Introduction: Why Consulting Fails, and How to Get It Right
In the second episode of the "Never in Reverse Podcast, host Jeremy Axel sits down with Adi Klevit, a business consultant and systems expert, to dissect the realities of consulting, process documentation, and business scalability. Drawing from over 25 years of experience, Adi Klevit shares actionable strategies for leaders who want to eliminate bottlenecks, streamline operations, and build businesses that scale.
This post distills the episode’s most valuable lessons, debunks common myths, and provides a roadmap for leveraging consulting and process documentation to drive measurable, lasting results.
1. Rethinking Consulting: From Advice to Tangible Results
The Problem with Traditional Consulting
Many businesses engage consultants expecting transformation, only to be left with generic advice and little to show for their investment. Adi Klevit identifies the root causes:
- Misalignment of Values and Methodology: If the consultant’s approach doesn’t fit the client’s culture or needs, the engagement is doomed from the start.
- Lack of Commitment: Success requires active participation from leadership and teams, not passive observation.
- Absence of Measurable Deliverables: Advice without implementation leads to frustration and wasted resources.
Adi’s Solution: Deliverables That Drive Change
Adi’s firm stands out by providing concrete deliverables:
- Documented Playbooks: Step-by-step guides for critical business functions.
- Flowcharts and Process Maps: Visual representations that clarify complex workflows.
- AI-Enhanced Solutions: Leveraging technology to automate and optimize processes.
Actionable Advice:
Before hiring a consultant, ask:
- What specific deliverables will I receive?
- How will these be implemented in my business?
- How will we measure success?
2. The ROI Mindset: Making Consulting Investments Count
Why ROI Matters
Consulting should be an investment, not an expense. Adi Klevit insists on establishing a clear return on investment (ROI) from the outset. This means:
- Defining Success Metrics: What does improvement look like? (e.g., reducing a process from 10 days to 5)
- Quantifying Results: Cost savings, time saved, error reduction, and increased capacity.
How to Calculate ROI in Process Improvement
- Cost Savings: Streamlined processes reduce labor and operational costs.
- Time Efficiency: Faster onboarding, training, or production cycles.
- Error Reduction: Fewer mistakes mean less rework and higher customer satisfaction.
Actionable Advice:
- Set baseline metrics before starting any consulting engagement.
- Track improvements and tie them directly to financial outcomes.
- Use these results to justify further investment in process optimization.
3. Overcoming Resistance: Securing Buy-In at Every Level
The Challenge of “Soft Costs” and Hidden Inefficiencies
Stakeholders often resist change, especially when the benefits are not immediately visible. “Soft costs” like inefficiency or employee frustration are real but harder to quantify.
Eddie’s Approach: Collaborative Consulting
- Co-Consulting: Work with clients to define what success looks like and how it will be measured.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Involve team members from the start to ensure their voices are heard.
- Transparent Communication: Set clear expectations about process, timelines, and outcomes.
Actionable Advice:
- Hold a kickoff meeting to align on goals and metrics.
- Regularly update all stakeholders on progress and wins.
- Address concerns openly and adjust the approach as needed.
4. Collaboration vs. Correction: The Right Consulting Mindset
Why Top-Down Change Fails
Consultants who “correct” rather than collaborate often face resistance and resentment. Adi Klevit emphasizes:
- Understanding the Client’s “Why”: What motivates the desire for change? (e.g., scaling, reducing errors, faster onboarding)
- Fostering Willingness: Change must be embraced, not imposed.
Building a Culture of Continuous Improvement
- Empathy and Trust: Approach the business as a partner, not a critic.
- Leadership Involvement: Leaders must model commitment to new processes.
Actionable Advice:
- Start with a discovery phase to understand motivations and pain points.
- Co-create solutions with the team, not just for them.
- Celebrate small wins to build momentum.
5. The Power of Process Documentation: Myths and Realities
Debunking Common Myths
- Myth: Process documentation is too hard or unnecessary.
- Reality: Well-documented processes are essential for scaling, training, and automation.
