Podcasts about independent consultant

Think building a seven-figure consulting pipeline in just 16 weeks is impossible? Think again. In this episode, Melisa Liberman sits down with Ellie Holbert, a first-year independent consultant, who shares the real story of how she went from zero pipeline and a canceled contract to 56 opportunities and a multi-seven-figure funnel without prior sales experience.Ellie lays out the practical steps and mindset shifts that fueled her meteoric start, including how she reframed rejection, established peer-to-peer relationships with C-suite executives, and reached decision-makers at brand-name companies through a consistent, imperfect action strategy.Melisa and Ellie break down why being willing to be uncomfortable is a key advantage in building a thriving consulting business, and how emotional regulation, not flashy branding or a perfect elevator pitch became Ellie's superpower.Timestamps for Key Moments: [12:45] How Ellie created a repeatable pipeline strategy that turned cold outreach into C-suite conversations without pitching.[21:04] The specific tactics she used to book 115 calls and identify 56 qualified opportunities in just 4 months.[25:14] Why targeting the economic buyer, not just the end user, is critical to converting interest into closed business.[35:20] How to rewire your mindset to operate like a business owner, not a job seeker even if you're new to consulting.Tune in to Episode 224 to get a playbook you can immediately apply to build or reboot your pipeline grounded in real actions, not theory.Related ResourcesFull Show Notes: https://shownotes.melisaliberman.com/episode-224/Read Chapter 14 in Grow Your Consulting Business: The 14-Step Roadmap to Make Your Independent Consulting Goals a Reality, https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CSXJBGVBRelated Podcast Episode: Episode 200 - What's Possible for your Consulting Business, https://shownotes.melisaliberman.com/episode-200/ Work with Melisa: Apply for a Coaching Exploratory call at https://www.consultmelisa.com   Connect with Ellie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ellie-h-1b661147/Want More?Get Melisa's Book: https://www.melisaliberman.com/bookVisit with Melisa's Website: www.melisaliberman.com Follow on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/melisa-liberman Get Notified When Melisa's Products Launch: https://www.melisaliberman.com/growth-atlas-products Want help achieving your consulting business goals? Melisa can help. Click here for more on coaching tailored to you as an independent consulting business owner.

