How can you stay ahead of the curve in AI consulting?

The AI landscape is rapidly evolving. In addition, AI is likely going to impact every industry and every function. Clients are grappling with this rapid pace of innovation. For consultants to be successful, and to provide best value, it is important to specialize in an area. You can specialize by industry, e.g. AI for Media industry, AI for Consumer Products. Or by function, e.g. AI for Marketing, AI for Finance, or by the nature of consulting you provide, e.g. AI Risk Management, AI Product Management, AI Innovation, or by another category. It is a best practice to identify your niche. Further subscribe to newsletters and communities that focus on your niche.

Very few verticals have moved as fast as AI in the past 12 months. So for me being in AI consulting for years, it has been both challenging and exhilarating simultaneously to stay up to date. I am one who naturally loves to learn but the trends and more of AI can overwhelm some. Still, there are a plethora of free online tutorials, classes, and much more to stay up to date. Its the program providers that are struggling to keep up as this is not like just sending through a software update. What I learned 9 months ago is dramatically different or iterated upon today. So do your research on the free classes after you learn the AI basics. Consider spending money on certain Executive or Professional programs. They've been well worth it for me.

Staying ahead in AI involves a combination of continuous learning and networking. 1. You need to be updated with industry trends. Every day or week there are new models being developed, example we have GPT 4 competitor (Gemini) which was not there 7 days back. 2. Follow reputable sources 3. Attend/follow related webinars 4. Follow influencers on LinkedIn type platforms for updates. 5. Connect with peers who are invested in AI or are on the learning path. 6. Partner with other consulting firm or academic institutions which will increase the breadth and depth of your knowledge. 7. Invest in existing and new talents. Few ways of doing this is assemble a team with varied expertise (as AI is vast). Invest in training programs.

Stay ahead in AI consulting by continuous learning in emerging technologies. Engage with the AI community through events and forums. Pursue challenging projects for hands-on experience and skill expansion. Foster knowledge exchange through collaboration and networking. Tailor AI solutions to industry needs by developing a deep understanding of various sectors. Cultivate adaptability and a forward-thinking mindset to anticipate and prepare for future advancements. Staying ahead in AI consulting demands lifelong learning, proactive networking, and a commitment to evolving with the dynamic AI landscape.

Some ideas that I think can be useful: - Always start with the why. AI, as any other technology, is a powerful tool only if we understand the problem to solve first. - Run away from the PR effect. PoCs are nice, but understanding how to implement production ready AI systems is what gets benefits to the P&L. - AI Technology is relevant, but architecting for change is even more relevant. Learn how to design and communicate effective architectures for businesses to be prepared to transform with AI while the AI landscape transforms itself very quickly. - Always focus on cultural change. People and not technology is what makes an AI project succeed.

Clients are at different points of their AI journey. Some are in discovery phase, some in strategy, some in implementation and some are already reaping rewards of their AI efforts. The consulting discussions begin with understanding where client is on its AI journey. What challenges are they currently facing, and what are their aspirations. In addition to the technical aspects of AI, Most clients are trying to figure the right use-cases, the new business models and the organizational impact of AI - What should be the operating model, how do we manage risk, where do we invest, how do we upskill, etc. so it is critical to take a holistic lens.

Always always always try to go deeper with the next client than you did with the last. Some have no AI knowledge, some have much, some are trying to be all things at once. Make sure you can identify their pain points and set realistic expectations to the insight you gained. Some may think AI can do more for them than possible. Some, perhaps not enough. These are the types of things to dig for when having discovery calls and more trying to learn more about your client needs.

It’s truly important to have an in-depth understanding of our clients. This isn’t just about familiarizing ourselves with their business operations; it’s about immersing ourselves in their world. Our focus must pivot from being technology-centric to being driven by the new and evolving business questions our clients face. This approach empowers us to deliver solutions that are not just technologically advanced but are also deeply aligned with the specific needs and aspirations of those we serve. In essence, our commitment is to be at the forefront of innovation while remaining steadfastly client-centric, ensuring that every solution is as unique and forward-thinking as the businesses we partner with.

Knowing what your clients are looking for is key. A basic and general understanding of how and why AI could be integrated into their company is a great place to start. Keeping in mind that everyone has a different level of understanding of AI and its uses. Beyond that, offering services based on their unique needs will go a long way. Understand where productivity lags, what areas of their day-to-day tasks are a time-suck, and how AI can support their team do what they do better and faster.

In AI consulting, technical acumen is just one piece of the puzzle. Equally crucial is a deep understanding of clients' unique needs, goals, and challenges, and how AI can be leveraged to meet these objectives. Effective communication, tailored solutions, and a clear elucidation of AI's benefits and limitations are vital. It's essential to not only measure and evaluate AI's impact but also navigate its ethical and social implications responsibly. Understanding clients holistically, beyond just their technical requirements, is fundamental in delivering effective AI solutions that align with their overarching business strategy.

