<article class="newsletter"> <a href="https://theargonautic.com"><img src="https://theargonautic.com/assets/argonautic_banner_v2.png" alt="The Argonautic Banner"></a> <header class="newsletter-header"> <h2 class="newsletter-title">The Argonautic: 0016</h2> <time class="newsletter-date">May 10, 2025</time> </header> <div class="newsletter-content"> <p>This week: AI reshaping business strategies, the decline of traditional SEO, and the power of authentic personal branding. And <strong>why embracing uncertainty could be your greatest asset</strong>. Giddyup!</p> <h2>AI's Impact on Business Strategy and Technology</h2> <p>Is AI just another tool, or is it fundamentally rewriting the playbook for professional services? The consensus is growing: AI is both collaborator and disruptor, <strong>forcing us to rethink not just <em>how</em> we work, but <em>what</em> work will remain valuable</strong>. Ignoring it isn't an option if you want to stay relevant.</p> <p>The shift is palpable. <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7324227297908072448/">David C. Baker warns</a> that platforms like Facebook and Google aim to disintermediate digital ad agencies, a sentiment echoed by <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7324201900445229056/">Wil Reynolds regarding competitive pressures on Google</a>. SEO itself is evolving into &quot;AI Engine Optimization&quot; (AEO), demanding a new approach as <strong>AI draws from broader information sources</strong>, as <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7325142980208553985/">Brandlight.ai points out</a>.</p> <p>For solo and small firms, this means critically evaluating current service offerings. <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7323964483293372416/">Sir John Hegarty suggests</a> viewing AI as a creative partner, expanding capabilities rather than just replacing them. Your challenge: adapt services to leverage AI while <strong>identifying uniquely human contributions that will set your firm apart</strong>.</p> <div class="callout big-idea"> <h4>BIG IDEA</h4> <p>AI isn't just a technological shift; it's a strategic inflection point demanding that firms reimagine their value proposition and operational models.</p> </div> <div class="callout"> <h4>WHY IT MATTERS</h4> <p>Small professional services firms must proactively understand and integrate AI to avoid obsolescence, identify new opportunities, and enhance their competitive edge. A &quot;wait and see&quot; approach could be fatal.</p> </div> <h3>Comment insights:</h3> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7324227297908072448?commentUrn=urn:li:comment:(activity:7324227297908072448,7325162255220715522)">Aoun Mohammad Jafarey</a> points out that Meta's vision for AI might be disconnected from actual human needs, suggesting a potential flaw in platform-driven futures.</li> <li><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7324227297908072448?commentUrn=urn:li:comment:(activity:7324227297908072448,7324241522613264384)">John Tyreman</a> believes there's still opportunity for hyper-specialized creative agencies that deeply understand niche markets.</li> <li><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7324442191202832386?commentUrn=urn:li:comment:(activity:7324442191202832386,7325161324408115201)">Kshitij Chaudhary</a> likens the AI evolution to the &quot;Salesforce era,&quot; where reliability, integration, and total workflow coverage will become paramount over standalone tools.</li> </ul> <h2>Marketing Strategy and Adapting to a Changing Landscape</h2> <p>Is your &quot;educational blog content&quot; strategy on life support? According to <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7325827055026135040/">Ryan Law at Ahrefs</a>, <strong>its value is plummeting as LLMs increasingly resolve informational queries directly within users' existing apps</strong>. This profound shift signals a return to foundational marketing principles.</p> <p>The era of easy information arbitrage through SEO is ending. Law argues that marketing existed before this &quot;loophole&quot; and will persist after, emphasizing a cycle of adoption, saturation, and abandonment for all tactics. <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7324072601964740609/">John Jantsch also highlights</a> that <strong>traffic without conversion is worthless</strong>, urging a focus on visibility, authority, and actual buyer intent.