Skip the Queue is brought to you by Rubber Cheese, a digital agency that builds remarkable systems and websites for attractions that helps them increase their visitor numbers. Your host is Paul Marden.If you like what you hear, you can subscribe on iTunes, Spotify, and all the usual channels by searching Skip the Queue or visit our website SkiptheQueue.fm.If you've enjoyed this podcast, please leave us a five star review, it really helps others find us. And remember to follow us on Twitter  or Bluesky for your chance to win the books that have been mentioned in this podcast.Competition ends on 9th July 2025. The winner will be contacted via Bluesky. Show references: Matthew Tanner, Vice President of AIM and Independent Consultant https://aim-museums.co.uk/Richard Morsley, CEO of Chatham Historic Dockyardhttps://thedockyard.co.uk/Hannah Prowse, CEO, Portsmouth Historic Quarterhttps://portsmouthhq.org/Dominic Jones, CEO Mary Rose Trusthttps://maryrose.org/Andrew Baines, Executive Director, Museum Operations, National Museum of the Royal Navyhttps://www.nmrn.org.uk/ Transcriptions: Paul Marden: Welcome to Skip the Queue. The podcast of people working in and working with visitor attractions, and today you join me in Portsmouth Historic Dockyard. I am actually in the shadow of HMS Victory at the moment, right next door to the Mary Rose. And I'm at the Association of Independent Museum's annual conference, and it is Wednesday night, and we're just about to enjoy the conference dinner. We've been told by Dominic Jones, CEO of Mary Rose, to expect lots of surprises and unexpected events throughout the meal, which I understand is a walking meal where we'll partake of our food and drink as we're wandering around the museum itself, moving course to course around different parts of the museum. So that sounds very exciting. Paul Marden:  Today's episode, I'm going to be joined by a I don't know what the collective noun is, for a group of Maritime Museum senior leaders, but that's what they are, and we're going to be talking about collaboration within and between museums, especially museums within the maritime sector. Is this a subject that we've talked about a lot previously? I know we've had Dominic Jones before as our number one most listened episode talking about collaboration in the sector, but it's a subject I think is really worthwhile talking about. Paul Marden: Understanding how museums work together, how they can stretch their resources, increase their reach by working together and achieving greater things than they can do individually. I do need to apologise to you, because it's been a few weeks since our last episode, and there's been lots going on in Rubber Cheese HQ, we have recently become part of a larger organisation, Crowd Convert, along with our new sister organisation, the ticketing company, Merac.Paul Marden:  So there's been lots of work for me and Andy Povey, my partner in crime, as we merge the two businesses together. Hence why there's been a little bit of a lapse between episodes. But the good news is we've got tonight's episode. We've got one more episode where I'll be heading down to Bristol, and I'll talk a little bit more about that later on, and then we're going to take our usual summer hiatus before we start the next season. So two more episodes to go, and I'm really excited. Paul Marden:  Without further ado, I think it's time for us to meet our guests tonight. Let me welcome our guests for this evening. Matthew Tanner, the Vice President of AIM and an Independent Consultant within the museum sector. You've also got a role within international museums as well. Matthew, remind me what that was.Matthew Tanner: That's right, I was president of the International Congress of Maritime Museums.Paul Marden: And that will be relevant later. I'm sure everyone will hear. Richard Morsley, CEO of Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust. I've got Hannah Prowse with me, the CEO of Portsmouth Historic Quarter, the inimitable chief cheerleader for Skip the Queue Dominic Jones, CEO of Mary Rose Trust.Dominic Jones: Great to be back.Paul Marden: I expect this to be the number one episode because, you know, it's got to knock your previous episode off the hit list.Dominic Jones: Listen with guests like this. It's going to be the number one. You've got the big hitters, and you've even got one more to go. This is gonna be incredible.Paul Marden:  Exactly. And I've got Andrew Baines, the Executive Director Museum Operations at the National Museum of the Royal Navy. That's quite a title.Dominic Jones: He loves a title that's a lot shorter than the last.Paul Marden: Okay, so we always have icebreakers. And actually, it must be said, listeners, you, unless you're watching the YouTube, we've got the the perfect icebreaker because we've started on Prosecco already. So I'm feeling pretty lubed up. Cheers. So icebreakers, and I'm going to be fair to you, I'm not going to pick on you individually this time, which is what I would normally do with my victims. I'm going to ask you, and you can chime in when you feel you've got the right answer. So first of all, I'd like to hear what the best concert or festival is that you've been to previously.Hannah Prowse: That's really easy for me, as the proud owner of two teenage daughters, I went Tay Tay was Slay. Slay. It was amazing. Three hours of just sheer performative genius and oh my god, that girl stamina. It was just insane. So yeah, it's got to be Tay Tay.Paul Marden: Excellent. That's Taylor Swift. For those of you that aren't aware and down with the kids, if you could live in another country for a year, what would Dominic Jones: We not all answer the gig. I've been thinking of a gig. Well, I was waiting. Do we not all answer one, Rich has got a gig. I mean, you can't just give it to Hannah. Richard, come in with your gig.Richard Morsley: Thank you. So I can't say it's the best ever, but. It was pretty damn awesome. I went to see pulp at the O2 on Saturday night. They were amazing. Are they still bringing it? They were amazing. Incredible. Transport me back.Matthew Tanner:  Members mentioned the Mary Rose song. We had this.Dominic Jones: Oh, come on, Matthew, come on. That was brilliant. That was special. I mean, for me, I'm not allowed to talk about it. It's probably end ups. But you know, we're not allowed to talk you know, we're not allowed to talk about other than here. But I'm taking my kids, spoiler alert, if you're listening to see Shawn Mendes in the summer. So that will be my new favourite gig, because it's the first gig for my kids. So I'm very excited about that. That's amazing. Amazing. Andrew, any gigs?Andrew Baines: It has to be Blondie, the amazing. Glen Beck writing 2019, amazing.Dominic Jones:  Can you get any cooler? This is going to be the number one episode, I can tell.Paul Marden:  Okay, let's go with number two. If you could live in another country for a year, which one would you choose? Hannah Prowse: Morocco. Paul Marden: Really? Oh, so you're completely comfortable with the heat. As I'm wilting next.Hannah Prowse: Completely comfortable. I grew up in the Middle East, my as an expat brat, so I'm really happy out in the heat. I just love the culture, the art, the landscape, the food, the prices, yeah, Morocco. For me, I thinkMatthew Tanner: I've been doing quite a lot of work recently in Hong Kong. Oh, wow. It's this amazing mix of East and West together. There's China, but where everybody speaks English, which is fantastic.Dominic Jones:  I lived in Hong Kong for a few years, and absolutely loved it. So I do that. But I think if I could choose somewhere to live, it's a it's a bit of cheating answer, because the country's America, but the place is Hawaii, because I think I'm meant for Hawaii. I think I've got that sort of style with how I dress, not today, because you are but you can get away with it. We're hosting, so. Paul Marden:  Last one hands up, if you haven't dived before, D with Dom.Dominic Jones: But all of your listeners can come Dive the 4d at the Mary Rose in Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, as well as the other amazing things you can do here with our friends and National Museum of Portsmouth Historic Quarter, he will cut this bit out.Paul Marden:  Yeah, there will be a little bit of strict editing going on. And that's fair. So we want to talk a little bit today about collaboration within the Maritime Museum collective as we've got. I was saying on the intro, I don't actually know what the collective noun is for a group of Maritime Museum leaders, a wave?Hannah Prowse: A desperation?Paul Marden: Let's start with we've talked previously. I know on your episode with Kelly, you talked about collaboration here in the dockyard, but I think it's really important to talk a little bit about how Mary Rose, Portsmouth Historic Dockyard and the National Museum of the Royal Navy all work together. So talk a little bit for listeners that don't know about the collaboration that you've all got going. Dominic Jones:  We've got a wonderful thing going on, and obviously Hannah and Andrew will jump in. But we've got this great site, which is Portsmouth Historic Dockyard. We've got Portsmouth Historic Quarter that sort of curates, runs, owns the site, and I'll let Hannah come into that. We've got the Mary Rose, which is my favourite, amazing museum, and then we've got all of the museums and ships to the National Museum of the Royal Navy. But do you want to go first, Hannah, and talk about sort of what is Portsmouth Historic Quarter and the dockyard to you? Hannah Prowse:  Yeah, so at Portsmouth Historic Quarter, we are the landlords of the site, and ultimately have custody of this and pretty hard over on the other side of the water. And it's our job to curate the space, make sure it's accessible to all and make it the most spectacular destination that it can be. Where this point of debate interest and opportunity is around the destination versus attraction debate. So obviously, my partners here run amazing attractions, and it's my job to cite those attractions in the best destination that it can possibly be.Matthew Tanner: To turn it into a magnet that drawsDominic Jones: And the infrastructure. I don't know whether Hannah's mentioned it. She normally mentions it every five seconds. Have you been to the new toilets? Matthew, have you been to these new toilets?Paul Marden: Let's be honest, the highlight of a museum. Richard Morsley: Yeah, get that wrong. We're in trouble.Hannah Prowse: It's very important. Richard Morsley: But all of the amazing ships and museums and you have incredible.Paul Marden: It's a real draw, isn't it? And you've got quite a big estate, so you you've got some on the other side of the dockyard behind you with boat trips that we take you over.Andrew Baines:  Absolutely. So we run Victor here and warrior and 33 on the other side of the hub with the Royal Navy submarine museum explosion working in partnership with BHQ. So a really close collaboration to make it as easy as possible for people to get onto this site and enjoy the heritage that we are joint custodians of. Paul Marden:  Yeah, absolutely. It's amazing. So we're talking a little bit about museums collaborating together, which really is the essence of what we're here for conference, isn't it? I remember when we had the keynote this morning, we were talking about how important it is for everybody to come together. There's no egos here. Everyone's sharing the good stuff. And it was brilliant as well. Given that you're all maritime museums, is it more important for you to differentiate yourselves from one another and compete, or is it more important for you to collaborate?Richard Morsley: Well, from my perspective, it's there is certainly not competitive. I think there's sufficient, I was sufficient distance, I think, between the the attractions for that to be the case, and I think the fact we're all standing here today with a glass of wine in hand, with smiles on our face kind of says, says a lot, actually, in terms of the collaboration within the sector. And as you say that the the AIM conference today that for me, is right, right at the heart of it, it's how we as an independent museum sector, all come together, and we share our knowledge, we share our best practice, and once a year, we have this kind of amazing celebration of these incredible organisations and incredible people coming together and having a wonderful couple of days. Matthew Tanner: But if I could step in there, it's not just the wine, is it rum, perhaps. The maritime sector in particular is one that is is so closely knit and collected by the sea, really. So in the international context, with the International Congress, is about 120 museums. around the world that come together every two years into the fantastic Congress meetings, the connections between these people have come from 1000s of miles away so strong, it's actually joy and reminds us of why we are so excited about the maritime.Paul Marden: I saw you on LinkedIn last year. I think it was you had Mystic Seaport here, didn't you?Dominic Jones: We did and we've had Australia. We've had so many. It all came from the ICM conference I went with and we had such a good time, didn't we saw Richard there. We saw Matthew, and it was just brilliant. And there's pinch yourself moments where you're with museums that are incredible, and then afterwards they ring you and ask you for advice. I'm thinking like there's a lady from France ringing me for advice. I mean, what's that about? I passed her to Andrew.Hannah Prowse: I think also from a leadership perspective, a lot of people say that, you know, being a CEO is the loneliest job in the world, but actually, if you can reach out and have that network of people who actually are going through the same stuff that you're going through, and understand the sector you're working in. It's really, really great. So if I'm having a rubbish day, Dom and I will frequently meet down in the gardens outside between our two offices with a beer or an ice cream and just go ah at each other. And that's really important to be able to do.Dominic Jones: And Hannah doesn't laugh when I have a crisis. I mean, she did it once. She did it and it hurt my feelings.Hannah Prowse: It was really funny.Dominic Jones:  Well, laughter, Dominic, Hannah Prowse: You needed. You needed to be made. You did. You did. But you know, and Richard and I have supported each other, and occasionally.Richard Morsley: You know, you're incredibly helpful when we're going through a recruitment process recently.Hannah Prowse: Came and sat in on his interview.Richard Morsley: We were rogue. Hannah Prowse: We were so bad, we should never be allowed to interview today. Paul Marden:  I bet you were just there taking a list of, yeah, they're quite good. I'm not going to agree to that one.Hannah Prowse: No, it was, it was great, and it's lovely to have other people who are going through the same stuff as you that you can lean on. Richard Morsley: Yeah, absolutely.Dominic Jones: Incredible. It's such an important sector, as Matthew said, and we are close, the water doesn't divide us. It makes us it makes us stronger.Matthew Tanner: Indeed. And recently, of course, there's increasing concern about the state of the marine environment, and maritime museums are having to take on that burden as well, to actually express to our puppets. It's not just about the ships and about the great stories. It's also about the sea. It's in excess, and we need to look after it. Paul Marden: Yeah, it's not just a view backwards to the past. It's around how you take that and use that as a model to go forward. Matthew Tanner: Last week, the new David Attenborough piece about the ocean 26 marathon museums around the world, simultaneously broadcasting to their local audiences. Dominic Jones: And it was phenomenal. It was such a good film. It was so popular, and the fact that we, as the Mary Rose, could host it thanks to being part of ICM, was just incredible. Have you seen it? Paul Marden:  I've not seen Dominic Jones: It's coming to Disney+, any day now, he's always first to know it's on. There you go. So watch it there. It's so good. Paul Marden: That's amazing. So you mentioned Disney, so that's a kind of an outside collaboration. Let's talk a little bit. And this is a this is a rubbish segue, by the way. Let's talk a little bit about collaborating outside of the sector itself, maybe perhaps with third party rights holders, because I know that you're quite pleased with your Lego exhibition at the moment.Richard Morsley: I was actually going to jump in there. Dominic, because you've got to be careful what you post on LinkedIn. There's no such thing as I don't know friends Exactly. Really.Dominic Jones: I was delighted if anyone was to steal it from us, I was delighted it was you. Richard Morsley: And it's been an amazing exhibition for us. It's bringing bringing Lego into the Historic Dockyard Chatham. I think one of the one of the things that we sometimes lack is that that thing that's kind of truly iconic, that the place is iconic, the site is incredible, but we don't have that household name. We don't have a Mary Rose. We don't have a victory. So actually working in partnership, we might get there later. We'll see how the conversation, but yeah, how we work with third parties, how we use third party IP and bring that in through exhibitions, through programming. It's really important to us. So working at a Lego brick Rex exhibition, an exhibition that really is a museum exhibition, but also tells the story of three Chatham ships through Lego, it's absolutely perfect for us, and it's performed wonderfully. It's done everything that we would have hoped it would be. Dominic Jones: I'm bringing the kids in the summer. I love Chatham genuinely. I know he stole the thing from LinkedIn, but I love Chatham. So I'll be there. I'll be there. I'll spend money in the shop as well.Richard Morsley: Buy a book. Yeah.Paul Marden: Can we buy Lego? Richard Morsley:  Of course you can buy Lego. Paul Marden: So this is a this is a magnet. It is sucking the kids into you, but I bet you're seeing something amazing as they interpret the world that they've seen around them at the museum in the Lego that they can play with.Richard Morsley: Of some of some of the models that are created off the back of the exhibition by these children is remind and adults actually, but mainly, mainly the families are amazing, but and you feel awful at the end of the day to painstakingly take them apart.Richard Morsley: Where is my model?Dominic Jones: So we went to see it in the Vasa, which is where he stole the idea from. And I decided to, sneakily, when they were doing that, take a Charles model that was really good and remodel it to look like the Mary Rose, and then post a picture and say, I've just built the Mary Rose. I didn't build the Mary Rose. Some Swedish person bought the Mary Rose. I just added the flags. You get what you say. Hannah Prowse: We've been lucky enough to be working with the Lloyds register foundation this year, and we've had this brilliant she sees exhibition in boathouse four, which is rewriting women into maritime history. So the concept came from Lloyd's Register, which was, you know, the untold stories of women in maritime working with brilliant photographers and textile designers to tell their stories. And they approached me and said, "Can we bring this into the dockyard?" And we said, "Yes, but we'd really love to make it more local." And they were an amazing partner. And actually, what we have in boathouse for is this phenomenal exhibition telling the stories of the women here in the dockyard.Richard Morsley: And then going back to that point about collaboration, not competition, that exhibition, then comes to Chatham from February next year, but telling, telling Chatham stories instead of. Hannah Prowse:  Yeah, Richard came to see it here and has gone, "Oh, I love what you've done with this. Okay, we can we can enhance, we can twist it." So, you know, I've hoped he's going to take our ideas and what we do with Lloyd's and make it a million times better.Richard Morsley: It's going to be an amazing space.Dominic Jones: Richard just looks at LinkedIn and gets everyone's ideas.Andrew Baines: I think one of the exciting things is those collaborations that people will be surprised by as well. So this summer, once you've obviously come to Portsmouth Historic Dockyard and experience the joys of that, and then you've called off on Chatham and another day to see what they've got there, you can go off to London Zoo, and we are working in partnership with London Zoo, and we have a colony of Death Watch beetle on display. Paul Marden:  Oh, wonderful. I mean, can you actually hear them? Dominic Jones: Not necessarily the most exciting.Andrew Baines: I'll grant you. But you know, we've got a Chelsea gold medal on in the National Museum of the Royal Navy for collaboration with the Woodlands Foundation, looking at Sudden Oak death. And we've got an exhibition with ZSL at London Zoo, which I don't think anybody comes to a National Maritime Museum or an NMRN National Museum The Royal Navy, or PHQ, PhD, and expects to bump into tiny little animals, no, butDominic Jones: I love that, and it's such an important story, the story of Victor. I mean, look, you're both of you, because Matthew's involved with Victor as well. Your victory preservation and what you're doing is incredible. And the fact you can tell that story, it's LSL, I love that.Andrew Baines: Yeah. And we're actually able to feed back into the sector. And one of the nice things is, we know we talk about working collaboratively, but if you look at the victory project, for example, our project conservator came down the road from Chatham, equally, which you one of.Richard Morsley: Our your collections manager.Paul Marden: So it's a small pool and you're recycling.Andrew Baines: Progression and being people in develop and feed them on.Matthew Tanner:  The open mindedness, yeah, taking and connecting from all over, all over the world, when I was working with for the SS Great Britain, which is the preserved, we know, great iron steam chip, preserved as as he saw her, preserved in a very, very dry environment. We'll take technology for that we found in the Netherlands in a certain seeds factory where they had to, they had to package up their seeds in very, very low humidity environments.Paul Marden:  Yes, otherwise you're gonna get some sprouting going on. Matthew Tanner:   Exactly. That's right. And that's the technology, which we then borrowed to preserve a great historic ship. Paul Marden: I love that. Dominic Jones:  And SS Great Britain is amazing, by the way you did such a good job there. It's one of my favourite places to visit. So I love that.Paul Marden:  I've got a confession to make. I'm a Somerset boy, and I've never been.Dominic Jones: Have you been to yoga list? Oh yeah, yeah. I was gonna say.Paul Marden: Yeah. I am meeting Sam Mullins at the SS Great Britain next next week for our final episode of the season. Matthew Tanner: There you go.Dominic Jones: And you could go to the where they made the sale. What's the old court canvas or Corker Canvas is out there as well. There's so many amazing places down that neck of the woods. It's so good.Paul Marden: Quick segue. Let's talk. Let's step away from collaboration, or only very lightly, highlights of today, what was your highlight talk or thing that you've seen?Richard Morsley: I think for me, it really was that focus on community and engagement in our places and the importance of our institutions in the places that we're working. So the highlight, absolutely, for me, opening this morning was the children's choir as a result of the community work that the Mary Rose trust have been leading, working.Dominic Jones:  Working. So good. Richard Morsley: Yeah, fabulous. Paul Marden:  Absolutely. Matthew Tanner: There's an important point here about about historic ships which sometimes get kind of positioned or landed by developers alongside in some ports, as if that would decorate a landscape. Ships actually have places. Yes, they are about they are connected to the land. They're not just ephemeral. So each of these ships that are here in Portsmouth and the others we've talked about actually have roots in their home ports and the people and the communities that they served. They may well have roots 1000s of miles across the ocean as well, makes them so exciting, but it's a sense of place for a ship. Hannah Prowse: So I think that all of the speakers were obviously phenomenal.Dominic Jones: And including yourself, you were very good.Hannah Prowse: Thank you. But for me, this is a slightly random one, but I always love seeing a group of people coming in and watching how they move in the space. I love seeing how people interact with the buildings, with the liminal spaces, and where they have where they run headlong into something, where they have threshold anxiety. So when you have a condensed group of people, it's something like the AIM Conference, and then they have points that they have to move around to for the breakout sessions. But then watching where their eyes are drawn, watching where they choose to go, and watching how people interact with the heritage environment I find really fascinating. Paul Marden: Is it like flocks of birds? What are moving around in a space? Hannah Prowse: Exactly. Yeah.Paul Marden: I say, this morning, when I arrived, I immediately joined a queue. I had no idea what the queue was, and I stood there for two minutes.Dominic Jones: I love people in the joint queues, we normally try and sell you things.Paul Marden: The person in front of me, and I said, "What we actually queuing for?" Oh, it's the coffee table. Oh, I don't need coffee. See you later. Yes.Dominic Jones: So your favourite bit was the queue. Paul Marden: My favourite..Dominic Jones: That's because you're gonna plug Skip the Queue. I love it.Dominic Jones: My favourite moment was how you divided the conference on a generational boundary by talking about Kojak.Dominic Jones: Kojak? Yes, it was a gamble, because it was an old film, and I'll tell you where I saw it. I saw it on TV, and the Mary Rose have got it in their archives. So I said, Is there any way I could get this to introduce me? And they all thought I was crazy, but I think it worked. But my favorite bit, actually, was just after that, when we were standing up there and welcoming everyone to the conference. Because for four years, we've been talking about doing this for three years. We've been arranging it for two years. It was actually real, and then the last year has been really scary. So for us to actually pull it off with our partners, with the National Museum of the Royal Navy, with Portsmouth Historic quarter, with all of our friends here, was probably the proudest moment for me. So for me, I loved it. And I'm not going to lie, when the children were singing, I was a little bit emotional, because I was thinking, this is actually happened. This is happening. So I love that, and I love tonight. Tonight's going to be amazing. Skip the queue outside Dive, the Mary Rose 4d come and visit. He won't edit that out. He won't edit that out. He can't keep editing Dive, The Mary Rose.Dominic Jones: Andrew, what's his favourite? Andrew Baines: Oh yes. Well, I think it was the kids this morning, just for that reminder when you're in the midst of budgets and visitor figures and ticket income and development agreements, and why is my ship falling apart quicker than I thought it was going to fall apart and all those kind of things actually just taking that brief moment to see such joy and enthusiasm for the next generation. Yeah, here directly connected to our collections and that we are both, PHQ, NRN supported, MRT, thank you both really just a lovely, lovely moment.Paul Marden: 30 kids singing a song that they had composed, and then backflip.Dominic Jones: It was a last minute thing I had to ask Jason. Said, Jason, can you stand to make sure I don't get hit? That's why I didn't want to get hit, because I've got a precious face. Hannah Prowse: I didn't think the ship fell apart was one of the official parts of the marketing campaign.Paul Marden: So I've got one more question before we do need to wrap up, who of your teams have filled in the Rubber Cheese Website Survey. Dominic Jones: We, as Mary Rose and Ellen, do it jointly as Portsmouth historic document. We've done it for years. We were an early adopter. Of course, we sponsored it. We even launched it one year. And we love it. And actually, we've used it in our marketing data to improve loads of things. So since that came out, we've made loads of changes. We've reduced the number of clicks we've done a load of optimum website optimisation. It's the best survey for visitor attractions. I feel like I shouldn't be shouting out all your stuff, because that's all I do, but it is the best survey.Paul Marden: I set you up and then you just ran so we've got hundreds of people arriving for this evening's event. We do need to wrap this up. I want one last thing, which is, always, we have a recommendation, a book recommendation from Nepal, and the first person to retweet the message on Bluesky will be offered, of course, a copy of the book. Does anyone have a book that they would like to plug of their own or, of course, a work or fiction that they'd like to recommend for the audience.Paul Marden: And we're all looking at you, Matthew.Dominic Jones: Yeah. Matthew is the book, man you're gonna recommend. You'reAndrew Baines: The maritime.Paul Marden: We could be absolutely that would be wonderful.Matthew Tanner: Two of them jump into my mind, one bit more difficult to read than the other, but the more difficult to read. One is Richard Henry. Dana D, a n, a, an American who served before the mast in the 19th century as an ordinary seaman on a trading ship around the world and wrote a detailed diary. It's called 10 years before the mast. And it's so authentic in terms of what it was really like to be a sailor going around Cape corn in those days. But the one that's that might be an easier gift is Eric Newby, the last great grain race, which was just before the Second World War, a journalist who served on board one of the last great Windjammers, carrying grain from Australia back to Europe and documenting his experience higher loft in Gales get 17 knots in his these giant ships, absolute white knuckle rides. Paul Marden: Perfect, perfect. Well, listeners, if you'd like a copy of Matthew's book recommendation, get over to blue sky. Retweet the post that Wenalyn will put out for us. I think the last thing that we really need to do is say cheers and get on with the rest of the year. Richard Morsley: Thank you very much. Andrew Baines: Thank you.Paul Marden: Thanks for listening to Skip the Queue. If you've enjoyed this podcast, please leave us a five star review. It really helps others to find us. Skip The Queue is brought to you by Rubber Cheese, a digital agency that builds remarkable systems and websites for attractions that helps them to increase their visitor numbers. You can find show notes and transcripts from this episode and more over on our website, skipthequeue fm.  The 2025 Visitor Attraction Website Survey is now LIVE! Dive into groundbreaking benchmarks for the industryGain a better understanding of how to achieve the highest conversion ratesExplore the "why" behind visitor attraction site performanceLearn the impact of website optimisation and visitor engagement on conversion ratesUncover key steps to enhance user experience for greater conversionsTake the Rubber Cheese Visitor Attraction Website Survey Report

