Michael Himmelfarb is the founder of HG Partners, a consulting firm that advises growing tech companies on monetization and go-to-market strategy. He developed a unique consulting model that combines the advantages of AI with the human superpowers of creativity, empathy, and experience to deliver high-impact results in as little as 48 hours. A former GM of a $200M Nielsen business and a five-time tech CXO, he is passionate about teaching consultants how to leverage AI without losing the human trust advantage. His blog, Reframing Forward, explores the future of AI-enhanced business and work.

In today’s episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to use value-based pricing, quick-win offers, and authentic relationship-building to stand out, earn attention, and convert conversations into paid work in a risk-averse market.

Michael and I discuss:

• Michael’s path from corporate leadership to independent consulting [01:49]
• A clear one-sentence offer grounded in value-based pricing [06:24]
• How to capture attention with show-don’t-tell executive summaries and easy-to-buy offers [07:11]
• Why trust beats automation: using AI with human oversight (and a cautionary math example) [10:47]
• Practical advice for consultants struggling to convert interest into revenue [12:12]
• A simple LinkedIn strategy: thoughtful comments that spark real conversations [12:49]
• Community, collaboration, and helping others as a growth engine [14:23]
• Drawing the line between giving value and getting paid (share in the upside) [15:52]
• Cutting through noise: do your own work, use AI for augmentation, quantify outcomes [17:15]
• Shaping the offer: transactional, advisory, recurring, or loss leader—staying flexible [18:54]
• An agile, iterative approach to prompts and analysis for better AI outcomes [20:51]
• The long game of relationships and radical transparency [21:40]
• Where to explore more of Michael’s ideas and connect [23:12]

Thank you to our sponsor:

The Smashing the Plateau Community

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About Smashing the Plateau

Smashing the Plateau shares stories and strategies from corporate refugees: mid-career professionals who’ve left corporate life to build something of their own.

Each episode features a candid conversation with someone who has walked this path or supports those who do. Guests offer real strategies to help you build a sustainable, fulfilling business on your terms, with practical insights on positioning, growth, marketing, decision-making, and mindset.

Woven throughout are powerful reminders of how community can accelerate your success.

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