</p> <p>For small firms, this means re-evaluating where you invest your marketing energy. <a href="https://punctuation.com/the-ladder-of-lead-generation/">David C. Baker's &quot;Ladder of Lead Generation&quot;</a> offers a framework for prioritizing marketing tactics, suggesting you strategically abandon less effective approaches as you move up. Consider <strong>investing more in direct engagement and community building rather than churning out blog posts for diminishing returns</strong>.</p> <div class="callout big-idea"> <h4>BIG IDEA</h4> <p>The decline of traditional &quot;educational content&quot; SEO necessitates a pivot towards more direct, engaging marketing strategies that build genuine brand authority and connection.</p> </div> <div class="callout"> <h4>WHY IT MATTERS</h4> <p>Small firms with limited resources must be agile. Continuing to pour effort into saturated channels is a recipe for stagnation. Focus on marketing activities that cultivate real relationships and demonstrate unique value.</p> </div> <h3>Comment insights:</h3> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7325827055026135040?commentUrn=urn:li:comment:(activity:7325827055026135040,7325902385342472192)">Jonathan Goudy</a> argues that LLMs will still need to reward content creators, especially in professional fields like healthcare and legal where credibility is paramount.</li> <li><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7325827055026135040?commentUrn=urn:li:comment:(activity:7325827055026135040,7325865379229048832)">Philipp Schett</a> asks where LLMs will get their information if traditional educational content dwindles. Law suggests evergreen content, forums, social media, and LLM-specific formats.</li> <li><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7325954619610644480">Wil Reynolds</a> candidly states he'd invest less in SEO, given his own site's declining SEO traffic versus soaring social traffic.</li> </ul> <h2>Personal Branding and Authenticity</h2> <p>In an era of AI-generated content and curated online personas, does &quot;just be yourself&quot; still cut it? According to <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7323736639208366080/">David C. Baker</a>, authenticity is paramount: <strong>&quot;Be yourself on LinkedIn. Or if you're a dip shit, be the person your therapist wants you to be, but don't follow someone else's playbook.&quot;</strong></p> <p>This call for genuine self-expression extends beyond avoiding robotic posts. <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7325390960757026818/">Chris Do emphasizes</a> that being &quot;radically different&quot; by being &quot;more you&quot; is key to standing out. <strong>Your unique quirks, story, and passions make you memorable</strong> and prevent your brand from becoming &quot;boring, undifferentiated, me too.&quot;</p> <p>For solo consultants, your unique perspective and genuine voice are your greatest assets. As <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7324497012870066177/">Marc Gordon shares</a>, social media often portrays a curated version of life, but authenticity involves showing the real side. This doesn't mean oversharing, but ensuring <strong>your professional persona aligns with who you truly are</strong>, fostering genuine connections.</p> <div class="callout big-idea"> <h4>BIG IDEA</h4> <p>True personal branding isn't about crafting a perfect image, but about amplifying your authentic self—quirks and all—to create genuine distinction and connection.</p> </div> <div class="callout"> <h4>WHY IT MATTERS</h4> <p>For small firms, your personal brand <em>is</em> the company brand. Authenticity builds trust, differentiates you from larger competitors, and attracts clients who resonate with your genuine approach.</p> </div> <h3>Comment insights:</h3> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7323736639208366080?commentUrn=urn:li:comment:(activity:7323736639208366080,7323760375336751104)">Kayla Pedy</a> laments the lack of &quot;tastefully weird&quot; and passionate, non-HR-manual opinions on professional sites.</li> <li><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7325390960757026818?commentUrn=urn:li:comment:(activity:7325390960757026818,7325547680783302657)">Amanda Northcutt</a> agrees that leaning into what makes you different is your superpower, warning against &quot;personal blanding.&quot;</li> <li><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7325390960757026818?commentUrn=urn:li:comment:(activity:7325390960757026818,7325394239956094979)">Uma Thana Balasingam</a> notes that &quot;being beige is the ultimate stealth mode — safe, invisible, ignorable,&quot; and that embracing your &quot;weirdness and imperfections&quot; is key.