This Maven is an acknowledged expert on the toy and video game space and provides business intelligence on both industries for the US market as well as international. He bases his predictions and insights on four source levels - the first is a retailer panel of ten stores, the second national buyers at the key retailers both in the US and international, the third is Chinese toy manufacturers who produce for large U.S. and European toy companies , and the fourth peripheral sources such as ad agencies, PR agencies, Head Hunters and componentry suppliers.
He authors articles published by the Toy Directory, the leading U.S. toy and video game publication. He is also often quoted as expert by the Wall Street Journal, Los Angeles Times, Forbes, NY Times, Globe and Mail and other national newspapers. He has also appeared at the Business News Network of Canada as an expert on video games and toys.
Klosters provides market and business intelligence on the CPG space to large financial institutions - see website www.klosterstrading.com. Returned to the management of this company and began to focus on providing market and business intelligence assessments on the toy, craft and video game space to large financial institutions. Primary clients are analysts at these funds who seek actionable guidance and insights allowing them to sharpen their investment strategies. In the past two months carried out about 50 consultations and presentations attended by analysts including four seminars hosted by Citi Bank and one hosted by the Soleil Securities Corporation. For further details, please refer to www.klosterstrading.com. To enhance my client reach and to keep PR contacts uptodate, regularly write articles for toy industry publications such as TDmonthly [leading US video game and toy industry publication], MCV [leading European Video Game Magazine], The Bloom Report [US audience of 8000] and Toy News Magazine [Europe's leading toy industry publication] who has also appointed me their US correspondent. Am frequently quoted Wall Street Journal, Market Watch/Dow Jones, LA Times, the New York Times and others. Also have appeared on the Canadian Business News Network in December 2009 and January 2010 as expert on the toy and video game space.
Pastime, a toy and craft kit manufacturer, was a turn-around. The company had not shown a profit in more than a decade. The company also had been terminated as a vendor by WalMart, Target, Michaels and many others. 80% of its products were sold at a loss. The company went from $5 million in sales in 1997 to $20 million by end of 2001. Also, the company went to profitability in 2000.  Invented a totally new product category – "Children Make Their Own Candy†and then “Children make their own cosmetics†product ranges and sold these to Michaels, WalMart and Target. Also obtained the Sabrina license from Viacom and successfully introduced the product to Wal-Mart.  Created a website that attracted 3000 hits per day and instituted a very successful telemarketing operation.  Conducted by own PR operation which led to selection for toy of the year in 1998, 1999, 2000, and 2001 in Family Fun Magazine and others.  Cut costs by about one-third and doubled productivity. Increased gross margin from 21% in 1997 to 49% in 2000 and lowered break-even volume barrier by half. Eliminated the unprofitable two-thirds of the product range. Reorganized administrative, selling, manufacturing and warehousing operations and transferred manufacturing to China.  Successfully led the recapture of Pamida, Costco, TRU, J C Penney Catalog, Meijers, Amway, AAFES, Hobby Lobby, RagShops, A C Moore and many others. Entered Canada profitably via the Sears catalog and Mexico via WalMart.  Managed as CEO from 1991 to 2001 OFY International, Inc., a private label producer of scents for men and women. Left Pastime after the completion of my four-year contract and returned to Klosters Corporation. .
Founded this company to provide marketing assistance to small and medium-sized companies in the packaged consumer product field. Clients included Mattel, Lego and other toy companies.
Managed as the CEO the US and Canadian end of this multi-national [global sales today of $4 billion]. It had two major operations in the United States - Delta [a craft paint manufacturer located in Los Angeles] and Fogal [a hosiery retailer]. Both were turn-arounds. Quadrupled the sales of the former and made it #1 in the craft paint market. Also doubled the sales of the latter by establishing retail stores in key locations throughout the US and Canada. The company went to profitability by 1986 with sales in excess of $50 million.
Managed Reckitt's pharmaceutical and toiletry business as area director Latin America. Based in Rio de Janeiro, I supervised the company's activities throughout Latin America including Mexico. Market share was doubled in both product areas and the endeavor was profitable throughout
Started as junior assistant in the pharmaceutical Division. Promoted to Department Manager Consumer Products with responsibility to sell U.S. consumer goods [Kimberly Clark, Union Carbide, Nestle etc] to PX stores throughout Vietnam and Laos during the Vietnam war. Promoted to Division Manager [VP] in charge of Consumer Products for Asia.
