Grow Your Independent Consulting Business

Are you ready to unlock your full potential as an independent consultant and create a thriving consulting business? In the final episode of the podcast series, 14 Systems to Create a Thriving Consulting Business , Melisa highlights discernible patterns that differentiate prosperous consultants from those facing challenges. First, Melisa explores the importance of robust financial systems and sugge...

What makes one consultant succeed more efficiently than another? There are 14 systems to grow a thriving consulting business. Each is pivotal in the success and development of an independent consultant.  In today's episode, Melisa continues the conversation from Episode 151 by sharing the next five systems to grow a thriving consulting business. This segment is part 2 of the podcast series an...

Every independent consultant has the talent and prerequisites to be successful. So what makes it easier for one consultant to grow a robust pipeline while another struggles to build their business? This episode marks the beginning of a series focused on 14 systems to grow and maintain a thriving consulting business. Listen to learn about the first five systems independent consultants need to estab...

As your independent consultant business evolves, implementing and testing new strategies is essential. But sticking to a new approach is challenging when you don't get immediate results. Should you pivot or persevere? In this episode, Melisa addresses a crucial topic for business owners: when to stick with a new strategy or make a pivot. By referencing a real-life example, she guides consulta...

Is the fear of pitching your consultant services holding you back from acquiring new clients?  Selling services is challenging for many independent consultants. They want to necessitate their value but feel uncomfortable addressing prospective leads. So, consultants default to pitching as a selling tactic, causing unnecessary pressure on themselves and their potential clients. In today's epis...

By sharing valuable expertise, independent consultants can create lasting impressions on potential clients and ultimately attract inbound leads.  Despite its importance, many consultants struggle to maintain a consistent thought leadership strategy. It’s common to question your expertise and hit a block. The Basics of Thought Leadership: Get clear on the basics of thought leadership and how it’s a...

In this episode, Melisa tackles a common challenge faced by many consultants—deciding when and if to part ways with a client. The dilemma of firing a client is a complex one that every consultant faces at some point. On one hand, there's the desire to make the client relationship work, not wanting to be seen as a quitter, and the revenue that the client brings in. But on the other hand, there...

Many independent consultants overlook the opportunity to productize their services because they think their work varies too much based on each client’s unique circumstances and requirements. While it’s true each of your clients is unique, that doesn’t mean you can’t turn your client delivery approach into a repeatable, productized solution. Productizing your consulting solutions benefits both you...

As we approach the end of another year, it's that time to set goals for the upcoming year. Or, if you're catching this episode later, it could be time to establish or revisit your quarterly or monthly business objectives.  If you’re implementing SMART goals or incremental-type goals in your business, you could be leaving opportunities on the table. In this episode, Melisa introduces an u...

An obstacle for independent consultants aiming to grow their business is the tendency to argue for limitations.  What does this mean to argue for your limitations? Arguing for your limitations refers to situations where you justify and explain why something won’t work for you or your business. For example, you might justify your empty pipeline by thinking the economy is soft. Or, you might explain...

In this episode, Melisa shares a crucial first step for consultants aiming to exceed their business goals in the next year and next quarter.  She explains how this often-overlooked step of an effective goal-setting process can lead to success, even if you're currently behind.  Melisa guides listeners through a powerful three-step evaluation framework to set the stage for effective planning an...

In this episode, Melisa shares a key ingredient for independent consulting success: forging your professional self-identity as a consultant. By actively shaping your self-identity, you open the door to fresh opportunities for your consulting business. You'll draw in the right projects, partner with clients who appreciate your full scope of skills, and set fees that mirror the strategic value...

In this episode, Melisa is excited to introduce Robert Reich. Robert is an entrepreneurial executive with 30+ years of experience creating and refining consumer and enterprise software solutions. He’s the managing partner of R2, a consulting firm that specializes in crafting AI solutions and strategically pinpointing areas for transformative change while cultivating organizational wisdom for infor...

As an independent consultant, confidence is your secret weapon. Being willing to put yourself out there so potential clients know about you requires self-confidence. Selling yourself requires self-confidence. Building trust with clients requires self-confidence. But, the truth is, you won’t always feel confident as a consulting business owner or even as a consultant. Join Melisa in today's ep...

Many consultants complain they don’t have enough time for lead generation. Let’s not sugar-coat it. To be successful, you must take responsibility for your lead generation efforts and take proactive steps to address these underlying issues. Neglecting lead generation can jeopardize the existence of your consulting business.  In this episode, Melisa helps you tackle your lack of time so you can ove...

Growing a consulting business isn't easy. There’s a lot of responsibility on your shoulders. Sometimes you might even be questioning if it’s worth it. In today's episode, Melisa challenges consultants to answer the critical question: “What are you willing to do to be successful in your consulting business?” There are three specific things you need to be willing to do to grow a successful...

As an independent consultant, it’s common to think that you are your business. You aren’t your business. Just because you are the person operating the business, it doesn’t mean you are the business. Why does this distinction matter? When you think you and your business are one in the same, you take setbacks in your business personally and make decisions from a clouded perspective. Ultimately, it’s...

Why are some consultants more successful than others when it comes to lead generation? Even when they use the same lead generation strategy, consultants create vastly different lead generation results. Some consultants generate a thriving pipeline through networking while others don’t generate any leads. Some consultants create robust pipelines from cold outreach while other consultants don’t crea...

The consultant’s pricing upper limit is the ceiling you create for yourself and your consultancy business based on the way you think about your pricing.  Often, independent consultants adjust their pricing based on what they believe the client is thinking. For example, you might price out an engagement at $50k and then worry the client will think it’s too high and so you talk yourself into pricing...

Q4 can be a challenging time for independent consultants. You’re worried corporate clients aren't buying at year's end. You’re thinking you’re too busy because of everything you’re juggling during the busy holiday season and at year end. And, you might even be thinking of “throwing in the towel” on this year because you’re too far behind on your goals. If you have a non-productive mindse...

Worrying about a soft market is a common concern for independent consultants. As a business owner, a slow down in contracts or a lack of new leads can bring on stress, doubt, and even panic. In today's episode, Melisa shares techniques and tools to help you navigate and respond in a soft market. A lull or slow down in business does not mean you must take a dreaded return to corporate. Your co...

Do you dream of reaching $1,000,000 in your independent consulting business? So many consultants think one million dollars in 12 months isn't possible. We talk ourselves out of trying because it feels like it would be too much work and will compromise our work/life balance. In today's episode, Melisa shares how to earn $1,000,000 in revenue without overworking or sacrificing family life....

Do you ever feel like a fraud or like you aren’t qualified to deliver the work you’re selling? You are not alone. Many independent consultants struggle with imposter syndrome. Melisa’s message in this episode might surprise you. She shares that experiencing imposter syndrome is good for you as a business owner. It means you’re challenging yourself. However, when imposter syndrome goes unmanaged, t...

Are you struggling with lead generation but not entirely sure why? It turns out there’s a surprising blocker. It’s not that you don’t have time for lead gen. It’s not that you don’t know how to generate leads for your consulting business. It’s likely some other reason. What is this common reason you’re struggling to generate leads? This blocker to prioritizing lead generation is that you won’t be...

By offering retainers, you, as an independent consultant, can create recurring, high-profit, and consistent revenue for your business. There’s a misconception that it’s difficult to sell advisory retainers. So, if you’re like so many consultants, you know you want to offer advisory retainers but you don’t try. It feels daunting and ripe for rejection. I want to demystify this for you so you can st...