It's common for consultants to think of AI as a tool to boost efficiency, enhance insights, automate tasks, and improve client deliverables. It can help you scale your processes and routines.But have you also considered that AI can help you scale your thinking?In this episode, Melisa talks with Amanda Long, marketing strategist and custom GPT builder, about how consultants can create private GPTs to capture their intellectual property, streamline delivery, and scale their businesses without adding headcount. We share examples from my own business, including how we built a podcast post-production GPT that now does what used to take a full-time contractor.We also dismantle some common AI myths (you don't need to be tech-savvy or have piles of content to get started) and walk through ways to use custom GPTs to make smarter decisions, faster like a "co-CEO" that keeps your offers, goals, and voice front and center.Timestamps for Key Moments: [05:12] What a Brand Voice GPT is and how it can help solo consultants produce consistent, on-brand content even without a team[10:20] Why you don't need a big content archive to build an effective GPT that mimics your voice and style[14:58] The five key deliverables the Podcast Post-Production GPT produces to streamline weekly episode workflow[19:44] How to use a “Second Brain GPT” to vet ideas, stay aligned to your goals, and make faster decisions as a business owner[26:45] Ways to build GPTs around your repeatable processes, like proposals or client FAQs, to productize your expertise[35:00] Risks to watch for, including privacy pitfalls and hallucinations and how to avoid themTune in to Episode 223 for practical strategies and mindset shifts to help you work smarter, protect your intellectual property, and build a more scalable consulting business without losing your personal touch.Related ResourcesFull Show Notes: https://shownotes.melisaliberman.com/episode-223/Read Chapter 14 in Grow Your Consulting Business: The 14-Step Roadmap to Make Your Independent Consulting Goals a Reality, https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CSXJBGVBRelated Podcast Episode: Episode 181 - Transforming Into A Boutique Consultancy with Tradewinds Leadership, https://shownotes.melisaliberman.com/episode-181/    Work with Melisa: Apply for a Coaching Exploratory call at https://www.consultmelisa.com   Get Notified When Melisa's Products Launch: https://www.melisaliberman.com/growth-atlas-products Connect with Amanda: https://linkedin.com/in/amandalongsms Want More?Get Melisa's Book: https://www.melisaliberman.com/bookVisit with Melisa's Website: www.melisaliberman.com Follow on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/melisa-liberman Get Notified When Melisa's Products Launch: https://www.melisaliberman.com/growth-atlas-products Want help achieving your consulting business goals? Melisa can help. Click here for more on coaching tailored to you as an independent consulting business owner.

Most consultants think physical products are only for authors or e-commerce brands, not for them. In this episode, Melisa challenges that assumption head-on and takes you behind the scenes of a new physical product line she's launching.This isn't a product pitch, it's a case study. She's sharing the full backstory of  why she started this, what's working, what surprised her, and how she's thinking about integrating physical products into her consulting business long-term.If you've ever thought:“I don't have a unique enough framework.”“I'm too much of a generalist.”“Wouldn't this compete with my services?”…this episode is for you. Melisa walks through why physical products can work for consultants, what mistakes to avoid, and how to start thinking creatively about how your IP can scale without taking you out of the equation.Timestamps for Key Moments:​​[03:22] How Melisa's accidental journal project turned into a new business unit and three physical products[11:19] How creating a product sharpened her methodologies and clarified her frameworks[22:50] Ways to use physical products as reputation and demand builders in your consulting business[29:30] Examples of physical products created by other consultants and what they charge for them[36:40] Key considerations before launching a physical product including budget, time, and energyTune in to Episode 222 for behind-the-scenes insight, inspiration, and real strategy to help you expand your consulting business in a creative, scalable way.Related ResourcesFull Show Notes: https://shownotes.melisaliberman.com/episode-222/Read Chapter 14 in Grow Your Consulting Business: The 14-Step Roadmap to Make Your Independent Consulting Goals a Reality, https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CSXJBGVBRelated Podcast Episode: Episode 200 - What's Possible for your Consulting Business, https://shownotes.melisaliberman.com/episode-200/   Work with Melisa: Apply for a Coaching Exploratory call at https://www.consultmelisa.com Products Mentioned In This Episode:Pip DecksThe Five Dysfunctions of a Team: Comprehensive KitInnovation Games: Creating Breakthrough Products Through Collaborative Play: Hohmann, Luke Visual Planning Template - Grove Tools, Inc.MethodKit   Want More?Get Melisa's Book: https://www.melisaliberman.com/bookVisit with Melisa's Website: www.melisaliberman.com Follow on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/melisa-liberman Get Notified When Melisa's Products Launch: https://www.melisaliberman.com/growth-atlas-products Want help achieving your consulting business goals? Melisa can help. Click here for more on coaching tailored to you as an independent consulting business owner.

