How Can AI-Based Cybersecurity Consulting Maximize Profitability with 5 Key Strategies?

Are you seeking to significantly boost the profitability of your AI-based cybersecurity consultancy? Navigating the complex landscape of advanced threats and innovative solutions demands a strategic approach to revenue generation and operational efficiency. Discover nine powerful strategies designed to elevate your firm's financial performance and secure a dominant market position; for a deeper dive into optimizing your financial outlook, explore our comprehensive resources at financialmodel.net.

Increasing Profit Strategies

To enhance the financial performance of an AI-based cybersecurity consultancy, a strategic focus on specialized services, targeted marketing, and operational efficiencies is crucial. The following table outlines key strategies and their potential impact on profitability, leveraging market data and industry trends.

Strategy Impact
Specializing in AI threat detection for financial services The finance and banking sector holds a 223% market share in AI consulting, enabling premium pricing models and creating a lucrative market for AI cybersecurity profits.
Marketing an AI Based Cybersecurity Consultancy to SMBs Worldwide spending on cybersecurity by SMBs is projected to reach USD 109 billion by 2026, representing a significant market opportunity where services can be positioned as a cost-effective solution against breaches costing between $826 and $653,587.
Developing new revenue streams in automated security solutions The global security automation market is projected to grow from USD 10.45 billion in 2024 to USD 22.92 billion by 2030, a CAGR of 14.0%, offering high-margin, recurring revenue models through managed SOAR platforms and subscription services.
Leveraging machine learning in enhancing client retention Machine learning security is the top technology segment in the AI in cybersecurity market, valued for its ability to reduce false positives and automate responses, leading to improved cybersecurity ROI and strengthening client relationships, thereby reducing churn.
Leveraging AI for a competitive advantage in talent acquisition AI-powered tools improve operational efficiency in hiring by automating screening and identifying top candidates with niche skills, addressing the massive cybersecurity skills gap and enhancing the firm's brand as an innovative employer.

What is the Profit Potential of an AI Based Cybersecurity Consultancy?

The profit potential for an AI Based Cybersecurity Consultancy, like 'Sentinel AI Security,' is substantial. This growth is driven by a rapidly expanding market and high demand for advanced, proactive security solutions. The global AI in cybersecurity market was valued at a significant USD 25.40 billion in 2024. It is projected to surge to USD 219.53 billion by 2034, demonstrating a robust compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 24.1%. This market expansion provides a strong foundation for high AI cybersecurity profits, allowing firms to increase cybersecurity revenue significantly.

Market growth is fueled by the increasing frequency and sophistication of cyber threats that traditional security measures struggle to handle. In 2023 alone, 8 billion records were breached across more than 2,800 reported incidents. The financial impact is clear: the average cost of a data breach has risen by 15% in the last three years, reaching approximately USD 3.3 million for small businesses in North America. This escalating threat landscape directly boosts the demand for effective, AI-driven security solutions and positions AI cybersecurity firms for strong revenue generation.

Consulting services represent the largest segment within the AI in cybersecurity market. Businesses require professional expertise to implement and manage complex AI systems effectively. The AI consulting services market is expected to grow from USD 11.07 billion in 2025 to USD 90.99 billion by 2035, at a CAGR of 26.2%. This `AI consulting growth` indicates a strong need for specialized guidance in areas like `machine learning security` and `cyber threat intelligence` to improve `cybersecurity ROI` for clients.

Hourly rates for cybersecurity consultants reflect this high demand and the specialized knowledge required. These rates typically range from $150 to $300 per hour. Highly experienced consultants, particularly those specializing in AI-powered threat detection and `automated security solutions`, can command even higher fees, often between $225 and $300 per hour. This pricing structure indicates strong revenue potential for specialized firms in this sector. For more insights on the financial aspects, you can refer to articles like AI Cybersecurity Consulting: What an Owner Makes.

How can AI increase cybersecurity revenue?

AI significantly boosts AI cybersecurity profits by enabling consultancies like Sentinel AI Security to deliver more effective and proactive security services. These advanced capabilities command higher prices and attract more clients. Firms with formal AI strategies are twice as likely to achieve revenue growth compared to those without. AI-powered solutions enhance threat detection, streamline incident response, and safeguard sensitive data, which are critical for modern cybersecurity business development.

