Projectworks Blog
Read the latest and greatest from Projectworks. We post regularly on a range of topics, from tips on how to best run and optimise your services business, to the latest features and updates about our product.
How to manage the challenges of rapid growth
How your growing business will give you growing pains.
Five key insights into managing client issues
How to prepare your business for acquisition
How to build a winning methodology in professional services
Engineering services today: trends, challenges, and opportunities
Explore the latest trends and insights shaping the future of engineering services in 2025, from economic challenges to tech-driven growth opportunities.
Increase your billable hours: tips every consultant needs to know
Ready to boost your billable hours? Here’s how top consultants make every hour count.
22 Consulting industry terms & metrics you need to know
Master the must-know terms—billable hours, utilization rates, and more—with this essential glossary!
Managing project costs and staying on budget
Effective project cost management is the key to staying on budget and ensuring profitability. From estimating costs to handling scope changes, here’s how to keep your projects financially on track.
Using revenue forecasting to grow your consulting firm
Revenue forecasting plays a necessary role in ensuring consulting firms can predict profit and loss, manage financial risks, and plan for sustainable growth.
Top 12 tips for building lasting client relationships
Mark describes how he secured $10m clients over three clear phases.
AI and accounting: preparing for the future
Today, we explore the exciting opportunities and challenges AI brings to the accounting profession. We’ll also highlight the logical next steps accountants can take to thrive in this evolving landscape and build deeper, more meaningful connections with their clients.
By services, for services: Introducing Projectworks’ fresh new look
Over the last few weeks, we’ve begun rolling out an exciting new look for Projectworks, and we’re incredibly proud to share it with you.
Growing together: Announcing our USD$5 million capital raise
Big things are happening at Projectworks. Exciting milestones, new leadership, and a fresh chapter ahead.
How to grow your business using the “Three Arc” model
Mark and Allen share how they used a simple concept to reinvent Nexient for even greater success.
How to deliver a winning pitch
Mark shares how he kicked off a new business pitch with honesty, authenticity and a measure of wit.
How to transition from accountant to advisor
As the accounting industry evolves, many professionals are shifting from traditional tasks to offering strategic advice and insights.
Managing your project budget
Effective management of project expenses is crucial for staying on budget and ensuring financial success.
On time, every time: How to stop late timesheets with timesheet reminders
Did you know 22.3% of global time entries are submitted after the week they’re due? Discover an easy way to avoid this problem at your firm.
Projectworks is the 557th fastest growing private US company
We’re incredibly excited to announce that Projectworks has been included in the 2024 Inc 5000, coming in at number 557.
A new GM-structured model gave us the scale we sought
Learn how our GM-structured model helped us scale beyond $130M.
The 5 most common project management methodologies: pros & cons
Explore the top project management methodologies and find the best fit for your business.
What is scope creep, and why are project managers so scared of it?
Learn how to stop scope creep from derailing your project’s timeline.
What is the Project Management Institute (PMI)?
Today, we explore the PMI's history, courses, and whether the ROI is worth it for your business.
Top consulting firms in the USA
Discover which North American consulting firm brings in the most revenue.
What is the earned value (EV) method?
Unlock deeper project insights with the earned value (EV) method.
Time tracking for engineering firms
Engineering projects can be challenging to manage, especially when it comes to tracking time and resources.
Time tracking software for developers
Developer time tracking software is a critical for software teams providing their services to clients.
What is days sales outstanding (DSO) and how can you manage it?
In this quick read, we’ll introduce you to Days Sales Outstanding (DSO).
Consulting in transformation: A 20-year journey through the client’s eyes
Mark introduces his former client, Ben Krefting, who shares his experiences with consulting.
Steps for conducting a social impact assessment
Key steps for conducting a social impact assessment to evaluate and manage your project's effects on communities.
5 common pitfalls in project contingency planning
In our latest article, we help you navigate risks and steer clear of costly surprises.
Professional services contracts explained
Your roadmap to delivering services with confidence and clarity.
Hiring the right hands lifted our weakest region
Mark and Allen share how they transformed Nexient's weakest region into its fastest-growing in just one year.
The year our hard work started working
After years of hard work and perseverance, real financial growth finally began to take shape.
