You’re Doing it Wrong if You’re Just Selling Services | Mike LaVista on BeyondSaaS Ep 031

In this conversation, Jason Niedle speaks with Mike LaVista, founder and CEO of Caxy Interactive, about the transformative role of AI in business growth and innovation. They discuss the importance of understanding client needs, the shift from service-based to results-oriented consulting, and the evolving landscape of sales strategies. Mike shares insights on the challenges and opportunities presented by AI, emphasizing the need for businesses to adapt and rethink their approaches to remain competitive. The discussion also touches on the significance of founders in driving change and the importance of aligning incentives for better outcomes.Chapters00:00 Introduction to AI and Innovation in Business01:40 The Role of AI in Software Development06:00 Caxi's Approach to Consulting and Problem Solving12:51 The Evolution of Consulting: From Services to Results18:16 Building Strong Client Relationships19:09 Aligning Interests for Growth20:44 The Founder’s Perspective on Business Growth21:15 Overcoming Sales Challenges23:04 There's Money, There's Time, and There's CHANGE26:00 Embracing AI for Future GrowthTakeaways•AI tools are evolving, but human input is still essential.•Businesses must adapt to the new baseline set by AI capabilities.•Consulting should focus on solving significant problems, not just minor fixes.•The role of a founder involves understanding all aspects of the business.•Sales strategies must evolve to align with client needs and expectations.•Building strong relationships with clients leads to repeat business.•AI can help identify new opportunities and streamline processes.•The future of business will require innovative thinking beyond traditional methods.•Change is necessary for growth, even if it feels risky.•Aligning incentives can lead to better outcomes for both clients and consultants.Sound Bites"AI is going to write all the marketing content.""It's all about picking the right problem.""We have to change this idea that we've always had."KeywordsAI, digital transformation, business growth, consulting, technology, sales strategies, innovation, leadership, Caxy Interactive, Mike LaVista