicant candidate, you’ll discover: What case interviewers really say about you behind closed doors but wouldn’t dare tell you—until now The subtle yet specific performance differences that separate those who get management consulting offers from those who don’t The 10 biggest mistakes candidates make in case interviews (and how to avoid them) The 3 specific things interviewers expect in the first 5 minutes of a case that often decide the outcome on the spot An insider’s take on what interviewers really look for and why—and how to give them what they want

"If more business books were as useful, concise, and just plain fun to read as THE MCKINSEY WAY, the business world would be a better place." --Julie Bick, best-selling author of ALL I REALLY NEED TO KNOW IN BUSINESS I LEARNED AT MICROSOFT."Enlivened by witty anecdotes, THE MCKINSEY WAY contains valuable lessons on widely diverse topics such as marketing, interviewing, team-building, and brainstorming." --Paul H. Zipkin, Vice-Dean, The Fuqua School of BusinessIt's been called "a breeding ground for gurus." McKinsey & Company is the gold-standard consulting firm whose alumni include titans such as "In Search of Excellence" author Tom Peters, Harvey Golub of American Express, and Japan's Kenichi Ohmae.When Fortune 100 corporations are stymied, it's the "McKinsey-ites" whom they call for help. In THE MCKINSEY WAY, former McKinsey associate Ethan Rasiel lifts the veil to show you how the secretive McKinsey works its magic, and helps you emulate the firm's well-honed practices in problem solving, communication, and management.He shows you how McKinsey-ites think about business problems and how they work at solving them, explaining the way McKinsey approaches every aspect of a task:How McKinsey recruits and molds its elite consultants;How to "sell without selling";How to use facts, not fear them;Techniques to jump-start research and make brainstorming more productive;How to build and keep a team at the top its game;Powerful presentation methods, including the famous waterfall chart, rarely seen outside McKinsey;How to get ultimate "buy-in" to your findings;Survival tips for working in high-pressure organizations.Both a behind-the-scenes look at one of the most admired and secretive companies in the business world and a toolkit of problem-solving techniques without peer, THE MCKINSEY WAY is fascinating reading that empowers every business decision maker to become a better strategic player in any organization.

The Wall Street Journal calls Case in Point the MBA Bible! Cosentino demystifies the consulting case interview. He takes you inside a typical interview by exploring the various types of case questions and he shares with you the acclaimed Ivy Case System which will give you the confidence to answer even the most sophisticated cases. The book includes over 40 strategy cases, ten case starts exercises and 21 ways to cut costs, plus much, much more!For Kindle edition, best viewed on a tablet, using a basic Kindle distorts the book and you lose graphs.

"If more business books were as useful, concise, and just plain fun to read as THE MCKINSEY WAY, the business world would be a better place." --Julie Bick, best-selling author of ALL I REALLY NEED TO KNOW IN BUSINESS I LEARNED AT MICROSOFT."Enlivened by witty anecdotes, THE MCKINSEY WAY contains valuable lessons on widely diverse topics such as marketing, interviewing, team-building, and brainstorming." --Paul H. Zipkin, Vice-Dean, The Fuqua School of BusinessIt's been called "a breeding ground for gurus." McKinsey & Company is the gold-standard consulting firm whose alumni include titans such as "In Search of Excellence" author Tom Peters, Harvey Golub of American Express, and Japan's Kenichi Ohmae.When Fortune 100 corporations are stymied, it's the "McKinsey-ites" whom they call for help. In THE MCKINSEY WAY, former McKinsey associate Ethan Rasiel lifts the veil to show you how the secretive McKinsey works its magic, and helps you emulate the firm's well-honed practices in problem solving, communication, and management.He shows you how McKinsey-ites think about business problems and how they work at solving them, explaining the way McKinsey approaches every aspect of a task:How McKinsey recruits and molds its elite consultants;How to "sell without selling";How to use facts, not fear them;Techniques to jump-start research and make brainstorming more productive;How to build and keep a team at the top its game;Powerful presentation methods, including the famous waterfall chart, rarely seen outside McKinsey;How to get ultimate "buy-in" to your findings;Survival tips for working in high-pressure organizations.Both a behind-the-scenes look at one of the most admired and secretive companies in the business world and a toolkit of problem-solving techniques without peer, THE MCKINSEY WAY is fascinating reading that empowers every business decision maker to become a better strategic player in any organization.

