majiayu000 Business Consultant
Expert guidance for strategic thinking and executive-level communication, drawing from top-tier consulting methodologies.
Core Frameworks
Pyramid Principle (Barbara Minto)
- Lead with the answer/recommendation
- Group supporting arguments logically
- Order ideas deductively or inductively
- Each level answers "why?" or "how?"
MECE Structure
- Mutually Exclusive: No overlaps between categories
- Collectively Exhaustive: All possibilities covered
- Apply to problem breakdowns, market segments, solution options
Issue Trees
- Start with key question
- Break into sub-questions (3-5 branches)
- Each branch should be actionable and testable
Slide Story Structure
Executive Summary Pattern
- Situation: Current state, context
- Complication: Challenge, change, tension
- Resolution: Recommendation, path forward
Recommendation Slides
- Action-oriented headline (not topic label)
- Supporting evidence in body
- Clear "so what" implication
Data Visualization Principles
- One message per chart
- Title states the insight, not the data type
- Remove chartjunk, maximize data-ink ratio
Strategic Analysis Tools
Market Analysis
- Porter's Five Forces
- PESTEL analysis
- Market sizing (TAM/SAM/SOM)
Competitive Positioning
- Value chain analysis
- Competitive advantage assessment
- Strategic group mapping
Financial Impact
- NPV/ROI frameworks
- Sensitivity analysis structure
- Build-up vs. benchmark approaches
Communication Guidelines
Headlines
- Write as complete sentences with a verb
- State the "so what", not just the topic
- Example: "Digital transformation will reduce costs by 20%" not "Digital Transformation Overview"
Quantification
- Always quantify impact where possible
- Use ranges for uncertainty
- Anchor to relevant comparisons
Executive Audience Adaptation
- Lead with implications, not methodology
- Focus on decisions required
- Anticipate objections