Are you an independent consultant who’s ready to grow your business into a predictable revenue stream while working on your own terms? The Grow Your Independent Consulting Business is a podcast that shares the blueprint to make your consulting business goals a reality. Each week, Business Coach, Melisa Liberman, brings you solo insights or informative guest interviews that will help you to accomplish your Independent Consultant Business goals. She shares specific tools, actionable strategies ...
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182. How to Increase Your Consulting Pricing: A Tool
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Why are some consultants able to charge an effective rate of $500+ per hour while others are stuck at $120 or $200 or $250? Many independent consultants face the challenge of increasing their rates, feeling constrained by industry norms or self-imposed personal limitations. In this episode, Melisa Liberman dives deep into the mindset shifts and pra…
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181. Transforming Into A Boutique Consultancy with Tradewinds Leadership
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Wondering if you and your partner can build a thriving consulting business together? Running a consulting business as a couple comes with its own unique challenges and opportunities. It’s normal to worry about balancing your personal and professional lives, especially when you’re also trying to niche down and grow a sustainable practice. In this ep…
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180. Doubting if Independent Consulting Is Worth It? Here's What to Do
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Are you questioning the sustainability of your consulting business? It's common for independent consultants to second-guess their decision to pursue a solo business, especially when the ups and downs of running a business feel like such a big responsibility. In this episode, Melisa Liberman tackles the emotional and mental challenges independent co…
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179. 3 Ways to Sell Executive Coaching as an Independent Consultant
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Are you overlooking a valuable service offering in your independent consulting business? In this episode, Melisa Liberman discusses a commonly ignored service offering that independent consultants should consider adding to their portfolios. If you're struggling to find ways to increase revenue and stand out as an independent consultant while also m…
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178. How to Qualify Your Consulting Clients
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Do you find yourself accepting any client that comes your way, even if they're not the right fit? Do you talk yourself into taking on clients despite red flags? If you're an independent consultant who wants to land more ideal clients and take on more high-paying and fulfilling work, this episode is a must-listen. IN THIS EPISODE: - Discover a commo…
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177. Managing Emotional Debt to Avoid Self-Sabotaging
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Are you feeling overwhelmed, stressed, or unfulfilled in your consulting practice? In this episode, Melisa Liberman discusses the concept of emotional debt and how it can negatively impact your consulting business results. IN THIS EPISODE: You will understand the concept of emotional debt and its impact on your consulting business. Be able to recog…
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176. Set a Compound Goal for Sustainable Consulting Business Growth
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Are traditional goal-setting methods working for your consulting business? In this episode, Melisa Liberman dives into the challenges faced by independent consultants in setting and achieving sustainable goals. She reveals how typical goal-setting can lead to self-sabotage. Then, she shares a tool you can use to avoid building an underperforming, u…
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175. Quantifying the Value of Your Expertise: A Case Study for Independent Consultants
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Struggling to Quantify the Value of Your Expertise as an Independent Consultant? Do you want to move into value-based pricing but don’t know where to start? In this episode, Melisa Liberman digs into a case study that reveals the common challenges independent consultants face when trying to quantify their expertise’s value. If you’re stuck in the c…
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174. How to Launch a Consulting Business in 10 Steps (PART 2)
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Want to set a strong foundation for your consulting business? In this episode, part two of a 2-part series, Melisa walks you through the steps to land clients. This episode goes back to basics. If you're new to consulting, it will help you launch your consulting by setting a strong foundation. If you're an established consultant, the episode will h…
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173. How to Launch a Consulting Business in 10 Steps (PART 1)
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Are you wanting to know the best way to start or relaunch your consulting business? In this episode (part one of a two-part series), Melisa covers the 10 essential steps to set you on the path to a successful consulting business. This episode dives into the first six critical steps. In This Episode: Uncover the initial struggles of putting your bus…
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172. Filling Your Pipeline, Landing Ideal Consulting Clients, and Turning Away Work with Abbie DuBois
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Want to fill your consulting pipeline in 45 days? Want to go from a dry pipeline to landing more opportunities than you can handle? In this episode, Melisa Liberman invites Abbie DuBois to discuss how she made massive changes in her business over the course of 3 months, including filling her pipeline, landing direct clients, and learning to effecti…
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171. Make the Most of Professional Events: Strategies to Generate More Leads as an Independent Consultant