Consulting may be defined as the art of influencing people at their request. The Secrets of Consulting takes you behind the scenes of that art, explaining in detail why the world of consulting seems so irrational, and some very practical steps you can take to make it more rational. Topics Gaining control of change, marketing and pricing your services, what to do when they resist your ideas, and more.The Secrets of Consulting has been used in dozens of different fields. If you are a consultant, or ever use a consultant, this book is for you. The author draws on his 50+ years of consulting experience to share his secrets about the often irrational world of consulting. "This is a great book. Period! ...this advice is clearly applicable to more than just consulting; it is applicable to life in general." "The book is truly wonderful. A must have!" - Amazon reviews

The Wall Street Journal calls Case in Point the MBA Bible! Cosentino demystifies the consulting case interview. He takes you inside a typical interview by exploring the various types of case questions and he shares with you the acclaimed Ivy Case System which will give you the confidence to answer even the most sophisticated cases. The book includes 40 strategy cases, ten case starts exercises and 21 ways to cut costs, plus much, much more!

An introduction to the most enduring ideas on management from Harvard Business ReviewChange is the one constant in business, and we must adapt or face obsolescence. Yet certain challenges never go away. That's what makes this book "must read." These are the 10 seminal articles by management's most influential experts, on topics of perennial concern to ambitious managers and leaders hungry for inspiration--and ready to run with big ideas to accelerate their own and their companies' success.If you read nothing else - full stop - read: Michael Porter on creating competitive advantage and distinguishing your company from rivals John Kotter on leading change through eight critical stages Daniel Goleman on using emotional intelligence to maximize performance Peter Drucker on managing your career by evaluating your own strengths and weaknesses Clay Christensen on orchestrating innovation within established organizations Tom Davenport on using analytics to determine how to keep your customers loyal Robert Kaplan and David Norton on measuring your company's strategy with the Balanced Scorecard Rosabeth Moss Kanter on avoiding common mistakes when pushing innovation forward Ted Levitt on understanding who your customers are and what they really want C. K. Prahalad and Gary Hamel on identifying the unique, integrated systems that support your strategy

The Unbeatable, Updated, Comprehensive Guidebook For First-Time ConsultantsGetting Started In ConsultingMore people than ever are making the jump from corporate offices to home offices, taking control of their futures, being their own bosses, and starting their own consultancies. Consulting is a bigger business than ever and growing every day.For almost a decade, Alan Weiss's Getting Started in Consulting has been an indispensable resource for anyone who wants to strike out on his own and start a new consulting business. It provides a rich source of expert advice and practical guidance, and it shows you how you can combine low overhead and a high degree of organization to add up to a six- or even seven-figure income. You'll learn everything you need to know about financing your business, marketing your services, writing winning proposals, meeting legal requirements, setting fees, keeping the books, and much more.This new Third Edition of Getting Started in Consulting is more comprehensive, up to date, and practical than ever. In addition to the nuts-and-bolts basics, you'll also get a wealth of new information and resources:How to leverage new technologies to lower your business costs and increase your profitsA budget sampler that shows you how best to maximize an initial start-up investment of $5,000, $10,000, or $20,000Free downloadable tools and forms to help you design and start your business quickly and easilyNew interviews with consultants who achieved rapid success, including their personal stories and most effective techniquesBrand-new references, examples, and appendicesIf your dream in life is to get out of the office and out on your own, consulting is a great way to make it happen. Make sure you do it right?and do it profitably?with Getting Started in Consulting, Third Edition.

