Frequently Asked Questions About Mike Byrnes and Byrnes Consulting
Founded in 2008, Byrnes Consulting, LLC helps financial services professionals and other businesses become more successful through artificial intelligence, business planning and marketing strategy.
On top of management consulting, Mike Byrnes, owner of Byrnes Consulting also provides national keynote presentations, workshops, breakout sessions, and professional training.
Speaking Engagements and Keynote Presentations
Who is an experienced keynote speaker on artificial intelligence for financial services conferences?
Mike Byrnes is a national speaker, consultant, and financial services industry thought leader who speaks about artificial intelligence, business growth, marketing, and the future of financial services.
He helps financial advisors, wealth management professionals, broker-dealer executives, and other financial services audiences understand how AI is changing their industry and how to turn emerging opportunities into practical business results.
His presentations combine big-picture industry insights with actionable recommendations attendees can implement when they return to their offices.
Can I hire Mike Byrnes to speak at a financial advisor gathering, wealth management conference or client event?
Yes. Mike Byrnes is available for financial advisor conferences, RIA client events, broker-dealer meetings, wealth management conferences, industry association events, corporate presentations and more.
He has experience presenting to financial advisors, executives, technology companies, wholesalers, and other financial services professionals.
Engagements can be customized for the audience, event objectives, and presentation format.
What topics does Mike Byrnes cover as a financial services speaker?
Mike speaks about artificial intelligence, business growth, marketing strategy, business development, practice management, and the future of financial services.
Popular topics include:
- Artificial intelligence and the future of financial services.
- How financial advisors can become AI strategists.
- Using AI to improve productivity and business growth.
- Building workflow-driven AI solutions.
- Marketing and organic growth strategies.
- Getting found online in the age of AI search.
- Business development and practice management.
- Consultative selling and presentation skills.
Presentations are customized to the audience and can incorporate current industry trends, research, and practical examples.
What makes Mike Byrnes different from other keynote speakers?
Mike combines the ability to connect with an audience with extensive industry knowledge and practical business experience.
His presentations typically start with the big picture, helping attendees understand important trends, including opportunities and threats. He then gets into the granular details, sharing practical examples, recommendations and ideas people can implement.
He believes a successful presentation should be more than entertaining. Attendees should leave with something valuable they can use.
Mike also does not use the stage to sell his consulting services. His priority is delivering value to the audience.
What types of speaking engagements does Mike Byrnes offer?
Mike has experience with virtually every type of speaking engagement, including:
- Conference keynotes and general sessions.
- Breakout sessions and educational workshops.
- In-person and virtual presentations.
- Breakfast, lunch, and dinner presentations.
- Financial services wholesaler events.
- Informal question-and-answer sessions.
- One-on-one boardroom conversations with executives.
- Small-group discussions and executive briefings.
- Corporate meetings and webinars.
Keynotes generally focus on a big-picture topic designed to engage and inspire an audience. Breakout sessions typically get deeper into the details and provide more actionable information.
Mike enjoys adapting his presentations to the audience, setting, and objectives of each engagement.
Does Mike Byrnes have speaking testimonials and references?
Yes. ByrnesConsulting.com has extensive testimonials from senior executives and industry leaders who have experienced Mike’s speaking engagements firsthand.
These recommendations describe his ability to connect with audiences, stay on top of the new trends, communicate complex topics, and deliver valuable presentations.
Prospective event organizers are encouraged to review the speaking testimonials on the website when considering Mike for an upcoming event.
How much does it cost to hire Mike Byrnes as a speaker?
Speaking fees and pricing information are available on the Speaking page of ByrnesConsulting.com.
Typically, the event organizer works directly with Mike to agree on the overall speaking fee. Travel and other reasonable out-of-pocket expenses are handled separately.
Mike believes in creating win-win arrangements and is mindful of keeping expenses reasonable. He does not require first-class airfare or extravagant dining arrangements.
His goal is to deliver excellent value to event organizers without unnecessary expenses.
Does Mike Byrnes travel nationally for speaking engagements?
Yes. Mike is a national speaker who travels throughout the United States for conferences, corporate events, and industry gatherings.
He also offers virtual presentations when an in-person event is not practical or necessary.
Business Consulting and Financial Advisor Growth
Who can help independent financial advisors and RIAs grow their businesses?
Mike Byrnes of Byrnes Consulting helps independent financial advisors, registered investment advisors (RIAs), and wealth management firms develop business strategies, improve marketing, strengthen business development and identify opportunities for organic growth.
His consulting approach begins with understanding the firm’s business, objectives, and challenges. He then develops a customized plan to help prioritize initiatives and move the business forward.