1975
Business Administration
1970 - 1972
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Business
1961 - 1965
Bachelor of Arts (BA)
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In today’s fast-paced business world, the landscape of consulting has been revolutionized by the rise of micro consulting. This article explores the concept of micro consulting, its definition, types of consultants, and the factors contributing to its growth.
We will discuss the benefits of micro consulting for both clients and consultants, highlighting cost-effectiveness, specialized expertise, and increased autonomy. Case studies of innovative platforms like Maven.co will showcase success stories of micro consultants.
We will also address the challenges and limitations faced by micro consultants, such as competition from traditional firms and difficulties in scaling. Finally, we will ponder the future of consulting and whether micro consulting will continue to thrive in the years to come.
Micro consulting is a modern approach within the consulting industry that emphasizes specialized expertise, tailored solutions, and flexible engagements.
Through micro consulting, consultants offer niche expertise in specific areas, allowing them to provide focused and personalized advice to their clients. Unlike traditional consulting firms, micro consultants prioritize direct client interaction, leveraging digital tools for efficient communication and project management. They excel in optimizing business processes by identifying and addressing key inefficiencies, leading to streamlined operations and improved outcomes. Micro consultants deliver targeted solutions to address specific challenges faced by businesses, ensuring a highly customized approach that meets the unique needs of each client.
In the realm of consulting, micro consulting stands out for its deep subject matter expertise, precise specialization, and targeted solutions tailored to the unique needs of individual clients.
Micro consultants possess a high level of expertise in their specific niche, allowing them to offer specialized services that fit the exact requirements of their clients. By focusing on a narrow scope, they are able to delve deep into the subject matter and provide innovative solutions that larger consulting firms may overlook.
Client-centric specialization is a key characteristic of micro consulting, as these consultants prioritize understanding the unique challenges and goals of each individual client. This personalized approach fosters strong relationships and ensures that the solutions provided are truly tailored to address the client’s specific needs.
The ability to deliver highly customized solutions sets micro consultants apart from their competitors. With a keen focus on details and a deep understanding of their field, micro consultants have the agility and flexibility to adapt quickly to changing client requirements and deliver impactful results.
Micro consultants come in various forms, including strategy advisors, technology experts, social media consultants, and governance specialists, each offering unique insights and solutions to diverse business challenges.
Strategy advisors play a key role in helping businesses develop long-term plans and make informed decisions to achieve their goals. They analyze market trends, competition, and internal capabilities to formulate effective strategies that drive growth.
Technology specialists focus on implementing digital solutions and optimizing IT infrastructure to enhance operational efficiency and create competitive advantages. Their expertise in software, hardware, and digital platforms enables businesses to adapt to rapidly evolving technological landscapes.
Social media consultants assist companies in building their online presence, engaging with audiences, and leveraging social media platforms for marketing and communication purposes. They develop tailored social media strategies to reach target demographics and promote brand visibility.
Governance experts ensure that organizations comply with regulations, mitigate risks, and maintain ethical standards in their operations. By establishing robust governance frameworks and processes, they promote transparency, accountability, and sustainability within businesses.
The rise of micro consultants mirrors the ongoing digital transformation landscape, where specialized skills, emerging trends, and advanced technologies like AI play pivotal roles in reshaping the consulting industry.
As businesses evolve and adapt to the rapidly changing market dynamics, the demand for nimble consulting solutions tailored to specific needs has surged. Micro consultants, often experts in niche areas, offer agility that larger consulting firms may find challenging to match. With the rise of remote work and virtual collaborations, these consultants can harness digital tools and platforms to deliver impactful solutions globally, transcending geographical boundaries.
The adoption of AI and data analytics enables micro consultants to optimize decision-making processes, enhance client interactions, and provide data-driven insights that drive strategic decisions. As clients increasingly seek tailored, agile solutions that align with their business goals, micro consultants are well-positioned to offer specialized expertise, personalized attention, and innovative approaches that cater to individual requirements.