AI-driven threat detection is substantially faster and more accurate than human-led analysis. AI can analyze vast amounts of data in real-time to identify anomalies and potential threats, reducing detection time for sophisticated threats by up to 73% compared to conventional methods. This improved cybersecurity ROI allows consultancies to demonstrate clear value to clients, directly contributing to increased cybersecurity revenue.


Key Benefits of Automated Security Solutions

  • Reduced Manual Workload: Automated security solutions powered by AI reduce the manual workload on security teams, allowing them to focus on high-value strategic tasks.
  • Cost Efficiency: A study found that 64% of organizations report that AI lowers the cost to detect and respond to breaches.
  • Enhanced Response: 69% of organizations state they could not respond to critical threats without AI, highlighting its essential role in effective incident management.

The market for AI in cybersecurity is experiencing rapid growth, projected to expand from USD 22.4 billion in 2023 to USD 60.6 billion by 2028, representing a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 21.9%. This growth is a direct reflection of the increasing demand for AI-powered security to combat the rising volume and complexity of cyberattacks, creating substantial opportunities for AI threat detection revenue.

What is the AI consulting growth rate?

The Artificial Intelligence (AI) consulting market is experiencing significant expansion, indicating robust demand for specialized expertise. A projected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 26.2% is expected between 2025 and 2035. This rapid growth underscores the increasing need for AI consulting services, which directly impacts the potential for AI cybersecurity profits for an AI Based Cybersecurity Consultancy like Sentinel AI Security.

The global AI consulting market was valued at approximately USD 8.75 billion in 2024. Forecasts suggest it will reach around USD 58.19 billion by 2034. Another report further projects the market to grow from USD 11.07 billion in 2025 to USD 90.99 billion by 2035. This substantial increase highlights the lucrative landscape for businesses focused on AI consulting growth.

Specifically, within the USA, the AI consulting market is forecasted to reach USD 57.72 billion in 2025, exhibiting a growth rate of 26.49%. This demonstrates significant investment and adoption of AI services in a primary market for an AI Based Cybersecurity Consultancy. This growth is driven by the increasing complexity of AI implementation, the necessity for digital transformation, and rising regulatory compliance requirements, all of which demand specialized consulting expertise. In fact, over 50% of large enterprises already utilize AI consulting services to gain a competitive advantage and improve operational efficiency in a cybersecurity company.

Which Industries Need Ai Cybersecurity Most?

The industries with the highest demand for AI cybersecurity services are those handling large volumes of sensitive data and critical to the economy. These sectors face the greatest risks from breaches, driving significant investment in advanced protection like that offered by Sentinel AI Security. They prioritize AI-driven solutions to enhance their cybersecurity ROI and protect vital assets.

For an AI Based Cybersecurity Consultancy, targeting these sectors is key for maximizing AI cybersecurity profits. The need for sophisticated cyber threat intelligence and automated security solutions is particularly acute in these areas due to the high financial and reputational costs of a breach.


Key Industries Demanding AI Cybersecurity:

  • Finance and Banking: This sector holds a significant 22.3% share of the AI consulting market. Financial institutions invest approximately $74 billion annually in AI consulting services, primarily for advanced fraud detection and secure customer service automation. This makes them a prime target for AI threat detection revenue.
  • Healthcare: Due to the sensitive nature of patient data, healthcare is a critical sector for AI in cybersecurity for healthcare data protection. The rapid adoption of AI helps protect against data breaches and ensures regulatory compliance, crucial for maintaining patient trust and avoiding penalties.
  • Retail and E-commerce: These industries are frequent targets for cyberattacks. The adoption of AI consulting services in the retail sector has increased by 38% in the past year, as businesses leverage AI for secure inventory management and personalized, yet secure, customer experiences.

What Are Key Financial Metrics To Track?

For an AI Based Cybersecurity Consultancy like Sentinel AI Security, tracking specific financial metrics is crucial for understanding its health, efficiency, and growth potential. These Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) provide a comprehensive view of how well the business is performing and where to focus efforts for AI cybersecurity profits.

Key metrics include Client Acquisition Cost (CAC), Client Retention Rate, Project Profit Margin, and Consultant Utilization Rate. Monitoring these allows you to assess the effectiveness of your cybersecurity business strategies and ensure long-term sustainability. Firms that actively track financial metrics in the security sector have reported up to a 25% improvement in process efficiency, according to data highlighted on financialmodel.net.