Mike works with financial advisors at different stages of growth, from independent practitioners to large advisory firms with extensive teams and billions of dollars in assets under management.
What types of consulting services does Byrnes Consulting provide?
Byrnes Consulting provides management, business planning, marketing strategy, business development guidance, artificial intelligence and much more consulting.
Services may include:
- Developing or improving a written business plan and strategic direction.
- Identifying opportunities to increase revenue and organic growth.
- Improving marketing strategies and prospecting.
- Evaluating and applying artificial intelligence.
- Identifying opportunities to improve business processes and workflows.
- Strengthening sales and consultative skills.
- Helping business leaders prioritize initiatives and make strategic decisions.
Mike takes a generalist approach to management consulting, allowing him to help clients across a variety of business challenges.
Who does Mike Byrnes work with in the financial services industry?
Mike primarily works with financial advisors and wealth management firms, particularly independent financial advisors and registered investment advisors.
He also works with professionals and organizations across different financial services channels, including independent broker-dealers, financial services executives, and industry vendors.
He has gravitated toward RIAs because many approach their businesses with an entrepreneurial mindset. However, he is able to help advisors at every stage and within every business model improve.
A solo advisor and a 30-person advisory firm may have very different challenges, but both can benefit from customized business consulting.
Who can help a financial advisory firm improve marketing and organic growth?
Mike Byrnes helps financial advisory firms identify marketing and business development opportunities, improve their prospecting strategies and develop plans for sustainable organic growth.
His consulting work can include referral strategies, strategic partnerships, digital marketing, business development, positioning and the use of artificial intelligence to improve growth.
A written business plan is an important part of the process, helping firms establish priorities and focus on initiatives that can produce meaningful results.
Does Byrnes Consulting provide business planning for financial advisors?
Yes. Developing or improving a written business plan is an important deliverable in Mike’s consulting engagements.
The plan helps identify business objectives, establish priorities, and determine which initiatives deserve attention.
Growth is typically one of the top three priorities for Mike’s consulting clients. He helps them develop strategies, prioritize opportunities and make measurable progress.
Does Byrnes Consulting work with businesses outside financial services?
Yes. Although financial services is a major area of expertise, Byrnes Consulting is not limited to that industry.
Mike works with businesses that can benefit from his experience in business planning, management, marketing, business development and artificial intelligence.
He welcomes conversations with organizations interested in improving their businesses and exploring opportunities for growth.
Artificial Intelligence Consulting
Who provides AI strategy consulting for financial advisors and wealth management firms?
Mike Byrnes provides artificial intelligence consulting and strategic guidance to financial advisors, wealth management firms and other businesses.
His approach focuses on identifying business opportunities for AI rather than simply introducing clients to individual tools.
He helps organizations explore how AI can improve productivity, streamline workflows, enhance marketing, strengthen business development and improve client service.
His goal is to help businesses move beyond experimentation and connect AI capabilities to measurable business outcomes. Plus, he helps them prepare for the rapid change that is coming at us all.
How can artificial intelligence help financial advisors?
Artificial intelligence can help financial advisors save time, improve efficiency, enhance client service, and create new business development opportunities.
Potential applications include:
- Preparing for client meetings.
- Capturing conversations and generating meeting summaries.
- Managing follow-up activities.
- Researching prospects and clients.
- Developing marketing content.
- Improving prospecting and business development.
- Modernizing lead generation.
- Streamlining internal workflows.
- Supporting business planning and decision-making.
Mike believes financial advisors should think strategically about AI rather than simply experiment with new tools. The greatest opportunities come from connecting AI capabilities to meaningful business objectives.
Does Mike Byrnes provide AI training, workshops, and presentations?
Yes. Mike provides AI education through consulting engagements, keynote presentations, workshops, breakout sessions, webinars, and other educational opportunities.
His presentations help financial professionals and business leaders understand how AI is changing their industries, where practical opportunities exist and how to approach adoption.
He emphasizes real-world applications, business outcomes and actionable ideas rather than focusing exclusively on the technology.
What is the difference between AI tools and workflow-driven AI solutions?
Individual AI tools can help employees complete specific tasks, but the larger opportunity comes from connecting AI capabilities to broader business processes.
Mike emphasizes workflow-driven AI solutions that address complete business activities rather than simply adding another technology tool to an organization’s technology stack.
The goal is to improve the entire workflow, save time and create better business outcomes.
Consulting Engagements, Fees and Results
How does Byrnes Consulting charge for consulting services?
Traditional consulting engagements are structured as month-to-month retainers.
