What do you do if your leadership skills as a consultant aren't helping you excel as an entrepreneur?

1 Reflect Deeply

When your leadership skills as a consultant don't seem to be propelling your entrepreneurial journey, a deep reflection is the first step. Consider the differences between consulting and entrepreneurship: as a consultant, you provide solutions within a defined scope, but as an entrepreneur, you're responsible for every aspect of your business. This requires a shift in mindset from problem-solver to visionary. Reflect on your core competencies and leadership style, and identify which areas need refinement to suit an entrepreneurial role. Are you taking enough risks? Are you fostering innovation? ??? Use this self-assessment to pinpoint the skills you need to develop.

4 Network Widely

Networking is crucial in both consulting and entrepreneurship, but the focus shifts when you're building your own venture. Expand your network beyond your consulting circle to include fellow entrepreneurs, potential investors, and industry experts. Attend events, join entrepreneur groups, and engage in forums where you can exchange ideas and gain insights into running a successful business. These connections can open doors to new opportunities, partnerships, and resources that are essential for entrepreneurial success.

5 Innovate Boldly

Innovation is the lifeblood of entrepreneurship. As a consultant, you may have helped clients innovate within their businesses, but as an entrepreneur, you must now drive innovation within your own. Encourage creative thinking and be open to experimentation. Create a culture where failure is seen as a learning opportunity rather than a setback. By fostering an environment of innovation, you're more likely to develop unique products or services that can differentiate your business in the marketplace.

6 Adjust Strategy

Finally, be prepared to adjust your strategy. Unlike consulting, where recommendations are often based on established best practices, entrepreneurship can involve charting an untested course. Monitor the performance of your business closely and be ready to pivot when necessary. This might mean revising your business model, exploring new markets, or redefining your value proposition. Flexibility and resilience are key traits of an entrepreneur, so don't hesitate to realign your strategy in response to feedback and market dynamics.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?