How To Hit The Floor Working With Your Unbiased Consultancy
No matter how you look at it, the pandemic has messed up the current workforce. In the course of 2020, not only have 114 million people lost their jobs (according to the World Economic Forum), but many of the employees are rethinking everything. One in four American workers is considering quitting their job, according to CBS News. The change in the structure of work and the work itself makes many wonder if they are happier and better off running their own business. And for those laid off or on leave, starting your own business seemed like a great option in the meantime.
Many former executives or employees of companies have instead set themselves the goal of setting up their own independent consulting firms. It’s a win-win situation: companies need outside consultants who can help restructure their everyday lives after the pandemic and adjust their operations for maximum efficiency. More talented, highly skilled consultants are out on the market than ever, trying to independently share their talents outside of the realm of a typical company.
Rocio Brusseau and Laura Marella, CMO and CEO, respectively, of Overflow, talk about this trend and how to make the most of it. Overflow is a resource-rich accelerator for independent thinkers who own or want to start a consulting firm. If you’ve heard about starting an independent consultancy, here’s how you can get started right away.
How to start with your independent advice service Stephanie Burns
Overflow
1. Build a brand for your advice
First things first: brands are what lasts. On average, people are four to six times more likely to work with or buy from a company that is value-driven. According to Strategy Marketing Agency, branding will set you apart from the competition and keep you in the driver’s seat as others perceive you. Many wonder if building their personal brand is the best approach for an independent consultancy, but Brusseau and Marella say otherwise.
“Make sure the brand you are creating is separate from you. This is the only way to avoid personalizing business matters and creating room for growth right from the start, engaging employees and finding a way to connect with customers beyond the people you already know, ”explained Brusseau.
As you can communicate your brand and use it in your marketing efforts, Marella recommends regularly sharing examples of your thinking, offerings, and approaches with your network through podcasts, blogs, articles, and LinkedIn posts, etc., content that keeps your brand in mind of potential customers, they will attract you to projects. “
2. Find tools and communities that can help you
As wonderful as it may be to go out alone and start a consultation, Brusseau and Marella warn that it can be lonely and isolating – especially if you’ve been in the corporate world for a while and are used to having that team of camaraderie and support. “It’s not just the isolation from other people you’ve worked with in the past and the lack of continuous collaboration with others. It’s also about losing access to resources that you took for granted, such as research and information, and losing the visibility platform that your title and company gave you, ”said Brusseau on her own move an independent company.
A fix? Platforms like Overflow that offer these resources. “The only platform designed with the needs of independent consultants in mind is Overflow, an accelerator that gives consultants the resources for research, visibility and scalability, personal and professional development, and access to business opportunities on their own terms to work as independents stay and prosper, ”remarked Brusseau. It’s also important to surround yourself with people who are getting it and are on their own solo preneurship trips. Consider networking groups with other founders or entrepreneur meetings – places where you can get and offer support.
3. Embrace the new mindset
Brusseau and Marella refer to it as the “indie” mentality: the mindset of independent consultants who have set up on their own. The sooner you can embrace this and adjust to success with the tools and community, the better. This can also include a confidence boost. “Don’t think further as a corporate man doing this as a transition between jobs. Prepare for success by believing in what you do, enjoying your freedom, and the opportunities to be unique. Nobody has the combination of your experience, your expertise and your nature, ”said Brusseau.
Lean into who you are and expand that into your brand. You are now free to present yourself however you want and choose the clients you want to work with. Embrace this in full and know that while being an independent counselor is not without challenges, it also marks true freedom, self-expression, and opportunity.
