020: How to Make $20k/Month Selling Automated Consulting

—Welcome to Startup Gems, where we find undiscovered startup growth hacks, stories and case studies from every random nook and cranny of the internet.—

—Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur, an aspiring startup expert, or simply someone seeking inspiration, Startup Gems is your source for the stories that ignite the flames of innovation.—

— In today's installment, we dive deep into the remarkable journey of a company that not only found its path to success but also identified the crucial elements that led to their triumph. This is not just a story; it's a blueprint for entrepreneurs and business enthusiasts alike.—

—In this episode, we will take you through the journey of Parzenn Partners, a management consulting firm that started from scratch and soared to impressive heights. We will unveil what went right for them, the pivotal principles that fueled their growth, and most importantly, provide you with practical tips and takeaways that you can implement in your own business ventures.—

—So, get ready to uncover the secrets of their success, learn from their experiences, and gain valuable insights that will empower you to make your entrepreneurial dreams a reality. This episode is your guide to turning your startup into a gem, and we can't wait to share it all with you. —

—Meet Akhil Nair, the co-founder of Parzenn Partners, a management consulting firm based in the Greater Boston area. Akhil, along with his co-founder Dhvanish 'Danny' Shah, embarked on this journey in March twenty eighteen, focusing on assisting small and mid-sized businesses.—

—Their initial approach involved taking on marketing and operations projects for small businesses in the Greater Boston region. However, their vision extended beyond hands-on consulting, leading them to develop a tech platform incorporating machine learning and AI to automate data analytics. Their aim was to provide free basic business assessment tools accessible to business owners and entrepreneurs across the United States who lacked the resources to hire large consulting firms.—

—Within a month of launching, they had garnered over 50 businesses taking the free assessment and acquired four paying clients who opted for in-depth analysis tests. Additionally, some of these clients hired them as consultants, resulting in 23 grand in revenue.—

—Now, let's dive into Akhil's backstory. He initially worked for a large corporation in India but felt unfulfilled and disconnected from the real world. He started helping small businesses develop marketing strategies and operational efficiencies, which sparked a sense of satisfaction and purpose. This experience led him to consult for over 20 small businesses in India.—

—To gain global entrepreneurial experience, Akhil pursued an MBA at Babson College in the United States. There, he met his future co-founder, Danny, who shared the same dissatisfaction with corporate life. They both came from families that faced challenges in scaling their businesses due to a lack of professional support. This shared passion drove them to start Parzenn Partners, with the mission of aiding small and mid-sized businesses.—

—Initially, they faced uncertainty as outsiders in the Greater Boston business community. However, they were pleasantly surprised by the receptiveness of local business owners to their value proposition. Their dedication paid off as they secured paid projects, gained word-of-mouth referrals, and even earned a feature in a local newspaper.—

—Despite financial challenges, they chose to follow their consulting business path and continuously sought advice from mentors and industry experts. They recognized that their consulting business was manpower-intensive and saw the potential to automate data analytics. This realization gave birth to Project Xena Intelligence, aimed at providing small business owners across the country with free, high-level business intelligence analytics.—

—Building their first product, Xena one point Oh, was a learning curve since neither Akhil nor Danny had prior experience in developing tech platforms. With the help of a friend, they built an initial demo and partnered with CoreValue to launch it officially. The platform offered free assessments to over 50 clients, resulting in paid projects and positive feedback.—

—Their journey continued as they tackled website development and faced financial challenges head-on. They invested in their education and relied on their personal savings and credit cards to finance the business. Their gradual and persistent approach to building credibility and expanding their professional network in the Boston area paid off.—

—A crucial aspect of their success was exceeding client expectations during their initial projects. This strategy contributed to their strong word-of-mouth marketing and client loyalty. While they initially dabbled in mass email marketing campaigns, they found more success in leveraging LinkedIn to communicate their journey and expertise.—

—Today, Parzenn Partners has completed eight projects with five different clients in just one year. They are considering expanding their reach beyond the Greater Boston area as they continue to build credibility and look forward to more success stories.—

