Collective 54

Recruiting is not just an HR function—it’s a growth strategy. Don Goldstein of 5Q shares how boutique firms can: - Shift from external recruiters to in-house - Improve results while lowering costs - Build a diverse and distributed team that thrives His approach helped 5Q cut costs, expand nationally, and improve retention. #RecruitingStrategy #DiversityInHiring #BoutiqueFirms

Service excellence doesn’t start with the client—it starts with your team. In today’s blog, Tony Amador, Co-Founder of Proxxy, explores why listening to your employees is just as critical as listening to your clients. - Culture is the hidden engine of client satisfaction. - Your team’s experience directly impacts your bottom line. - Investing in your people is investing in your clients. #EmployeeExperience #ServiceProfitChain #Leadership

On this week’s Pro Serv Podcast, Matt Leta reveals how small service firms are skipping over legacy systems and adopting modern, cost-effective tech that boosts productivity and scales fast. What you’ll learn: - The role of AI in next-gen transformation - Why change fails without leadership buy-in - A 1-hour-a-week team process that gets results - How to avoid the “shiny tool” trap #AIinBusiness #DigitalStrategy #ProServePodcast #Collective54

M&A fireside chats are not just meetings—they’re your first impression. In today’s blog, Wayland Ng, CFA Ng, Founder of Tru Consulting, shares: - How to prepare your deck and messaging - Why practicing with your banker matters - The mindset shift from pitching to connecting This first conversation may decide whether you get an LOI. Make it count. #ProfessionalServices #MergersAndAcquisitions #FounderInsights

Timing your exit is more art than science—and often a losing game. Here’s what founders face: - Buyer availability is never guaranteed - Markets shift faster than strategy can keep up - Internal and personal curveballs are inevitable The real focus? Build a firm that thrives under any conditions. #FounderJourney #ExitPlanning #ProfessionalServices

Writing a Book? Here’s How to Make It Work for Your Firm ★ DANIEL FERNANDEZ ★ shares a practical guide for using books and Amazon Advertising to fuel business growth. - Books convert readers into leads. - Amazon Ads make sure the right audience finds you. - Traditional or self-published—results come from relevance and consistency. For boutique firms looking to stand out, this is a must-read. #LeadGeneration #NicheMarketing #BusinessAuthority

Charlton Evans, Founder & CEO at End State Solutions LLC, shares how aerospace firms can seize today’s unprecedented opportunities. - New aviation categories – eVTOLs, autonomous drones, and electric aircraft. - Regulatory uncertainty – Progress is slow, but expertise in both tech and policy will create market leaders. - The expertise advantage – Firms that bridge innovation and regulation will define the next era of flight. Check out the full blog to learn more! #AerospaceIndustry #EmergingTech #Leadership

AI Is Moving Fast—Is Your Firm Keeping Up? AI assistants like ChatGPT and Claude are just the beginning. The real game-changer? Autonomous AI agents that optimize workflows, analyze data, and streamline operations. This week on the Pro Serv Podcast, John Arnott explains how to strategically deploy AI-driven agents in your business. What we covered: - Understanding the shift from AI assistants to autonomous agents - The 4 layers of the 'Agent Stack' and how to implement them - Where AI can add the most value in professional services #AIforFirms #Automation #ProServePodcast #Collective54 #ArtificialIntelligence

Michael Ellison, President at Corporate Insight, shares how his firm fixed hiring challenges before they derailed growth. - Clear success traits – Hiring criteria based on top performers. - Structured screening – A rigorous multi-step process to reduce bad hires. - Values-first approach – Ensuring cultural alignment for long-term success. The result? A stronger, more resilient team and lower turnover. Hiring isn’t just filling seats—it’s building the future. #ScalingYourFirm #HiringBestPractices #ProfessionalServices

What Founders Don’t Say About Selling Their Firm: Selling a firm is one of the biggest decisions a founder will make, but the real reasons are often left unsaid. - Some sell for a financial windfall but won’t say it - Some take a lower offer just to attach their name to a big firm - Some are looking for a way to secure their employees’ future - Some use an acqui-hire as a quiet exit strategy Before making a move, ask yourself: What’s your real motivation? #ExitPlanning #ScalingYourFirm #Entrepreneurship