To win client’s trust, a multi-pronged approach often helps. Showing your portfolio is a great way to build trust. In addition, consider creating a rapid prototype or a visual concept of client’s vision. This show versus tell approach, helps refine client’s vision, and gives client the confidence in your ability to not just talk but also design and implement.

Building a portfolio is not an easy task. Every techie loves to showcase their work. Just one key point from my end - Highlight the diverse work that you have done in the AI domain. While you talk about the detailed work and activities you have done in different projects, focus on - Problem statement - end to end project - challenges you faced in each project - statistical algorithms applied - business impact created with the work This gives a better understanding to anyone who reviews your portfolio.

Show em what you got! Have you worked with clients that will give you testimonials? Have you done projects that you can highlight without violating an NDA with your client? There are ways you can highlight yourself here on LinkedIn, Medium, and of course GitHub for the more technical jobs. Start your own website also and have it dedicated to your projects is another simple and affordable way to do so. Many options out there to showcase yourself for AI.

Attract and retain clients by showcasing a portfolio that demonstrates your skills, expertise, and value proposition. Highlight past projects and outcomes, including testimonials, case studies, and references. Utilize online platforms like GitHub, Medium, LinkedIn, or your own website to effectively present your portfolio and promote your services.

Your portfolio is not just a showcase of your work but a narrative that communicates your expertise, problem-solving ability, and the value you bring to your clients. Regularly update and refine it to reflect your latest achievements and skills.

AI is a team sport. Depending on the type of project, you may need to bring experts from various realms for your client project. For example, if you are enhancing clients’s marketing function with AI capabilities, you would likely need someone who is expert in AI copywriting, AI video creation, AI workflow automation, AI image generation, decision intelligence, AI risk management etc. Thus build your network of experts, and vendor partners.

Go to local events, AI or not. Find clubs or even conferences in your area where you live. If you live too far outside of a metro area, do what you can on here or other forums. Many AI tools I use today I found out about from other AI professionals here. Some I shared that I knew prior. There's great wealth to be had and learned from simply sharing in knowledge. But you have to connect with others to do so. Just be polite and don't always try to sell something. If you are truly passionate about AI and want to consult in it, that will show without you having to try too hard or coming off as disingenuous.

The most proficient way go be ahead in the AI consulting is to be on top of the connections and improve our network with the organizations practising a huge data culture. Securing data , procrastination on analysing the data usage for the growth in the organizations lead to better practises for AI ! Thanks

Discord is a big part of how I started learning learning from each other in AI. There are so many great places where you can learn from each other. The one that helped me a lot in the beginning was Midjourney. Discord has the benefit of having so many prompts and variations you see each minute. "LearnAITogehter" is another big Discord server; many others are out there. My bottom line would be: Choose the right platform you like to network and collaborate. If Discord is different from your place, pick the one you want. The more natural it is for you to be active there, the easier it is to engage in a conversation and collaborate. There are groups for AI on every platform.

In my view, embracing Generative AI reshapes consulting. EY explores transformative potential, while Deloitte Insights advocates for human-AI 'superteams.' Deloitte Consulting emphasizes AI in the supply chain, and Consulting Quest analyzes AI's impact on consulting. AIMultiple offers a guide to AI consulting in 2024. Networking insights highlight knowledge sharing, problem solving, and opportunity creation. Challenges like network building, collaboration management, and collaboration ethics require strategic solutions. Ethical considerations encompass anti-racism and anti-Islamophobia. Innovative strategies include AI matchmaking, collaboration platforms, and mentorship programs for effective networking and collaboration in AI consulting.

As consultants, we need to do what we preach. If we are running an AI project for our client, the clients want to have the confidence that we know what we are doing. It is thus important to get our hands dirty with the technology. For example at EY, we have opened up access to EY.ai to our 400,000 professionals. It is EY’s private ChatGPT like platform with more advanced capabilities to follow in future. This serves as a sandbox for our employees to freely use AI, and learn from their own experiments. Similarly, many other consulting companies are providing safe environments for their employees to test AI capabilities and use-cases.

This! AI consulting is ever evolving just like AI itself is. You can get lost in the amount of new AI things or news reports coming out each day. But stay the course. Try something new, go as far as you can, pick up the next thing that can help you on your quest to find work as an AI consultant. Sign up for newsletter that you think can help you stay close to the industry and more!

To stay ahead in AI consulting, prioritize continuous learning. The field evolves rapidly, and staying informed about the latest advancements, tools, and methodologies is crucial. Engage in regular training, attend industry conferences, and participate in webinars to expand your knowledge base. Additionally, cultivate a mindset of continuous improvement within your team, fostering an environment where learning is an integral part of your consulting approach. By consistently updating your skills and knowledge, you position yourself to provide cutting-edge solutions and insights to your clients, ensuring sustained success in the dynamic landscape of AI consulting.

