Top 10 Tips for Women Starting Consulting Careers

As a consultant with over 15 years of experience, I am often asked to provide insight to women earlier in their career.

Mentors imparted some of this wisdom to me and I am happy to pass it along. Times have also changed and I have evolved this list to capture what I wish someone would have shared. I truly wish I had some of this advice early in in my career and I hope this helps other women consultants. Please let me know what resonates.?

If you are a more seasoned consultant, please share your wisdom in the comments below.?I would love to hear what works for you and it will help other readers.

1. Believe in yourself

Every woman I have met is more capable than they realize. Go easy on yourself. Go for the hard projects and believe you are in consulting for a reason. You are awesome.

2. Have confidence

This is probably the most important quality for a woman in consulting. If you don’t believe in yourself, no one else will. I have had to do a lot of work in this area, if you need advice, please reach out. Just remember, guys tend to be overconfident, and women tend to be underconfident. You got this!

3.?Put yourself in the client's shoes

Try to see things from the client's perspective. This will help you to understand the client's needs better and will also help you to come up with better solutions.

4. Listen and connect

Research shows women are better listeners. We tend to be more intuitive and build deeper connections. Lean into this superpower. It will help you bring better solutions for the client and contribute to higher performing teams.

5. Be curious. Always ask why

Ask if the client has ever thought about or tried XYZ solution. Often, this fresh perspective will lead to innovation and team problem-solving.

6.?Have a growth mindset

Continually learn and try new things. This means that you should try to learn about the client's industry and the latest thinking across industries. Continually be looking at ways to try new things to grow your skills. Don’t let fear stop you. The more you know and the more skills you have, the better equipped you will be to provide a solution for the client.

7. Shine and showcase your accomplishments

Document and quantify your value for each project. This is a competitive market and having proof points will help you land the next project and help you keep your resume up to date.

8. Ask for LinkedIn recommendations. Don’t be shy!

These recommendations matter. Strive for at least one recommendation for each project. If you don’t ask, it's likely you won’t get a recommendation and you may be surprised how many people like giving recommendations. Also, remember to provide recommendations for others and endorse their skills on LinkedIn. You get what you give.

9.?Be supportive of other women

It is important to be supportive of other women in your practice and on the client side. We all get ahead when we help each other. If a woman is quiet on a call, ask her what she is thinking. If she is not being heard, amplify her voice when appropriate. Mentor someone more junior such as an intern or new associate. One of my most rewarding opportunities was serving as an “e-mentor” to high school students exploring career paths. Ask busy senior consultants and principals if you can take something off their plate.?You will help them, and you will also learn a lot at the same time.

10. Look the part: First impressions matter

Dress for success and make sure your hair and makeup are always on point. Let’s face it, women are still held to a higher standard, and to get ahead, this means amping up your game. Trust me, I was not happy about this when more senior women gave me similar advice when I started my career. Over time, I came to realize my ideas and value are more obvious to some clients when I look the part. I wish times would have changed and still have hope they will.?For now, investing in manicures, facials and blowouts go a long way to elevate how clients see me. The benefit is this also is part of my self-care routine and I appreciate my team of professionals that helps me look my best and I enjoy supporting their businesses as well!

BONUS TIP

Take care of yourself. Get enough sleep, eat healthy, exercise, take breaks, and set boundaries. Women are socialized to put the needs of others ahead of yourself. Make the time for self-care.

There is only one you and you deserve to feel your best. This will provide career longevity and help you live your optimal life. You matter and you are your most valuable asset.

#healthcare?#storytelling?#startups?#marketing?#socialenterprise?

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

If you need help taking a fresh look at your value proposition and telling your story, I'd love to chat.

I offer complimentary consultations to socially minded health and wellbeing leaders, founders, startups, executives, and anyone else who wants to learn more about how they can use storytelling as a tool for success to amplify healthcare solutions.

ABOUT KATHLEEN HUSTAD

As founder and CEO of Bloom44, I help caring leaders of start-up to mid-sized healthcare companies convey their value proposition story to potential B2B clients. My company’s services can result in higher close ratios and shortened sales cycles.

I do this by sharing my unique talent as a former journalist recognized for telling “human interest” stories as well as over 10,000 hours at a Fortune 10 healthcare company crafting presentations for executives and team member communications.

This unique storytelling ability, deep industry expertise along with a personal mission to help caring healthcare companies grow and prosper so their unique solutions reach more people are unparalleled.

As a founder of a mission-driven social enterprise, I love connecting with business leaders who care about making the world a better place for children and future generations. I connect on values first and then we can explore if I am the right person to help bloom your business.

I invite you to set up a?complimentary consultation.

Email me: [email protected] |?www.bloom44.com