Karen McGrane - Embracing Adaptability in UX Consulting

The UX Consultants Lounge

In this episode, host Kyle Soucy is joined by Karen McGrane, a renowned UX consultant, to dive deep into the intricacies of UX consulting, running a consulting business, and adapting to industry changes. Karen shares her extensive experience, from starting and running multiple consulting firms to managing business downturns and shifting industry norms.

Karen’s wealth of experience and candid reflections make this a must-listen for anyone in the UX consulting community!

Key Points Discussed:

• Introduction to Autogram: Karen discusses her current consultancy, Autogram, which she started during the pandemic with Jeff Eaton, focusing on content strategy and management.
  
• Navigating Business Losses: Karen opens up about a tough period in 2011 when she lost significant business and had to make tough decisions regarding staff and the future direction of her company. The conversation delves into changes within the consulting industry, particularly how expectations around office spaces and employment structures have evolved post-pandemic.
  
• The Impact of 2023 on Consulting: Karen reflects on the challenges faced by consultants in 2023, noting it as one of the toughest years, and discusses strategies for resilience and adaptation.
  
• Partnerships and Collaborations: Insights into forming effective partnerships in consulting, as exemplified by her seamless collaboration with Jeff Eaton and the transparent profit-sharing models they implement.
  
• Marketing in a New Era: The decline of traditional marketing channels like conferences and Twitter has prompted Karen to explore new ways of promoting her services and connecting with potential clients.

View the episode chapter links for the full list of topics that were discussed.

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Connect with Us:

• Host: Kyle Soucy | Usable Interface
• Guest: Karen McGrane | Autogram

Links and Resources Mentioned:

• Karen's Talks: Check out her insightful talks at: https://karenmcgrane.com
• Books by Karen: "Content Strategy for Mobile" and "Going Responsive"
• Recommended Subreddit that Karen co-moderates: r/UXDesign
• Book by Ethan Marcotte: “You Deserve a Tech Union”
• Recommended Podcast: 2Bobs
• Recommended Book: The Business of Expertise by David C. Baker

Submit a question or story: Have a question or topic that you'd like us to cover in a future episode and/or want to share an anonymous consulting story? Submit your questions and stories.

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I can’t wait to have you back in the lounge for our next episode!

Hoofdstukken

1. Karen McGrane - Embracing Adaptability in UX Consulting (00:00:00)

2. Karen tells us about her current consultancy, Autogram, and the services they provide (00:05:46)

3. Karen tells us about her previous consulting firm, Bond Art + Science (00:08:04)

4. Karen shares what it was like to lose a huge amount of work back in 2011 and having to let her team go (00:10:01)

5. Karen's advice for those that want to start their own consulting firm (00:23:11)

6. How Karen became a UX consultant (00:29:11)

7. What 2023 was like for Karen and Autogram (00:34:08)

8. How losing Twitter and in-person conferences has affected Karen's marketing efforts (00:40:18)

9. Karen's advice about defining your consulting niche and specializing (00:42:32)

10. How Karen's current partnership with Autogram is set up (00:51:22)

11. Karen's teaching experience (00:55:32)

12. How Karen would describe consulting in one word (01:02:06)

13. The best piece of business advice Karen ever received (01:02:56)

14. Karen's favorite consulting resources (01:06:31)