Client Acquisition Cost (CAC) quantifies the total expense to acquire a new client, encompassing all marketing and sales efforts. A lower CAC indicates efficient customer acquisition for AI cybersecurity startups. Conversely, the Client Retention Rate is vital because acquiring a new customer can cost five times more than retaining an existing one. High retention signifies client satisfaction and contributes to stable, recurring revenue, which is essential in a competitive market for automated security solutions.


Essential Financial and Operational Metrics

  • Project Profit Margin: This measures the profitability of individual projects or engagements. It helps assess pricing strategies for AI threat detection revenue and overall operational efficiency.
  • Consultant Utilization Rate: This metric indicates how much time your consultants spend on billable work compared to non-billable activities. Maximizing this rate directly impacts increase cybersecurity revenue by ensuring your expert talent is effectively deployed.
  • Mean Time to Detect (MTTD) and Mean Time to Respond (MTTR): While operational, these metrics are crucial for demonstrating the effectiveness and value of your AI-powered services to clients. Faster detection and response times improve cybersecurity ROI.
  • Annual Recurring Revenue (ARR) and Billings: Tracking these revenue-based metrics provides insights into the consultancy's growth trajectory and aids in accurate financial forecasting, critical for scaling an AI Based Cybersecurity Consultancy.

What Are Common Startup Costs?

Launching an AI Based Cybersecurity Consultancy like Sentinel AI Security involves several key startup costs. These initial investments are significant due to the specialized nature of the field, covering talent, technology, and market outreach. Understanding these expenses is crucial for first-time founders seeking to secure funding or for seasoned entrepreneurs streamlining their planning solutions.

Key Startup Expenses for AI Cybersecurity Consultancies

  • Talent Acquisition: Salaries for skilled personnel represent a major expense. For instance, the average annual salary for a mid-level cybersecurity analyst in the US is approximately $99,400, while more experienced analysts can earn up to $137,500. Lead consultants and AI specialists, essential for offering advanced services like AI cybersecurity consulting, will command even higher salaries, reflecting the high demand for expertise in AI cybersecurity profits.
  • Technology and Software Licensing: Investing in cutting-edge technology is critical. These costs include licensing for advanced AI and machine learning platforms, specialized security analysis tools, and other essential software. While these costs vary widely, they are a fundamental investment for delivering effective automated security solutions and ensuring cybersecurity ROI.
  • Marketing and Sales Expenses: Building a strong brand and acquiring initial clients for an AI cybersecurity consultancy requires a dedicated budget. A B2B tech startup's marketing budget can range from a few thousand to tens of thousands of dollars per month, depending on the chosen go-to-market strategy. This is vital for customer acquisition for AI cybersecurity startups and for demonstrating the value of AI threat detection revenue.
  • General Business Overhead: This category encompasses various operational costs like office space (if applicable), utilities, legal fees for incorporation and compliance, insurance, and administrative support. These foundational expenses ensure the consultancy operates smoothly and professionally.

How Do You Price AI Cybersecurity Services?

Pricing models for AI cybersecurity services must be flexible to meet diverse client requirements. A successful strategy often combines different approaches, including hourly rates, project-based fees, and recurring subscription models. This allows an AI Based Cybersecurity Consultancy like Sentinel AI Security to create tiered service packages, catering to varied client budgets and operational scales.

For direct consulting and specialized expertise, hourly rates are common. Cybersecurity consulting rates typically range from $150 to $300 per hour. Highly specialized freelance cybersecurity consultants, particularly those focused on advanced topics like AI threat detection, can command an average of $147 per hour, while top-tier experts may charge even more, between $225 to $300 per hour. This reflects the high demand for expert AI consulting growth and specialized knowledge in the field.

Ongoing services, such as managed threat detection and response, benefit from a subscription-based model. This provides clients with predictable costs and continuous protection through automated security solutions. For instance, typical industry prices for Security Operations Center (SOC) as a service range from $15 to $25 per device per month. This model supports consistent AI cybersecurity profits by generating recurring revenue streams. For more insights on financial aspects, you can refer to articles like How much money can an AI Cybersecurity consultant make?

