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It intrigues the movie critics; he has reigned as a “Super-Star” of the Tamil movie industry for more than three decades. It is ever more intriguing when one realises that he is not even a Tamilian. As of this writing, he is one of the highest paid actors in South-East Asia.

He is so popular in Tamil Nadu that you can stop anyone, anywhere in the state and they will know about Rajini Kanth.

Never mind that his dance sequences are not elegent; never mind that his voice variations remain the same in every movie; never mind that he wouldn’t be praised for his acting; but every movie of his is a sure success (okay, most of them) in both rural and urban areas – now-a-days even in Japan!

How did he do it?

I was constantly reminded of him, as I read through ‘Simply Better‘, where the authors argue that providing “Core Category Benefits” is the sure path to long-time success than providing differentiation.

Evaluate the Super-Star on that – he has mesmerized the audience with his fighting sequences, punch dialogues and most importantly style and he has stayed within that boundary. He has not differentiated himself with directorial ventures; method acting and so on and so forth. He provided just the core category benefits of the entertainment industry and reaped the huge rewards in return.

If I could think of one fine example of ‘Simply Better’ entertainment experience it is none other than, Rajini Kanth.

“Consulting is a tough business”, says Alan Weiss.

You better listen when a million dollar consultant speak.

From opening a bank account to steering a challenging project can be tough, especially when you are starting out as an independent consultant.

So how do you get through?

Motivation is a big part in getting through tough challenges. I draw motivation from family, friends, colleagues, popular icons. Even events can be source of motivation.

Paraphrasing Sir Issac Newton’s words, “If I’ve succeeded, it is because I stood on the shoulders of the giants.

Standing on giants helped me so far; will it get me further? Only time will tell.

‘Predictable and reliable delivery of category benefits is the driver for success’, argues Patrick Barwise and Sean Meehan in their book, ‘Simply Better‘.

I agree.

Taking parallel from the book, what are the ‘category benefits’ (those expected out of a category or class of products or services) expected from a consultant, as a product and as a service?

I could think of these two:

Domain Expertise: This is the only reason a consultant is in the room. They are expected to be a master in the domain – whatever be the domain – CRM, Project Management, Process Re-engineering, Peoplesoft.

Appreciation of business reality: Usually consultants have to deal with dilemma on the ground and steer their clients to a solution. The problem in hand will be a product of people and process. Yet, consultant should stay focused and find or create a path forward.

Domain expertise can be learnt. In fact, during their life time consultants achieve mastry of more than one domain. However the other skill is hard to learn and judge. But it will be needed in almost all of the assignments. Without it, it is hard to be a consultant.

Do you agree?