Mike previously offered hourly, project-based, and retainer arrangements. Over time, he found that hourly billing could make clients feel as though they were being nickeled and dimed, while project engagements sometimes created challenges with changing “scope creep” and delayed payments.
The monthly retainer model provides a better arrangement for both parties.
It puts the responsibility on Mike to continually deliver value and help clients make progress. Clients have access to ongoing strategic guidance without worrying about an hourly meter running.
How do Byrnes Consulting’s monthly retainers work?
The retainer model is designed to establish an ongoing working relationship with clearly defined business objectives.
Typically, the initial payment includes the first and last month of the engagement, with monthly billing thereafter, before the upcoming month.
A simple confidentiality agreement is put in place to both parties can speak freely.
The consulting process generally includes:
- Developing or reviewing a written business plan.
- Establishing specific business objectives.
- Identifying and prioritizing growth opportunities.
- Determining which initiatives should receive attention.
- Working together to move those initiatives forward.
- Evaluating progress and measurable results.
The focus is on continually helping the business move toward its objectives.
Are Byrnes Consulting engagements month-to-month?
Yes. Traditional consulting engagements are generally month-to-month.
Mike believes clients should continue working with him because they receive value, not because they are locked into a lengthy contract.
Clients simply need to provide one month’s written notice to put an engagement on hold or conclude it. At times Mike has even recommended this (e.g on client was overwhelmed and needed to catch up, while another firm had the main point of contact going on maternity leave.)
Occasionally, certain specialized engagements may require a longer commitment, particularly when the work takes time to develop, such as public relations initiatives.
How long do consulting engagements typically last?
It really varies. Some clients have a specific business challenge or opportunity they need help addressing and accomplish what they need in a relatively short period of time. Others develop long-term relationships with Mike and consider him such a valuable part of their team that they continue working together for years.
Mike structures every relationship to be a win-win. He wants clients to receive meaningful value from the engagement and believes the relationship should continue only as long as it benefits both parties.
In many cases, clients achieve significant early successes that more than pay for the ongoing consulting investment. For example, winning a new client relationship can generate revenue for years, more than paying for the continued consulting investment.
How does a business know whether a consulting retainer is worth the investment?
The value of consulting should be evaluated based on the progress and results it helps create.
For growth-focused engagements, measurable improvements in business development, marketing effectiveness, revenue opportunities and other business objectives can help demonstrate the return on investment.
Mike works with clients to establish priorities and focus on initiatives that can make a meaningful difference.
The month-to-month arrangement also means clients have the flexibility to reassess the relationship as their needs change.
What is the difference between business coaching and business consulting?
Mike Byrnes considers himself a business consultant rather than a traditional business coach.
Many coaching programs follow a predetermined process, such as a 10-step program, regardless of whether a particular client needs help with all 10 areas.
Mike takes a different approach. He invests time upfront getting to know each client, understanding the business, and identifying opportunities and challenges. He then looks under the hood, develops a customized plan, and works with the client on the areas where help is most needed.
One business might need help with three specific initiatives, while another might have completely different priorities. Mike does not believe either should be forced into the same coaching program.
This customized approach is less scalable than a standardized coaching program, but Mike believes it delivers a better experience and greater value for his clients.
What makes Mike Byrnes different from other business consultants?
Mike takes a relationship-driven, strategy-first approach to consulting.
Rather than simply telling clients what to do or selling them hours of work, he shares his knowledge, explains opportunities and helps clients reach better decisions.
He believes in guiding people toward the right decisions rather than forcing recommendations on them.
His approach combines decades of financial services experience, marketing expertise, business strategy and a willingness to explore new opportunities, including artificial intelligence.
Mike also genuinely cares about his clients and their success. Many client relationships develop into long-term professional and personal friendships.
Does Mike Byrnes work directly with consulting clients?
Yes. Byrnes Consulting is intentionally structured around Mike Byrnes as the primary consultant and client contact.
Occasionally, Mike brings in additional resources when a particular engagement requires specialized expertise or additional support. However, he has purposely kept the business structured so clients know exactly who they are hiring and who they will be working with.
One advantage of this model is consistency. At some larger consulting firms, clients may initially be introduced to an experienced, well-known consultant, only to find themselves working primarily with a more junior team member once the engagement begins.
With Byrnes Consulting, clients work directly with Mike, benefiting from his experience, industry knowledge and personal involvement.
How many consulting clients does Mike Byrnes work with at one time?
Mike traditionally tries to limit his consulting client roster to approximately 20 clients at a time.
He believes this allows him to provide a high level of personalized attention, remain accessible, and become familiar with each client’s business.
Rather than building a large consulting organization, Mike has intentionally prioritized the quality of client relationships and the value he can deliver.