This episode of County Conversations focuses on how counties can fight the opioid epidemic and reduce stigma around substance use disorders. NYSAC Multimedia Specialist Kate Pierce-Nimz is joined by Cheryl Moore, Independent Consultant at Opioid Consulting, and Amanda Lucchino, Director of Business Development at Trellis Marketing. They discuss how counties can effectively engage residents in opioid abatement efforts through personalized, data-driven public awareness campaigns.

Client delivery is one of the most critical — and underleveraged — parts of your consulting business. In this episode, we walk through a practical, three-part framework to increase the value of your delivery, both for your clients and for your business.Most independent consultants tell me they feel confident once they land the work. But that doesn't always translate into knowing how to position your delivery as a value driver — something that generates referrals, repeat business, and higher pricing.This episode is your blueprint for transforming delivery from a transactional project into a strategic asset.You'll also get three AI prompts that you can use immediately to implement each component of the framework. Whether you're feeling stuck in the weeds or just want to sharpen your process, this episode will help you level up your delivery — without needing more tools, credentials, or client praise.Timestamps for Key Moments:[06:44] How to drive valuable client outcomes instead of defaulting into reactive execution[15:10] Why you need to codify your approach — and how even “generalist” consultants have repeatable frameworks[25:18] How your identity as a consultant directly affects your delivery value and client perception[30:33] 3 AI prompts to help you zoom out and strengthen your consulting mindset and impactTune in to Episode 220 to build a consulting business where delivery becomes your growth engine.Related ResourcesFull Show Notes: https://shownotes.melisaliberman.com/episode-220/Read Chapter 14 in Grow Your Consulting Business: The 14-Step Roadmap to Make Your Independent Consulting Goals a Reality, https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CSXJBGVBRelated Podcast Episode: Episode 193 - Being In Control of Your Consulting Business Results, https://shownotes.melisaliberman.com/episode-193/ Work with Melisa: Apply for a Coaching Exploratory call at https://consultmelisa.com Want More?Get Melisa's Book: https://www.melisaliberman.com/bookVisit with Melisa's Website: www.melisaliberman.com Follow on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/melisa-liberman Want help achieving your consulting business goals? Melisa can help. Click here for more on coaching tailored to you as an independent consulting business owner.

Sometimes you need a client win — fast.Whether it's to refill your pipeline, create a cash infusion, or just shake off a dry spell, this episode walks you through how to create and implement a quick-win strategy that actually works (and doesn't feel like a scramble).We're not talking about discounting your value or saying yes to low-quality consulting client leads. This is about designing a repeatable, strategic approach that positions you for fast client conversions — and long-term growth.You'll learn the Four-part Quick Win Formula for consultants, What consultants typically get wrong about speed-to-sale, and How to remove the mental and emotional brakes that slow down your momentum.Timestamps for Key Moments:[06:24] What a "Quick Win" really is and how to reframe your definition of what's possible in your consulting sales cycle[10:44] Quick Win Thinking: How to recognize and remove mindset patterns that silently sabotage your speed[14:30] Quick Win Emotions: Why the energy you bring to your sales activity makes or breaks your results[19:54] Quick Win Plan: Who to target, what to offer, and how to get creative without diluting your brand[24:45] Quick Win Execution: How to structure and commit to your 30-day sprint using a business-owner mindsetTune in to Episode 219 for a repeatable framework to infuse your business with revenue, confidence, and traction — exactly when you need it.Related ResourcesFull Show Notes: https://shownotes.melisaliberman.com/episode-219/Read Chapter 9 in Grow Your Consulting Business: The 14-Step Roadmap to Make Your Independent Consulting Goals a Reality, https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CSXJBGVBEpisode 210 – Managing Your Consulting Business through KPIs, https://shownotes.melisaliberman.com/episode-210/ Episode 156 - The 3 Lead Generation Modes for a Consulting Business Pipeline, https://shownotes.melisaliberman.com/episode-156/ Work with Melisa: Apply for a Coaching Exploratory call at https://consultmelisa.com Want More?Get Melisa's Book: https://www.melisaliberman.com/bookVisit with Melisa's Website: www.melisaliberman.com Follow on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/melisa-liberman Want help achieving your consulting business goals? Melisa can help. Click here for more on coaching tailored to you as an independent consulting business owner.

Have you ever thought about how stories can shape the way children see themselves and their families?This week's episode celebrates the power of representation in children's literature and the importance of honoring our stories, especially the stories of hardworking immigrant families. When kids see themselves reflected in books, it fosters pride, connection, and confidence that lasts a lifetime.Claudia Maldonado is an Early Childhood Specialist, Independent Consultant, and Author with over 20 years of experience in early learning education. She has worked with Federal, State, and County-funded programs and the Family Child Care Network in Southern California. Claudia strongly believes in the power of storytelling, the importance of play, and appropriate early learning practices for young children.Tune in to Episode 231 of Amiga, Handle Your Shit, as Jackie welcomes Claudia Maldonado, an early childhood educator turned children's book author. Born in El Salvador and raised in Los Angeles, Claudia shares how her experience working with immigrant families and the loss of her sister inspired her to write books that reflect the strength, diversity, and beauty of our communities. Her books, like Mama Works Very Hard and Papa Knows Best, highlight real-life heroes in ways that empower children and honor everyday resilience.Key Takeaways:✨ Representation matters in early childhood education✨ Writing can transform pain into purpose✨ Multicultural books empower and reflect our communities✨ Moms and dads are everyday superheroes✨ Creativity often starts from lived experience✨ Boundaries and mindfulness support personal growthConnect with Claudia Maldonado:WebsiteInstagramBuy Claudia's book, Mama Works Very HardLet's Connect!WebsiteFacebookInstagramLinkedInJackie Tapia Arbonne websiteBuy The Amiga Way's Book Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Does this situation sound familiar to you?You send a consulting proposal. Or you email your one-pager, expecting a next step. Then — silence.You don't hear back.If you're questioning your follow-up strategy, not sure what to do to follow-up, this episode is for you.In this week's episode, Melisa dismantles the outdated (and ineffective) habits independent consultants fall into when it comes to follow-up. You'll hear how to approach follow-up in a way that adds value and reinforces your expertise — instead of second-guessing, worrying about being annoying, or appearing desperate.She shares how not to follow up (including a few examples you'll recognize), then walks you through a strategic follow-up framework that keeps your momentum and creates consulting client demand.Timestamps for Key Moments:[05:02] Why most follow-up feels awkward — and what actually causes you to spiral when clients go dark.[09:45] What “strategic follow-up” looks like in your consulting business (hint: it's not about “circling back”) [14:50] How to follow up with value — 4 examples you can swipe and use today. [20:35] 5 ways to set yourself up for consistent, confident follow-through (without the mindset drama).Tune in to Episode 218 for practical examples, mindset shifts, and frameworks that help you move deals forward — without the second-guessing.Related ResourcesFull Show Notes: https://shownotes.melisaliberman.com/episode-218/Read Chapter 9 in Grow Your Consulting Business: The 14-Step Roadmap to Make Your Independent Consulting Goals a Reality, https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CSXJBGVBEpisode 170 – Being Ghosted as an Independent Consultant, https://shownotes.melisaliberman.com/episode-170/  Work with Melisa: Apply for a Coaching Exploratory call at https://consultmelisa.com Want More?Get Melisa's Book: https://www.melisaliberman.com/bookVisit with Melisa's Website: www.melisaliberman.com Follow on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/melisa-liberman Want help achieving your consulting business goals? Melisa can help. Click here for more on coaching tailored to you as an independent consulting business owner.

You solve problems. That's what you do best as a consultant.But what if you're focused on solving the wrong problem in your own consulting business?In this episode, Melisa breaks down a counterintuitive truth: many consultants plateau or underearn not because they don't have solutions, but because they're solving problems they've already outgrown.Melisa shares a real client case study that illustrates how thought errors can keep you solving yesterday's problems and sabotaging your current and future growth. You'll walk away with a new lens for assessing what really needs your attention — and how to stop spinning your wheels on challenges you've already outgrown.Timestamps for Key Moments[04:22] What it looks like to fix the wrong problem and why it's such a common trap for ICs[07:30] A real-world example of a consultant who outgrew his lead gen problem but didn't update his mindset[13:50] The identity and positioning shifts that opened up capacity and growth[18:36] How to shift from more to better — refining your focus instead of adding more to your plate[23:45] Three questions to uncover if you're solving the wrong problemTune in to Episode 217 to shift your perspective and refocus your energy on what actually moves the needle in your business.Related ResourcesFull Show Notes: https://shownotes.melisaliberman.com/episode-217/Subscribe to Melisa's newsletter: The Independent - Weekly Newsletter, https://www.melisaliberman.com/newsConsulting Business Health Assessment – Take The Consultant's Business Health Assessment, https://assessments.melisaliberman.com/consulting-health-assessmentWork with Melisa: Apply for a Coaching Exploratory call at https://consultmelisa.com Want More?Get Melisa's Book: https://www.melisaliberman.com/bookVisit with Melisa's Website: www.melisaliberman.com Follow on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/melisa-liberman Want help achieving your consulting business goals? Melisa can help. Click here for more on coaching tailored to you as an independent consulting business owner.

What if the biggest reason you're not hitting your revenue goal has nothing to do with strategy — and everything to do with tiny, invisible breakdowns in your business development process?In this episode, I walk you through the concept of “leaks” in your consulting business — those points where value, opportunity, or efficiency is lost without you even realizing it. These leaks aren't just annoying; they dilute your revenue, add unnecessary stress, and make your business harder to run than it needs to be.We'll cover eight common types of leaks that affect independent consultants — from not generating enough conversations to getting stuck in the "friend zone" — and how to use the Consultant Leak Framework to identify and fix them.I also share two real-world case studies from clients who patched their leaks and saw big changes — including one who added $650K to their pipeline.Timestamps for Key Moments[05:12] What a "leak" actually is and how even seasoned consultants have them[08:45] Eight common business development leaks that stall your revenue growth[16:33] The Consultant Leak Framework, a 6-step process to find and fix the biggest breakdowns in your BD system[20:01] Case Study #1: How one consultant shifted his mindset and process to unlock $650K in pipeline[24:45] Case Study #2: How a “friend zone” leak was solved by creating simple hook offers that convert conversations into next stepsTune in to Episode 216 to diagnose your own biggest leak — and learn how to fix it so you can build a more predictable, fulfilling consulting business.Related ResourcesFull Show Notes: https://shownotes.melisaliberman.com/episode-216/Subscribe to Melisa's newsletter: The Independent - Weekly Newsletter, https://www.melisaliberman.com/newsConsulting Business Health Check – Take it at  https://www.icassessment.com to establish your baseline and identify key areas for optimization.Related Podcast Episode: Episode 193 - Being In Control of Your Consulting Business Results, https://shownotes.melisaliberman.com/episode-193/ Work with Melisa: Apply for a Coaching Exploratory call at https://consultmelisa.com Want More?Get Melisa's Book: https://www.melisaliberman.com/bookVisit with Melisa's Website: melisaliberman.com/ Follow on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/melisa-liberman Want help achieving your consulting business goals? Melisa can help. Click here for more on coaching tailored to you as an independent consulting business owner.