Timeless advice from the pages of Harvard Business Review You want the most important ideas on management all in one place. Now you can have them--in a set of HBR's 10 Must Reads. We've combed through hundreds of Harvard Business Review articles on strategy, change leadership, managing people, and managing yourself and selected the most important ones to help you maximize your performance.This six-title collection includes only the most critical articles from the world's top management experts, curated from Harvard Business Review's rich archives. We've done the work of selecting them so you won’t have to. These books are packed with enduring advice from the best minds in business such as: Michael Porter, Clayton Christensen, Peter Drucker, John Kotter, Daniel Goleman, Jim Collins, Ted Levitt, Gary Hamel, W. Chan Kim, Renee Mauborgne and much more.The HBR's 10 Must Reads Boxed Set includes:HBR's 10 Must Reads: The EssentialsThis book brings together the best thinking from management's most influential experts. Once you've read these definitive articles, you can delve into each core topic the series explores: managing yourself, managing people, leadership, strategy, and change management.HBR's 10 Must Reads on Managing YourselfThe path to your professional success starts with a critical look in the mirror. Here's how to stay engaged throughout your 50-year work life, tap into your deepest values, solicit candid feedback, replenish your physical and mental energy, and rebound from tough times. This book includes the bonus article "How Will You Measure Your Life?" by Clayton M. Christensen.HBR's 10 Must Reads on Managing PeopleManaging your employees is fraught with challenges, even if you're a seasoned pro. Boost their performance by tailoring your management styles to their temperaments, motivating with responsibility rather than money, and fostering trust through solicited input. This book includes the bonus article "Leadership That Gets Results," by Daniel Goleman.HBR's 10 Must Reads on LeadershipAre you an extraordinary leader--or just a good manager? Learn how to motivate others to excel, build your team's confidence, set direction, encourage smart risk-taking, credit others for your success, and draw strength from adversity. This book includes the bonus article "What Makes an Effective Executive," by Peter F. Drucker.HBR's 10 Must Reads on StrategyIs your company spending too much time on strategy development, with too little to show for it? Discover what it takes to distinguish your company from rivals, clarify what it will (and won't) do, create blue oceans of uncontested market space, and make your priorities explicit so employees can realize your vision. This book includes the bonus article "What Is Strategy?" by Michael E. Porter.HBR's 10 Must Reads on Change ManagementMost companies' change initiatives fail--but yours can beat the odds. Learn how to overcome addiction to the status quo, establish a sense of urgency, mobilize commitment and resources, silence naysayers, minimize the pain of change, and motivate change even when business is good. This book includes the bonus article 'Leading Change," by John P. Kotter.About the HBR's 10 Must Reads Series:HBR's 10 Must Reads series is the definitive collection of ideas and best practices for aspiring and experienced leaders alike. These books offer essential reading selected from the pages of Harvard Business Review on topics critical to the success of every manager. Each book is packed with advice and inspiration from the best minds in business.

NEW EDITION AVAILABLE.This is the OLDER 1st edition. The NEWER 2nd edition is available: amzn.to/2W13eFRBEWARE OF COUNTERFEIT BOOKS. Readers report that Amazon's 3rd-party sellers are selling counterfeit books; the counterfeits have misprints, missing pages or pages in reverse order. We are working with Amazon to resolve the issue. In the meantime, purchase genuine books with the Amazon.com logo: bit.ly/2XqFAXBIntroduction to the First EditionInterview Math, 1st Edition provides 50+ practice problems and answers to help job seekers master quantitative interview questions including: Market Sizing Revenue Estimates Profitability Breakeven Pricing Customer Lifetime ValueIf you're targeting one of the highly coveted after positions below, you'll need to master interview math questions: Management Consulting: McKinsey, Bain, Boston Consulting Group, Deloitte General Management: Capital One, Taser Marketing: General Mills, Google, Hershey Software Engineering: Goldman Sachs, Microsoft Finance: American Airlines, Best Buy, JetBlueYou'll learn interview math concepts and principles — and then master those concepts with practice questions filled with detailed answers.After going through the book, candidates will feel knowledgeable, confident, relaxed and ready to tackle consulting math questions.

Mastering the Case Interview (4th edition) outlines the essential interview principles and identifies strategies you can use to master the case analysis. It offers an overview of the most common types of problems given in case interviews, outlines a framework for approaching each type of case, and provides a variety of case interview examples. In addition, this book offers detailed advice on how to manage the interview process: it includes specific interview guidelines, provides sample questions and answers, and outlines practical strategies on how to ace the case interview.

