Have you ever faced a problem — business-related or otherwise — and needed an objective perspective to help solve it? This is likely something that everyone has experienced. On the other hand, have you ever worked with a friend or coworker to provide an unbiased outlook on an issue? If you have, you’ve consulted with them. If you’re passionate about helping others succeed by providing niche expertise that’s been honed by years of education, experience, and skill development, a career in consulting may be for you. We’ve compiled this guide to dig deeper into the wild, lucrative world of consulting — and how to start and market a consulting business of your own. What is consulting? Consulting is the process of providing expert advice, opinion, and/… [Read More...]

You’ve just wrapped up a call with a prospective consulting client. They’re interested in working with you. Congratulations! If you’ve found your way to this blog post, it’s safe to assume you now need to develop a consulting proposal for this client — and you need help doing so. Many prospective clients request proposals before officially signing on the dotted line. Why? In short, a consulting proposal outlines your working relationship so that both parties can stay aligned and understand the other’s expectations. Proposals aren’t paper formalities — they signify the start of an important client-consultant relationship. In this post, I’ll explain how to write a consulting proposal that your prospective clients can’t resist. How to Write a Consulting Proposal Knowing how to write a clear, … [Read More...]

Working as a consultant can be a tricky, uncertain game at points. It can be exhausting to bounce from client to client, charging an hourly rate without any guarantee of where your next payday is coming from. And even when business is going well, the peace of mind that comes with knowing you’re set financially for an extended period of time can be an attractive prospect. Of all the pricing methods a consultant can operate by, there’s one that provides that kind of professional serenity better than any other — implementing a consulting retainer. That model allows you to know for sure that your income will be immediate, secure, and paid in full. But the method comes with its share of drawbacks, so it’s important to thoroughly … [Read More...]

In today’s dynamic market, many companies are faced with providing creative solutions to their customer’s problems in order to stay in business, making workplace innovation extremely important. According to the McKinsey Global Innovation Survey, though 86% of executives agree innovation is key for growth strategy, only 6% are satisfied with the innovative efforts of their company. In other words, companies need innovative strategies but are struggling to create and implement them. While many businesses look to hire creative problem-solvers, for many employees performing their daily tasks and having the energy to provide fresh, innovative ideas above and beyond their daily duties can be challenging. When team members are so close to the work they do every day or are used to providing a specific value for … [Read More...]

Advancements in sales and marketing automation are making inside selling more effective than ever before. A 2018 survey by the KCBM Technology Group found companies that rely predominantly on inside sales tend to grow faster than their counterparts that lean more on field sales. At the same time, Gallup reports less than half of customers believe sellers adequately address their problems. This issue stems from mismatched solutions and needs from sellers and customers, respectively. Needs-based selling often helps salespeople establish productive, long-term relationships with customers. By taking the time to understand individual customer needs, salespeople can also set themselves up to have more educated, well-rounded prospect interactions as time goes on. Salespeople need a framework for making the best use of limited time across numerous … [Read More...]

You decided to launch your own consulting gig to put your expertise to good use — congratulations! The job outlook for consultants is expected to increase by 14% through 2028, proving there is plenty of opportunity in this growing field. While there are increasing opportunities for consultants, you’ll need a steady stream of clients to sustain a consulting business. Let’s walk through fast tips to help you land more consulting clients. 1. Identify your ideal client. Before you set out to sign more clients, you first need to understand who your ideal client is. List out the key qualities and attributes your ideal client has. This will help shape your client outreach strategy to ensure you’re getting in front of the right clients. Here are a few questions to … [Read More...]

Technology is a pillar in today’s economy. There are few things we do without the assistance of software or smart devices, and the same goes for businesses worldwide. It’s unlikely, however, for these businesses and their leaders to keep up with the ever-changing world of technology. This is where technology consultants come in. These technology specialists provide a unique, objective, and specialized approach to technology and how to leverage it for business success. In this article, we’ll explore the world of technology consulting and discuss how to get started in a career as a technology consultant. There are many names for technology consultants: IT consultants, computer consultants, software consultants, business and technology advisors, and more. The variety of nomenclature is due to the vast world of … [Read More...]