The growth of micro consulting is propelled by factors like the rise of remote work, the integration of generative AI tools, the evolving industry demands, the diverse skill sets of consultants, and the need for agile and adaptable solutions.
This surge in micro consulting owes much of its acceleration to the increasing prevalence of remote work arrangements. As organizations embrace distributed teams and virtual collaboration, the demand for specialized consulting services that can cater to these unique setups has soared.
Adapting to this new landscape, micro consultants are leveraging generative AI technologies to enhance their decision-making processes, streamline operations, and deliver more precise insights to clients. This integration of AI not only boosts efficiency but also enables consultants to keep pace with the rapid transformations occurring in the industry.
Technology plays a transformative role in micro consulting, revolutionizing traditional business models, disrupting the entire industry landscape, reshaping the consulting market dynamics, and enableing management consulting firms to innovate and adapt.
In this digital era, the influence of technology goes beyond just providing tools for efficiency. It acts as a catalyst for change, offering new avenues for consultancy services to thrive. Technological advancements allow consultants to tap into vast amounts of data, facilitating more knowledge-based decision making processes and enhancing the quality of strategic recommendations. With the rise of automation and artificial intelligence, consultants can focus on high-value tasks, creating more actionable insights for their clients.
Micro consulting offers clients numerous advantages, including cost-effectiveness, access to specialized expertise, and the ability to align consulting services with specific business strategies under the guidance of experienced micro consultants.
One of the key benefits of micro consulting is the cost-effectiveness it provides to clients. By engaging with micro consultants, businesses can access specialized knowledge and expertise without the hefty price tag associated with larger consulting firms. This cost-effective solution allows clients to receive high-quality consulting services tailored to their unique needs at a fraction of the cost. The personalized nature of micro consulting enables clients to align the consulting services directly with their specific business strategies, ensuring that the recommendations and solutions provided are in line with their objectives.
One of the key benefits of micro consulting for clients is its cost-effectiveness, enabled by streamlined business processes, the efficient utilization of digital tools, and the ability to optimize resources for the entire industry.
By focusing on refining business operations and leveraging digital solutions, micro consulting firms minimize unnecessary expenses that would otherwise burden clients. This proactive approach not only helps in reducing costs but also enhances operational efficiency, creating a win-win scenario for all involved. The resource optimization aspect of micro consulting ensures that minimal resources are wasted, aligning perfectly with the sustainability goals of the broader consulting industry. These strategic cost-saving advantages form the cornerstone of the value proposition that micro consulting services offer to their clientele.
Clients benefit from the specialized expertise offered by micro consultants, who possess in-depth subject matter knowledge, surpassing the capabilities of traditional consulting firms and enabling clients to implement tailored business strategies effectively.
Micro consultants bring a unique value proposition to the table, leveraging their profound understanding of niche areas to deliver customized solutions. Their ability to dive deep into specific aspects of a business sets them apart from larger consulting entities. This focused approach allows micro consultants to craft strategies that align closely with the client’s objectives, fostering a strong sense of collaboration and synergy.
The personalized attention and hands-on involvement that micro consultants provide ensure that clients receive dedicated support throughout the implementation process. This hands-on approach results in agile decision-making, quick problem resolution, and ultimately, the successful execution of innovative business strategies.
Micro consulting stands out for its flexibility and customization, leveraging advanced digital technologies, enabling management consulting firms to tailor solutions to meet the evolving needs of potential clients and drive innovation across the entire industry.
The integration of cutting-edge digital tools and platforms amplifies the adaptability of micro consulting, enableing consultants to create bespoke strategies and solutions that directly align with the specific goals and challenges faced by their clients. This level of personalization not only enhances the effectiveness of consulting services but also fosters a deeper level of collaboration and understanding between consultants and their clients.
Micro consulting offers consultants a range of advantages, such as increased autonomy and control over their work, opportunities for diversification in skill sets and service offerings, and lower overhead costs due to the prevalence of remote work arrangements.
By embracing micro consulting, consultants are able to dictate their schedules and determine the scope of their projects, allowing for a better work-life balance. The flexibility it offers enables consultants to adapt quickly to market changes and explore new areas of expertise, thereby staying competitive in the ever-evolving industry landscape. Remote work opportunities not only reduce the financial burden of maintaining a physical office space but also open up a global client base, expanding their reach and potential for growth.