A year goes quickly when hosting an annual event
Mark shares the surprising year-round effort of hosting an annual event.
The art of adult-to-adult conversation
Dan Broekhuizen joins Mark to share how they helped their organization communicate like grown-ups.
Our first gamble on hiring great talent
Mark shares how employing a senior member they couldn’t actually afford, was the right thing to do.
Managing clients on Salesforce: a consultant's guide
A guide to the essentials of Salesforce to help consultants maximize the software's potential.
When you’re about to lose a client, sell them more work
Mark shares how agreeing to a new client’s requirements, meant delivering a substandard service.
58 consultant interview questions
Looking to hire the right consultants? Use our list of 58 consulting interview questions.
How to host a winning corporate event
Mark reveals how he successfully organized a two-day corporate event for multiple clients.
Every good story needs a villain
Craft a unique identity for your consulting practice by highlighting what sets it apart from the competition.
How we started a consulting business from the ground up
Mark and his colleague share how they transformed Nexient into a consultancy, offering tips for future firm founders.
The science of setting compensation plans
Mark shares an experience when he reworked the field team’s comp plan and ensured better teamwork.
A beginners guide to attending Xerocon Nashville
Get all our pre, during, and post tips for attending Xerocon Nashville 2024.
The threat of staff layoffs, and getting yelled at by the board
Mark shares a 2017 experience when he had to plead his case to keep his job and those of many others.
When all PR, really is good PR
Mark reflects on the thrill of making the NYT front page, even if the headline image wasn’t what he expected.
Taking Silicon Valley to Napa Valley, and other ways to host clients
CEO Mark Orttung shares his experience taking a top client to Napa Valley and hosting them in a hospital basement.
What I learned at Xerocon London 2024
Xero pulled out all the stops from impressive product updates to glam rock heaven.
Finding people who can do, sell and build senior client relationships
Discover how to find the right talent, driving success for your consulting practice.
The 3 biggest challenges engineering firms face and how to overcome them
Overcome the unique challenges that can hinder engineering growth and efficiency.
Risk management for software implementation
Risk management is key for implementing new software on time and within budget.
Losing a large client – it wasn’t our fault until it was
Mark shares an experience when a project failed due to client issues, but he paid for it.
50 consulting quotes for your next slide deck
Add a touch of creativity and inspiration to elevate your slide deck.
Staying relevant – a wake up call from an advisor
Mark recalls when he received a wake-up call from a startup and business mentor.
Differentiating the company – what exactly do we do?
Mark shares his experience with differentiating the newly named consulting firm, Nexient.
7 tips for growing your professional services firm
Unlock the secrets to growing your professional service firm.
Rebranding the company - a fight with the Patent and Trademark Office
When an internal debate about a company name triggered a legal situation.
Balancing revenue and talent – the hardest problem in services
Hear how two conflicting objectives would challenge Mark for the next seven years.
G2 awards spring 2024
We are proud to announce that Projectworks has received several new G2 awards!
2024: the big 4’s revenue: advisory is the new audit
Discover which of the Big Four firms leads the pack in generating revenue.
The best management consulting clubs
A definitive guide to the world's top management consulting clubs.
Building a culture of excellence: empowering your team through leadership
Create a thriving team through empowerment, community building, and performance.
Navigating the future of the consulting industry
Explore strategies to help navigate the future of consulting, ensuring your firm is ready for what’s ahead.
11 soft skills for accountants
How improving your soft skills can transform your accounting practice.
Introducing Mark Orttung: Projectworks' new CEO
We’re delighted to share that Mark Orttung is joining Projectworks as our new CEO.
Embracing change: making the shift from CEO to Chief Product Officer & President
Matt shares his next move as a new chapter unfolds for the Projectworks team.
The Top 10 Professional Services Firms (Revenue + Margins)
These top 10 professional services businesses symbolize the pinnacle of global success.
What are professional services? (examples + key statistics)
What kinds of businesses are professional services firms? Find out here.
25 ways to build and retain trust with your clients
Trust is developed through hundreds of small actions. Learn 25 ways to help build it.
Mastering year-round profitability at your consultancy firm
The feast or famine cycle is one of the biggest challenges consultants face.
