Acquisitions can be a game-changer for scaling your business, providing access to new markets, capabilities, and talent. However, making the right acquisition requires a clear strategy and a founder’s perspective on what drives success. Join Sam Shepler, Founder of Testimonial Hero, as he shares his journey of leveraging acquisitions to accelerate growth. In this session, you’ll learn how to identify opportunities that align with your vision, navigate the acquisition process, and unlock synergies that enhance your business. Whether you're exploring acquisitions for the first time or refining your approach, this session will provide actionable insights from a founder who’s been in your shoes.

In the seller-doer model, where professionals both deliver services and generate new business, relationship selling is a powerful approach for driving growth. By focusing on authentic connections, you build trust and credibility, positioning yourself as a trusted advisor while fostering lasting partnerships. Join this session with David Ackert, CEO of Pipeline Plus to explore how to leverage the seller-doer advantage, tailor your approach to client needs, and create genuine value in every interaction, enabling sustainable business development through meaningful relationships.

Transitioning from consulting to a product-driven model can unlock growth but requires strategic decisions and innovation. There are graveyards full of services companies that tried to make this pivot and have not survived it. Lawrence King, founder of Headstorm, shares his journey of transforming his consulting firm into a product powerhouse in the agriculture industry. If you’ve ever considered developing a product, this session will help you understand what it takes to be successful. Join to learn how to achieve product-market fit, how to navigate operational shifts between consulting and product models and how to build a roadmap for innovation and sustained growth.

Exiting your business is a multi-step process that requires strategic planning and the right team at the right time. This session breaks down the timeline of an exit, from assessing your firm’s worth and preparing marketing materials to managing buyer interest and creating competitive tension. Learn when to hire key advisors, what each phase entails, and how to make a strong first impression with potential buyers. By understanding the process and investing in top-tier expertise, you can navigate the complexities of an exit and maximize your outcome.

How can you leverage your membership to its fullest? What does it take to become an exceptional member of our community? In this inspiring session, our 2024 Member of the Year will share the mindset, actions, and strategies that set them apart. Learn how to manage the volume of ideas you get from the community, how to get ideas implemented and how to build meaningful relationships with fellow members. Whether you’re a new member or a seasoned veteran, this session will leave you inspired to elevate your own engagement and impact.

Next-generation technologies are revolutionizing the professional services industry. Join Alex Bratton, CEO of Lextech and practical tech futurist, for an insightful session exploring how next gen technology will reshape the way we work and serve clients. Gain clarity on disruptive trends and learn how to harness their potential for strategic advantage in professional services. From AI's immediate impact to future disruptive technologies, this session will help you stay ahead in an industry on the cusp of transformation.

Harness LinkedIn to become the go-to authority in your industry. This session covers building trust and awareness at scale using thought leadership and a formula for cutting through the noise. Discover strategies to stand out, track essential metrics, and align LinkedIn with your broader marketing efforts. Leave with actionable tools to enhance your LinkedIn presence and drive engagement.

At Collective 54, we often discuss the “Valley of Death” firms face when moving from Growth to Scale. But what if the cost of this journey is too high? In this session, C54 alumni Julian Lumpkin shares his story of deciding to close his firm and what came next. He’ll reveal the tough questions he asked himself and offer strategies for communicating this decision both internally and externally. Walk away with insights on how to navigate this turning point and confidently plan your next chapter.