—Reflecting on their entrepreneurial journey, Akhil emphasizes the importance of going above and beyond for clients, making informed project decisions, and cultivating a support system of family, friends, and well-wishers. The tools they use include Squarespace for their website, GSuite for emails, Hubspot for CRM and inbound marketing, and Intuit Quickbooks for accounting.—

—Akhil's advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is to take steps to turn their ideas into reality, no matter how small those steps may be. He emphasizes the value of putting ideas into the real world and seizing opportunities to make dreams come true.—

—This story provides valuable insights into three key principles that contributed to their success. Let’s dive into what those are.—

—Principle 1: Exceeding Client Expectations—

—One of the fundamental principles that propelled Parzenn Partners to success was their commitment to exceeding client expectations. From the very beginning, co-founders Akhil Nair and Dhvanish 'Danny' Shah made it a point to go above and beyond for their clients. They understood that their initial projects were crucial in building trust and credibility. By delivering exceptional results and putting in extra effort, they not only met client needs but also left their clients amazed. This approach led to positive word-of-mouth marketing and client loyalty.—


—Principle 2: Continuous Learning and Adaptation—

—Akhil Nair and Danny Shah's journey demonstrates the importance of continuous learning and adaptation. Despite their lack of experience in tech platforms, they embarked on the challenging task of building Xena one point oh, their data analytics platform. They didn't shy away from the steep learning curve, even though it required them to invest time and effort. They also sought feedback from mentors and clients, which allowed them to refine their product.—


—Principle 3: Building Strong Relationships and Networking—

—The third principle that played a pivotal role in Parzenn Partners' success is their dedication to building strong relationships and networking. From the outset, Akhil and Danny understood the importance of connecting with potential clients, mentors, and industry experts. They actively engaged in the local business community, even without personal connections in the Greater Boston area.—


—The success of Parzenn Partners can be attributed to these three key principles: exceeding client expectations, continuous learning and adaptation, and building strong relationships and networking. These principles not only contributed to their growth but also serve as valuable lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs. So remember, in the world of business, these principles can be your compass to steer you toward success.—



—Applying the principles that fueled Parzenn Partners' success to your own business is entirely possible, regardless of your industry or experience. Let's explore how you can adapt these principles for your entrepreneurial journey:—

—1. Exceeding Client Expectations—

—No matter what product or service you offer, always aim to surpass your clients' expectations. Start by truly understanding their needs and desires. Regular communication is key - check in with clients to ensure they are satisfied and gather feedback for improvement. When you consistently provide more value than expected, clients will become your loyal advocates. Happy clients are more likely to refer others to your business, helping it grow organically.—

—2. Continuous Learning and Adaptation—

—Embrace a growth mindset and be open to learning new skills and technologies. Invest time in acquiring the knowledge and tools necessary to excel in your field. Seek feedback from mentors, peers, and clients, and use it to refine your offerings. The business landscape is ever-evolving, so staying adaptable is essential. Be willing to pivot when necessary and make improvements to keep your business competitive.—

—3. Building Strong Relationships and Networking—

—Networking and relationship-building are invaluable assets for any business. Actively engage with your industry's community, attend events, and join relevant organizations or online forums. Don't hesitate to reach out to potential clients, mentors, or collaborators. Cultivate a support system of like-minded individuals who can provide guidance and support during your journey. Remember, strong relationships can lead to opportunities you might not find otherwise.—

—Incorporating these principles into your business strategy can set you on the path to success. As you strive to exceed client expectations, adapt and grow, and build a robust network, you'll not only enhance your business's reputation but also create a foundation for long-term growth and sustainability. These principles aren't limited to any specific industry – they are universal keys to unlocking success in entrepreneurship.—

—Thank you for being part of today's adventure through the world of startups and innovation. Did this episode ignite any fresh perspectives or ideas? Share your reflections and favorite takeaways in a review wherever you’re listening now. Remember to stay curious, continue to forge your own path, and subscribe and follow Startup Gems to be the first to access stories that will fan the flames of your entrepreneurial passion.—