</li> </ul> <h2>Leadership and Team Dynamics</h2> <p>What truly defines a great leader in small firms? It's not just about smooth sailing; it's about how you handle the inevitable storms. As <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7324055103982776320/">Dr. David Burkus shares from a CEO's wisdom</a>, <strong>&quot;Watch what they do when something goes wrong.&quot;</strong> This is when true leadership—taking ownership, learning from mistakes, and moving forward without blame—emerges.</p> <p>For small service firms, fostering psychological safety is crucial for innovation. <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7325159472954253312/">Dr. Burkus also explains</a> that if your team is silent, it's likely not a lack of ideas but a lack of safety to share them. <strong>Building trust is a reciprocal process</strong>, not just a series of team-building exercises.</p> <p>Effective coaching is another cornerstone. <a href="https://saracanaday.com/may-2025-leadership-development-carnival/">Sara Canaday's May 2025 Leadership Development Carnival</a> compiles various expert views, including Art Petty's advice on the &quot;coaching trilogy&quot; for managers. <strong>Coaching for both performance and development is key to retaining talent</strong>, as detailed in her resources.</p> <div class="callout big-idea"> <h4>BIG IDEA</h4> <p>Effective leadership in small firms hinges on resilience in adversity, cultivating psychological safety for open contribution, and a commitment to genuine coaching that fosters both performance and personal development.</p> </div> <div class="callout"> <h4>WHY IT MATTERS</h4> <p>Solo and small firm leaders wear many hats. Understanding these core leadership principles helps in building resilient, innovative teams, retaining talent, and navigating growth complexities effectively.</p> </div> <h3>Comment insights:</h3> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7324055103982776320?commentUrn=urn:li:comment:(activity:7324055103982776320,7324115709028945920)">Lyle Sussman</a> likens true leadership in crisis to a pilot handling an engine failure – something AI can't replicate, emphasizing human judgment under pressure.</li> <li><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7325868031467749379?commentUrn=urn:li:comment:(activity:7325868031467749379,7325887242588041216)">Nola Simon</a> points out that installing monitoring software during onboarding can immediately break trust, a sentiment Dr. Burkus echoes.</li> <li><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7324433216130482176?commentUrn=urn:li:comment:(ugcPost:7324433213018308609,7324573005295058944)">Babetta Popoff</a> suggests that increased generational diversity in teams contributes to friction, highlighting the need for empathy.</li> </ul> <h2>Professional Development and Growth</h2> <p>How do solo professionals maintain their edge and well-being? It often comes down to mindset and finding space for reflection, as highlighted by <a href="https://seths.blog/2025/05/seeking-yoyu-%e4%bd%99%e8%a3%95/">Seth Godin</a>. His concept of <em>&quot;yoyu&quot;</em>—effort and ease, time and passion—emphasizes <strong>doing more than necessary not just as a tactic, but as a fulfilling approach</strong>.</p> <p>This idea of creating space is echoed by <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7326315859776258048/">Sue Painter</a>, who sees retreats as essential for gaining clarity and operating from a place of equanimity. Amidst the daily hustle, <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7325848707898241024/">David C. Baker's reflections</a> on staying relevant despite technological shifts are a powerful reminder that <strong>embracing change and continuous learning are vital</strong>.</p> <p>The ability to make thoughtful decisions is also core to professional growth. <a href="https://seths.blog/2025/05/sorting-and-choosing/">Seth Godin's piece on &quot;Sorting and choosing&quot;</a> suggests spending less time agonizing over choices within an already &quot;good enough&quot; pile and more time ensuring you've correctly sorted options. This focus on foundational decision-making, coupled with human skills that <a href="https://www.harvardbusiness.org/the-most-important-ai-skill-you-need-isnt-technical-its-human/">Harvard Business Review identifies</a> as crucial AI skills, points to <strong>growth centered on wisdom and adaptability</strong>.</p> <div class="callout big-idea"> <h4>BIG IDEA</h4> <p>Sustainable professional growth isn't just about acquiring skills; it's about cultivating a mindset of continuous learning, embracing &quot;yoyu,&quot; and developing the wisdom to navigate change effectively.