McKinsey & Company's bestselling guide to teaching corporate valuation - the fully updated seventh editionValuation: Measuring and Managing the Value of Companies, University Edition is filled with the expert guidance from McKinsey & Company that students and professors have come to rely on for over nearly three decades. Now in its seventh edition, this acclaimed volume continues to help financial professionals and students around the world gain a deep understanding of valuation and help their companies create, manage, and maximize economic value for their shareholders.This latest edition has been carefully revised and updated throughout, and includes new insights on topics such as digital, ESG (environmental, social and governance), and long-term investing, as well as fresh case studies. For thirty years, Valuation has remained true to its basic principles and continues to offer a step-by-step approach to teaching valuation fundamentals, including:Analyzing historical performance Forecasting performance Estimating the cost of capital Interpreting the results of a valuation in context Linking a company's valuation multiples to core performance driversThe University Edition contains end-of-chapter review questions to help students master key concepts from the book.Wiley also offers an Online Instructor's Manual with a full suite of learning resources to complement valuation classroom instruction.

The number one guide to corporate valuation is back and better than everThoroughly revised and expanded to reflect business conditions in today's volatile global economy, Valuation, Fifth Edition continues the tradition of its bestselling predecessors by providing up-to-date insights and practical advice on how to create, manage, and measure the value of an organization.Along with all new case studies that illustrate how valuation techniques and principles are applied in real-world situations, this comprehensive guide has been updated to reflect new developments in corporate finance, changes in accounting rules, and an enhanced global perspective. Valuation, Fifth Edition is filled with expert guidance that managers at all levels, investors, and students can use to enhance their understanding of this important discipline. Contains strategies for multi-business valuation and valuation for corporate restructuring, mergers, and acquisitions Addresses how you can interpret the results of a valuation in light of a company's competitive situation Also available: a book plus CD-ROM package (978-0-470-42469-8) as well as a stand-alone CD-ROM (978-0-470-42457-7) containing an interactive valuation DCF modelValuation, Fifth Edition stands alone in this field with its reputation of quality and consistency. If you want to hone your valuation skills today and improve them for years to come, look no further than this book.

The acclaimed bestseller about visual problem solving-now bigger and better"There is no more powerful way to prove that we know something well than to draw a simple picture of it. And there is no more powerful way to see hidden solutions than to pick up a pen and draw out the pieces of our problem."So writes Dan Roam in The Back of the Napkin, the international bestseller that proves that a simple drawing on a humble napkin can be more powerful than the slickest PowerPoint presentation. Drawing on twenty years of experience and the latest discoveries in vision science, Roam teaches readers how to clarify any problem or sell any idea using a simple set of tools.He reveals that everyone is born with a talent for visual thinking, even those who swear they can't draw. And he shows how thinking with pictures can help you discover and develop new ideas, solve problems in unexpected ways, and dramatically improve your ability to share your insights.Take Herb Kelleher and Rollin King, who figured out how to beat the traditional hub-and-spoke airlines with a bar napkin and a pen. Three dots to represent Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio. Three arrows to show direct flights. Problem solved, and the picture made it easy to sell Southwest Airlines to investors and customers.Now with more color, bigger pictures, and additional content, this new edition does an even better job of helping you literally see the world in a new way. Join the teachers, project managers, doctors, engineers, assembly-line workers, pilots, football coaches, marine drill instructors, financial analysts, students, parents, and lawyers who have discovered the power of solving problems with pictures.

With over 33,500 copies sold of the previous edition, the winning formula of this incredibly successful book will remain the same. From SWOT analysis and core competencies to risk reward analysis and the innovation circle, Key Management Models explains each model in a clear, structured and practical way. There is a brief overview of each of the 61 essential models that spans no more than 3-4 pages. For each model you will find: * The model in a nutshell ('the big idea') * Its applicability ('when to use it') * The practicalities of applying it ('how to use it') * A critical appraisal ('the final analysis') The PERFECT reference book, no matter what business you're in.