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Want to generate leads by attending professional events but not sure how? Do you question the value of attending professional events as an independent consultant? Are you unsure how to maximize your time and investment when you're at these events, whether they are virtual or in-person? In this episode, Melisa addresses one of the most common dilemm…
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170. Being Ghosted as an Independent Consultant
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Do you find yourself being ghosted by potential clients? Does the silence after initial interest leave you feeling confused and questioning your ability to sell your consulting services? In this episode, Melisa sheds light on the perplexing and frustrating phenomenon of being ghosted, giving you the insights you need to navigate this common, yet ch…
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169 - Taking a Sabbatical as an Independent Consultant with Ashley Ryall
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Feeling burned out and uninspired as an independent consultant? Are you constantly managing an overwhelming number of responsibilities without finding fulfillment or new challenges? In this episode, features guest Ashley Ryall who shares her experience taking a sabbatical as an independent consultant. In This Episode: When to take a sabbatical as a…
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168. A Tool to Optimize How You Spend Your Time as an Independent Consultant
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Do you feel overwhelmed by the multitude of tasks you juggle as an independent consultant? Are you constantly trying to optimize your processes but still find yourself struggling to achieve a work-life balance? In this episode, Melisa tackles one of the most pressing challenges faced by independent consultants: how to maximize the time you have ava…
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167. Being Wrong About Not Needing To Work On Your Mindset
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Do you think you only need strategic advice for your independent consulting business? Think again. Many consultants believe they'll reach their goals if they're more consistent in executing their business development routines or are better able to articulate their service offerings and unique value proposition. It seems like having a clearer strate…
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166. Setting a Goal to Replace Your Corporate Income Can Backfire for Your Independent Consulting Business
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Is your goal to replace your corporate income as an independent consultant? It's common for consultants set revenue goals centered around what they were making in corporate or would be making in corporate had you stayed. You might not realize it but setting goals in this way can backfire for you as a consulting business owner. In Episode 166, Melis…
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165. Get In Front of More Decision-Makers to Increase Your Consulting Sales Close Rate
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Are you struggling to get in front of decision-makers? Are you landing meetings with potential clients but then getting stuck because the people you're talking to don’t have a budget or decision-making authority. This is a common problem for independent consultants, but there are ways to make it easier. In this episode, Melisa Liberman discusses st…
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164. Thinking “I’m Behind” Is Dangerous for Your Independent Consulting Business
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Are you feeling behind in your consulting business? Beware, the “I’m behind” thought process can limit your business growth. It might feel like the truth, that you’re just stating a fact. But, it’s actually a dangerous mindset that’s important to watch out for as in independent consultant. In today’s episode, Melisa explains how your mindset can sl…
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163. A Tool for Higher Converting Consulting Networking Calls
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Are you a consultant who frequently hears “I’ll keep you in mind” at the end of a networking call? Networking is an effective strategy for building a consulting pipeline. But, many consultants struggle to convert networking calls into potential opportunities. In this episode, Melisa shares an actionable tool consultants can leverage to achieve conc…
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162. Transform Your Solo Consultancy into a Center of Excellence (COE)
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When you start thinking about your independent consulting business as a center of excellence, the level of impact, fulfillment, and growth provided to your clients can dramatically shift. You’re an expert and thought leader in your field. By thinking of your consulting business as a Center of Excellence, you can set yourself up to generate more inb…
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161. How to Overcome Discouragement as a Consulting Business Owner
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Every consulting business experiences peaks and valleys. One minute, you feel confident and successful; the next, you are ghosted by a new lead or lose a client and feel discouraged. The volatile nature of owning a consulting business might have you wondering if all the obstacles are worth it. In today's episode, Melisa shares her five-step formula…
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160. Using Diagnostics to Uncover Consulting Leads More Effectively
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Streamlining the lead generation process helps independent consultants build their consulting pipeline quicker and more effectively. In episode 159: Shorten the Consulting Sales Cycle by Offering a Diagnostic, consultants learned how offering a diagnostic will improve conversation rates by shortening the sales cycle. Today's episode continues the c…
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159. Shorten the Consulting Sales Cycle by Offering a Diagnostic
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Are you an independent consultant looking to optimize your client acquisition process and drive business growth? Whether you have a gap in your consulting pipeline or are struggling to meet revenue goals, shortening the sales process will expedite business growth. Offering diagnostics as one of your consulting service offerings is an effective way …
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158. Leveraging Channels to Fill Your Consulting Pipeline