</p> </div> <div class="callout"> <h4>WHY IT MATTERS</h4> <p>For small firm leaders, your personal growth directly impacts your business's trajectory. Investing in self-awareness and strategic thinking allows you to lead with more clarity and build a more adaptable practice.</p> </div> <h3>Comment insights:</h3> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7325848707898241024?commentUrn=urn:li:comment:(activity:7325848707898241024,7325869718601437184)">Tom Yorton</a> comments that what fulfills him evolves with age, and embracing this evolution is an antidote to doom-mongering.</li> <li><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7326289830315716609?commentUrn=urn:li:comment:(activity:7326289830315716609,7326347845807104003)">Linda Muterspaugh</a> raises the valid point that contentment in a quiet life after years of striving is also a worthy goal.</li> <li><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7325490453015916544?commentUrn=urn:li:comment:(activity:7325490453015916544,7325533758244225024)">Sandy Hubbard</a> highlights the impact of genuine appreciation, emphasizing that acknowledging others' work provides significant encouragement.</li> </ul> <h2>Sales and Client Relationships</h2> <p>Are your sales conversations collaborative dialogues or just a series of questions? <a href="https://trustedadvisor.com/trustmatters/question-obsession-the-consultants-nemesis">Noelle Mykolenko of Trusted Advisor</a> cautions against &quot;Question Obsession,&quot; where <strong>over-reliance on asking questions prevents genuine connection</strong>. The real goal is collaborative conversation.</p> <p>This ties into the mindset for effective sales. <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7326323772746080259/">Jonathan Stark points out</a> that desperation is the &quot;business version of BO&quot;—it repels clients. <strong>The best time for sales activities is when you're in a position of strength</strong>, ideally right after closing a deal. He further challenges firms to <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7325961390702084096/">consider becoming the &quot;luxury option&quot;</a> that ideal buyers crave.</p> <p>For those scaling sales efforts, <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7324047528289525761/">Karl Sakas advises</a> agency owners considering hiring a salesperson to first understand the sales process deeply themselves. Taking a masterclass like <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7324047528289525761/">Jody Sutter's &quot;Prospecting with Purpose&quot;</a> can <strong>prevent delegation from becoming abdication</strong>.</p> <div class="callout big-idea"> <h4>BIG IDEA</h4> <p>Effective selling in professional services is less about tactics and more about establishing trust, demonstrating clear value, and engaging in collaborative conversations from a position of confidence.</p> </div> <div class="callout"> <h4>WHY IT MATTERS</h4> <p>For small firms, every client interaction is a sales opportunity. Mastering a client-first, value-driven approach is fundamental to sustainable growth, attracting ideal clients, and commanding premium pricing.</p> </div> <h3>Comment insights:</h3> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7326251954974728197?commentUrn=urn:li:comment:(activity:7326251954974728197,7326276422929436676)">David Brock</a> affirms the need to shift from question obsession to an obsession with collaborative conversations.</li> <li><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7324047528289525761?commentUrn=urn:li:comment:(activity:7324047528289525761,7324050735300579328)">Alvaro Hernandez</a> reinforces that delegation without understanding sales is abdication.</li> <li><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7326433725662068736?commentUrn=urn:li:comment:(ugcPost:7326433724495994882,7326436712820158465)">Uma Thana Balasingam</a> adds that most sales advice overlooks emotional regulation – the panic when self-worth is tied to a client saying &quot;yes.&quot;</li> </ul> <h2>Events and Community Building</h2> <p>In a hyper-digital world, is face-to-face interaction becoming more or less valuable? For many, like <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7325345804519448576/">Mark Schaefer</a>, curated, intimate events like &quot;The Uprising&quot; offer <strong>deep learning and professional bonding that larger conferences can't match</strong>. He emphasizes the power of a small group focused on big issues.</p> <p>This sentiment is echoed by various industry events. <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7315358112339685376/">Allen Bonde highlights</a> a fintech seminar designed for smart conversations, while <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7326286738715201536/">Sara Canaday's upcoming speaking engagement</a> at the Medical Professional Liability Association Conference demonstrates the importance of in-person gatherings.