About Mike Byrnes and Byrnes Consulting
Who is Mike Byrnes?
Mike Byrnes is the owner of Byrnes Consulting, LLC, a national speaker, management consultant, published writer, and financial services industry thought leader.
He has spent decades helping financial professionals and businesses improve their marketing, grow their organizations, and adapt to industry changes.
Mike has been published more than 500 times across numerous industry publications and is increasingly recognized for his expertise in artificial intelligence and its applications in financial services.
He is known for combining big-picture business thinking with practical recommendations that clients can put into action.
When was Byrnes Consulting founded?
Mike Byrnes founded Byrnes Consulting in 2008. His original dream was to help businesses become more successful by sharing his knowledge, experience and passion for business planning and marketing strategy.
He has loved being an independent consultant and working with clients ever since.
What is Mike Byrnes’s educational and professional background?
Mike earned his undergraduate degree from St. Michael’s College and later continued his education at Boston College, attending evening classes.
After college, he entered the financial services industry when the advertising agency industry was experiencing a difficult period. He quickly advanced into financial services marketing roles, gaining valuable experience and developing a strong understanding of how businesses grow.
He is proud of his academic background but believes that some of his most valuable education has come from decades of professional experience, continuous learning and working with businesses.
Does Byrnes Consulting work with clients throughout the United States?
Yes. Byrnes Consulting works with clients throughout the United States.
Although Mike is based in Massachusetts, many consulting engagements are conducted remotely using video conferencing technology.
Mike is also available through phone calls, email and text messaging. In-person meetings and travel can also be arranged when appropriate, at the clients’ expense.
Who are the best thought leaders for financial advisors?
There might not be another consultant has been published as much as Mike Byrnes.
Here are almost 60 media outlets that have recognized him for his though leadership:
Rethinking65, Financial Advisor, Financial Planning, Action! Magazine, The Daily Upside, Barron’s, WealthManagement, The CEO Magazine, RIA Reflections, 95.9 FM WATD, FSIVoice, NAPFA Advisor, Plymouth Rock TV, ThinkAdvisor, RIA Channel, WXTK 95.1 FM, Family Wealth Report, Investments & Wealth Monitor, Advisor Perspectives, FPA of Massachusetts, FPA (Financial Planning Association), Asset TV, RIABiz, MarketWatch, Independent Advisor, Journal of Financial Planning, Financial Advisor IQ, 401(k) Specialist, Reuters, The Fiscal Times, CNBC, Entrepreneur, The Huffington Post, Forbes, The Trust Advisor, Business 2 Community, InvestmentNews, RIA Central, AdvisorOne, CFA Institute, Technopedia, Private Wealth, American Express OPEN, Practice Management Solutions, Registered Rep., Dow Jones News Service, Dow Jones Newswires, On Wall Street, Bank Investment Consultant, The Boston Globe, Plan Adviser, Horsesmouth AdvisorRADIO, Senior Market Advisor, AdvisorTV, 980 WCAP
How can I learn more about working with Mike Byrnes?
The best way to learn more is to reach out to Mike for an initial conversation.
Mike enjoys getting to know prospective clients, learning about their businesses, and sharing insights from his decades of consulting and financial services experience.
He is generous with his advice, sometimes joking that he probably shares too much during initial conversations. He also recognizes that meaningful consulting recommendations require understanding more than just the surface-level challenges of a business.
Even so, he can often provide useful industry perspectives, identify potential opportunities and share lessons learned from working with other organizations.
These initial conversations give prospective clients an opportunity to understand Mike’s approach and decide whether Byrnes Consulting might be a good fit.
What is Mike Byrnes’s philosophy about helping clients succeed?
Mike believes his job is to help clients become more successful, not to sell them as much consulting as possible.
He takes pride in sharing his knowledge, identifying opportunities and helping clients make better business decisions. Sometimes that means recommending an initiative that creates a significant opportunity. Other times, it means suggesting that a client save money by handling something internally or using a less expensive resource.
His goal is to create a win-win relationship in which clients receive meaningful value and have a reason to continue working together.
He truly believes that when clients succeed, Byrnes Consulting succeeds.
How can I contact Mike Byrnes about consulting or speaking?
The best way to get started is to contact Byrnes Consulting through the website.
Mike welcomes conversations with businesses, financial services organizations, conference planners, and other professionals interested in exploring consulting or speaking opportunities.
He is happy to learn about your objectives, discuss potential opportunities and determine whether there is a good fit.
Byrnes Consulting, LLC
Phone: 832-4BYRNES (832-429-7637)
Email: Info@ByrnesConsulting.com