What are the steps to building a sustainable consulting business?

Time and time again I have experienced that basic virtues put one ahead of 99% of the field. My 6 favorites are: -Reliability -Honesty -Diligence -Punctuality -Orderliness -Patience Whereas honesty beats politeness and humility any time. If you are good at what you do you can be straight forward. People will like you for your straight honesty over pretending and boot-licking. Successful people prefer direct criticism over friendly facades and back-stabbing at any time.

First is to look at your own skills competencies and expertise and your purpose goals. In a very competitive environment, one could have a broad spectrum of activities like accounting and audit firms do but always with one or two key differentiators in segment ( sme or large) geography ( newly growing or matured) services ( emerging or established) specific (sectors where you have a niche - this could be your skill or a market or industry need) approach ( problem fixer vs evolving a strategy for example). Matching skills sets versus the market could help find exact areas. Identification and keeping a close watch on trends can help one move into specific areas first or hitherto unserviced

Know your why and MSP's. Knowing these is essentially the core of what you are looking to accomplish on the marketplace. It defines the value and impact you intend to bring to the market place. it's what helps you stand out!

One thing useful, is maintaining grassroots close knit contacts, through reconciliation. The startup theory is usually effective, to build and maintain a harmonious edge, in finding durable solutions. Humanity alone have their own of sets of social complex issues. Relationships are cultivated, bonded, strengthened, torn apart and even tested, to determine it's true nature. Maintaining industrial relationships and building trust, requires greater public relations and indulgence. This is a classical example of how cross cultural awareness, assists in formulating startup niches, for any futuristic upbringing.

You need to be knowledgeable and upgraded with current practices about your area of specialization, also be determine, courage, resilience because the road is not always smooth, maintain your intergrity and client's satisfaction.

Another is based on a clients need and urgency and if is regular or one time . Rates always don't work and sometimes a lumpsum cap is what a client may need to be clear and deliverable based . Many clients look for free advice or as a sounding board - here rates or even no fees can work where relationships are long and the consultant is seen as a facilitator often for a long journey of growth. Have seen this true mainly in family owned businesses where a trusted advisor and consultant is someone who can help through and is rewarded over time

Often you are the brand as many advisory positions are individual based but indeed with progress a business name for a group of persons helps create all that the business and its value systems stand for

Billable hours alone doesn't build business and clear deliverables timelines and regular review helps both exceed expectations and be attractive enough. What client visualises and what you plan to deliver may at times be not always be exactly the same . Relationship and a project executed with an Aha feeling and recognition means there is always a give and take

This goes without saying . Keeping ahead with technological advancements AI, changing legal regulatory landscape ESG and what have you

Consistency in whatever you do for your clients. Patience is the key to successful consulting business Move faster than the pace of change and be ahead in the game Build Build And Build - People Culture Customers Network / Communities Capability / Assets / Solutions Knowledge etc…

#1&2 Networking and Follow up. #3 Generously give your of your knowledge (to a degree). #4 Be honest and intriguing. I have been consulting and coaching successfully for 20 years. #5 Bring value to the table. #6 Stay in your lane. Do not try to be all things to all people. Everyone should invest in a coach for all areas of their lives for at least 3 months. 1 meeting a week can be a game changer. Must people don’t plan to fail, they fail to plan. I will add to this, “not only do they fail to plan, they fail to execute.” Having an experienced coach will keep you accountable. Cheers!

Adam Grant's idea of being giving has been very progressive for me. Feel free to be generous in your knowledge and be sure that more will come back to you. In today's world, knowledge is easily acquired, but wisdom is not.

It starts with being ethical and developing trust. Then identify market and your set of services. Try to wow each client. Become known and a leader in the field. LinkedIn posts. Speak at conferences. Do podcasts. Write white papers and articles Get clients to refer you

Since one of the hats I have to wear as an independent business owner is being a consultant. One piece of advice I have is give your clients some space yet be timely when it comes to letting them know that you’re always there for them and send them updates via email or text once in a whileon those updates. You don’t always have to call and bother them in the middle of their workday because let me tell you, all you’re gonna do is take them off do to them like you would want done unto you.