Project-based pricing is ideal for specific, defined engagements. These include security audits, compliance assessments, or the implementation of new AI systems. The price for these projects is determined by their scope, complexity, and expected duration, offering clients a clear, upfront cost. This approach is particularly effective for clients seeking a clear cybersecurity ROI for a defined deliverable.


Key Pricing Models for Sentinel AI Security:

  • Hourly Rates: Best for ad-hoc advice, short-term engagements, or specialized troubleshooting where the exact scope is fluid. Offers flexibility for both the consultancy and the client.
  • Project-Based Fees: Suitable for defined projects like AI system integration, security audits, or compliance readiness. Provides a fixed cost, giving clients budget certainty.
  • Subscription Models: Perfect for continuous services such as managed threat detection, automated security solutions, or ongoing cyber threat intelligence. Ensures recurring revenue and long-term client relationships.

How Can Specializing In AI Threat Detection For Financial Services Boost Profits For An AI Based Cybersecurity Consultancy?

Specializing in AI-powered threat detection for financial services offers a significant path to increased AI cybersecurity profits for an AI Based Cybersecurity Consultancy like Sentinel AI Security. This strategy targets a high-demand, high-value niche. The financial industry, including banking and investment firms, remains a top target for sophisticated cyberattacks. Consequently, these institutions invest heavily in cutting-edge security solutions, creating a consistently lucrative market for AI cybersecurity services. This focus allows for premium pricing models, directly contributing to increased cybersecurity revenue.

The finance and banking sector leads the adoption of AI consulting, holding a substantial 22.3% market share in AI consulting services. This is primarily driven by the critical need for AI in fraud detection, risk management, and overall digital resilience. Financial institutions face unique, complex threats, from advanced persistent threats (APTs) to sophisticated phishing schemes. AI-driven threat intelligence offers unparalleled capabilities in identifying and mitigating these risks proactively, making it an indispensable investment for these firms. This strong demand ensures a steady stream of high-value projects for consultancies specializing in this area.

Why Financial Sector Specialization Boosts AI Cybersecurity Profits

  • High-Value Niche: Financial institutions are prime targets for cyberattacks, leading them to invest significantly in advanced security, ensuring high demand for AI threat detection revenue.
  • Leading AI Adoption: The finance and banking sector accounts for 22.3% of the AI consulting market share, driven by the critical need for AI in fraud detection and risk management. This allows for premium pricing models.
  • Regulatory Compliance: Financial firms must adhere to stringent regulations like PCI DSS and SOX. Offering AI-driven compliance solutions creates a steady, high-margin revenue stream through specialized consulting.
  • High Cost of Breaches: The average cost of a data breach in the financial sector is among the highest across all industries. This incentivizes substantial investment in proactive, advanced security like AI-driven threat intelligence to improve cybersecurity ROI and minimize financial losses.

Furthermore, financial institutions operate under stringent regulatory and compliance requirements, such as the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) and the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (SOX). This regulatory landscape creates a strong, ongoing demand for specialized compliance consulting. Offering AI-driven compliance solutions can establish a steady, high-margin revenue stream. An AI Based Cybersecurity Consultancy can position itself as an expert in helping these firms not only detect threats but also maintain regulatory adherence through automated security solutions and advanced machine learning security.

The financial sector faces some of the highest costs associated with data breaches. For instance, the average cost of a data breach in the financial sector was $5.97 million in 2023, significantly higher than the cross-industry average. This high cost incentivizes financial firms to invest heavily in proactive, advanced security measures like AI-driven threat intelligence. Investing in robust AI cybersecurity solutions is seen not just as a cost but as a critical investment to improve their cybersecurity ROI and protect their assets and customer trust. This makes financial services a highly attractive and profitable niche for an AI Based Cybersecurity Consultancy seeking to increase cybersecurity revenue and achieve AI consulting growth.

What Are Effective Strategies For Marketing An AI Based Cybersecurity Consultancy To SMBs?

Why Focus on SMBs for AI Cybersecurity Marketing?

