Here's how you can market your consulting services effectively as a self-employed professional in strategy.

In a strategy consulting market that's increasingly saturated with talent and competition, a strong USP is more critical than ever for standing out. It’s not just about having a unique methodology or specialized industry knowledge; it’s about how these elements translate into real value for clients. My approach focuses on aligning strategy with market trends, offering a partnership that guides clients through their unique challenges. The key is not just to differentiate but to consistently deliver results that turn strategic insights into tangible results.

What problems do your solutions solve? That's your USP. It's about being different in a way that truly matters to your target clients.

What problems or challenges are you uniquely positioned to solve and for whom? If you have a clear idea on this, you will get attention and attracting the right target clients. If you are unclear, you need to work on this before wasting any time marketing your consulting services.

People WILL search your company and your name online. What will they find? LinkedIn has been my most effective social platform. By consistently sharing insights and engaging in industry discussions, I've built a large network of potential clients and collaborators. Don't try to be everywhere – focus on the channels where your target clients are most active. And always prioritize providing value over selling your services directly.

What happens when someone Googles your name or company name? What shows up? It doesn't matter how good you think you are or how good your previous clients tell you you are - the only thing that matters to prospective clients is what shows up in your Google search as their first point of contact.

Your Network is your Net Worth! It's true. I've made use of my LinkedIn network to build relationships that lead to referrals and collaborations. But nothing replaces face-to-face interactions. I always aim to complement my LinkedIn networking with in-person meetings or calls whenever possible. This blend of digital and personal engagement creates a more meaningful network and opens doors to opportunities that might not arise through online interactions alone.

LinkedIn is a great opportunity to build your network and engage in networking away from an in-person event. However, you need to see it as a networking tool and act appropriately in building relationships.

LinkedIn is great for networking but let's be real here - it's essentially a rented platform. I prioritize creating content for my own website and blog first, then repurpose it for other channels. My email list has been particularly valuable. It's a direct line to my audience that I control completely. I use it to share exclusive insights and build deeper relationships with potential clients. Your owned media is an asset you're building for the long term.

Client testimonials are a powerful way to demonstrate the value of your expertise. Whenever a client compliments me on my efforts or after a workshop or training session, I make it a point to ask for feedback directly through LinkedIn recommendations. This not only captures immediate impressions but also helps me gather authentic testimonials that I can easily copy and paste across my other platforms. I strive to collect at least one new testimonial each month, and I'm pleased to say I now have over 85! By showcasing this social proof, I build trust and credibility, making it easier for potential clients to see the value I can bring to their organizations. When I am asked for a reference I direct my prospects to my testimonials.