Here's how you can promote your creative problem solving expertise as a consultant.

Showcase case studies, share client testimonials, write expert articles, host webinars, engage on LinkedIn, offer free initial consultations, and network at industry events to demonstrate your creative problem-solving skills.

If you have a claim to creative problem solving expertise, document it and gather testimony from those who can attest to it. Display that proof when offering your services and setting their price. It will prove helpful!

Building brand is not the same as building reputation but there are common factors. Breadth of experience, depth of accomplishment and quality of contacts are three important factors. Reputation is essentially contacts who can and willingly vouch for the experience, accomplishment and relationships. Brand rides on top of reputation, almost like first impression with impact on continued contact. When a name is heard or seen, what is the first impression that comes to mind?

Like Aretha Franklin sang in "R-E-S-P-E-C-T," find out what it means to me. Network value is idiosyncratic. In cultures that are reputationally based on work done, a web of favor, or lasting financial resources, the web-based systems do not compete. Your network contacts in USA immigrant communities are different from your work-based USA contacts. Teammates associate me with past projects and wins. After 40 years, I am known for my style of play and skill. After 30 years, I can compare notes with contacts to capitalize on past experience. Meet and collect contacts with people you like and who like you. Help and encourage people you can help.

In today's digital world, having a strong online presence on LinkedIn isn't just about self-promotion, it's about building connections! 1. Shift from "sell" to "share": Ditch one-way pitches. Offer valuable industry insights and problem-solving tips. 2. Engage in conversation: Respond to comments, answer questions, and participate in discussions. Build relationships! 3. Become a knowledge source: Share insightful articles, host webinars, or write blog posts. Establish yourself as a thought leader. 4. Choose your platform wisely: Focus on where your target audience is (LinkedIn for B2B, etc.). Tailor content accordingly.

Volunteer in public service opportunities, so your conversational style is developed past staid and static presentation. Learn how to interview to acquire information from people, getting past social or language barriers. Ask others how they do what they do. Live vicariously by being curious and learning from the hard knocks others suffered. Ask questions of those who show skill in public speaking. Pay attention to their approach, presence, gravitas, personality, and impact.

Words on paper or transmitted digitally are nothing like face-to-face conversation. Develop an attentive, caring style and carry it through in follow-up communications. Beware sarcasm. A little goes far, like too much salt in a cookie batch. Read personal letters of people like Harry Truman, Mark Twain, Abraham Lincoln or Dorothy L. Sayers.