</p> <p>Beyond conferences, <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7326304901595107329/">John Jantsch shares his appreciation for peer roundtables</a>, informal gatherings of industry colleagues to discuss issues, wins, and challenges. <strong>The value lies in serendipitous connections and shared wisdom</strong>, as <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7324139011571154944/">Cory Scheer's experience at the NAYDO conference illustrates</a>.</p> <div class="callout big-idea"> <h4>BIG IDEA</h4> <p>Meaningful professional connections are increasingly fostered through curated events and communities that prioritize deep learning and genuine relationship-building over sheer scale.</p> </div> <div class="callout"> <h4>WHY IT MATTERS</h4> <p>For small firms, a strong network provides referrals, partnerships, support, and vital industry knowledge. Actively participating in focused communities can be a powerful engine for growth and professional development.</p> </div> <h3>Comment insights:</h3> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7325345804519448576?commentUrn=urn:li:comment:(activity:7325345804519448576,7325479302060302336)">Iris van Ooyen</a> expresses eagerness to join a future Uprising event, highlighting the appeal of such focused gatherings.</li> <li><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7324139011571154944?commentUrn=urn:li:comment:(activity:7324139011571154944,7324207002350481408)">Dr. Carrie LaDue</a> notes that reconnecting with inspiring leaders at events emphasizes the relational value.</li> <li><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7325536248700297217?commentUrn=urn:li:comment:(activity:7325536248700297217,7325537843756294144)">Sabine VanderLinden</a> looks forward to Mark Schaefer's keynote at the Build a Better Agency Summit, curious about agencies adapting in the AI age.</li> </ul> <h2>Business Operations</h2> <p>Are you truly on top of your firm's financial health? <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7325546002118025218/">Jon Verbeck points out</a> that <strong>waiting for monthly financials is like a pilot checking instruments once a month</strong>. Successful leaders need regular visibility into their numbers through a weekly financial dashboard.</p> <p>For solo and small firms, this means mastering not just service delivery but also business operations. This includes understanding self-employment taxes, covered in <a href="https://found.com/resources/ultimate-guide-to-self-employment-taxes">Found's Ultimate Guide</a> and <a href="https://turbotax.intuit.com/personal-taxes/self-employment-taxes/">TurboTax's Self-Employment Tax Hub</a>. Key aspects include recognizing the 15.3% FICA tax on net earnings over $400 and <strong>quarterly estimated payments</strong>.</p> <p>Leveraging technology can streamline these burdens. Tools like <a href="https://www.withmoxie.com/product-pages/freelance-on-the-go-with-the-hectic-mobile-app">Moxie's mobile app</a> put project management and invoicing in your pocket, while <a href="https://www.getcanopy.com/crm">Canopy's CRM</a> offers <strong>integrated practice management for more complex needs</strong>.</p> <div class="callout big-idea"> <h4>BIG IDEA</h4> <p>Operational excellence and financial acumen are foundational pillars for sustainable growth and profitability in small professional service firms.</p> </div> <div class="callout"> <h4>WHY IT MATTERS</h4> <p>Understanding your financials and streamlining operations with appropriate tools frees up time and mental energy to focus on client work and strategic growth, preventing burnout and ensuring long-term viability.</p> </div> <h3>Comment insights:</h3> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7325546002118025218?commentUrn=urn:li:comment:(activity:7325546002118025218,7325617203959992321)">Steve MacLaughlin</a> emphasizes that understanding the local &quot;terroir&quot; (culture, regulations, environment) is crucial for managing teams in different countries.</li> <li><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7324036950175186945?commentUrn=urn:li:comment:(activity:7324036950175186945,7324104644891152384)">Janice Litvin</a> inquires about editorial support, highlighting operational aspects even in creative endeavors.</li> <li><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7325679582668374017?commentUrn=urn:li:comment:(activity:7325679582668374017,7325685493843529728)">Vincent G. Dong</a> humorously comments on an entitled client post, &quot;I suppose you don't charge this client... 