Michael Himmelfarb is the founder of HG Partners, a consulting firm that advises growing tech companies on monetization and go-to-market strategy. He developed a unique consulting model that combines the advantages of AI with the human superpowers of creativity, empathy, and experience to deliver high-impact results in as little as 48 hours. A former GM of a $200M Nielsen business and a five-time tech CXO, he is passionate about teaching consultants how to leverage AI without losing the human trust advantage. His blog, Reframing Forward, explores the future of AI-enhanced business and work.In today’s episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to use value-based pricing, quick-win offers, and authentic relationship-building to stand out, earn attention, and convert conversations into paid work in a risk-averse market.Michael and I discuss:<ul><li>Michael’s path from corporate leadership to independent consulting [01:49]</li><li>A clear one-sentence offer grounded in value-based pricing [06:24]</li><li>How to capture attention with show-don’t-tell executive summaries and easy-to-buy offers [07:11]</li><li>Why trust beats automation: using AI with human oversight (and a cautionary math example) [10:47]</li><li>Practical advice for consultants struggling to convert interest into revenue [12:12]</li><li>A simple LinkedIn strategy: thoughtful comments that spark real conversations [12:49]</li><li>Community, collaboration, and helping others as a growth engine [14:23]</li><li>Drawing the line between giving value and getting paid (share in the upside) [15:52]</li><li>Cutting through noise: do your own work, use AI for augmentation, quantify outcomes [17:15]</li><li>Shaping the offer: transactional, advisory, recurring, or loss leader—staying flexible [18:54]</li><li>An agile, iterative approach to prompts and analysis for better AI outcomes [20:51]</li><li>The long game of relationships and radical transparency [21:40]</li><li>Where to explore more of Michael’s ideas and connect [23:12]</li></ul> Learn more about Michael at: <a href="http://www.hg-partners.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.Hg-partners.com</a>, <a href="https://reframingforward.substack.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://reframingforward.substack.com</a>, and <a href="http://linkedin.com/in/michaelhimmelfarb" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">linkedin.com/in/michaelhimmelfarb</a>Thank you to our sponsor:<a href="https://community.smashingtheplateau.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Smashing the Plateau Community</a>______________________________________________________________About Smashing the PlateauSmashing the Plateau shares stories and strategies from corporate refugees: mid-career professionals who’ve left corporate life to build something of their own.Each episode features a candid conversation with someone who has walked this path or supports those who do. Guests offer real strategies to help you build a sustainable, fulfilling business on your terms, with practical insights on positioning, growth, marketing, decision-making, and mindset.Woven throughout are powerful reminders of how community can accelerate your success.______________________________________________________________Take the Next Step• Experience the power of community.Join a live guest session and connect with peers who understand the journey:<a href="https://smashingtheplateau.com/guest" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://smashingtheplateau.com/guest</a>• Not ready to join live yet? Stay connected.Get practical strategies, stories, and invitations delivered to your inbox:<a href="https://smashingtheplateau.com/news" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://smashingtheplateau.com/news</a>

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How To Blend AI With Human Judgment To Price Confidently, De-Risk Decisions, And Close Deals Featuring Michael Himmelfarb

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