How do you create reports for your business advisory projects?

In our business advisory projects, we prioritize clear and concise reporting. We start by identifying key metrics that align with the project's goals. Data is then collected, often from multiple sources, and analyzed to draw insights. These insights are presented in a structured format, highlighting the key findings and recommendations. Visual aids like charts and graphs are used to make the report more digestible. The report concludes with actionable steps for improvement. This approach ensures our reports are comprehensive, insightful, and actionable. If you have any additional thoughts or contributions, please reply to this comment. I always appreciate and look forward to hearing more from you. Thank you!

It is imperative to acknowledge that as a provider of answers, it is equally important to pay heed to the feedback of your audience. Collaborating on insights can lead to a deeper understanding and generate a sense of camaraderie with your clients. It is often better to focus on the message first, rather than jumping right to the results, in order to create real value in your recommendations.

Create effective business advisory reports by defining the purpose and audience, gathering and organizing data, structuring the report logically, writing a concise executive summary, presenting the methodology and key findings, providing strategic recommendations with supporting evidence, using visuals effectively, addressing concerns or risks, summarizing with a conclusion, including actionable next steps, reviewing and editing thoroughly, seeking feedback, and finalizing and distributing the report. This approach ensures a clear, organized, and actionable presentation of insights for stakeholders.

Avoid gibberish and over technical terms. If you speak Chinese to an English speaking person they won't understand a word. Similarly speaking in a language that the layman may not understand is pointless. Speak in a clear, concise, maybe even dumbed down language if that's what your audience needs to understand the topic at hand

Balance this with you owning your space and leading your clients I.e. believe & own your area of expertise and deliver from this place

In my experience, I always try to start with a question that is determinative to the client. After all, they asked for your expertise to solve a problem and the best way to do it is by asking the right questions. By implementing this method, you can demonstrate to your audience that you comprehend their motive for reaching out and value their concerns.

One thing that I have found helpful in determining and documenting purpose and scope is to capture the client's voice during initial stakeholder analysis, deconflicting competing priorities to come up with a common scope and purpose. The scope and purpose are further defined by a set of guiding principles and SMART objectives, the achievement of which will define the project's success.

When defining the purpose and scope, focus on creating a client-centric roadmap. Start with a gap analysis to pinpoint precise needs. Employ a balanced scorecard approach to align objectives with strategic goals. Use a RACI matrix to outline responsibilities and ensure clarity. This structure provides targeted insights and actionable steps for your clients.

Defining the purpose and scope of your presentation or report is a crucial step in any business advisory project. It's not just about stating your objectives, but also about aligning them with the client's needs and expectations. This process can be likened to setting the GPS for your journey - it helps to ensure that you're on the right path to achieving the desired results. Remember, clarity in purpose and scope can significantly enhance the effectiveness of your communication, leading to better decision-making and, ultimately, business growth and success.

Clarity is key when it comes to report purpose and scope. It's like setting the destination before embarking on a road trip. Tools like SMART objectives and problem statements act as your GPS, keeping you on track. Align your report with the project's objectives, and you'll be cruising down the highway of success in no time.

Share stories and share experience. There are nuggets of wisdom and ideas for others, within your stories and the things you’ve experienced. Business owners can take your experience share and think ‘how does that fit into my business?’

Key also is to share your stories , stories bring the content to life and make it relatable to your audience + builds connection & credibility…

Although the format is vital to convey the right message, you have to focus on delivering it in a way they can act on it. So you won't end up with formidable material that is too far from the client's reality,

This is the most prized segment . Its here that audience gets value from your consultation . Content should answer their desired outcome for seeking your counsel. Communicating in a structure that takes into consideration the audience receptivity levels is one of the most underrated skills. This because if the content doesn't satisfy their appetite for information required than creating other segments of the report will be in vain .

The first thing you should do in structuring your content is to document the outline in a deliverable expectation document that all key stakeholders confirm. The content should always be anchored to the SMART goals, guiding principles, and purpose defined in the first two steps. Each finding should clearly state the evidence, examples from your research and experience on how the finding was addressed in similar situations, and your recommendation for the best alternative based on the pros and cons.

Due to my experience in the audiovisual industry, I try to make my materials very dynamic. And if possible, use audiovisual tools, such as small videos, audio effects, and motion graphics to highlight the key aspects of the presentation. This usually makes it more compelling, creating great impact and helping retains audiences' attention.