One of the key advantages of micro consulting for consultants is the increased autonomy and control they experience in leveraging generative AI tools, enhancing their skills, adapting to industry changes, and shaping their consulting practices to align with client needs.
By utilizing the strength of generative AI tools, consultants can gain valuable insights to optimize their problem-solving approaches and decision-making processes. This technology enables them to quickly analyze vast amounts of data, identify trends, and offer more accurate recommendations to their clients. The integration of AI allows consultants to stay ahead of the curve in rapidly evolving industries, ensuring that their advice remains relevant and impactful. Through this fusion of technology and expertise, consultants can forge stronger relationships with their clients and deliver bespoke solutions that cater specifically to their unique requirements.
Micro consulting opens avenues for consultants to diversify their expertise by embracing remote work practices, integrating AI-driven solutions, adapting to industry trends, leveraging technology advancements, and incorporating social elements into their consulting services.
By diversifying their skills in these ways, consultants are able to expand their client base and offer more comprehensive solutions tailored to the evolving needs of businesses worldwide.
Remote work arrangements allow consultants to reach clients globally, breaking geographical barriers and boosting cooperative efforts. Embracing AI technologies enables consultants to provide data-driven insights and automated solutions, boosting efficiency and innovation.
Micro consulting offers consultants the advantage of lower overhead costs due to the efficient utilization of skills, streamlined governance practices, industry-specific knowledge, the adaptability of consultants, and the ongoing digital transformation within the consulting sector.
By optimizing their skill sets and constantly honing their expertise, consultants can ensure that they are working at their peak efficiency levels, thus reducing wastage and unnecessary costs. Efficient governance practices further contribute to this by ensuring that resources are allocated effectively and transparently.
Leveraging their industry-specific knowledge allows consultants to offer specialized services, attracting clients who value tailored solutions. The adaptability of consultants also plays a crucial role in cutting costs, as it enables them to pivot quickly in response to changing market demands.
Showcasing adaptability signals to clients that consultants are versatile and capable of handling diverse challenges, making them essential partners in various projects. Embracing digital transformation trends is another aspect that enables consultants to stay ahead of the curve and deliver services in a more efficient and cost-effective manner.
Exploring case studies like Maven.co provides insights into how digital tools, coupled with the expertise of management consultants, have reshaped the consulting market dynamics and revolutionized the service offerings of consulting companies through innovative applications of digital technologies.
The utilization of digital tools in the consulting realm has not only transformed traditional service delivery models but has also opened up new avenues for client engagements. By leveraging cutting-edge digital technologies, management consultants are now able to offer more personalized and data-driven solutions to their clients, thereby enhancing the overall quality of consulting services. Platforms like Maven.co have exemplified how embracing digital advancements can drive industry-wide innovation and foster growth in a rapidly evolving market.
Maven.co stands out as an industry trendsetter, fostering social connections among consultants, promoting technological advancements for industry relevance, and enableing consultants to navigate complexities in the ever-evolving consulting landscape.
With a keen eye on market trends and a commitment to driving innovation, Maven.co has revolutionized the way consultants engage with each other, share insights, and collaborate on projects. By leveraging cutting-edge technology and fostering a vibrant online community, Maven.co has become a go-to platform for consultants seeking to stay ahead of the curve.
The platform’s emphasis on knowledge sharing and expertise exchange has not only elevated industry standards but also enableed consultants to tackle challenges with confidence and agility. Through Maven.co, consultants can access a diverse range of resources, stay updated on industry developments, and forge valuable connections that fuel professional growth and success.
The success stories of micro consultants exemplify the transformative impact of AI integration, innovative governance practices, remote work flexibility, diverse skill sets, and digital transformation strategies in achieving remarkable outcomes for clients across various industries.
These consultants, through their utilization of cutting-edge AI technologies, have managed to streamline processes, enhance decision-making capabilities, and personalize client experiences. Their adoption of progressive governance approaches has fostered transparency, accountability, and efficiency in their operations, leading to collaborative and sustainable partnerships with clients. The implementation of remote work flexibility has enabled micro consultants to tap into a global talent pool, bringing forth a diverse range of perspectives and expertise to address complex client challenges.
