Hello Reader Does this story sound familiar? When you started as an independent consultant, your business took off! You felt confident in your decision to go out on your own.
But now, things look different. Despite your experience, expertise, and commitment, you're struggling. New clients aren't coming in consistently, revenue is unpredictable, and strategies that once worked no longer seem effective. You've tried different approaches, but you're not connecting with the right people. In short, you've hit a plateau.
The worst part? You're exhausted, frustrated, and know you can't keep going this way. Something has to change.
How about this story? While searching for a new position, a former employer reached out with a problem they knew you could solve. They couldn't offer a full-time role, but they could bring you on as a consultant. You agreed, thinking it was just a temporary fix. Then something unexpected happened.
You realized you loved the freedom of being your own boss and shaping your future. But as the engagement wrapped up, a new challenge emerged: finding your next client. You knew that if you wanted to succeed, you had to figure out the next step—fast.
If either of these stories sound familiar, you’re not alone. I’ve been there and so have many other consultants. Stories such as these two are exactly why I created The Ultimate Guide to Building a Successful Consulting Business, a 12-page resource that explains the five pillars of the Consultant’s Blueprint. It includes an overview diagram, short explanations, and an “ingredient list” for each pillar to help you focus on what truly matters. The philosophy behind the Consultant’s Blueprint and this guide is simple: The best consulting businesses follow a “less is more” approach.
You don’t need to try everything or chase every recommendation that comes your way. Instead, you keep to the fundamentals. You refine, add and eliminate as needed to build a business that fits you and your ideal clients—leading to consistent revenue and more freedom.
Going forward, 90% of my videos and articles will tie directly to one or more of the five pillars in the Consultant’s Blueprint, ensuring everything I share aligns with this focused approach. The other 10%? That’s my space for a little creative flexibility. Download: The Ultimate Guide to Building a Successful Consulting Business. If you have any questions, feel free to email me or schedule a 30-minute conversation. I’d love to hear your thoughts. Until the next Consulting Insight, Laura Burford P.S. For those of you who have followed me for some time, you might notice the Consultant’s Blueprint has evolved—it now has five pillars instead of seven pillars. Nothing was removed, but after working with many consultants, I streamlined and refined the framework to make it even more effective. Updating your Point of View based on your ideal client’s needs and what is occurring in the world is an essential part of building a successful consulting business. Whenever you’re ready, here are ways I can help you become an Experienced "Go-To" Consultant: Consulting Mastery: A Path to a Sustainable and Profitable Business (Online Group Program): This program guides you through key consulting strategies and functions to build a business that works for you and your clients. A collection of videos, workbooks, templates, and scripts streamlines your efforts, while weekly clinics, periodic topic discussions, and a community group provide ongoing support. To find out more, schedule a free 45 Minute Consulting Strategy session. The Ultimate Guide to Building a Successful Consulting Business (Document): This guide discusses a simple yet effective five pillar framework, The Consultant’s Blueprint©, to help you focus on what truly matters. Use this guide to assess your business and create a focused, effective plan to build a thriving business with confidence. Consultant Assessment (Document): This practical tool includes consulting related statements spanning essential knowledge, skills, and actions that consultants—no matter your experience level—frequently encounter. Use this assessment to evaluate yourself and determine what is working, what needs refinement or elimination, and any next steps to move your business forward. Consulting Insights (Videos): YouTube videos organized by each of the five Consultant's Blueprint pillars. If you liked this article, consider sharing it with others. Have a question? Send me an email at Laura@lauraburford.com. |
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