What if you could run a corporate retreat... for a company of one? That's exactly what independent consultant and brand strategist Claire Elvers did. In this episode, Claire joins Melisa to share why she carved out the time and space to take her business offline — and what she learned from zooming out.This conversation is packed with real talk about the real work of running a consulting business:Facilitating a productive, impactful retreat for your solo consulting business,Why consultants often neglect mid-funnel strategy (and the impact of doing so), How to create more leverage without hiring a team, and How to stay focused on building a business — not just delivering client work.Claire also opens up about her non-linear path into independent consulting, how she made her first project happen, and why productizing her expertise has become a game-changer for her growth and freedom.Whether you've been thinking about taking yourself “offsite,” or you're stuck in the weeds and need to see your business with fresh eyes, this episode will challenge you to think like a business owner — not just a service provider.Tune in to Episode 215 for practical insights and peer-level perspective on building an independent consulting business that reflects your goals and plays to your strengths.Timestamps for Key Moments[08:12] Why Claire created a solo business retreat — and what it revealed about her next stage of growth[15:47] The strategic questions she asked herself to get clarity and create focus[21:30] How she's productizing her expertise and making it easier for clients to say yes[29:22] Mid-funnel blind spots most consultants overlook (and how to fix them)[36:50] The most important mindset shift Claire made to start and grow her consulting business[43:03] Advice from one consultant to another on making the leap and finding your footingRelated ResourcesFull Show Notes: https://shownotes.melisaliberman.com/episode-215/Retreat Checklist PDF: Download The Independent Consultant's Corporate Retreat Checklist https://www.melisaliberman.com/retreat-checklistRelated Podcast Episode: Episode 090 – Corporate Retreat for the Independent Consultant, https://shownotes.melisaliberman.com/episode-90/Work with Melisa: Apply for a Coaching Exploratory call at consultmelisa.comConnect with Claire: https://www.linkedin.com/in/claire-elvers-4a09271/Want More?Get Melisa's Book: https://www.melisaliberman.com/bookVisit with Melisa's Website: melisaliberman.com/ Follow on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/melisa-liberman Want help achieving your consulting business goals? Melisa can help. Click here for more on coaching tailored to you as an independent consulting business owner.

What if the most valuable tool in your consulting business is one you already have — and didn't even realize?In this episode, Matty Bakkeren joins Melisa to share his early-stage consulting business experience as an independent consultant and the strategies he uses to create momentum in his business.From listening to this podcast in his car to building his own consulting practice — Matty gives us a grounded, behind-the-scenes look at what it's really like to start and grow a consulting business.Whether you've just exited corporate or are considering the move, this conversation is packed with perspective, encouragement, and a few sharp truths that'll help you build your consulting business on solid ground.Tune in to Episode 214 for a grounded perspective and a clear takeaway: You already have more tools than you think — now it's time to use them.Resources & Links Mentioned: Download Your Business Dashboard One-Pager, https://www.melisaliberman.com/KPIEpisode 208 - Becoming a Client Sherpa with John Healy, https://shownotes.melisaliberman.com/episode-208/ Apply for a Coaching Exploratory call at consultmelisa.comTimestamps for Key Moments[03:44] – From podcast listener to guest: Maddie's journey[10:12] – The surprise value of a personal brand[16:45] – Corporate skills that transfer to consulting[22:08] – Building momentum and sharing learnings[28:14] – Why consulting isn't a solo sport[33:20] – Final advice for new and aspiring consultantsWant More?Get Melisa's Book: https://www.melisaliberman.com/bookVisit with Melisa's Website: melisaliberman.com/ Follow on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/melisa-liberman Full Show Notes: https://shownotes.melisaliberman.com/episode-214/Connect with Matty Bakkeren: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattybnl/Want help achieving your consulting business goals? Melisa can help. Click here for more on coaching tailored to you as an independent consulting business owner.

Are you curious what it takes to consistently earn 50K per month as an independent consultant? In this episode, host Melisa Liberman reveals the four key components you need to implement in your consulting business to create a consistent 50k per month consulting business.She outlines how to create an aligned offer, attract high-quality demand, shape your identity as a sought-after expert, and take focused, decisive action. To help you put the episode into action, Melisa provides actionable questions to help refine your approach and start seeing real growth.If you're committed to growing your consulting business, don't miss out on these insights.Tune in now to learn the four steps you need to take to make $50K per month as an independent consultant.Resources & Links Mentioned: Download Melisa's Book, Grow Your Consulting Business: The 14-Step Roadmap to Make Your Independent Consulting Goals a Reality https://www.melisaliberman.com/bookRelated Podcast Episode: Episode 193 - Being In Control of Your Consulting Business Results, https://shownotes.melisaliberman.com/episode-193/ Work with Melisa: Apply for a Coaching Exploratory call at consultmelisa.comTimestamps for Key Moments​[06:56] – What 50k months look like[11:33] – 4 components of a 50k per month consulting business[12:45] – An aligned offer[21:04] – High-quality demand[25:14] – Aligned identity[35:20] – Action focus[48:45] – Steps to put this into actionWant More?Get Melisa's Book: https://www.melisaliberman.com/bookVisit with Melisa's Website: melisaliberman.com/ Follow on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/melisa-liberman Full Show Notes: https://shownotes.melisaliberman.com/episode-213/Want help achieving your consulting business goals? Melisa can help. Click here for more on coaching tailored to you as an independent consulting business owner.

Want to know the secrets behind a successful fractional consulting business?Learn how to build trust, sell yourself as a fractional leader, and land high-value clients.In this episode, Melisa Liberman chats with Alessandro Pregnolato, a seasoned fractional consultant. Alessandro is one of Melisa's clients and has established himself as an in-demand fractional leader for start-ups and companies looking to scale quickly and efficiently. Melisa and Alessandro discuss what it takes to succeed in the fractional space. They explore key strategies for selling your services, managing demand, and growing your consulting business sustainably.Tune in now to hear Alessandro's expert advice on building a successful fractional consulting business through his proven strategies and procedures.Full Show Notes: https://shownotes.melisaliberman.com/episode-212/Resources & Links Mentioned: Download Your Business Dashboard One-Pager, https://www.melisaliberman.com/KPIRelated Podcast Episode: Episode 208 - Becoming a Client Sherpa with John Healy, https://shownotes.melisaliberman.com/episode-208/ Work with Melisa: Apply for a Coaching Exploratory call at consultmelisa.comTimestamps for Key Moments​[06:03] – Meet Alessandro[11:27] – What makes a successful fractional leader[16:33] – Alessandro's sales process[25:00] – Protecting your capacity as a fractional consultant[33:00] – Lead generation strategies[40:00] – Lessons learned[48:45] – Alessandro's mindset shiftsWant More?Get Melisa's Book: https://www.melisaliberman.com/bookVisit with Melisa's Website: melisaliberman.com/ Follow on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/melisa-liberman Connect with Alessandro: https://www.alessandropregnolato.com/ and https://www.linkedin.com/in/alessandro-pregnolato-5472501/Want help achieving your consulting business goals? Melisa can help. Click here for more on coaching tailored to you as an independent consulting business owner.

Do you want to generate inbound leads for your consulting business? Do you want a path to meeting your ideal clients?In this episode, host Melisa Liberman shares how to leverage a podcast for consulting lead generation. She shares four simple steps to put this lead gen strategy into action and record your first episodeDiscover the proven strategies top consultants use to leverage podcasts for effective lead generation within the unique consulting business model.Plus, get the inside scoop on the tools and tech Melisa uses to keep everything running smoothly, so you can focus on what matters most—growing your business.Tune in and get the tips you need to launch a podcast as an independent consultant.Resources & Links Mentioned: Full Shownotes: https://shownotes.melisaliberman.com/episode-211/Download the Consulting Business Dashboard One-Pager: https://www.melisaliberman.com/KPIRelated Podcast Episode: Episode 206 - Choosing The Best Lead Generation Strategy For Your Consulting Business Phase, https://shownotes.melisaliberman.com/episode-206/Work with Melisa: Apply for a Coaching Exploratory call at consultmelisa.comTimestamps for Key Moments​[08:19] – Benefits of hosting a podcast[17:22] – Inspiration for content[22:38] – How to leverage the podcast to get consulting leads[26:34] – 3 key success strategies[35:21] – Podcast technology[40:35] – Put this into actionWant More?Get Melisa's Book: https://www.melisaliberman.com/bookVisit with Melisa's Website: melisaliberman.com/ Follow on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/melisa-liberman Full Show Notes: https://shownotes.melisaliberman.com/episode-211/Want help achieving your consulting business goals? Melisa can help. Click here for more on coaching tailored to you as an independent consulting business owner.

The need for greater ‘localisation' of humanitarian and social assistance is clear in conflict and protracted crisis settings. The increasing difficulty for international organisations to operate is a key driver of localisation, as is the recognition of the essential role local actors (including government and civil society) play in improving the relevance, legitimacy, sustainability and effectiveness of aid. For social protection programs, the role of government as a local actor may be particularly complex or contested in these settings. This episode will explore the progress and challenges of this shift towards localisation, and how local organisations in Yemen and Southeast Asia have stepped up where international or government systems are weak. Meet our guests: Abeer Al-Absi, Independent Consultant, STAAR Facility and BASIC Research Aung Naing, Research Consultant   For our Quick Wins segment, we welcome Courtenay Cabot Venton, where she talks about the study ‘Passing the Buck: The Economics of Localizing International Assistance' with the Share Trust and the Warande Advisory Centre.   Resources: Humanitarian Activism, Social Protection, and Emergent Citizenship in Myanmar Sustaining Yemeni Capacities for Social Assistance

Do you advise your consulting clients to leverage KPIs but don't apply the same strategy to your own business?You're not alone.In this episode, host Melisa Liberman explains how to implement Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to manage your consulting practice more effectively. Melisa outlines the power of a simple consulting KPI dashboard and shares real-world examples of KPIs, such as financial tracking, lead generation, and operational efficiency. She discusses how these metrics can bring clarity, guide decisions, and help independent consultants avoid running their businesses based on feelings or intuition.You know KPIs can be effective.This episode will help you break down the KPIs that best fit your consulting business model, the software you can use to capture the KPI data, and a simple one-pager format you can use to keep your KPIs top-of-mind.Are you ready to achieve predictable results in your independent consulting business? Tune in to learn how leveraging KPIs can set you up for success.Resources & Links Mentioned: Key Metrics & KPIs Consulting Business Owners Should Track: https://www.melisaliberman.com/KPIRelated Podcast Episode: Episode 156 - The 3 Lead Generation Modes for a Consulting Business Pipeline, https://shownotes.melisaliberman.com/episode-156/Work with Melisa: Apply for a Coaching Exploratory call at consultmelisa.comTimestamps for Key Moments​[07:25] – Why you might not be leveraging KPIs in your business[13:16] – 3 KPIs to track[21:50] – How to implement KPIsWant More?Get Melisa's Book: https://www.melisaliberman.com/bookVisit with Melisa's Website: melisaliberman.com/ Follow on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/melisa-liberman Full Show Notes: https://shownotes.melisaliberman.com/episode-210/Related Blog Article: https://www.melisaliberman.com/blog/consulting-metrics-and-kpisOnePageCRM: https://www.onepagecrm.com/crm-solution/consulting/?via=5d1ff0Want help achieving your consulting business goals? Melisa can help. Click here for more on coaching tailored to you as an independent consulting business owner.