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Independent consultants need easy ways to fill and improve the quality of their consulting pipelines. How can you build channel relationships so that other people refer ideal clients to you? In this episode, Melisa explains how to leverage channels to fill your consulting pipeline. Intentionally building relationships with third parties to generate…
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157. Your Monthly Consulting Plan: Don’t Overlook this Vital Component
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An effective monthly plan will dramatically improve results and generate higher revenue for your consulting business. With that said, it’s important to note a key component that’s commonly missing from consultants' monthly plans. In this episode, Melisa emphasizes the importance of revisiting and refining goals for the year, tracking progress, and …
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156. The 3 Lead Generation Modes for a Consulting Business Pipeline
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A robust and well-maintained pipeline is crucial for a consulting business's growth and success. However, many independent consultants go into default lead generation mode based on their immediate business situation. Lead generation should be consistent and follow a purposeful strategy to fill a consulting pipeline. In this episode, Melisa explores…
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155. Choosing the Best Strategy for Your Stage of Business Growth
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Selecting a business strategy that aligns with the maturity of your consulting business will accelerate growth and help you achieve success more efficiently. But how do you know if the plan you are implementing is too advanced or too simple for the stage of your business you are in? In this episode, Melisa underscores the necessity of aligning your…
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154. Lessons Learned from Writing a Book
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Writing a book is a challenging undertaking. As an independent consultant, there are several reasons to become a published leader in your industry. From growing your prospective client list to building a reputation as a go-to expert, the benefits of writing and publishing a book are endless. In this episode, Melisa offers an in-depth review of less…
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153. The 14 Systems To Grow a Thriving Consulting Business (part 3)
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Are you ready to unlock your full potential as an independent consultant and create a thriving consulting business? In the final episode of the podcast series, 14 Systems to Create a Thriving Consulting Business, Melisa highlights discernible patterns that differentiate prosperous consultants from those facing challenges. First, Melisa explores the…
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152. The 14 Systems To Grow A Thriving Consulting Business (part 2)
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What makes one consultant succeed more efficiently than another? There are 14 systems to grow a thriving consulting business. Each is pivotal in the success and development of an independent consultant. In today's episode, Melisa continues the conversation from Episode 151 by sharing the next five systems to grow a thriving consulting business. Thi…
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151. The 14 Systems To Grow A Thriving Consulting Business (part 1)
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Every independent consultant has the talent and prerequisites to be successful. So what makes it easier for one consultant to grow a robust pipeline while another struggles to build their business? This episode marks the beginning of a series focused on 14 systems to grow and maintain a thriving consulting business. Listen to learn about the first …
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150. Pivot Or Persevere: How Long To Stick With A Strategy That’s Not Working
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As your independent consultant business evolves, implementing and testing new strategies is essential. But sticking to a new approach is challenging when you don't get immediate results. Should you pivot or persevere? In this episode, Melisa addresses a crucial topic for business owners: when to stick with a new strategy or make a pivot. By referen…
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149. Pitching Your Consulting Services
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Is the fear of pitching your consultant services holding you back from acquiring new clients? Selling services is challenging for many independent consultants. They want to necessitate their value but feel uncomfortable addressing prospective leads. So, consultants default to pitching as a selling tactic, causing unnecessary pressure on themselves …
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148. Overcoming A Thought Leadership Block
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By sharing valuable expertise, independent consultants can create lasting impressions on potential clients and ultimately attract inbound leads. Despite its importance, many consultants struggle to maintain a consistent thought leadership strategy. It’s common to question your expertise and hit a block. The Basics of Thought Leadership: Get clear o…
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147. When to Fire a Consulting Client
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In this episode, Melisa tackles a common challenge faced by many consultants—deciding when and if to part ways with a client. The dilemma of firing a client is a complex one that every consultant faces at some point. On one hand, there's the desire to make the client relationship work, not wanting to be seen as a quitter, and the revenue that the c…
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146. Productize Your Consulting Services
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Many independent consultants overlook the opportunity to productize their services because they think their work varies too much based on each client’s unique circumstances and requirements. While it’s true each of your clients is unique, that doesn’t mean you can’t turn your client delivery approach into a repeatable, productized solution. Product…
