Pros
Knowledge: Many of the consultants have health care industry knowledge that rivals that of individuals who have worked in corporate health care roles for a long time. Reputation: Great market recognition for expertise. Allows relationships to start with credibility, which is then reinforced through your work. Relationships: Firm has relationships with a large segment of the market it serves, thus bringing tremendous anecdotal experience about how other health care organizations approach similar problems, in addition to the robust data set underlying analysis. Smaller firm environment: you get to know your colleagues quickly and nearly everybody operates on first name alone because the firm is small enough that there aren't dozens of people with the same name. Also, CEO is highly connected and approachable, and is genuinely interested in the well-being of all throughout the firm. Investments: Firm is making investments to increase intellectual capital and is willing to provide a certain level of support without charge. Business development: The firm generally develops client relationships through a combination of avenues that are built on reputation and trusted partnerships that are earned over time. As a result, business development is more driven by understanding and meeting clients' needs than anything else.
Cons
The firm recognizes the need to innovate and this sometimes requires extended commitment so that current client needs are met while new capability is developed. (For those who want to develop in a career and not just punch a clock, this is not really a con.)