Here’s my understanding of the consulting industry: truly effective consulting must be based on the client’s unique conditions, a deep grasp of various methodologies, a clear awareness of external factors, and finally, a synthesis of future trends to arrive with a tailored solution. Take the question of whether to attend college as an example. Everyone’s circumstances differ (e.g., financial situation, upbringing, even IQ, personality, emotional intelligence, etc.); each methodology has its pros and cons (e.g., traditional applications, transferring from community college, special admissions, etc.); external conditions vary (admission requirements, school location, faculty quality, even campus dining, etc.); and future trends must be considered (ongoing democratization of knowledge, devaluation of degrees, the moat effect of elite institutions, etc.). See? Even a seemingly simple question like "Should I go to college?" involves a vast array of considerations.

A great consultant isn’t just about technical skills—it’s the fusion of judgment and insight. That’s why truly top-tier consultants will always be rare. Yet, what I observe now is that 99% of the industry’s practitioners rely on formulaic, non-contextual approaches. To use a marketing analogy: when the budget only allows for choosing between celebrity endorsements or viral marketing, those formulaic producers don’t even understand the strengths and weaknesses of each method—what kinds of products or situations suit celebrity endorsements, and which call for viral marketing. They lack deep comprehension of methodologies, treating them as interchangeable and applying them haphazardly. Of course, this is just a casual example; real-world marketing strategies are far more diverse. Identifying the most suitable approach requires profound insight into each method—not a vague "close enough" mentality.

Becoming a doctor isn’t hard, but becoming an exceptional one requires recognizing individual differences and prescribing accordingly. This is what 99% of current practitioners fail to achieve.