Here's how you can avoid common mistakes when starting a brand strategy consulting business.

To successfully launch a brand strategy consulting business, focus on niche expertise, understanding client needs, and building a strong brand identity. Network effectively, deliver measurable results, and commit to continuous learning. Set clear expectations, price your services based on value, and prioritize long-term client relationships. Finally, seek feedback to continuously improve your services and refine your approach.

Niching down doesn’t work if you pick a bad niche. Many people pick bad niches because they misunderstand what a niche is. They think a niche is a small audience. But that’s not what a niche is. A niche is an audience that suffers from a very specific problem. It's not about the size of the audience. It’s about the specificity of the problem you solve. Solve a specific problem for a specific audience. And make sure that audience is big enough and has enough money to spend. As Warren Buffett said, "Should you find yourself in a chronically-leaking boat, energy devoted to changing vessels is likely to be more productive than energy devoted to patching leaks." Bad niches are like leaky boats. It's better to get out than row on.

Un dise?ador gráfico bien entrenado puede hacer cualquier marca existente. Lo que diferencia a aquellos que pueden cobrar 3 o 4 veces más que tú es tu expertise. Como personas creativas es normal no querer limitarse a un nicho, pero es lo que tienes que hacer para ser reconocido como el experto y que el cliente no te compare con 30 agencias iguales. Además, tal y como exponen en "How Brands Grow" Jenny Romaniuk y Byron Sharp, las marcas que más crecen son las que consiguen obtener más porcentaje de su mercado. Así que cuanto más domines un nicho, más clientes y mejores tendrás.

It's easy to fall into the trap of sounding like everyone else trying to help businesses with their brand strategy. Brand consulting is a personal business, and so taking the time to figure out what matters most to you will help you to find differentiators that resonate with potential clients. If you are someone that is passionate about art history and likes to incorporate that knowledge into how you think about strategy, then talk about it. If relying on deep levels of AI-driven analysis gives you confidence in your decision making, then talk about that. Ultimately, you'll be able to speak to it more honestly, and that generally makes people more willing to hear what you have to say.

Price based on value delivered. Don't get lost in hourly billing as a consultant. The results are what matters, not how long you spent getting them. Create projects around specific outcomes. Then, determine the value of the outcome to the organization. And price based on that. Also, offer several options for the project for the client to choose from. All should fulfill the desired outcome but do so to different degrees. With options, you're giving them a choice between several ways of working with you. If you give them one option, they will only have the choice between working with you and not working with you. Multiple options increase the likelihood of landing a client. And they also increase the chance you'll get a higher price.

I agree with those advocating for value-delivered-based pricing. I would only add that it is incredibly important to ensure you align with your clients on all deliverables upfront and if that's not possible, make sure they are aware of the non-negotiable upcharges to add items. Also be aware of how much bringing in contractors will cost before agreeing to a number you think will be fine, the last thing you want navigate is that awkwardness and potential profit losses.

Utilize a combination of inbound and outbound marketing strategies. Content marketing, particularly thought leadership, can be very effective in building credibility. Networking, both online and offline, can also help you connect directly with potential clients.

Remember, even if a client doesn't hire you immediately, leave a lasting impression. Mention opportunities during meetings and offer simple suggestions like website text changes. This showcases your expertise and fosters collaboration. Additionally, build your network, stay updated on industry trends, and invest in professional development to ensure success in the field.

Make sure you plan for or give yourself time for this learning. It's tough to squeeze it in if you don't make space specifically for it. Embrace the rabbit holes. This is an industry of nuance, and any nugget of information or perspective might make the world of difference to how you approach your work.