Beyond the Whiteboard: How Voice Memos Upgrade the Modern Consultant's Experience

In consulting, the moments of delight and insight often come at the most inconvenient times—during client workshops, in the middle of site visits, or while reviewing complex data sets, right as you're stepping out of the shower kicking off the day - we've all been there! For years I used to keep a whiteboard or a notebook by my bed, for those most inconvenient of midnight musings... How do you capture these insights without breaking your flow with your clients or diminishing client engagement?

The Strategic Consultant's Challenge

Today's consultants face a growing complexity of demands, whether you're running your own practice or part of a large organization:

• Capturing nuanced client insights in real-time
• Documenting strategic thinking as it emerges
• Maintaining presence during client interactions
• Scaling personal expertise across projects
• Translating what the client said in session to what the client's needs

73% of Fortune executives cite the rapid pace of technological change as their “greatest fear” - McKinsey

Voice Memos: The Consultant's Strategic Advantage

We built Cleft to let those who are paid to engage with the power of their words, to purge the hassle from this workflow, to move as fast as they can get the words out. Discover how leading consultants are using Cleft to transform their practice and take action with their words:

1. Real-Time Insight Capture

Transform every client interaction:

• Record post-meeting insights immediately - as soon as the call ends, brain-dump what just happened, and translate what just happened, and capture what couldn't be said with the client present!
• Capture strategic hypotheses as they form - don't wait, turn a voice note into billable action
• Document environmental observations during site visits - Cleft is your observations assistant while you're out in the field
• Preserve the context behind recommendations - lose no context with the full pictures, backed up by your voice!

2. Strategic Documentation Enhancement

Elevate your deliverables and the speed you can move the program along:

• Voice-record detailed analysis rationale - give comments with more value
• Capture implementation considerations - we can all remember a moment that comes up as you're scanning a process flow review on the commute!
• Document risk factors and mitigation strategies - with human context, and ensure everybody is on the same page
• Record scenario planning insights to share with team or client at a lightning pace

3. Client Relationship Management

Strengthen client partnerships and build relationships that last:

• Record personal notes about client preferences
• Document informal feedback and concerns
• Capture action items during walking meetings
• Track relationship development insights

"Cleft's Voice Memos have revolutionized how I capture and synthesize client insights. I'm delivering richer recommendations because I'm not losing the nuanced observations that make strategy powerful." - David C, Senior Digital Consultant

Best Practices from Top Consultants

Client Meeting Workflow

1. Pre-Meeting Preparation (5 minutes)
   • Voice-record meeting objectives
   • Review previous interaction notes
   • Document key questions and hypotheses

2. Post-Meeting Capture (10 minutes)
   • Record immediate insights and observations
   • Document next steps and commitments
   • Capture non-verbal feedback and dynamics

3. Strategic Synthesis (15 minutes)
   • Connect insights to broader strategy
   • Record implementation considerations
   • Document risk factors and opportunities

The Consulting Value Chain

1. Discovery Phase

Transform information gathering:

• Record detailed interview notes
• Capture environmental observations
• Document initial hypotheses
• Track emerging patterns

2. Analysis Phase

Enhance analytical depth:

• Voice-record analysis rationale
• Document methodology decisions
• Capture alternative scenarios
• Record data interpretation insights

3. Recommendation Phase

Strengthen deliverables:

• Record implementation guidance
• Document change management considerations
• Capture stakeholder-specific notes
• Track decision rationale

Pro Tip

After every client interaction, take 5 minutes to voice-record your observations and insights. This ensures you capture the subtle nuances that often inform the most valuable recommendations.

Measuring Impact

Our consulting users report:

• More detailed client insights captured
• Faster documentation of strategic thinking
• Improvement in client relationship tracking
• Reduction in deliverable preparation time

Implementation Playbook

1. Set Up Your System

• Download Cleft
• Set up your custom instructions
• Start thinking out loud

2. Develop Your Workflow

• Start with one client engagement
• Create standard templates or custom instructions you would like to test
• Define review processes

3. Scale Your Practice

• Explain to team members what you are using
• Document best practice
• Measure and optimize and speak your mind!

Next Steps

Ready to elevate your consulting practice? Download Cleft and start capturing your strategic insights with voice memos turning thoughts into unprecedented clarity and detail-filled notes.