How to calculate your utilization rate
Measure your team's productivity by learning to calculate your project's utilization rate.
How to calculate your margin
Interested in how to calculate your margin? We’ve got you covered.
5 metrics every successful professional services firm uses to remain profitable
The essential metrics that set apart and drive the success of thriving professional services firms from those that struggle to keep up in a competitive market.
Professional services business models and benchmarks
Curious how your firm stacks up against the competition? This article is for you. Diving deep into what you should be measuring, and what the benchmarks are, you’ll leave this article with a fresh new approach to the way you run your business.
Change management guide for new software
In a 2016 KPMG Global Transformation study, 96% of organizations reported they were currently undergoing business transformations.
Leading through growth
Projectworks' new Head of Marketing Jacob Lawrie has built his career in high-growth organizations. Now he brings his leadership advice to our latest blog post.
Guide to PSA software
PSA software is quickly transforming consulting firms around the globe. Read this article for a summary of what it is, who it’s for, and how it works.
Top 10 workforce management software options for consultancies
Workforce management is all about managing, regulating, and distributing your team across projects.
11 powerful alternatives to WorkflowMax
Developed by a small team in New Zealand, WorkflowMax was revolutionary when it first emerged on the scene in 2007.
Azure DevOps time tracking with Projectworks
Azure DevOps is a Microsoft platform designed specifically to help design, build, test, and deploy software.
A complete guide to consultancy time tracking
Discover simple tips for your consulting firm that can help you increase timesheet accuracy and efficiency.
How to give effective performance feedback to your consulting team
Effective performance reviews are a critical component of any successful consulting team.
Capacity planning for large teams
At services firms of any size, the efficiency of your team has a huge influence on your profitability.
Top 10 resource management tools for software firms
In this article, we focus on resource management tools specifically designed to assist software consultants.
8 ways to avoid resource overallocation
Struggling with resource allocation? This guide shares 8 tactics to optimize resourcing and avoid overburdening your team.
Resource planning strategies for large projects
Large projects can add another level of complexity to a project manager's workload and create the need for better resource-planning strategies.
Top 10 professional service automation tools
PSA solutions enable professional services organizations to manage their consultants and project delivery.
Top 6 capacity management challenges for consultancies
Running a streamlined consultancy can be challenging due to fluctuating client work and projects.
Top 10 resource management tools for engineering teams
Resource management tools equip engineering teams with the power to succeed.
Top 10 resource management tools for consultancies
How to allocate resources at consultancy firms and examples of the best resource management software available.
12 ways to improve profitability with resource management
To successfully navigate choppy economic waters, companies must leverage their most vital resource - their people.
Top 10 architecture project management software options
Build a better architectural firm with project management software for architects.
Xero project management software integration
This guide shows how integrating Projectworks with Xero can help you manage jobs, track time, and keep your financials in sync.
6 strategies for resource utilization and team productivity
There is an art to getting the best out of your team. An organization that can nail its resource management has a crucial competitive advantage in the market.
8 tips to prevent revenue leakage for professional service firms
Preventing revenue leakage is crucial for your firm’s success. This guide offers 8 tips to keep your billing efficient and your profits secure.
Handling unscheduled leave in project management
Unplanned leave can throw off project timelines and impact your business. This guide shows how to handle it effectively, so your team stays on track and clients stay happy.
Time tracking best practices for consulting firms
Modern professional service businesses often need to manage a hybrid workforce. Whether your team members are working on-site, at home, or away at meetings, a reliable time-tracking app makes billing hours and attributing time to clients easy.
How to allocate resources to a project
This guide explores the common challenges of resource allocation and offers practical tips to help you plan better, avoid bottlenecks, and keep your projects on track.
Improve profitability with better client engagements
This guide covers practical tips to help you manage your resources and strengthen client relationships for better results.
Hiring and retaining awesome people with Humankind
Learn from experts Kalyn Ponti (KP) and Charlie Hughes from Humankind about retaining and attracting awesome people for your company.
How to calculate burn rate
To keep your projects profitable, it's important to measure burn, a key financial metric for professional services.
How to create a mission statement your people will follow
Mark shares how his team listened to corporate strategy by creating a mission statement that meant something.