FAQ
Other things you might be wondering:
What's a "technology-enabled consulting firm"? Do you sell software or consulting?
To put it simply, you can think of us as a consulting firm.
We’ve built some internal tech that helps us do things for small(er) agencies that would otherwise cost big agency money.
We don’t sell our software as a stand-alone product. We only sell the services it enables us to deliver.
Our software doesn’t conflict with the tools or software you might be using for things like tracking time, managing projects, invoicing, resource planning, finance, etc. Our technology is mostly focussed on helping our team pull together, clean and report on data from these types of tools.
In this way, we can often get your the profitability insight you’re looking for without disrupting or making big changes to the tools you use, or the way you’re using them, and help you get more out of them.
Are you an alternative to time tracking, finance or project management tools?
We’re not, and we don’t require you to use any particular tools or software in order to work with us.
While your software vendors might tell you they can solve and automate your agency reporting, you’re probably here because you’ve learned this usually isn’t the case.
We help you make sure you have the right tools and software, and connect them to an agency reporting system and process that actually works for you.
Our process and software is designed to help our team pull the right data from the tools you’re using, and transform it into accurate and useful insights.
We don’t have a vested interest in pushing clients to specific software. We make every recommendation based on how it helps you answer the specific questions your team is asking every day and how it fits into your business model and working styles.
Can I keep my current bookkeeping & accounting team and still work with Parakeeto?
Absolutely. Many of our clients work with us while maintaining their current finance team and process. We’re often able to help them get better management insights without disrupting or changing their existing finance processes.
There’s also no problem with getting started with Parakeeto and making changes to your accounting/bookkeeping solutions later on.
Are you an alternative to project management consulting firms like ZenPilot or Cirface?
Not really.
Their focus is on helping you install specific tools (Clickup, Asana, etc.) and making sure your workflows are efficient. They’re very good at it.
Our focus is one making sure you’re getting the necessary data out of those systems and can turn it into useful reports to run your business, and we provide expert guidance and coaching to make sure you and your team understand what the numbers are telling you, and what to do about it.
While there may be a little bit of overlap, we’re really aimed at solving different problems and our expertise should compliment each other more than conflict.
We’ve worked with these kinds of firms in the past, and are happy to collaborate.
Can I just hire you for a couple hours to give me advice?
No.
However, we’re frequently speaking and running workshops and webinars where you can ask question. You’re encourage to subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media to find out when these opportunities arise.
Can I work with you if I: A) Don't track time B) Use white-label partners C) Bill on value, etc.
Yes,
Regardless of how you structure your pricing.
Regardless of how you structure your delivery teams (or outsource work to partners)
Regardless of whether or not you’re currently tracking your time.
Regardless of how messy or non-existent your project and financial data is
We can work with you.
That’s the problem we solve.
Our only requirement is that a net profit margin of 25% would mean $100,000 or more for you.
How long are your engagements?
Assessments typically last from 3-5 weeks from start to finish.
Profit Management Plans generally start with a 12 month engagement. This ensures we have the time and scope to see longer-term initiatives through and allow time for small wins to compound into bottom line improvements.
Many of our clients start with an Assessment before moving into an ongoing Profit Management Plan.
The best way to figure out what this will look like for you is to apply to speak with us.
What kind of data or tools do I need to have in place to work with you?
The short answer is almost none.
We have no specific tooling requirements and have worked with clients who weren’t tracking time, projects or estimating their work. They weren’t even using accounting software.
That’s exactly what we’re here to help with – no matter how badly you’re struggling with operations tools and data.
If you have specific concerns about your data and systems, let us know about it and we’ll figure out if we can make an engagement work.