Bestselling author David Maister teams up with Charles H. Green and Robert M. Galford to bring us the essential tool for all consultants, negotiators, and advisors.In today's fast-paced networked economy, professionals must work harder than ever to maintain and improve their business skills and knowledge. But technical mastery of one's discipline is not enough, assert world-renowned professional advisors David H. Maister, Charles H. Green, and Robert M. Galford. The key to professional success, they argue, is the ability to earn the trust and confidence of clients. To demonstrate the paramount importance of trust, the authors use anecdotes, experiences, and examples -- successes and mistakes, their own and others' -- to great effect. The result is an immensely readable book that will be welcomed by the inexperienced advisor and the most seasoned expert alike.

Game-changing tips and tricks to nail the case interview and launch your consulting career.Management consultants Destin Whitehurst and Erin Robinson give you need-to-know techniques for polishing your poise and tightening your case interview skills. 20 Days to Ace the Case Interview preps you with the nuts and bolts of the case interview process with daily exercises, mock interviews, and industry know-how designed to help you ace your interview.Think of this book as your twenty-day intensive, management consulting boot camp, the perfect supplement to your arsenal of case interview lessons and material.With this guidebook, you will: Gain day-by-day structure: Daily case interview exercises progressively prep you Ask the right questions: Fundamental frameworks teach you exactly what to ask under pressure Learn from the pros: Review real-life stories from consulting experts Uncover unique strategies: Discover custom-developed case interview tips straight from the authors Go off script: Adapt what you've learned with our bonus case interview guides

You need to learn to manage a study like a McKinsey or BCG consultant, without having to work at the firm, and develop deep insights.Now in its 10th year of publication, in its 2nd edition and having been used in over 150 countries, this book summarizes the teaching of the author and the eminent ex-McKinsey, BCG et al. partners who produce all our content on StategyTraining.com. This is the companion guide to our popular book, The Strategy Journal.Follow an engagement team as they assist a large company in diagnosing and fixing deep and persistent organizational issues over an 8-week assignment. Learn how they successfully navigate a challenging client environment, frame the problem and limit the scope, develop hypotheses, build the analyses and provide the final recommendations.For the last 10 years you have seen us solve significant business problems and publish them on StrategyTraining.com. These include helping a bank enter the US market, merging IT companies, developing a digital strategy for a bank, launching an electric car business and more. This book summarizes the underlying process common to all those studies.You will learn how to:Define the problem statement.Build a unique framework for the problem.Prioritize the framework for analyses.Develop hypotheses.Prepare tests for the hypotheses.Collect data for the tests.Build a storyboard.Yet, studies are about managing teams of consultants. This book shows you how to use the tools, and the soft skills, to manage the study and team:Project chartersProject logicTimelinesOpportunity chartsBenefits chartsTop-down vs Bottom-up analysesFocus interviewsInternal / Client project update meetingsPre-PresentsImplementation PlanningQuick win developmentManaging a client workshopWritten as a story running week by week, the book takes you into a study, as seen through the eyes of the business case leader. You can follow step-by-step as the team prepares for the study, all the way to the final report. You will be able to see the analyses produced and slides developed.Clients who have used the book report:Greater influenceGreater recognitionRapid promotionsFaster projectsDeeper insightsA sense of purposeRESERVE YOUR SPOT FOR FREE EPISODES FROM EX-MCK ET AL. PARTNERS AT FIRMSCONSULTING.COM/PROMO

“You want a job in consulting? This book is a must have! David Ohrvall is indubitably the black-belt of case interview preparation. This book is the preparation bible of any serious candidate.” -njm83 (Amazon reviewer) Crack the Case System shows you how to master the core skills you need for conquering the toughest interview of your career: the case interview. Favored by top consulting firms and many Fortune 500 companies, a case interview is a rigorous test of your analytical skills, business savvy and personal presentation. David Ohrvall, former Bain & Company management consultant, has trained over 50,000 top MBAs and undergrads at elite business schools around the world in his legendary Crack the Case Workshops. In Crack the Case System, David delivers a complete training program, including over 40 cases and 160 companion videos that take you deeper into key concepts and show you how star candidates approach a variety of case questions.In addition to step-by-step practical instruction on nailing your cases, you’ll also discover: Roadmaps for navigating the 13 most common case types, using a common sense approach to business concepts How to show off the 6 essential skills your interviewer is looking for in winning candidates What separates mediocre candidates from exceptional performers who land offers Tips for fine-tuning your approach to different firm styles and formats How to deliver high-impact answers to the 7 most important questions in your fit interviews 4 detailed practice plans to take you from beginner to case ninja at your preferred pace 42 cases available as FREE downloads on MBACASE.com, including case starts, market sizing, short business cases and full cases with slides and handouts Over 160 companion videos FREE on MBACASE.com“Hands down the best, most comprehensive case-prep system on the market.” —RW“Using the videos and coaching from Crack the Case System, I earned an offer from a Top 3 firm in one of the most competitive offices in the US (and had final round interviews with the other two). I highly recommend this text to anyone seeking to improve their case skills.” —Richard H“I just received an offer from a top-tier consulting firm, and Crack the Case System was by far the most helpful resource I used for interview preparation. I can honestly say that I would not have received my offer without this book.” —Kdubs1234“The Crack the Case System book is by far one of the best stand alone study guides published. I highly recommend this book for all MBAs, APDs, or undergrads that need to prepare for interviews.” —Alvin L.

