I've spoken to *a lot* of consultants to understand the differences from full-time employee life. Two challenges surfaced repeatedly: 1. Business development. For anyone not already in a Sales role, this is a new muscle that takes time and focus. It can feel overwhelming and requires a diverse strategy of outreach. One consultant advised that it could take 2 full years to build a flywheel of new clients with sufficient stability. That advice was eye-opening, but has helped me be patient around the timeline for ramping client pipeline. 2. Solopreneur loneliness. Working in-house has a key advantage in that you have a trusted band of brothers & sisters from the start. Nothing bonds you together like tough times. 😅 And yet, for consultants, it's easy to feel disconnected from all the inner workings and exist like an island. I've been eager to strike a balance that ensures meaningful connection with fellow consultants & clients, and flexible time to do the work. I've been grateful to find 621 Consulting to help address both pain points (h/t to Mathew Stark for the intro). 621 has a dedicated team of consultants who create a larger support system to advise the same client. And digital & in-person events to strengthen consultant connections. They also have a dedicated network of clients and handle the heavy lifting of sourcing, vetting, and contracting for you. I'm in the early stages but feeling excited about the new journey ahead... 🙏🏻 Fellow consultants: compared to FTE life, what have been your biggest challenges & how have you tackled them?
Samesies
Congratulations Joe! Glad to see you’ve found a home with 621 Consulting
I'm a coach and facilitator helping mission-driven leaders and teams do their most meaningful, impactful work and find transformation through their greatest challenges || Organizational leadership, strategy and culture
2moEverything you said resonates!! Joe Lambe — I did a cohort program called IndeCollective that you might really like. Happy to share more!