Marketing an AI Based Cybersecurity Consultancy, like Sentinel AI Security, to Small and Medium-sized Businesses (SMBs) requires a tailored approach. SMBs often lack dedicated security teams or in-depth expertise, making them vulnerable. A significant 43% of all cyberattacks target SMBs, yet many manage security with a non-expert, with 48% of SMBs relying on staff without specialized cybersecurity knowledge. This creates a clear market need for intelligent, proactive defenses. Your marketing should highlight how your AI-driven services fill this critical gap, offering peace of mind and impenetrable digital resilience without requiring extensive internal resources from the SMB.

Building Trust and Demonstrating Value to SMBs

Effective marketing strategies for an AI cybersecurity business targeting SMBs must prioritize education, trust-building, and clear value demonstration. Avoid technical jargon; instead, focus on addressing their specific pain points. Trust is paramount for SMBs when selecting a security provider, often being the number one factor. Showcase how AI-powered threat detection simplifies complex security challenges and protects their assets. Emphasize the return on investment (ROI) and the proactive nature of machine learning security in preventing breaches, which can be far more costly than prevention.


Key Pillars for SMB Marketing Success:

  • Education-First Content: Create thought leadership pieces that explain cyber risks in simple terms.
  • Problem-Solution Focus: Directly address common SMB security vulnerabilities and how your AI solutions mitigate them.
  • Transparent Value Proposition: Clearly articulate the benefits of AI-driven security over traditional methods.

Leveraging Content Marketing to Reach SMBs

Content marketing is a powerful tool for customer acquisition for AI cybersecurity startups aiming at the SMB segment. Developing educational content like blog posts, whitepapers, and webinars establishes your firm as a trusted advisor. This strategy helps position Sentinel AI Security as an authority in AI threat detection and cybersecurity ROI. Provide actionable insights on common cyber threats and demonstrate how automated security solutions can protect critical business operations. Worldwide spending on cybersecurity by SMBs is projected to reach USD 109 billion by 2026, indicating a substantial and growing market ready for informed solutions.

Highlighting Financial Impact and Cost-Effectiveness

Marketing campaigns should strongly emphasize the significant financial and reputational damage of a cyber breach for an SMB. The cost of a breach for an SMB can range dramatically, typically between $826 and $653,587. Position your AI-based cybersecurity services as a cost-effective solution, preventing these devastating losses rather than simply reacting to them. Showcase how AI-powered threat detection provides superior protection and long-term savings compared to managing security internally or with less advanced methods. This approach resonates with SMB owners who are highly sensitive to both operational costs and potential financial risks.

How Can Developing New Revenue Streams In Automated Security Solutions Grow An Ai Based Cybersecurity Consultancy?

Developing new revenue streams through automated security solutions significantly scales an AI Based Cybersecurity Consultancy like Sentinel AI Security. This approach offers high-margin, recurring revenue models, aligning with major market trends. The global security automation market is projected to grow substantially, from USD 10.45 billion in 2024 to USD 22.92 billion by 2030, representing a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 14.0%. This expansion highlights a clear demand for automated security solutions and presents a strong growth opportunity for AI consulting growth.

Offering Security Orchestration, Automation, and Response (SOAR) platforms as a managed service can greatly improve operational efficiency for both the consultancy and its clients. This strategic move directly addresses the need for streamlined security operations. The AI & ML segment dominated the security automation market in 2023, underscoring the strong demand for these advanced capabilities in cyber threat intelligence and AI threat detection revenue generation. Such services provide predictable, recurring revenue, enhancing AI cybersecurity profits.


Key Automated Revenue Streams for AI Cybersecurity

  • Subscription-Based Automated Threat Intelligence: Implement a subscription model for automated threat intelligence and incident response. This provides predictable, recurring revenue, appealing to clients seeking cost-effective access to advanced, automated security solutions. It helps in retaining clients in a competitive cybersecurity market.
  • Managed SOAR Services: Provide Security Orchestration, Automation, and Response (SOAR) platforms as a managed service. This improves client operational efficiency and generates consistent revenue.
  • Cloud Security Automation: Expand services to include cloud security automation. The cloud deployment segment holds the largest share of the security automation market, driven by increasing adoption of cloud infrastructure. This represents a major growth opportunity for AI-driven security solutions.
  • AI-Powered Vulnerability Management: Offer automated vulnerability scanning and patch management using AI. This proactive service can be packaged as a recurring subscription, ensuring continuous protection and improving cybersecurity ROI for clients.