Adi’s Proven Process
- Roadmap Creation: Define the scope and objectives.
- Information Extraction: Interview teams to capture current workflows.
- Optimization: Identify and eliminate bottlenecks.
- Implementation: Roll out new processes with training and support.
- Maintenance: Assign a “process champion” or provide ongoing consulting to keep documentation current.
Actionable Advice:
- Use visual tools (flowcharts, checklists) to make processes easy to follow.
- Schedule regular reviews to update documentation as the business evolves.
- Empower internal champions to sustain improvements.
6. Leveraging Technology and AI for Scalability
The Role of AI in Modern Consulting
AI is transforming how consultants and businesses operate:
- Automation: AI can handle repetitive tasks, freeing up human capacity for strategic work.
- Idea Generation: AI tools can help brainstorm solutions and create content faster.
- Data Analysis: AI accelerates research and identifies patterns in business operations.
Staying Ahead of the Curve
- Adopt AI Thoughtfully: Use AI as a “thought partner,” not a replacement for expertise.
- Develop Proprietary Tools: Create frameworks that leverage AI to deliver unique value.
Actionable Advice:
- Identify routine tasks that can be automated with AI.
- Train teams on how to use AI tools effectively and ethically.
- Continuously evaluate new technologies to stay competitive.
7. Addressing Legacy Thinking and Burnout
The Hidden Cost of Outdated Processes
Legacy systems and entrenched habits can stifle growth and cause employee burnout. Adi Klevit notes:
- Employees Often Suffer in Silence: Frustration with broken processes leads to disengagement and turnover.
- Consultants as Safe Havens: Employees may confide in consultants, providing valuable insights for improvement.
Actionable Advice:
- Create anonymous channels for employees to share process pain points.
- Prioritize quick wins to alleviate the most pressing frustrations.
- Use process improvements as opportunities to re-engage and motivate teams.
8. Celebrating Success and Ensuring Long-Term Impact
Measuring and Sustaining Results
The ultimate test of consulting is whether improvements stick. Eddie’s approach:
- Eight-Step Rollout: A structured implementation plan ensures consistency and buy-in.
- Ongoing Maintenance: Either through continued consulting or by training internal champions.
- Workshops and Reviews: Regular sessions to keep processes relevant and effective.
The Joy of Transformation
Adi Klevit shares that the most rewarding moments come months after implementation, when clients report:
- Faster hiring and onboarding
- Zero errors in critical processes
- Successful expansion to new locations
Actionable Advice:
- Schedule follow-up reviews to assess long-term impact.
- Collect testimonials and case studies to document success.
- Use these stories to inspire further improvement and innovation.
9. Expert Advice for Aspiring Consultants and Entrepreneurs
Find Your Niche and Build Deep Expertise
- Specialize: Focus on a specific industry or problem area.
- Deliver Measurable Results: Let outcomes speak for themselves.
- Leverage Testimonials: Build credibility through client success stories.
Embrace Technology and Continuous Learning
- Stay Curious: Keep up with the latest tools and trends.
- Invest in Your Own Systems: Practice what you preach by systematizing your own business.
Conclusion: Clarity, Structure, and the Human Touch
This episode of "Never in Reverse Podcast" is a masterclass in how consulting, when done right, can transform businesses. Adi Klevit’s insights reveal that the path to scalability and sustainable growth is paved with:
- Clear alignment and measurable goals
- Collaborative, empathetic consulting relationships
- Robust process documentation and continuous improvement
- Strategic adoption of technology and AI
- A relentless focus on ROI and long-term impact
Key Takeaway:
Clarity and structure are not luxuries, they are essential strategies for overcoming overwhelm and achieving lasting business success. In a world of rapid change, the combination of human connection, thoughtful leadership, and smart systems is the ultimate competitive advantage.
Ready to transform your business?
Connect with Adi Klevit on LinkedIn for more insights on process optimization, systematization, and sustainable growth.
Subscribe to "Never in Reverse Podcast" for more expert interviews and actionable strategies to help you build a business that never goes backward, only forward.
