Using a sales agent sounds like the ideal method for those who don’t like sales and marketing. Just pay someone else to do it, right?. Unfortunately, nobody cares for your business like you do, so I do NOT recommend this as a primary source of business. To be blunt, if you are not ready and […]
Thinking about consulting, but not ready to go full time? Then consider consulting as a side hustle. You will learn a lot, and it will be much easier if/when you make your full-time JumpToConsulting. First heard this phrase back in 2010 from fellow Arizona blogger Pam Slim at Escape From Cubicle Nation. I’ve sung her […]
No doubt about it, referrals are a leading source of leads for established consultants. But how do you get leads and testimonials when just starting out? Simple… ask for them! Yes, I know that asking for something scares a lot of people. What if they reject you? Don’t worry — most people won’t. If they […]
In my last post, I discussed how consulting eventually led me to Financial Independence. The primary focus was prior to making my JumpToConsulting. In this post, I’ll elaborate on things done at and after my break for freedom. First, I put away a startup stash. This is key, as there is nothing worse than having […]
Since it is the Fourth of July, a rant on independence seemed appropriate. After all, it was my overwhelming desire for Occupational Independence that got me into consulting in the first place. When I started my consulting practice, I was NOT Financially Independent (FI) — which I define as being able to quit one’s job […]
Here is a question from Cheryl at the Business Consulting Buzz group: Has anyone had luck at using workshops as a sales tool? I am considering this in my area at no charge to increase my client base. Has anyone been successful doing this? If so, what have you found to be the best time […]
Should you pay referral fees? That question was recently posted at LinkedIn on the Business Consulting Buzz group: Referral Fees for Independent Consultants? Interested in your opinions: As an independent Consultant, would you be willing to pay and/or receive referral fees? Here is my reply: As consulting engineers, we are concerned that referral fees might […]
As a follow up to an earlier post on LLCs, reader C asked about fees. Here is my response: Hi Daryl, Thanks for the advice on LLCs… Another quick question — how do you go about setting up your fees? C Hi C, Glad my advice helped. Still remember the questions I had many years […]
Can’t believe we just hit 100 blog posts! Who would have thought there were a hundred things to say about starting and building a small consulting practice? Well, after two years, there are still plenty of ideas to share and explore. In fact, my original list of possible posts has actually grown. As soon as […]
Here is the synopsis of a recent e-mail exchange from a JTC candidate that you may find of interest. I’ve edited it and sanitized it (personal information is left out), but I’m sure C will recognize herself. Hi Daryl, I came to your website from Mister Money Mustache, and I’ve decided to throw my hat […]
Consulting isn’t just about expertise — it is also about relationships. What better way to build those relationships than through networking? Networking isn’t just for consultants. It is something you should do regardless of your career. As the old saying goes, “It’s not what you know, but who you know.” True for finding new jobs… […]
As part of my commitment to get off my butt and write my book on consulting, I attended the Indie Author Publishing Conference this weekend in Phoenix. Over 120 authors and prospective authors heard from several panels of experts that included book editors, agents, publishers, legal experts, and more. The focus was on the business […]
Directories should be a part of every consultant’s marketing strategies. The secret is to be listed in the right directories – those used by potential clients. So give some thought to where you might look to find someone like yourself. Most directories provide search capabilities (expertise, location…), so consider your search categories. If you don’t […]
Recently ran across this web site and newsletter, and wanted to share it here. In addition to being a useful resource, it is also a delightful success story. In 2000, Michael Katz launched Blue Penguin Development, a one man firm that teaches professional service providers how to position themselves as “likeable experts.” Much of his […]
Not my favorite approach, but when times are desperate… I’m with luminaries like Alan Weiss, Howard Shenson, and Perry Marshal on this method. Much better to have potential clients call you, rather than the other way around. As Shenson once said, your marketing goal should be have clients clamoring for you. Think about it. As […]
The tough part is making it a success. Recently ran across a blog post on business startups. The author suggested consulting, since it was so easy that anybody could do it. Of course, the author had never started and run a full time consulting practice himself. Go figure. So, time for a short rant… But […]
Another year has gone by, and once again it is time to reflect. Got this idea from Chris Gullibeau of The Art of Nonconformity. He does this each year, and last year challenged others to do the same. Great idea! Once again, I’ll review three categories: JumpToConsulting (www.jumptoconsulting.com) EMI-GURU aka Kimmel Gerke Associates, Ltd. (www.emiguru.com) […]
If you like teaching (Lead Generator #11), you may consider developing and presenting your own materials. Due to the considerable start up efforts, however, I don’t recommend this for brand new consultants. Other marketing methods usually provide faster results with less work and money. This is an excellent method to consider, however, after you become […]
To share, or not to share – that is the question. (With my apologies to William Shakespeare.) Two schools of thought. One says YES, the other NO. (You say tom-A-to, I say tom-AH-to.) Who is right? Well, it depends — on you and your overall objectives. NO to free advice. As Abraham Lincoln said, “A […]
Two bank accounts — financial and experience… Can’t remember where I first heard this story, so I can’t credit the original author. But I found the idea so compelling I wanted to share my version here. Once upon a time, there were two consultants, John and Bob. Both had unique expertise of value to clients. […]