Expanding into cloud security automation offers a significant growth opportunity for an AI Based Cybersecurity Consultancy. The cloud deployment segment currently holds the largest share of the security automation market. As businesses increasingly adopt cloud infrastructure, the demand for specialized automated security solutions is rising. This allows Sentinel AI Security to cater to a broader market, offering AI-driven security solutions for e-commerce, financial services, and healthcare data protection, thereby increasing cybersecurity business development and overall profits.

What Is The Role Of Machine Learning In Enhancing Client Retention For An AI Based Cybersecurity Consultancy?

Machine learning (ML) plays a crucial role in enhancing client retention for an AI Based Cybersecurity Consultancy like Sentinel AI Security. It enables the delivery of more proactive, personalized, and continuously valuable services. This approach directly addresses client needs and builds long-term trust. Machine learning security is the top technology segment in the AI in cybersecurity market, specifically valued for its ability to analyze complex patterns and learn from them to prevent future cyberattacks effectively. This capability ensures clients receive cutting-edge protection.

By leveraging machine learning algorithms, Sentinel AI Security can analyze client-specific threat data to offer predictive threat intelligence. This means identifying and mitigating potential risks before they can impact a client's business operations. Such a proactive stance significantly improves the cybersecurity ROI for clients, demonstrating tangible value and strengthening the overall client relationship. For instance, ML can detect subtle anomalies in network traffic that indicate an impending attack, allowing for preemptive countermeasures.

Machine learning also provides insights into client behavior and service usage patterns. This analysis helps predict potential client churn, enabling the consultancy to intervene strategically. Sentinel AI Security can then offer targeted support, or recommend upsell and cross-sell opportunities for cybersecurity services that better meet the client's evolving needs. This predictive capability is vital for maintaining a strong client base in a competitive market.


How Machine Learning Boosts Client Satisfaction

  • Automated Threat Response: ML reduces false positives and automates initial responses to threats, freeing up human consultants.
  • Personalized Security: Algorithms adapt security protocols based on unique client data and evolving threat landscapes.
  • Proactive Risk Mitigation: Predictive analytics identify vulnerabilities before they are exploited, preventing incidents.
  • Optimized Resource Allocation: ML helps consultants focus on strategic advisory and direct client engagement, improving service quality.

The efficiency gains from machine learning security, such as reducing false positives and automating routine security responses, allow consultants at Sentinel AI Security to focus on strategic advisory and relationship-building. This high-touch, high-value interaction is key to retaining clients in a highly competitive cybersecurity market. By minimizing manual tasks, consultants can dedicate more time to understanding client-specific challenges and providing tailored, expert guidance.

How Can An AI Based Cybersecurity Consultancy Leverage AI For A Competitive Advantage In Talent Acquisition?

An AI Based Cybersecurity Consultancy, like Sentinel AI Security, can leverage artificial intelligence (AI) to gain a significant competitive advantage in talent acquisition. This is crucial given the massive cybersecurity skills gap, which poses a major challenge for firms worldwide. By streamlining the hiring process and precisely identifying top candidates, AI addresses this critical need. This approach not only fills roles faster but also ensures higher quality hires, directly impacting operational efficiency and project success for cybersecurity business development.


Streamlining Candidate Identification with AI

  • Automated Resume Screening: AI-powered tools can automate the initial screening of resumes and applications. This process quickly identifies candidates possessing the niche skills essential for specialized roles, such as those in machine learning security and cyber threat intelligence. This automation drastically improves operational efficiency in the hiring process, reducing time-to-hire.
  • Expanding Talent Pools: AI can analyze vast amounts of data from various online sources, including professional networks and public profiles, to identify passive candidates. These individuals may not be actively seeking new roles but possess the exact expertise required. Expanding the talent pool beyond traditional applicants is crucial for effective talent acquisition and retention in a competitive cybersecurity firm.
  • Predictive Analytics for Fit: Beyond skill matching, AI can use predictive analytics to assess a candidate's potential long-term fit within the company culture and specific team dynamics. This helps in retaining clients in a competitive cybersecurity market by ensuring stable, high-performing teams. By finding better candidates faster, Sentinel AI Security enhances its brand as a technologically advanced and innovative employer, making it more attractive to top-tier cybersecurity professionals.