The Three Phases Of The Boundless Consultant

Do you ever pause and wonder whether the model you are pursuing as an entrepreneur in the consulting space is actually going to lead you to your dreams?

For 13 years, I ran my brand consultancy, and it took me seven years to question the model I was operating. I just did things like everyone else. At one point, however, I woke up (after living in stress and fear for long enough, you tend to wake up). I realized there are smarter ways to pursue your entrepreneurial dream than pursuing a tired model that works only for a small fraction of entrepreneurs.

In this mini-series (this is the first one), I will discuss the different options and models you have as an entrepreneur in the consulting industry. I include creative agencies and freelancers in my definition, by the way.

What do you want?

I don't know who you are, but if you are like the hundreds of entrepreneurs I have worked hands-on with within this industry, I believe you want freedom more than anything. Freedom comes in many forms, of course. Financial freedom is the foundation of most forms of freedom, although most don’t want to admit it or talk about money too much. Money gives you choice, and choice is freedom.

If you feel stuck or struggle, it might be the time to progress to a higher level. Each level you progress to will give you more leverage, i.e. more time and money with less time (and effort) spent. At Original Minds, where we work with solopreneurs and entrepreneurs in the consulting industry, we have a name for the consultant who seeks more leverage and freedom - The Boundless Consultant. The name represents both a mindset and a model - it represents a smarter way to thrive as a consultant in today’s connected world. More about that another time, let’s dive into the three levels of The Boundless Consultant.

The Three Main Forms Of Entrepreneurship

Let’s start with the top-level framework. You can decide to be one of the following:

1. Solopreneur

2. Entrepreneur

3. Owner

In each of these categories, there are different levels, each level will bring you more freedom and wealth if implemented successfully. I have personally operated at all these levels, and therefore I’d like to discuss the options you have in the subsequent articles.

Today, I’ll start with Level 1:

The Solopreneur Consultant

As a solopreneur in the consulting world, your path to success and freedom is not a single leap, but a progression through distinct stages. The Boundless Consultant model outlines three key levels within the solopreneur stage, each offering increasing levels of autonomy, income potential, and impact. Let's explore this journey from Service Provider to Advisor to Partner.

Imagine waking up each morning, not to the shrill sound of an alarm clock dictating your day, but to the excitement of pursuing your passion on your own terms. As a Boundless Consultant, you're not just selling your time; you're unleashing your expertise to create value in ways you never thought possible. This is the journey of true freedom, of breaking away from the conventional constraints of the working world and crafting a life that aligns with your deepest aspirations.

Level 1: Service Provider (The Hamster Wheel of Consulting)

Where most people who call themselves consultants are actually service providers and order-takers who perform tasks that clients ask them to do. This is the same as owning a job, and you have very little freedom. Most people get stuck at this level, trading their time for money. Very little money. They're caught in a cycle of constantly chasing the next project, the next client, always on the hamster wheel of billable hours. It's exhausting, limiting, and frankly, not what you dreamed of when you decided to become a consultant.

Here's the rub: No matter how fast you run on this hamster wheel, you're still a hamster. You could work 25 hours a day (time travel permitting), and you'd still hit an income ceiling faster than a tall person in a low-ceilinged room.

Level 2: The Advisor (The Art Of Charging For Outcomes)

As an Advisor, you're no longer selling hours; you're selling outcomes, insights, (and the occasional bit of well-timed nodding). It's a beautiful thing. Clients aren't buying your time; they're buying the perception of reduced risk and increased success. And let me tell you, perception is a currency far more valuable than mere hours. This stage is where you start to bend the rules of economic reality. You're no longer constrained by the tyranny of the clock. Instead, you're limited only by your ability to convince clients that your advice is worth its weight in gold-plated truffles.

At this level, which most people never reach, you are not "pushing buttons" on behalf of your clients, you are "guiding transformations". Ah, how much more you can get done with this model, as long as you position yourself wisely and have the confidence to go with it. This is where you begin to taste true freedom. The chains of the 9-to-5 grind start to loosen, and you feel the exhilaration of charting your own course. Your knowledge becomes your most valuable asset, opening doors to opportunities you once only dreamed about.

As an Advisor, you're no longer just a pair of hands executing tasks. You're a strategic thinker, a problem solver, a visionary who helps clients see beyond their immediate challenges to grasp transformative possibilities. Your value isn't measured in hours worked, but in the magnitude of impact you create. This shift not only increases your earning potential but also gives you the flexibility to work on your terms, with clients who truly value your insights.

Level 3: Partner (Building Wealth Through Your Expertise)

If the Advisor stage is alchemy, the Partner stage is pure magic. Here, you transcend the mundane world of fees and hourly rates entirely. This is where things get really interesting. You're no longer selling time or even expertise. Your income is no longer tied to your direct efforts but to the success of businesses you've sprinkled with your consulting fairy dust.

You no longer just advising businesses; you're becoming a partner in their success. This is your first glimpse into a future where your wealth grows while you sleep, where your impact extends far beyond your immediate reach. At this level, you're not just helping businesses; you're building your own portfolio of success stories.

You're aligning your success directly with that of your clients. Your compensation isn't just about fees; it's about ownership. Actually, it's both. As the businesses you partner with grow and thrive, so does your wealth. It's a model that allows you to scale your impact and your income in ways that traditional consulting simply can't match.

Conclusion

This progression from Service Provider to Advisor to Partner isn't just about making more money (although that's certainly a delightful side effect). It's about fundamentally changing your relationship with work and freedom. It's about creating a life where your work is an expression of your highest potential, not a series of tasks you trudge through to pay the bills.

The world is no longer a place of limitations but a canvas for your ambitions. As a Boundless Consultant, you're not just building a career; you're making a great living and living life on your terms.

This is the path to true freedom - the freedom to choose your projects, to work with clients who inspire you, to set your own schedule, and to watch your wealth grow even when you're not actively working. It's about building a life that's rich not just in financial terms, but in experiences, impact, and in personal fulfillment.

So ask yourself: Ok, so how do I get there?

The first question is, where?

The rest we can help you with.

Are you ready to break free from the constraints of traditional consulting? Are you prepared to step into your power as a Boundless Consultant? The path is clear, the potential is limitless, and the rewards - both personal and professional - are beyond what you might have thought possible. Your journey to boundless success starts now. Are you ready to take that first step?

To take the first step, book a call at:

calendly.com/originalminds