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145. An Unconventional Goal Setting Approach for a Consulting Business
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As we approach the end of another year, it's that time to set goals for the upcoming year. Or, if you're catching this episode later, it could be time to establish or revisit your quarterly or monthly business objectives. If you’re implementing SMART goals or incremental-type goals in your business, you could be leaving opportunities on the table. …
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An obstacle for independent consultants aiming to grow their business is the tendency to argue for limitations. What does this mean to argue for your limitations? Arguing for your limitations refers to situations where you justify and explain why something won’t work for you or your business. For example, you might justify your empty pipeline by th…
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143. The 1st Step To Plan For Next Year (Or Next Quarter) In Your Consulting Business
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In this episode, Melisa shares a crucial first step for consultants aiming to exceed their business goals in the next year and next quarter. She explains how this often-overlooked step of an effective goal-setting process can lead to success, even if you're currently behind. Melisa guides listeners through a powerful three-step evaluation framework…
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142. Building A Consultant’s Self-Identity: An Overlooked Success Factor For Consultants
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In this episode, Melisa shares a key ingredient for independent consulting success: forging your professional self-identity as a consultant. By actively shaping your self-identity, you open the door to fresh opportunities for your consulting business. You'll draw in the right projects, partner with clients who appreciate your full scope of skills, …
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In this episode, Melisa is excited to introduce Robert Reich. Robert is an entrepreneurial executive with 30+ years of experience creating and refining consumer and enterprise software solutions. He’s the managing partner of R2, a consulting firm that specializes in crafting AI solutions and strategically pinpointing areas for transformative change…
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140. Managing A Dip In Your Self-Confidence As An Independent Consultant
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As an independent consultant, confidence is your secret weapon. Being willing to put yourself out there so potential clients know about you requires self-confidence. Selling yourself requires self-confidence. Building trust with clients requires self-confidence. But, the truth is, you won’t always feel confident as a consulting business owner or ev…
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139. What To Do When You Don’t Have Time For Lead Generation For Your Consulting Business
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Many consultants complain they don’t have enough time for lead generation. Let’s not sugar-coat it. To be successful, you must take responsibility for your lead generation efforts and take proactive steps to address these underlying issues. Neglecting lead generation can jeopardize the existence of your consulting business. In this episode, Melisa …
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138. What Are You Willing To Do To Be Successful In Your Consulting Business?
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Growing a consulting business isn't easy. There’s a lot of responsibility on your shoulders. Sometimes you might even be questioning if it’s worth it. In today's episode, Melisa challenges consultants to answer the critical question: “What are you willing to do to be successful in your consulting business?” There are three specific things you need …
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137. You Are Not Your Consulting Business
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As an independent consultant, it’s common to think that you are your business. You aren’t your business. Just because you are the person operating the business, it doesn’t mean you are the business. Why does this distinction matter? When you think you and your business are one in the same, you take setbacks in your business personally and make deci…
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136. Consulting Lead Generation Techniques That Are Working Now
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Why are some consultants more successful than others when it comes to lead generation? Even when they use the same lead generation strategy, consultants create vastly different lead generation results. Some consultants generate a thriving pipeline through networking while others don’t generate any leads. Some consultants create robust pipelines fro…
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135. Consultant Pricing Upper Limits
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The consultant’s pricing upper limit is the ceiling you create for yourself and your consultancy business based on the way you think about your pricing. Often, independent consultants adjust their pricing based on what they believe the client is thinking. For example, you might price out an engagement at $50k and then worry the client will think it…
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134. Make The Most Of Q4 As An Independent Consultant
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Q4 can be a challenging time for independent consultants. You’re worried corporate clients aren't buying at year's end. You’re thinking you’re too busy because of everything you’re juggling during the busy holiday season and at year end. And, you might even be thinking of “throwing in the towel” on this year because you’re too far behind on your go…
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133. What To Do When The Market Is Soft For The Independent Consultant
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Worrying about a soft market is a common concern for independent consultants. As a business owner, a slow down in contracts or a lack of new leads can bring on stress, doubt, and even panic. In today's episode, Melisa shares techniques and tools to help you navigate and respond in a soft market. A lull or slow down in business does not mean you mus…
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