🤣,&quot; touching on financial implications of difficult clients.</li> </ul> <h2>Embracing Uncertainty in Business</h2> <p>In a climate where, as <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7326252398618767361/">John Jantsch notes</a>, &quot;uncertainty is the only thing we can count on,&quot; how do small firm leaders thrive? The key lies in <strong>actively embracing change and taking informed action, even without perfect clarity</strong>. Margie Warrell's wisdom, shared by Jantsch: &quot;If you're waiting for certainty before you make a move, you're going to get left behind.&quot;</p> <p>This requires a specific mindset. <a href="https://seths.blog/2025/05/seriously/">Seth Godin suggests</a> taking situations seriously, but not ourselves too seriously, allowing for flexibility. <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7325848707898241024/">David C. Baker's reflections</a> on his career journey through technological shifts underscore that fear is natural, but <strong>panic &quot;turns you stupid.&quot;</strong> His advice: maintain an expansive view and remember that adaptation is ongoing.</p> <p>For small firms, this means developing an &quot;experimentation DNA,&quot; as <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7325591448387555331/">Lisa Nirell puts it</a>. It's about being in motion, learning fast, and adjusting &quot;to what will be,&quot; a phrase from <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7325161116639113216/">Michael Katz's piece on engagement</a>. <strong>This adaptability separates thriving firms from those that falter</strong>.</p> <div class="callout big-idea"> <h4>BIG IDEA</h4> <p>Thriving in uncertainty requires proactively embracing change, acting without complete certainty, and cultivating a resilient mindset focused on continuous adaptation.</p> </div> <div class="callout"> <h4>WHY IT MATTERS</h4> <p>Small firms are often more agile than larger corporations, but this advantage only materializes if leaders get comfortable with ambiguity and make continuous adaptation a core principle, enabling them to seize opportunities others miss.</p> </div> <h3>Comment insights:</h3> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7326252398618767361?commentUrn=urn:li:comment:(ugcPost:7326252397125582849,7326273891671179264)">Mike Grinberg</a> emphasizes that solid decision-making frameworks become invaluable when facing headwinds.</li> <li><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7325848707898241024?commentUrn=urn:li:comment:(activity:7325848707898241024,7325869718601437184)">Tom Yorton</a> notes that what fulfills him changes with age, and embracing this evolution is key.</li> <li><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7324111317164851201?commentUrn=urn:li:comment:(activity:7324111317164851201,7324442970680631296)">Kevin Rains</a> highlights the long-term value of foundational principles even as tactics evolve.</li> </ul> <h2>Sound Bites</h2> <ul> <li>🎙️ <a href="http://www.consultingsuccess.com/">How to Manage a High-Performance Consulting Team</a>: Consulting Success offers valuable insights on building and leading effective consulting teams while focusing on strategies to grow your consulting business.</li> </ul> <p>The professional services landscape is in significant flux. From AI's influence to shifting marketing paradigms and the enduring importance of human connection, success requires adaptability and questioning long-held assumptions.</p> <p>What's one assumption about your business model or service delivery that you'll re-examine this week?</p> </div> <footer class="newsletter-footer"> <p>Thanks for reading The Argonautic!</p> <p>If you enjoyed this newsletter, please share it with your friends.</p> <div class="social-links"> <a href="https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https%3A%2F%2Ftheargonautic.com%2Fnewsletters%2F2025-05-10-the-argonautic-0016%2F&text=The%20Argonautic%3A%200016" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="social-link">Share on Twitter</a> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Ftheargonautic.com%2Fnewsletters%2F2025-05-10-the-argonautic-0016%2F" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="social-link">Share on Facebook</a> <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Ftheargonautic.com%2Fnewsletters%2F2025-05-10-the-argonautic-0016%2F&title=The%20Argonautic%3A%200016" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="social-link">Share on LinkedIn</a> </div> <p class="copyright">© 2025 The Argonautic. 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