When someone says they’re a consultant, they probably fall into one of two boxes. They’re either leveraged and running an online, scalable component to their business, or they’re struggling to find 1:1 clients (hey — it’s hard out there).
Like most industries, there’s a lot of noise in the consulting space. It can be hard to stand out and set yourself apart from your competition.
I understood this from day one and did a few things – fast! – that got me inbound clients, a strong reputation as a consultant, and a steadily increasing income stream.
Speaking It into Existence
I started calling myself a consultant immediately. Even while I was working my 9-5 job, I stopped seeing my self as an employee there but the company as a client and structuring my services based on the company’s pain points. Local insider knowledge goes a long way, don’t count it out.
I started frequenting conferences and business events that my potential clients would frequent. Recon work is something that is underestimated and underutilized.
Of course, I introduced myself as a consultant to everyone I met, changed my social media, and announced to all my friends that I was consultant accepting clients (at a bargain rate) while I built up my firm.
I had my first paying clients soon after — because faith without works is dead.
My Reputation Precedes Me
It’s upsetting that many talented and brilliant people can get stuck in the loop of gaining certification after certification. Do not get me wrong, certifications are great to have and can keep you updated on the cutting edge strategies.
However, as a consultant, your work should and will speak for you. Remember, you are assisting others in their dreams and endeavors. When they succeed, you succeed and your praises will continue to be sung.
However, it would, of course, behoove me to mention, sung praises are not guaranteed and will eventually end. Make sure you are keeping records and testimonials from everyone. Always, always, always build your portfolio.
Talk, Talk, Talk It UP
In my enthusiasm to attract new clients, I speak passionately about how their pain points can be solved with strategic tweaks and repositioning. Sometimes people need a nudge in the right direction, and even awareness to time wasting obstacles they didn’t realize were there.
Being an entrepreneur isn’t easy, and you don’t know what you don’t know… and that’s okay. Which is also why I utilize my ability to go live on my social media as well as leveraging my following on Clubhouse and Twitter Spaces. Those have been some of the best and most lucrative places to help several different demographics.
Build Your Network
I know we’re all busy as heck, but there’s tremendous value in meeting other people in your field who are a little bit ahead of you. However, I will caution that it is not always friendly and to proceed with caution and discernment.
You will be able to find plenty of people in your industry and even niche, however, some might not be there with the purest intentions. When networking, trusting your gut and going in authentically is always the best bet.
All in all, you want to be around many people like you – the idea sharing, bigger picture thinking, and encouragement are truly worth it.
Work Smarter, Not Harder
To be honest, I tell this to my clients all the time. When you want to set yourself apart in your industry, you not only have to physically speak on various platforms, but write. Blogging, guest blogging, contributing writing, etc. are all great ways to write your way into an industry. Showcasing your knowledge through the written medium is great to showcase your range and diversity, not only as a consultant but as an entrepreneur in general.
When thinking about generating leads, I always found, especially with the pandemic, that getting out there hustling for clients is exciting and adrenaline rushing. However, I love to be able to type away, from the comfort of my own bed, and share my advice and thoughts, which will always lead to the right people finding you.
When its all said and done, having a plan of action is critical. If you fail to plan, you planned on failing. Don’t fail! If you need help, just ask.
These are just a few of my tricks I did on my own and still continue to do. What about you? What are some conventional tips and tricks you utilize in your business? Let’s chat about it.
Taylor Baker
Taylor Baker is an international expat who has been living around the globe for 5+ years. As a youth, Taylor was drawn to helping the helpful by assisting with programs and notable events that can be impactful. After obtaining her bachelor’s and master’s degrees, Taylor moved from the USA to begin a life abroad on various continents, consulting and helping organizations increase their impact in innovative ways.
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