Hello Reader,

My husband prompted up his iPad, started a music video, and commented, "you need to listen to this." I waited for the song to start but instead of a song, the musician explained why he was pulling back on creating free musical videos.

He had over 1.2 million followers but they were not making him money OR winning him awards. He had no plans on stopping his free music videos but instead of relying on his audience to find him, he decided to shift his focus to what was actually working for him—proactively connecting with the right people.

This incident didn’t occur last week or last month. It happened in May 2024. I remember it like it was yesterday because it is a powerful reminder for independent consultants that the most effective way to build a successful business is to actively seek out and connect with the right people.

I’ve seen many independent consultants build successful businesses by dedicating 90% of their time to honing their outreach, referral, and networking approaches. While they may occasionally write an article or speak at a conference, they spend the majority of their time being purposeful and proactive.

Over the past two months, the Consulting Insight newsletter focused on building trusted relationships. Stories were shared of real consultants and my own experiences, and other videos provided “how-to” instructions. One video is an interview with an independent consultant who learned to change how she networked when she left the corporate world.

Below is a recap of the videos. You can find additional videos on the Build Relationship YouTube playlist.

If you would like to talk about how you are building relationships, schedule a free consultative 30 minute session with me.

General Relationship Building

​Grow Your Business Fast: 5 Simple Rules for Independent Consultants​
Has your business stalled? Learn five clear rules to help you refocus, build momentum, and start attracting new clients again.

​Remaining In Touch Is Easy With The 80-20 Rule!​
“One of my biggest problems when it comes to networking is following up after the event.” Apply the 80-20 rule with simple actions that make staying in touch with clients and partners easy.
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​Referral Videos

​Give and Grow: The 7 Guidelines for Consultants to Get Clients​
​https://youtu.be/JUMnILJ6P8A​
“I’ve been told to build trust I need to give, but how much should I give?” Learn seven practical guidelines that work whether providing content or giving referrals to build trust, strengthen relationships, and create consistent consulting clients.

​5 Tips to go From Hit-or-Miss to Quality Referrals and New Clients​
“People Influence People. Nothing influences people more than a recommendation from a trusted friend.” (Mark Zuckerberger) Discover five simple, proven ways to stop chasing random referrals and start creating consistent introductions that lead to new clients.

Outreach Videos

​Attract Ideal Consulting Clients with This Simple, Proactive Outreach Strategy​
Learn from two consultants who turned their business around thanks to this proven three-step outreach strategy to connect directly with their ideal clients and build trusted, lasting consulting relationships.

​How to Write an Effective Personalized Message that Grabs a Person's Attention!​
Are people ignoring your messages? Engage with your ideal client by writing personalized messages that capture attention, open doors, and lead to meaningful client conversations.

Networking Videos

​Corporate to Consulting: Build your Network as an Independent Consultant (Interview)​
What better way to learn than from someone who has experienced needing to change how to network? In this interview, Charlotte Anderson discusses her corporate-to-consulting journey and provides practical strategies to intentionally build a supportive network that sustains your business.

​8 Easy Steps to Reach out and Reconnect with a Colleague or Client!​
Embarrassed to follow up with a past colleague or client you haven't spoken to in years? Use this eight-step process to reconnect with colleagues and clients.

And for more relationship building videos, don't forget to check out the Build Relationship YouTube playlist.

Until the Next Consulting Insight,

Laura Burford

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Whenever You’re Ready, Here’s How I Can Help

​Consulting Mastery: Build a Successful Consulting Business That Works for You​
An online group program for independent consultants who want consistent results and are ready to take ownership of their success. You’ll get a framework with strategy, tactics, support, and community. Schedule a free 45-minute Consulting Strategy Session to explore whether it’s a fit for you.

​Resources to Support You with your next step:
Practical guides and tools designed to give you clarity and momentum, including:

• ​The Independent Consultant’s Blueprint©: Your guide to confidence and building a successful business
• ​The Consultant Assessment: Discover where you are today and what to focus on next

​YouTube Channel​
Educational videos and interviews based on the Consultant’s Blueprint©. Topics include defining your focus, attracting the right clients, building trusted relationships, and more.

​Weekly Newsletter​
Stay connected with weekly advice, resources, and real-world stories to help you build and grow your consulting business.

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Have a question? Send me an email at Laura@lauraburford.com.

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