Despite its advantages, micro consulting faces challenges such as competition from traditional consulting firms, difficulties in scaling operations, and the need to streamline business processes to stay competitive in the consulting landscape.
Traditional consulting giants have long dominated the market with their established brand names and extensive resources, posing a significant barrier for micro consultants to carve out their niche. This intense competition puts pressure on smaller consulting firms to differentiate themselves through specialized expertise or unique selling propositions. The operational complexity involved in scaling services can overwhelm micro consulting ventures, leading to difficulties in maintaining quality standards and client satisfaction.
To thrive in this competitive environment, micro consulting businesses must prioritize optimizing their business processes to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and deliver value-added services. By implementing lean methodologies and leveraging technology solutions, such as CRM systems and project management tools, these firms can streamline their operations and improve overall performance. Ultimately, overcoming these obstacles is essential for micro consulting ventures to sustain their growth and success in the dynamic consulting industry.
One of the primary challenges for micro consulting stems from the intense competition posed by traditional consulting firms, necessitating innovative strategies, differentiated services, client-centric approaches, and industry-specific expertise to carve a niche and thrive in the dynamic consulting landscape.
Traditional consulting giants often have established reputations, extensive resources, and well-defined client networks, making it imperative for micro consultants to find their unique selling proposition (USP) that sets them apart.
Micro consulting firms can leverage their agility, tailored solutions, and personalized attention to offer clients a bespoke experience that resonates deeply with their needs and challenges. By focusing on niche markets, building deep relationships with clients, and showcasing their specialized knowledge, micro consultants can position themselves as trusted advisors and preferred partners in a crowded field.
Scaling operations poses a significant hurdle for micro consulting due to challenges in adapting remote work structures, integrating generative AI technologies, upskilling consultants to meet industry demands, fostering collaboration within consultant teams, and ensuring sustainable growth in the dynamic consulting industry.
One of the primary obstacles faced by micro consulting firms when scaling their operations is the transition to remote work environments. This shift brings about unique challenges such as maintaining communication effectiveness, ensuring data security, and navigating the complexities of virtual collaboration.
Incorporating generative AI tools into the consulting process can be daunting for consultants who may need to adapt quickly to new technologies. This requires continuous training and a strong emphasis on digital literacy to leverage AI effectively in decision-making processes.
Enhancing consultant skill sets to align with the evolving industry requirements is essential. Consultants should stay abreast of the latest trends, methodologies, and best practices to deliver value-added services to clients.
The future of consulting appears intertwined with the growth trajectory of micro consulting, driven by the pervasive adoption of digital technologies, the evolving strategies of management consulting firms, the dynamic industry trends reshaping the consulting market, and the innovative business models emerging within the sector.
Micro consulting, with its agility and specialized expertise, is poised to redefine traditional consulting paradigms by offering targeted solutions that cater to the specific needs of clients in niche industries. As digital transformation accelerates across sectors, the demand for nimble consulting services that can swiftly adapt to technological advancements and market disruptions is on the rise.
The convergence of digital technologies such as artificial intelligence, big data analytics, and blockchain with consulting practices is reshaping the way firms deliver value to their clients. This intersection presents opportunities for micro consulting to leverage data-driven insights and innovative solutions to drive business growth and competitive advantage.
The emergence of micro consultants has brought about a major shift in the consulting industry. Traditionally, consulting was dominated by large firms, but the rise of micro consultants has enabled individuals and small teams to offer specialized consulting services.
Technology has played a significant role in the rise of micro consultants. With the availability of online platforms and tools, micro consultants are able to reach a wider audience and offer virtual consulting services. This has also reduced overhead costs and made consulting services more accessible to clients.
While the impact of micro consultants can be seen across various industries, it has been particularly significant in the tech and digital space. As technology continues to advance and disrupt industries, the demand for specialized consulting services has also increased.
Micro consultants may not have the same resources and brand recognition as larger consulting firms, but they often offer more cost-effective solutions and personalized attention to clients. Additionally, their specialized expertise and agile approach allow them to compete in niche areas where larger firms may not have a strong presence.
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