Are you struggling to find time for lead generation? What if you could fill your pipeline in just 7 minutes a day?In this episode, host Melisa Liberman shows you how to do just that. Melisa breaks down the common obstacles independent consultants face when it comes to lead generation and shares a game-changing strategy to overcome them. You'll learn how dedicating just 7 minutes to one focused lead-generation action per day can rapidly fill your pipeline with ideal clients. Plus, she'll walk you through actionable success strategies to ensure you maximize your results, stay organized, and keep your momentum high.Are you ready to take control of your consulting business and start generating leads in just minutes a day? Tune in and discover how Melisa's 7-minute lead generation routine can completely transform your business. Resources & Links Mentioned: Standard Operating Procedure: Fill Your Consulting Pipeline in 26 Minutes https://www.rammethod.comRelated Podcast Episode: Episode 190 – How to Create Excess Demand for Your Consulting Business, https://shownotes.melisaliberman.com/episode-190/Work with Melisa: Apply for a Coaching Exploratory call at consultmelisa.comTimestamps for Key Moments:​[01:20] – Inspiration for episode[04:28] – Common lead generation blocks[10:21] – 7-minute lead generation routine​[13:15] – Success strategies for optimization[18:54] – How to put this into actionWant More?Get Melisa's Book: https://www.melisaliberman.com/bookVisit with Melisa's Website: melisaliberman.com/ Follow on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/melisa-liberman Full Show Notes: https://shownotes.melisaliberman.com/episode-209/CRM Affiliate: https://www.onepagecrm.com/crm-solution/consulting/?via=5d1ff0Want help achieving your consulting business goals? Melisa can help. Click here for more on coaching tailored to you as an independent consulting business owner.

This weeks podcast is with Jenny Simmons, a Mindset Coach, Independent Consultant, and Founder of MANON.   In this episode, you'll discover: The essentials of becoming a successful Mindset Coach The role of football in nurturing vital life skills Strategies for promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion Ways to enhance your communication skills within the football industry Jenny Share here experience working on Jordan Brand with Nike and much more!   Podcast Discussion Links: Jenny LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenny-simmons-a269509/ Jenny Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jennysimeone/ Website: www.man-on.co   Connect with the Host, Ed Bowers here: Connect with Ed on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/edbowers101/   Follow Ed on Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/edbowers101

Eric HardyBS, Collat School of Business - 1998Healthcare Executive, Independent Consultant

Are you an independent consultant or a fractional executive aiming to grow your business?Have you ever thought about how much easier it would be to land consulting clients if you could understand exactly what buyers are looking for?Don't miss episode 208, where I, Melisa Liberman, talk with John Healy, Chief Executive of Whrrr.work. John brings a comprehensive 360-degree perspective to consulting, leveraging his current roles as a fractional executive and strategy consultant, along with his past experience as a staffing company executive and a buyer of consulting services in corporate staffing. John's unique blend of experiences enables him to understand and address the multifaceted needs of both his fellow consultants and their clients.This episode is packed with specialized strategies that cater directly to the unique challenges of independent and fractional consultants.In This Episode, You Will Learn:Certainly, here's the expanded list including a new bullet point about John's perspective on not knowing it all:Surprising Approach to Not “Knowing It All” as an Expert: Discover the surprising advantage John finds in admitting he doesn't have all the answers, which builds trust and stimulates impactful discussions for better outcomes.The Key to Deepening Prospect and Client Relationships: Uncover how leading with transparency and curiosity in client interactions fosters relationships rich in mutual value and collaborative growth.Why It's Important to Be a “Client Sherpa”: Delve into John's innovative strategy for client acquisition that hinges on intrigue and genuine engagement, establishing you as an indispensable strategic partner.What Makes a Consultant Stand Out: The difference between consultants who land strategic, interesting work and those that fall into work that's less fulfillingEcosystems and Partnerships: Learn how crafting win-win scenarios can significantly elevate your consultancy from a mere service provider to a valued ally.Why This Episode Is a Must-Listen:If you want to grow your consulting practice, move into advisory and fractional work, and build stronger professional relationships, this episode is packed with practical insights. Learn from John Healy's effective strategies to not only grow your client list but also become a trusted advisor in the consulting industry. Get a behind-the-scenes look at how a successful fractional consultant operates, offering you a real-world perspective that can inform your own consulting approach. Listen to Episode 208: Equip yourself with the knowledge to improve your consulting skills and drive significant growth in your business.Full show notes: https://shownotes.melisaliberman.com/episode-208/FOR MORE RESOURCES SPECIFIC TO THE INDEPENDENT CONSULTANT —Companion Resource: Grow Your Consulting Business: The 14-Step Roadmap to Make Your Independent Consulting Goals a Reality. Download the first three chapters at https://www.melisaliberman.com/bookWork with Melisa: Apply for a Coaching Exploratory call at consultmelisa.comLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/melisa-liberman Website:  melisaliberman.com/ Connect with John at jwh@whrrr.workWant help achieving your consulting business goals? Melisa can help. Click here for more on coaching tailored to you as an independent consulting business owner.

What does it take to build a thriving business from the ground up? In this episode, we sit down with the incredible Donna Weiser, a trailblazer in the network marketing industry and a best-selling author. With over 30 years of experience, Donna has built a successful business as an Executive National Vice President of Arbonne, transforming not only her life but also the lives of many others. Donna shares her inspiring journey, how she got started, the challenges she faced, and the strategies she used to grow her business into what it is today. She doesn’t just talk about success; she provides actionable insights, tips, and tricks that you can implement right away to elevate your own business. Grab a pen and paper, you’ll want to write down these golden nuggets of wisdom. And don’t forget to check out her book, So You Said Yes, where she shares affirmations and strategies for success. Now, let’s jump into this powerful conversation with Donna Weiser! We’ll be talking about: ➡ [0:00] Introduction ➡ [3:46] Donna Weiser talks about her book ➡ [5:58] Industry that changes people’s lives ➡ [11:02] Being clear about your why ➡ [13:30] Establishing a good morning routine ➡ [17:35] What it takes to be successful ➡ [21:53] Believer in affirmation ➡ [29:38] Vision board, it’s powerful ➡ [32:03] Personal development is so valuable ➡ [36:37] Embracing personal development sooner ➡ [39:07] Donna Weiser’s 3 key strategies to a successful business ➡ [42:20] Time management tips from Donna ➡ [49:28] Donna’s book: So You Said Yes ➡ [50:24] Brief preview of Donna’s book ➡ [51:41] Donna Weiser’s recommended book ➡ [51:58] Donna Weiser’s dream superpower ➡ [52:38] Donna Weiser’s favourite quote ➡ [52:56] Donna Weiser’s advice to her past self ➡ [53:17] Final thoughts Resources Book Recommendations: ➡ 5 Second Rule by Mel Robins: https://bit.ly/3F3CBee ➡ Train Your Brain by Dana Wilde: https://bit.ly/3QG2mUr ➡ Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway by Susan Jeffers: https://bit.ly/3XrFIDf ➡ Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill: https://bit.ly/3QHs7Ul ➡ Creative Visualisations by Shakti Gawain: https://bit.ly/4kjDBLt ➡ Mach 2 with Your Hair On Fire By Richard Brooks: https://bit.ly/41FUSr3 ➡ Slight Edge by Jeff Olsen: https://bit.ly/3Xlps6H ➡ How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie: https://bit.ly/4inWYRE ➡ The Power of Intentions by Wayne Dyer: https://bit.ly/4koLqzG ➡ Go for No by Andrea Weiss: https://bit.ly/3XqThCJ Quote: ➡ “My job is to help my new leaders be confident, independent and successful but their job is to be confident, independent and successful” ➡ “If you think you can or can’t, you’re right" ➡ “If nothing changes, nothing changes” ➡ Previous Podcast Guest: EP 58: Listening Secrets With Oscar Trimboli - https://youtu.be/LR0zyomr3q0 About our guest: Donna Weiser is an Executive National Vice-President and Independent Consultant with Arbonne, a Direct Sales/Network Marketing Company, achieving the highest rank in her company and remaining a top leader for the past 25 years. She’s built a thriving business, mentored countless entrepreneurs, and helped others create financial and personal freedom through network marketing. Prior to her successful career in Network Marketing, Donna was pursuing a Master's Degree in Business. Donna Weiser’s biggest joy is to support others in creating their own success. She says it’s her honour and privilege to share her thoughts, wisdom, tips and suggestions in her first book, So You Said Yes, The Weiser Way to Network Marketing, which was published in November 2023. Connect with Donna Weiser: ➡ Donna Weiser website: ​​https://donnajweiser.com/ ➡ Donna Weiser ’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nvpdonna/ ➡ Donna Weiser’s LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/donna-weiser-hennes-90057b18/ ➡ Donna Weiser’s: https://www.instagram.com/donnaweiser/?hl=en ➡ Donna Weiser’s Arbonne website: https://www.arbonne.com/arb/donnaweiser ➡ Donna Weiser’s X: Donna Weiser (@DonnaWeiser) / Xx.comhttps://x.com › donnaweiser To order Donna Weiser’s book “So You Said Yes” ➡ Donna Weiser website: ​​https://donnajweiser.com/ ➡Amazon :https://www.amazon.com/So-You-Said-Yes-Marketing/dp/B0D5WF8NH6/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0 Connect with Direct Selling Accelerator: ➡ Visit our website: https://www.auxano.global/ ➡ Subscribe to Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/DirectSellingAccelerator ➡ Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/auxanomarketing/ ➡ Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/auxanomarketing/ ➡ Email us at communnity_manager@auxano.global If you have any podcast suggestions or things you’d like to learn about specifically, please send us an email at the address above. And if you liked this episode, please don’t forget to subscribe, tune in, and share this podcast. Are you ready to join the Auxano Family to get live weekly training, support and the latest proven posting strategies to get leads and sales right now - find out more here https://go.auxano.globalSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When you think of a "campaign," your mind might immediately go to ads. But, in today's episode, Melisa talks about campaigns as a way to center your business development and lead generation activities around a specific theme so you can more effectively fill your pipeline as an independent consultant.Melisa defines the concept of a campaign in the context of an independent consulting business and shows how it can become the driving force behind your lead generation efforts. Creating a repeatable process and leveraging theme-based outreach can attract the right clients and elevate the quality of leads in your pipeline. To help you visualize this, Melisa shares real-life examples of how campaigns have transformed her clients' businesses.Then, she breaks down the five essential elements of a winning lead gen campaign, offering a clear and actionable framework for leveraging a campaign for lead generation. If you're ready to fill your pipeline with high-quality leads from clients you're excited to work with, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in for practical insights on how to implement a business development process that delivers results!Full show notes: https://shownotes.melisaliberman.com/episode-207/Key Topics Covered:What is a Campaign? - Learn how a strategic, theme-based approach can center your lead generation efforts to be more appealing to ideal clients.Benefits of Leveraging a Campaign - Discover the benefits of leveraging something tangible to ground your lead generation conversations.5 Components of a Successful Campaign - Learn the five key components to building a successful campaign that supports effective and repeatable lead generation.5-Step Framework - Put this concept into action by following Melisa's five-step framework for implementing a campaign in your independent consulting business.Is your goal to drive high-quality consulting leads? Make sure to listen to episode 207 to find out how.FOR MORE RESOURCES SPECIFIC TO THE INDEPENDENT CONSULTANT —Companion Resource: Grow Your Consulting Business: The 14-Step Roadmap to Make Your Independent Consulting Goals a Reality. Download the first three chapters at https://www.melisaliberman.com/bookWork with Melisa: Apply for a Coaching Exploratory call at consultmelisa.comLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/melisa-liberman Website:  melisaliberman.com/ Want help achieving your consulting business goals? Melisa can help. Click here for more on coaching tailored to you as an independent consulting business owner.

