Ever get that feeling when you're trying to choose a Notion consultant and every website feels like it's speaking a different language? With so many options out there, how do you know who's truly the right fit for your creative business?
Inspired by some confusing, and even sometimes, misleading marketing jargon, I wanted to make a post that highlights what I've seen from the most valuable partnerships.
Beyond flashy marketing: What really matters
After working with clients from solo freelancers to design teams at Pentagram, I've noticed that the most successful consultant-client relationships share common foundations that go far beyond marketing promises:
- Tailored problem-solving that addresses your specific challenges
- Transparent communication about what Notion can (and cannot) do
- Proven methodology demonstrated through actual case studies
Questions worth asking when choosing a consultant
When you're considering bringing in Notion help for your creative business, here are some questions that cut through the marketing noise:
- Can they show you relevant examples? Ask for case studies similar to your situation
- Do they listen before prescribing? The best consultants diagnose before they treat
- What's their approach to knowledge transfer? Will they teach you to maintain your system?
- How do they measure success? What outcomes can you realistically expect?
Real value vs. surface claims
The substance of Notion consulting lies in the transformation it creates, not in marketing superlatives. When I work with clients, I focus on outcomes like:
- Decreased mental load from managing multiple projects
- Improved client communication and feedback processes
- Reduced time spent searching for files and information
- Greater confidence in your workflow and business operations
How I approach Notion consulting
My philosophy centers around creating systems that bring genuine clarity rather than temporary impressions:
- With Masters Agency, we tracked time across projects and departments to improve reporting
- For SAVAS Designers & Jewelers, we built project cards that navigate through design, CAD, and production processes
- At Pentagram, we created dashboards that streamlined project management and team coordination
Each solution emerged from understanding specific needs - because effective systems solve real problems.
Finding authentic expertise
Here are signs that a Notion consultant might be the real deal:
- They ask thoughtful questions about your workflow before suggesting solutions
- They can explain their process in clear, jargon-free language
- They share specific examples of problems they've solved for similar clients
- They're honest about Notion's limitations and what might require other tools
The most valuable consulting relationships aren't built on marketing claims but on mutual understanding and genuine transformation.
What qualities do you look for when choosing someone to help organize your creative work? I'd love to know what matters most to you. 💙