To create compelling reports, we should: Use charts and graphs for key data insights. Incorporate diagrams to visualize processes. Add images and icons for engagement. Apply consistent branding and typography. Organize content with clear hierarchy and balance. Utilize white space and grids for clarity. By doing this, we can communicate effectively and persuasively.

It is essential to strike the right balance of visuals. Every visual included must have a clear message that it conveys and should be accompanied by a coherent tagline that clearly reflects that purpose. On the other hand, you should have enough visuals to break up your text. Also, when done correctly, visuals can convey abundant information.

To elevate your visuals, consider using data storytelling techniques that guide your audience through the narrative, focusing on the “why” behind the data. Leverage heat maps and interactive dashboards to enable deeper insights at a glance. Employ contrast not just for clarity but to direct attention to critical KPIs, creating visuals that inform and drive action simultaneously.

The use of visuals in business advisory reports is not just about making them attractive. It's about communicating complex data in a simple, digestible way. When done right, visuals can significantly enhance the understanding of the report's content and help drive strategic decisions. Remember, the goal is to provide clarity and insight, not to confuse with overly complex charts or graphs.

In my experience, delivering high-quality reports is crucial in business consulting. I customize the content to meet the specific needs of the client and the objectives of the project. I use tools and techniques to collect, analyze and visualize data accurately and objectively. I focus on the clarity, organization and visual aesthetics of the reports to ensure their comprehension and impact. I strictly adhere to delivery deadlines, demonstrating a commitment to excellence at every stage of the consultancy process.

Body language 55% Voice/ Tone 38% Words 7% My key learnings: 1. Stand up for your video calls/ presentations 2. Your State is key - prior to presentation, get yourself in optimal & fitting state… 1) in your physiology, 2) your Focus , 3) your language/ meaning

You should consider sharing a draft of your presentation before the meeting. This gives you a chance to receive feedback and make improvements before the actual presentation.

Three key things in delivering your presentation. 1. Make sure you practice and time the presentation extensively. Also, make sure there are no typos. Use a tool like Grammarly to check spelling, grammar, and clarity. 2. Send out an agenda and a presentation draft at least two days before. Call out any minor changes at the start of the presentation. 3. Be careful of your body language. Also, do not read directly off the slide or report but provide additional information that illuminates the report.

To truly stand out in your delivery, integrate audience-specific pain points and actionable next steps early in your presentation to immediately capture interest. For reports, introduce executive summaries that aren't just overviews but highlight strategic recommendations tied to measurable outcomes. Tailor your tone and language to resonate with decision-makers, ensuring the message aligns with their priorities and challenges.

Balance required here as you don’t want to always be relying on feedback from your audience. Do your own reflection + include people you respect as reviewers. Use the simple reflection tool of LB/ NT I.e 1) ask - what did I LIKE BEST & 2) what should I do NEST TIME

Go beyond basic feedback by conducting follow-up interviews with key stakeholders to uncover insights on what resonated and what didn’t. Analyze engagement metrics in detail—track not just open rates or clicks but the depth of interaction with specific sections. Use A/B testing for different versions of reports or presentations to refine your approach continually, optimizing for impact and clarity in real-world applications.

A lot of this seems beyond the scope of most of the advisory work I do. In my advisory work, I keep wins, big decisions, and impacts that we've had together, but I don't usually put together formal reports, visuals, and such. By its nature, the advisory relationship is often extremely intangible.

Are the clients ready to listen or change their perceptions? All the hard work, presentations, structure all go out the window unless they are in a receptive mood and many are not Pressures, work loads, politics and more kick in Do they read the report at the end of a long tough day, fit it into a early morning reading slot. The environment needs careful consideration

Incorporate real-world case studies where similar strategies led to tangible success, but also include examples of failures and lessons learned. This adds credibility and relatability, making your recommendations more persuasive. Share unexpected insights, like cultural factors or market anomalies, that could affect implementation, giving your audience a fuller picture to base decisions on.

In essence, creating a stellar business advisory report is like crafting a culinary masterpiece. It requires understanding your diners, selecting the finest ingredients, presenting them artfully, and always striving to improve your technique. With these tips in your apron pocket, you're well on your way to whipping up reports that will leave your audience craving more.