Why “Good Enough” Is Never Good Enough

I’ll admit it: I’m a huge MacBook fan. Over the years, I’ve owned Intel-based Macs, moved to an M1 when Apple’s silicon made its debut, and I’m currently using an M3-powered powerhouse that’s faster and more efficient than I would’ve imagined a laptop could be. This machine lets me do everything I need—from day-to-day work to running experimental language models locally for prototyping ideas on the go.

What I love most about Apple’s approach to the Mac isn’t just the raw performance gains with each new chip but the fact that they’re always pushing the boundaries, even when their devices are already so capable.

It’s a balancing act: Apple makes hardware that’s reliable for years, yet they manage to keep every generation fresh and exciting, with genuine reasons to upgrade. And this got me thinking about consulting.

In consulting, we often encounter clients who say, “Our current solution works just fine. Why change it?”

It’s a reasonable perspective, especially for those who’ve invested time and resources in systems that are stable and familiar. But, inspired by Apple’s constant drive to evolve, I’d argue that “good enough” can hold companies back. In today’s fast-evolving landscape, staying current isn’t just a luxury—it’s a strategic advantage.

Here are a few lessons we can take from Apple’s approach to innovation and apply to the consulting world to keep our solutions not just functional, but exceptional.

Purposeful Innovation: Building on What Works

Just as each new Apple chip is designed to improve on the last, we strive to make each solution enhancement purposeful. In consulting, this means not just layering on new features but finding ways to address emerging needs proactively. Whether it’s integrating AI-driven analytics into Salesforce or automating workflows in DocuSign, we aim to keep solutions relevant and valuable by adding enhancements that meet the evolving challenges our clients face.

Balancing Longevity with Freshness

The first M1 Mac I used was incredible and, even years later, it still performs well. But that hasn’t stopped Apple from releasing M2, M3, and now M4 chips with real, practical improvements. In consulting, we should similarly focus on creating solutions that last and adapt over time. For our clients, this means designing systems that are both resilient and future-ready, with upgrade paths that keep them competitive and prepared for growth.

User-Centric Upgrades: Small Changes, Big Impact

Apple is known for user-friendly design tweaks, like adding front-facing ports on the new Mac Studio or reintroducing color to the iMac. In consulting, a user-centric approach means paying attention to how clients actually use our solutions—and iterating accordingly.

Sometimes, a small change in workflow or a simplified user interface can make a huge difference in daily productivity and satisfaction.

Staying Relevant Through Predictable Upgrade Cycles

Apple’s consistent chip updates establish a rhythm of improvement that customers have come to expect. Consulting firms can take a similar approach, introducing regular system evaluations, updates, or new integrations on a predictable cycle. Scheduling these updates—whether annually or quarterly—keeps clients engaged and ensures that their systems evolve in line with industry advancements

Building a Seamless Ecosystem

One of Apple’s greatest strengths is its ecosystem: Mac, iPhone, and iPad all work together seamlessly. We can apply the same principle by ensuring that our solutions integrate across platforms like Salesforce, SAP, Oracle, etc. When clients experience this interconnectedness, they gain efficiency, reduce redundancies, and see the full value of their technology ecosystem.

Demonstrating Real Value with Data

Apple doesn’t just tell us the M3 is better; they show it, with performance data that’s hard to ignore. As consultants, we can also show clients the concrete benefits of staying current. By sharing metrics and examples—such as a 15% improvement in efficiency from a recent upgrade or enhanced security features that meet evolving compliance standards—we can help clients see why evolving their tech is a smart investment.

Moving Forward: Inspired by Apple, Evolving for Our Clients

My experience with Apple’s evolution, from Intel to M1 and now M4, has shown me the power of consistent, thoughtful innovation. While my old Macs are still very capable, the improvements in each generation have changed what’s possible. And that’s the key: “good enough” works until you see what “great” can do.

At PracticeVantage Consulting , we approach consulting with this same mindset. It’s not just about fixing what’s broken—it’s about evolving our solutions to unlock new potential for our clients.

Because, just like Apple, we believe that the most compelling reason to upgrade isn’t because you need to—it’s because you want to.

Let’s connect and explore how evolving your technology can help you reach new heights, now and in the future.