* Welcome to the NEW Ask Coach Vanessa column. Here to help you think in the box, outside the box, around the box, and without a box. You will get clarity, resources, a plan of action, and plain old feel better. Got a question or a scenario that you'd like some FREE coaching on? Click 'Email Me" on the bottom right. *
Hi Vanessa,
I am definitely looking to change my life. I work full time as a marketing director and am looking to become a consultant. I have been working to develop my own business, but have been running into roadblocks. People tell me to network, network, network, unfortunately, the people I know are not the people who hire marketing consultants. Can you help?
Anne Young Albanese
Albanese Consulting Group
***
Hi Anne,
Thanks for writing in. The good news is you know what you want - to have your own consulting business. It sounds like you're stuck on the HOW. One of the best tools you can develop as a consultant is to look at the way you and your clients language/frame what's happening. When you develop the eye for understanding what's behind what people are saying, it will give you a clue about their mindset and belief system.
You said you were "... looking to become a consultant." I visited your website, it's clear, you are not looking to become a consultant, you ARE a consultant. Own it. Claim it. State it proudly. It doesn't matter if you don't currently have clients spilling out of your pockets. You are on the path.
Once you start to do this, it relieves the pressure of "I'm not where I want to be yet." You'll feel better and answers will come without you having to bang down the door to get them. A lot of times we can't see what would be most helpful, even when it's in front of our face, because we're too busy looking at what's not working.
You also mentioned that you were running into roadblocks. Yes, welcome to life. I say that with love. Transforming the roadblocks into opportunities is part of the game. That's when you get to become your own consultant, what would you suggest if this was your client's situation? Take an evaluative approach to what you are currently doing and how you are thinking about it.
As far as networking goes, it sounds like it's time to branch out and meet people where you could mutually support each other's business. There are many, many ways to do this. Social media networking is one of the greatest tools I've found. Some include Twitter, Linked In, Facebook, Savor the Success, or you could start your own ning community based around your consulting niche. You could also join your local BNI group.
Overall though, my sense is a shift in the way you are looking at this would be the best starting place. When things aren't going according to plan, it can feel easier to focus on the problem rather than the solution. I recommend switching into appreciative inquiry and assessment mode by considering these questions:
(I'll even answer the first one based on what I you expressed.)
What is currently going well? What is stacked in your favor for success?
You are a full time marketing director. This speaks of your expertise to be full time and a director. It is an area that can be directly applied to consulting with clients and growing your business. Take a look at what exactly you do on a daily basis for this job and see how it can be applied to your business. You have a website with a blog, a great way for your clients to get to know your company. You have a list of clients.
Build on what's going well. Add testimonials, a portfolio, ask those clients for referrals. Branch out and do some radio interviews, highlighting your clients success, thus building the relationship and giving you both more exposure. Try Blog Talk Radio or Talkshoe.
Now, ask yourself:
What do you think is possible for your business? What do you want to have happen? What specifically does your vision entail - employees, the tone of staff meetings, the ideal client base, the monthly and annual income, the design of your office space? What structure do you currently have set up to support your dream coming to fruition? What needs to be added for you to achieve your goals and have peace of mind in the process?
Now, you know I can't walk away from this question without offering a wellness piece.
Look at how you are taking care of yourself every day. How well do you eat? Drink water? Sleep? Exercise? Relax? How often are you stressed? Self-care is essential in giving you the energy and clarity to make any type of change. It has a direct impact on how you think, feel, and act. This could be currently influencing how you're feeling about everything. With minor adjustments in any of these areas, you can see major improvement.
The bottom line - Take good care of youself, see what's working well, and have a detailed plan to go along with your positive vision. Redefine success and you will always achieve it.
Great advice, Coach Vanessa!
I found this post through Twitter as I'm one of your followers and I just stumbled this article as it can benefit so many people who are out there looking to move from employee to entrepreneur. Thanks for writing this column. I'm going to have to submit my own query too!
Posted by: Cassandra Rae | October 06, 2008 at 09:57 AM
Thanks Cassandra! I find that with just slight adjustments to what you do and how you think and feel can produce such big results. Thanks for stumbling this. And yes, please do submit your own query. This column will be up every Monday. Have a great day.
Posted by: Vanessa Smith, MA, CLC | October 06, 2008 at 10:04 AM