Post on 28-Nov-2014
description
Winning Strategies for Independent Consultants
Beth Gerber - Lightext, Inc.Arcadia, California
Beth Gerber, Lightext, Inc.
Co-owner of Lightext, Inc. in Arcadia, CA
Policy and ProcedureOnline HelpCurriculum DesignTraining Delivery
A few of our clients…
and clients from the past…
Lessons learned…
6 Mistakes of Independent Consultants
No agreements Work for freeNo depositDon’t make a name for
yourselfBehave like an employee
Don’t set boundaries
6 Success Factors
PassionPhysically and mentally fitDrive, patience and positivityFailures don’t defeat youThrive on independenceLove your fellow man
Success Platform
The Essentia
ls
Marketing
Clients
Partners
Admin
Skills
Clients and Marketing
Get New Client
Manage the Project
Foster the Client
Relationship
Get More Work
Grow Your Network
Getting New Clients and Projects
Look for opportunities everywhereProspect 2 years aheadNever say “no” – instead “let me get back to you”
Price appropriately
Managing the Project
Create great products and servicesUse tools to communicate status &
issuesMeet deadlinesExceed expectationsSee roadblocks as
opportunities
Overcoming Obstacles
Take responsibilityAssessPlanRegroupConquer
Fostering the Client Relationship
Develop personal relationshipsLearn the client’s business and culture
Understand prioritiesThink strategicallyBe an expert
Getting More Work
Be aware of trends and technologySurface new solutionsMarket internallyWrite proposalsCreate samples
Growing Your Network
Develop referencesGet written reviewsAsk for feedbackConnect back to your
client – never lose touchHave a presence in your
industrySocial network
Success Platform
The Essentia
ls
Marketing
Clients
Partners/
Staff
Admin
Skills
Administration and Partners
Staff
Vendors
Owner
Partners
Owner - At the Core of All Partnerships
Owner/PartnerManagerOverseerConnectorMarketer
Trusted Vendors - Base of Stability
AccountingBookkeepingInsuranceBackground ChecksTech SupportWeb HostingLegal
Partners - Expanding Your Presence
Related ServicesOther IndependentsProfessional AssociationsTrade/Industry
Partners
Staff – Those who represent you
Independent ConsultantsEmployees
Managing a Consulting Staff
Hire proven talentCheck backgroundHave contractsTerminate the badFind continual work
for the good
Success Platform
The Essentia
ls
Marketing
Clients
Partners/
Staff
Admin
Skills
Skills
Tools
Knowledge
Skills
Skills
Create
Commun-icate
Deliver
Market
Knowledge
Knowledge
Industry
TradeTrends
Solutions
Tools
Tools
Software
Project Plans
Proposals/
Pricing
Prototypes
Beth Gerber, Lightext, Inc.
Thank you!www.lightext.com
beth@lightext.com
@lightextinc
www.linkedin.com/pub/beth-gerber/7/315/350/