In my view, embracing generative AI in consulting unlocks transformative solutions. Articles like 'The Future of Consulting in the Age of Generative AI' and 'AI in Consulting: How It's Changing the Industry' offer insights. Innovate by creating original solutions, enhancing collaboration, and fostering a learning culture. Overcome challenges in solution quality, collaboration management, and continuous learning. Consider ethical dimensions like anti-racism and anti-Islamophobia. Explore tools like an AI sandbox for experimentation, an AI generator for novel solutions, and an AI accelerator for staying informed on AI trends and opportunities.

Embrace creativity, curiosity, and adaptability to continually improve your AI consulting services. Be open to experimenting and trying new approaches, learning from failures and successes. Stay informed about future trends and opportunities in AI. Leverage innovation and experimentation to create value and impact for your clients and yourself. Encourage clients to think outside the box.

One needs to follow a multi-faceted approach to stay ahead of the curve. Some of the important areas to focus on are: 1. Building a strong foundation needs one to have a solid understanding of ML concepts, the underlying math and tech. 2. Learning never ends, one should continue to learn newer techniques and tools. 3. Generative AI may not be the solution to every problem, focus on what delivers maximum value. 4. While it is important to go broad to understand what's out there, work on developing your niche area of expertise 5. Regularly read articles, blogs and research reports to understand trends. Analyze these trends and understand how these changes affect your customers. Write articles/ blogs and engage with the larger AI community.

Nothing better than to invest in yourself. I am a believer in certain university AI programs online. Others, not so much. There are some that are $$$$ for 6-8 weeks and I feel that is a solid value. However, research the subject matter before committing for not all programs are created equal in value, very far from it actually. Do you want something more technical for AI? Do you want something more strategic and business oriented? There are several of these to research and review as well as the catalog of cheaper or free online AI courses. Just invest the time it takes to dive into which one is best for you and your goals.

In today's fast-paced world, be it in life, projects, or learning, mastering the art of patience is crucial. This holds particularly true in AI, where change is rapid and relentless. Success in AI hinges on sustainable growth through study, implementation, experimentation, and adjustment. Amidst a sea of innovations, not all will endure. It's essential to discern and stick to foundational techniques for immediate results and quick wins. Gradual adaptation and improvement, rooted in these core methods, form the pathway to long-term achievement in AI's dynamic realm. In my opinion, balancing steadfast principles with evolving ideas is the key to thriving in this ever-changing field!

The rapid advancements in this domain demand continuous learning and skill development to stay ahead of the curve and deliver cutting-edge solutions to clients. 1. Build a strong understanding of core AI concepts like machine learning, deep learning, natural language processing, and computer vision 2. Stay updated with the latest trends 3. Connect with other AI professionals, consultants, and potential clients

AI is a growing and a fast pace field. This ever evolving field requires skills that are challenging at a fast pace growth. Keeping up to the latest trends in AI keeps you ahead of the curve.

In AI consulting, it's vital to balance cutting-edge innovation with practical application. Staying abreast of AI advancements is crucial, but discerning which technologies truly benefit clients is key. This requires deep industry understanding and the ability to translate complex AI concepts into actionable business strategies that align with clients' real-world challenges and goals. Balancing innovation with practicality ensures AI solutions are both advanced and relevant to client needs.

When evaluating new technologies, always consider the applications, risks, and disruption factors. Just knowing about new technologies is not enough. Being able to advise on how to leverage the technology is way more valuable. Remember…the goalposts are always ROI (cost savings, revenue generating, or improved customer experience)

AI is a technology that solves business problems but never try to solve all organisational problems with AI To be ahead of the curve, AI consultants could do the following 1. Build business acumen 2. Hands-on knowledge on AI, including a comparative benchmarking of options available from CSP and other players 3. Change management skills - you can build a Mercedes but without being a change champion, adoption might not be great 4. Being responsible while being purposeful 5. Prepare roadmap and business case 6. Create a product management mindset- AI is similar to Electricity. The different applications will evolve as it has for electrical appliances. If you want to deep dive further into any of these areas, please DM

I believe AI comes with a need of governance as well. If we can build solutions that are also governed then we are ensuring the future to be in better shape. For example, any product or service which aims at discriminating between machine generated content vs the reality will be the need of the hour. Such governing systems will ensure that truth, honesty survives beyond the realm of deep fakes. So as an AI consultant, its our responsibility to make sure that the technology is put to the best use / for the good of mankind.

(a) Focus on Client Value & Outcomes- Go beyond technical expertise & understand the specific challenges & needs of your clients. Develop tailored solutions that deliver tangible business value & address client pain points. Focus on quantifiable outcomes & track the impact of your work to demonstrate the value of your services. (b) Embrace Experimentation & Innovation- Be open to trying new technologies & exploring innovative approaches to AI implementation. Encourage experimentation within your team & create a culture that fosters creativity & risk-taking. Learn from failures & adapt your strategies based on ongoing results & client feedback.