The new edition of bestselling real-world guide to consultancy success, from the “Rock Star of Consulting” Alan WeissThe second edition of The Consulting Bible: Everything You Need to Know to Create and Expand a Seven-Figure Consulting Practice remains the most comprehensive and practical guide to the consulting profession, from launch to high growth, from marketing to implementation. Legendary consultant, speaker, and bestselling author Alan Weiss shows you how to create an independent or boutique consulting practice and take it to seven-figure success. Step-by-step, this invaluable resource guides you through attracting clients, maximizing your value, and achieving your career goals.In the decade since the first publication of The Consulting Bible, an array of significant developments has dramatically impacted the consulting profession: shifts in social consciousness, the Covid-19 pandemic, tele-consulting and virtual meetings, the globalization of the economy, the growth of social media, and many more. This exhaustively revised new edition provides specific approaches and techniques for mastering the new consulting environment and turning volatility and disruption into unlimited opportunities. Designed to help you become the authority and expert that organizations turn to again and again, this book is your one-stop resource for: Building a strong global brand that draws people to you Marketing remotely to reduce costs and allow for higher fees Mastering the latest implementation techniques Forging strong relationships with the buyers of a new generation Selecting the consulting methodology that best fits your requirements Writing proposals and creating testimonials and references Using advanced technology to sell and deliver your servicesWritten for newcomers and veterans alike, The Consulting Bible: Everything You Need to Know to Create and Expand a Seven-Figure Consulting Practice, Second Edition, is essential reading for every solo consultant, entrepreneur, and principal of a small consulting firm.

The acclaimed bestseller about visual problem solving-now bigger and better"There is no more powerful way to prove that we know something well than to draw a simple picture of it. And there is no more powerful way to see hidden solutions than to pick up a pen and draw out the pieces of our problem."So writes Dan Roam in The Back of the Napkin, the international bestseller that proves that a simple drawing on a humble napkin can be more powerful than the slickest PowerPoint presentation. Drawing on twenty years of experience and the latest discoveries in vision science, Roam teaches readers how to clarify any problem or sell any idea using a simple set of tools.He reveals that everyone is born with a talent for visual thinking, even those who swear they can't draw. And he shows how thinking with pictures can help you discover and develop new ideas, solve problems in unexpected ways, and dramatically improve your ability to share your insights.Take Herb Kelleher and Rollin King, who figured out how to beat the traditional hub-and-spoke airlines with a bar napkin and a pen. Three dots to represent Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio. Three arrows to show direct flights. Problem solved, and the picture made it easy to sell Southwest Airlines to investors and customers.Now with more color, bigger pictures, and additional content, this new edition does an even better job of helping you literally see the world in a new way. Join the teachers, project managers, doctors, engineers, assembly-line workers, pilots, football coaches, marine drill instructors, financial analysts, students, parents, and lawyers who have discovered the power of solving problems with pictures.

The Consultant with Pink Hair is the story of Andrew Braun and Lou Di Angelo, partners in a fictional management consulting practice struggling with the real life challenges of being just another consulting firm in a crowded marketplace. They battle low margins, late nights responding to crazy RFPs, confusing branding advice, and the pressure of too much revenue coming from one big client--and the disaster when that client walks away.