Pursue the Fortune 500…
Here is a response I sent to a newsletter from Bob Bly, the direct-mail/copywriting guru. Bob is a fellow engineer turned successful marketing consultant many years ago. I subscribe to his free...
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Avoid snarky political comments…
Time for a mini-rant. With the political season in full swing, the snarky comments flow on the Internet. But as a consultant, not a good idea to publicize your views, no matter how tempting. This post...
View ArticleTen Tips For Better Technical Writing…
Writing technical articles (or white papers) can be very effective marketing methods. They create both credibility and visibility at low cost, and can produce high results. With over 200 articles, it...
View ArticleHow we sold 130,000 books in one day…
For many years, this was a “trade secret,” but now the story can be told. Simple — we gave them away — for FREE — as a supplement to a leading engineering magazine. And did it ever pay off! The...
View ArticleFollow your passion… NOT…
Too many “entrepreneurial” bloggers suggest you simply “follow your passion.” Unfortunately, that alone is not enough. You better be able to make money at it! Here are two stories that illustrate the...
View ArticleSome comments on travel expenses…
Had a recent inquiry on how I handle travel expenses. Here are my policies: Travel expenses are billed at cost – no markup. Some consultants mark up the travel, but I feel this is cheesy. Air fare...
View ArticleOpportunities Abound When Ecosystems Collapse…
This post was inspired by a 2011 post by Pam Slim (Avatars, Ecosystems, and Watering Holes), where she discusses creating you own healthy business ecosystem. But what happens when an ecosystem...
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Visit me with the Blue Penguin…
As the “featured guest” of the Blue Penguin next Tuesday (August 23, 2016). I’ll be sharing insights on writing articles to build your credibility/visibility as a consultant. Join the Blue Penguin...
View ArticleWriting magazine articles… an interview with the Blue Penguin…
Recently did a half hour interview on writing magazine articles, on of my favorite (and successful) marketing methods. The interviewer was Michael Katz, the founder/owner of Blue Penguin Development, a...
View ArticleFive Steps in Marketing…
Time to begin a new series… on marketing… the last in the triad of “getting business.” The other two elements are generating leads and making sales. Like the legs of a stool, all three are equally...
View ArticleConsulting Fee Study…
Here is a link to a recent fee study by Consulting Success. While this blog focuses on general business consulting, technical consultants should find this of use as well. FYI, typical fees at Kimmel...
View ArticleDo I Need a License to Consult???
Some times yes … sometimes no… sometimes maybe… Here is a quick overview: –If you are a business consultant, you probably don’t need a license other than possible tax licenses. There are no licensing...
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Bigotry and business don’t mix…
Time for a mini-rant… While I try to stay politically neutral, this seems particularly appropriate these days… Don’t mix business with bigotry! Last year I read about a pizza place that was under fire...
View ArticleDo The Hard Stuff … Not The Cool Stuff…
When trying to decide on what to consult… don’t go with the cool stuff that everybody else wants to do (and thus won’t pay for)… rather, go with the hard stuff that others don’t want to do (and will...
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My top 5 mistakes as a consultant…
Making mistakes are part of starting and growing any business (including consulting firms.) In fact, if you’re not making some mistakes, you’re probably not trying hard enough — nor are you learning....
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Which customer niche…B2B, B2C, or B2G?
When considering WHAT to consult about, you should also consider WHO you will serve. There are three general niches to consider: B2B – Business to business B2C – Business to consumer B2G – Business to...
View ArticleDon’t be an e-mail pest…
Time for a mini-rant. In recent months, I’ve received numerous unsolicited e-mails that follow this format: The first e-mail offers some unwanted service, like updating my website, increasing my leads,...
View ArticleWho is your ideal client? And how to find them…
The Number One question I’m asked by those interested in consulting is “How Do You Get Your Clients?” My Number One answer is usually “Peddle your behind off.” Meaning, if you are not willing to market...
View ArticleDon’t fret about giving away advice…
Giving away advice can be good marketing, and inexpensive too. This was prompted by a recent query. With rare exception your potential clients do not want to “steal” your ideas — rather they want to...
View ArticleDon’t let fear hold you back…
Good advice from a recent newsletter by Bob Bly, fellow engineer turned successful copywriter and consultant. I could not say it better myself. Dear Direct Response Letter Subscriber: Subscriber GR...
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