Hello Reader,

One of the hardest parts of building a consulting business is knowing where to focus your attention.

You may know something is not working, but it can be difficult to tell whether the issue is lack of clarity around your foundation—the problem you solve, who is a good client, or your conversations about how you achieve results—or something else.

While I have a longer Consultant’s Assessment, I created the Business Core Snapshot to focus specifically on the three foundational areas of your consulting business:

• Focus: Are you clear about the problem you want to be known for solving and why that matters?
• Ideal Client: Are you clear about who you are best positioned to serve, where to find them, and whether your Focus matters to them?
• Service Offering: Are your Point of View, Methodology, and Services aligned so people understand how you help, why your approach matters, and why they should hire you?

The Snapshot is not about judging where you are. It is about seeing what is clear, where there may be roadblocks, and where focused attention may help you move forward faster.

As you complete the Snapshot, pay attention to the areas where you score yourself lower or find the questions harder to answer. Then ask why. The value comes from looking for patterns and identifying which part of your Business Core needs the most attention right now.

You can download the Business Core Snapshot here:

With your analysis in hand, the next step might be the Business Core for Independent Consultants program.

You can learn more about Business Core here:

Business Core is designed to help you clarify and align your Focus, Ideal Client, and Service Offering so you can build your consulting business from a stronger foundation.

It is not a rigid program with fixed cohort dates. You work through the Business Core program materials at your own pace, with workbooks, templates, reference guides, supporting materials, and AI Companion Guides.

You also have live support through weekly clinics, monthly topic discussions, and a monitored community group. You retain lifetime access to the core program materials and future updates for as long as the program is available.

If your Snapshot results show that your Focus, Ideal Client, or Service Offering need more clarity, schedule a one-on-one conversation with me.

Together, we can talk through where you are, what may be creating challenges, and whether Business Core is the right fit.

You can schedule a one-on-one conversation here:

Wishing you the best as you build your consulting business.

Until next time,

Laura Burford

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

​Business Core for Independent Consultants ​
Business Core is an online group program for independent consultants who want to create clients more consistently by strengthening the foundation of their business. You’ll work through Focus, Ideal Client, and Service Offering so you can get clearer about the problem you solve, who you serve, and how you help clients achieve results. If you’re wondering whether Business Core is the right next step for you, schedule a free 45-minute Business Core Strategy Session to explore whether it’s a fit.

​Resources to Support You ​
Practical guides and tools designed to give you clarity and help you move forward including:

• ​The Business Core Snapshot: A short assessment to help you look at your Focus, Ideal Client, and Service Offering and identify where your business foundation may need more clarity or alignment.
• ​The Independent Consultant’s Blueprint©: Your guide to confidence and building a successful business.
• ​The Consultant Assessment: An assessment of the five blueprint pillars to help you understand where you are today and what to focus on next.
• ​Seven Strategies to Stand Out as an Independent Consultant: Practical ways to become the "Go-To" expert you want to be.

​Self-Study Courses​
Two self-study courses based on the Consulting Mastery program are available for a limited time.

• Creating Trusted Relationships: Become Known, Build Trust, and Create Opportunities
• Engage with Your Client: Move from Discovery to Proposal

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

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