Following up on our Best Practices to Grow Your Consulting Practice Panel discussion is more discussion around Tip # 7.
Referrals / Relationships / Networks are Paramount
In my experience, relationships ‘trump’ technical expertise. Having technical expertise in your chosen field is a given, but I’ve found of even greater importance are relationships. In particular, don’t underestimate the importance of relationships with other complementary service providers. A referral to a client by one ‘trusted advisor’ of another ‘trusted advisor’ is golden. You’re well on your way to being engaged!
Please share some of your success stories on how your connected network has come through for you. We’d love to hear your experiences!
This has proven to be one of the most impactful elements of building my business. So, yes, keep in touch with your contacts. Referrals are the life blood of your business.
I took on responsibility for landing a program speaker for a WIC meeting some years ago. I was still pretty new to WIC.
The subject had been decided by the board. I became a consultant on a mission. In the service of interviewing prospective speakers I met a woman who became a wonderful client and source of referrals.
My affiliation with WIC often affords me substantial credibility with prospects. Put another way, membership in WIC plays a “trusted advisor” role.