One of the primary focuses for consulting business owners is generating high-quality leads. What's the secret to being effective at generating high-quality leads in a way that's also sustainable and repeatable?The secret to effective and sustainable lead generation is based on what phase your consulting business is in.In this episode, Melisa shares how independent consultants should approach lead generation based on the phase your business is in. She explains how to choose the best strategy and warns consultants about common mistakes that could derail your lead generation efforts. Melisa gives actionable next steps through specific examples in every business phase so you can end the episode inspired and ready to tackle lead generation as an independent consultant. If lead generation feels like a challenge or your goal is to grow your independent consulting business, the practical advice shared here will give you the tools and inspiration to succeed. Tune in to learn how to build a lead generation system that works, no matter what phase of business you are in. Full show notes: https://shownotes.melisaliberman.com/episode-206/Key Topics Covered:Choosing the Best Strategy - Follow Melisa's three steps for choosing the best lead generation strategy for your business phase.Mistakes to Avoid - Discover the three common red flags that could derail your lead generation efforts. Learn what is “enough” and the importance of leveraging data to measure success. Examples By Business Phase - Learn effective lead generation strategies for every business phase from launching a new consulting business to sustainable growth and scaling.Is your goal to master lead generation as an independent consultant?Make sure to listen to episode 206 to find out how.FOR MORE RESOURCES SPECIFIC TO THE INDEPENDENT CONSULTANT —Companion Resource: Grow Your Consulting Business: The 14-Step Roadmap to Make Your Independent Consulting Goals a Reality. Download the first three chapters at https://www.melisaliberman.com/bookWork with Melisa: Apply for a Coaching Exploratory call at consultmelisa.comLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/melisa-liberman Website:  melisaliberman.com/ Want help achieving your consulting business goals? Melisa can help. Click here for more on coaching tailored to you as an independent consulting business owner.

Technology has impacted every aspect of our lives. So, why would its impact on dental businesses be any different? In the latest episode of The Dental Economist Show, host Mike Huffaker sits down with Jill Nesbitt, Independent Consultant at Optimize Dental Consulting, for a comprehensive look at the state of technology and more importantly, its implementation, in the world of dentistry today. Through the conversation, they explore Jill's foray into the business of DSOs, how she built her niche in tech implementation services, the importance of effective, real-time application and how software can not just support organizational goals, but drive them. Tune in to discover why successful software implementation is about much more than just flipping a switch - it's about creating sustainable and scalable processes, making technology an ally in your dental business!

In this episode, Melisa sits down with Miles Everson, CEO of MBO Partners, a leading marketplace that connects independent consultants with enterprise and mid-sized businesses. Melisa and Miles dive into the key qualities of successful consultants, sharing insights about common mistakes to avoid and strategies for staying competitive in the fast-evolving independent market. Miles also gives listeners a sneak peek into his book, Free Birds Revolution, where he uncovers the six forces shaping the future of work and how consultants can position themselves to thrive. Adopting a Mission MindsetAs independent consultants, adopting a mission mindset can be a powerful way to stay motivated and driven. Having a clear mission keeps you focused and helps differentiate you in the marketplace. By framing your work as solving a specific problem or fulfilling a mission for your clients, you align your efforts with their goals, creating real value and impact. Mistakes Independent Consultants Should AvoidAvoid justifying why you're working as an independent consultant. Client conversations should focus on the value you're delivering and the results you're achieving, not the method you use to execute your work. Keep your attention on the success you're creating for your clients and the impact you're making. Overview of Free Birds Revolution: The Future of Work and the Independent MindMiles shares insights from his book, including the six forces shaping the future of work and the qualities that make independent consultants successful. He connects the topics in his book to a trend highlighted in the State of Independence study by MBO Partners, showing how the independent workforce drives demand for specialized platforms and solutions that streamline business operations. Is your goal to differentiate yourself as an independent consultant with enterprise and mid-sized businesses?Make sure to listen to episode 205 to find out how.Full show notes and more information: https://shownotes.melisaliberman.com/episode-205/Check out Miles' book, Free Birds Revolution: The Future of Work and the Independent MindReview the 2024 State of Independence study conducted by MBO Partners.Want help achieving your consulting business goals? Melisa can help. Click here for more on coaching tailored to you as an independent consulting business owner.

Mastering relationship marketing can lead to significant revenue opportunities in your business. You might think it either comes naturally to you, or it doesn't.That's not the case.You can learn and improve your relationship marketing skills, as a path to grow your consulting business.In today's episode, Melisa is joined by Sara Macauley, principal consultant and owner of Kindred Strategic, a consultancy that works with oil, gas, renewable energy, and software companies to grow their businesses. Sara's expertise in relationship marketing goes beyond just connecting with potential clients—it's about transforming those connections into meaningful, revenue-generating relationships. In this episode, Sara shares her approach to building relationships that avoids a hard sell and, instead, focuses on truly helping others. Melisa and Sara explain how you can use these strategies to build a strong network and grow your business. If you're an independent consultant looking to take your networking and client relationships to the next level, this episode provides actionable insights and real-world examples that you can apply to your independent consulting business.Key Topics Covered:What is Relationship Marketing?Relationship Marketing StrategiesRelationship Marketing for Lead GenerationAre you ready to optimize your relationship marketing efforts to grow your independent consulting business?Make sure to listen to episode 204 to find out how.Full show notes and more information: https://shownotes.melisaliberman.com/episode-204/Companion Resource:

If you're an independent consultant, the idea of taking time off—whether it's for maternity leave, a sabbatical, or just a much-needed break—probably raises some big concerns.Is it even possible to step away? Will your business still be there when you come back?In this episode, I'm talking with Anuska Chhaya, the founder of Chhaya Consulting, who recently navigated maternity leave after the birth of her second child. She shares her firsthand experience of balancing a new baby with a growing consulting business, and how she successfully managed to take time off without derailing her business.We dive into the tough questions:How do you build resilience into your business model to ensure it survives (and thrives) while you're away? What systems do you need in place to keep things running smoothly?And most importantly—how do you take time off without wondering if your business will still be standing when you return?Whether you're planning for maternity leave, a sabbatical, or any other type of extended time off, Anuska's advice offers valuable insights for independent consultants in any field who want to ensure their business remains strong and sustainable, no matter how long they're away.Key takeaways include:How to create processes that can support your clients during periods of limited capacityThe challenges (and surprising benefits) of stepping away from your businessThe three essential planning phases for taking extended time offSo, what would happen to your business if you had to step away for a while? Could you truly afford to take that break—and would your business still be there when you come back?Tune in to episode 203 to hear practical advice and real-world strategies that will help you answer these questions and feel confident about taking time off when you need it.Full show notes: https://shownotes.melisaliberman.com/episode-203/Companion Resource:

In this episode of the Altium OnTrack Podcast, host Zach Peterson sits down with Keith Hanna, an Independent Consultant in CAE/PLM, to discuss the evolution of cross-disciplinary integration in engineering software, focusing on CAE (Computer-Aided Engineering) and EDA (Electronic Design Automation) industries.  The conversation explores themes like AI's role in the future of engineering, recent trends in mergers and acquisitions, and the broader implications of these changes for engineers and developers. Keith shares his insights from decades of experience, providing a deep dive into the challenges and opportunities within these rapidly converging fields.  

As independent consultants, we're all on a journey of growth and learning. It's easy to feel isolated when things don't go as planned, but the truth is, we all face setbacks in our business. In the second episode of her series on lessons learned from 200 podcast episodes and 12 years in business, Melisa shares her experiences working as an independent consultant and coach.She highlights the challenges independent consultants commonly encounter and offers practical insights for avoiding the same mistakes she made. Whether you're just starting out or running a successful consultancy, Melisa's candid reflections will help you streamline your path to building a sustainable independent consulting business.To dive deeper into building a lasting consulting business, check out episode 201, where Melisa reveals five more valuable lessons she's learned as an independent consultant.Key Topics Covered:Why These Lessons are RelevantLessons 6-10Steps to Put Into ActionAre you ready to reach your consulting goals and build a sustainable business in 2025?Make sure to listen to episode 202 to find out how.Full show notes and more information: https://shownotes.melisaliberman.com/episode-202/Companion Resource:

In this week's episode of the Seven Figure Consultant Podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking with Erin Halper, founder and CEO of The Upside, a global community where top independent consultants come together to gain support and advance their businesses. We talked about the crucial role that communities and support networks play for independent consultants, and Erin shared her inspiring journey from feeling isolated to establishing The Upside, a vibrant community of 250 consultants. We explored the importance of finding the right community, the challenges that come with transitioning from corporate life, and practical steps to build a strong network. In This Episode:  [00:00:00] Erin shares her journey as a consultant and the creation of The Upside community. [00:02:06] The significance of finding and building a support network for consultants. [00:04:14] Erin discusses the difficulty of finding suitable communities and how she recognized the need for a community for independent consultants. [00:08:22] Erin offers advice on how consultants can start building their support networks. [00:11:31] Discussion on the impact of burnout on the desire for community and support. [00:13:30] Erin emphasizes the fundamental human need for belonging in professional settings and how the right community can alleviate the burdens of solo consulting. [00:16:49] Discussion on the initial isolation of consultants and the eventual need for community support. [00:18:03] Advice on recognizing the right community, focusing on shared values and connection with leaders. [00:20:09] Warning signs to watch for in communities, including lack of values and authenticity issues. [00:21:41] The importance of genuine community experiences over flashy marketing and celebrity endorsements. [00:25:42] Encouragement for active participation in communities to gain the most value from the experience. [00:28:02] The value of forming meaningful connections within communities for personal and professional growth. [00:29:36] Advice on authenticity and being true to oneself in the journey of independent consulting. Key Takeaways: It can be isolating moving from corporate to independent consultant - and often that urge to isolate yourself after leaving corporate is intentional! But having access to a network can help to fill the gap left by leaving a structured corporate environment and fulfil the need for connection and support as you grow your business. High-quality communities lead to transformative relationships and opportunities. The key is finding those high-quality communities and showing up authentically and consistently within them. Erin believes that a community should inspire and connect with its members on a deeper level so that they feel seen and understood. Her advice for finding the right community includes aligning your values. If a community doesn't clearly communicate its values or fails to resonate with its members, it raises a red flag. When you're transitioning from a corporate role, you may feel the pressure to present a polished version of yourself. But Erin encourages listeners to embrace their true selves, shedding the armor that corporate life may have built up. Quotes:  “That is just basic, foundational human nature to always find that sense of belonging, always search for that sense of belonging. And that's why it's so important to make sure you're choosing a network, a path, a program that gives you that sense of belonging. Because they're not all one size fits all.” - Erin Halper “I have found that when consultants go out on their own, the thing they miss the most is being part of a team. Second, the thing they miss is having access to the marketing department, the accounting department for anything they need … Then all of a sudden you're out on your own and you are the marketing department and the accounting department, and you're the bookkeeper and you're, you know, the COO, you're just wearing all the hats.” - Erin Halper “If you're a high achiever, we don't like admitting weakness. We don't like coming across like we don't know stuff or we can't do things … But I think you need some time where you take the mask off and you're like, ‘oh my gosh, this is so hard. I don't know what I'm doing'. And, you know, just letting some of that tension out because yes, we can perform at very high levels often, but I think everyone needs a space where they can just show up as themselves and they can admit ‘this is very hard'.” - Jessica Fearnley “If a community isn't sharing one way, shape or form, what they stand for, what their values are, and you ask them and they don't have an answer. That to me is a red flag. You should be lit up by their values.” - Erin Halper “Just be authentic. Show up as yourself. Take off the armor that corporate or your past career has built up on you. Take it off. Be human. Build relationships. And enjoy the ride as yourself. Because being out on your own is, for many people, the first time they're ever able to show up truly as themselves. Authenticity is the winning game in the world of independent consulting.” - Erin Halper   Useful Links Erin:  The Upside Website - betheupside.com Erin's LinkedIn Jessica: Get in touch with Jessica to discuss your consulting business Leave a rating and review for the Seven Figure Consultant Podcast Jessica's LinkedIn   Guest Bio Erin Halper is the founder and CEO of The Upside, a global community where top independent consultants come together to gain support and advance their businesses. Since launching The Upside in 2017, Erin has helped thousands of professionals build respected consulting, advisory and coaching businesses that help them achieve flexibility, autonomy, and a renewed sense of purpose in their careers. Prior to launching The Upside, Erin built a thriving consultancy where she worked directly with private equity clients across New York City, doubling her former full-time earnings while working a fraction of the hours. Erin has been a featured expert on dozens of podcasts, stages, and publications such as Nasdaq, Business Insider, Fast Company and many more. When she's not leading The Upside, Erin loves to cook, paint, travel with her husband and two sons, and see the latest Broadway musical. She also has a pretty cool (albeit useless) party trick where she can play any song on the piano after hearing it only once.

Welcome to episode 262 of the Grow Your Law Firm podcast, hosted by Ken Hardison. In this episode, Ken sits down with Russell Adler, founder of Lawyer Better Consulting and host of theInteresting Lawyers Podcast.    Russell S. Adler is a Mindset and Performance Coach for Lawyers and an Independent Consultant with a rich background in law and personal development. From 1986 to 2013, he served as a Civil Trial Lawyer, successfully trying over 200 jury trials to verdict in personal injury and various other cases. For the past decade, Russ has dedicated his career to coaching lawyers, helping them transform their mindset and achieve their highest potential. Russ has a proven history of guiding lawyers to excel, and he recently introduced the Mindset Upgrade Training for Lawyers. This innovative course helps attorneys overcome challenges, cultivate a growth mindset, and enhance their thinking and behavior through Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP). As a powerful tool for communication and persuasion, NLP equips lawyers with skills essential for professional success. What you'll learn about in this episode:   1. Why Building the Right Mindset Drives Law Firm Success A growth-oriented mindset fosters personal and professional transformation, directly impacting firm outcomes. Russell emphasizes the importance of addressing mindset issues early to prevent negative habits from becoming permanent. 2. How Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) Enhances Lawyer Communication NLP improves lawyers' ability to connect with clients, judges, and juries on a deeper, more effective level. It equips lawyers with tools to influence behavior and build trust, critical for success in trials and client relationships. 3. Why Motivating Younger Lawyers Fuels Firm Growth Younger lawyers often struggle with soft skills due to the post-COVID shift to remote work. Russell shares strategies to bridge generational gaps and foster motivation, including cultivating a growth mindset and addressing entitlement. 4. How Addressing Emotional Baggage Elevates Professionalism Personal struggles often hinder likability and performance in the workplace. Russell's mindset upgrade course helps lawyers overcome negative traits like arrogance and blame-shifting, enabling collaboration and growth. 5. Why Investing in Professional Development Strengthens Firm Infrastructure Neglecting lawyer training and firm processes can result in stagnation and missed opportunities. Russell advocates for continuous investment in professional growth, starting with onboarding and early career development.   Resources: https://learning.lawyerbetter.com/courses/mindset-upgrade-training-for-lawyers https://www.facebook.com/LawyerBetterdotcom https://x.com/RussellAdler https://www.linkedin.com/in/russelladler/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNsLAZpdtSZqeTlquO2otUA https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/interesting-lawyers/id1723076719 Additional Resources:  https://www.pilmma.org/aiworkshop https://www.pilmma.org/the-mastermind-effect https://www.pilmma.org/resources https://www.pilmma.org/mastermind

Making the leap from a corporate job to becoming an independent consultant is a big step—and it can feel overwhelming. Building a thriving consultancy takes time, and like any entrepreneur, you'll face challenges, make mistakes, and experience growing pains along the way. In this first episode of a two-part series, Melisa reflects on 12 years of consulting and 200 podcast episodes, sharing five valuable lessons to help you navigate the ups and downs of building a sustainable independent consulting business.Whether you're just starting out or ready to scale your consulting business, Melisa's insights will help you overcome common challenges and avoid mistakes many consultants face. If you're serious about growing your business in 2025, this episode is packed with practical tips to boost your confidence and set you up for success.Key Topics Covered:How this Applies to You5 Lessons LearnedSteps to Put Into ActionIs your goal to build a consulting business that lasts?Make sure to listen to episode 201 to find out how.Full show notes and more information: https://shownotes.melisaliberman.com/episode-201/Companion Resource:

Welcome to a special milestone episode—#200! Are you limiting your potential as an independent consultant? You might be surprised at what's truly possible for you—whether it's doubling your income, hitting $1M in revenue, or building a consulting business that fulfills you in ways you never imagined.In this episode, Melisa dives into why understanding what's possible is critical for independent consultants who want to achieve more. She shares five real-life success stories from her clients, illustrating how expanding their vision unlocked incredible results—from remarkable revenue growth to creating a more balanced, meaningful business.If you're unsure what's possible for your business—or you're ready to push past your current limits—this episode is your guide to shifting your mindset, embracing opportunity, and taking the next big leap.Key Topics Covered:Why knowing what's possible is the foundation of consulting business success5 real-life consulting business models that will inspire youA framework to embrace possibility and set bold goalsDon't let doubt or uncertainty hold you back. Tune in to episode 200 for practical insights, inspiring stories, and actionable steps to unlock your full potential as an independent consultant.Start exploring what's possible—episode 200 is not to be missed!Full show notes and more information: https://shownotes.melisaliberman.com/episode-200/Companion Resource:

Understanding key trends can be the difference between staying ahead or falling behind in your consulting business. In this final episode of 2024, Melisa Liberman breaks down the six essential trends that will shape independent consulting in 2025, helping you position your business for greater success.You'll learn why these trends matter and get practical strategies to leverage them in your business. If you want to stay competitive and grow your consulting practice in 2025, this episode provides your strategic roadmap.In This Episode:Why the growing number of independents creates opportunityHow AI and automation impact consulting businessesThe increasing focus on business longevityFuture of work trends affecting consultantsThe rise of consultant-specific software solutionsWhy consultants are building consortiumsListen now to position your consulting business for success in 2025.Companion Resource:

Planning for 2025 can be the difference between another year of incremental growth and transformational success in your consulting business. In this episode, Melisa Liberman breaks down the five essential steps to make 2025 your best year yet, helping you move beyond basic goal setting to create real, sustainable growth.You'll learn why traditional planning approaches often fail independent consultants and get a practical framework for setting yourself up for success. If you're ready to make 2025 different from years past, this episode provides your roadmap.In This Episode:How to set vision-aligned goals that actually motivate youWhy establishing your baseline is crucial for growthA practical framework for breaking down your planHow to anticipate and overcome obstacles proactivelyEssential steps to ensure consistent follow-throughListen now to unlock the potential of strategic planning for your consulting business.Companion Resource:

In this episode, the UK Humanitarian Innovation Hub (UKHIH), Elrha, and Humanitarian AI Today bring panelists together to critically examine the colonial approach in the rollout of AI applications, including the extraction of data from vulnerable groups without adequate representation or input. Shaza Alrihawi, Researcher, Human Rights Advocate, and Consultant specializing in working with refugees at the Leibniz Institute for Educational Trajectories; Shruti Viswanathan, an Independent Consultant, Data Governance and Digital Inclusion; Olubayo Adekanmbi, CEO and Co-founder of EqualyzAI and CEO and Founder of Data Science Nigeria; and Helen McElhinney, Executive Director with the CDAC Network, join Brent Phillips, Producer of the Humanitarian AI Today podcast, to discuss the rollout of AI applications, the extraction of data from vulnerable groups without adequate representation or input, key challenges in engaging affected populations and communities on the topic of AI and how we can roll out AI technologies in humanitarian work in an ethical and impactful manner. This episode is part of a six-part panel discussion series produced by Humanitarian AI Today in collaboration with the UK Humanitarian Innovation Hub and Elrha, with funding from UK International Development from the UK Government. More information about this episode and details about the rest of the series can be found by subscribing to the UK Humanitarian Innovation Hub and Elrha's new AI newsletter: http://ukhih.org/newsletter.

Show Notes: River Tompkins, a 17-year-old high school senior, started his own consulting practice in Austin, Texas, with five different clients. He provides services in the experimental education space, helping school owners implement systems and train teachers. His first clients were a group of schools in Florida, where he worked on implementing student government and learner-driven accountability. He has been at Ackman Academy for 10 years, a learner-driven off-the-beaten-path education, and now he is going to other younger schools to share his experience. Finding Clients as a New Consultant To find clients, River emailed schools in Florida to see what they were doing and potentially get a teaching job. They eventually invited him to visit for a couple of days to consult. He now seeks out clients with the primary goal of consulting. He targets schools in the Acton Academy domain, as his experience at Acton Academy is not applicable to the general masses. River discusses the unique approach to education that he has developed. He explains that the Acton Academy is a learner-driven model where teachers guide students through their learning process, allowing them to see progress and make decisions. River shares more about the Acton Academy approach and how he sets pricing and payment for his consulting services. Educational Consulting Services Explained River discusses more about the Acton Academy approach and his plans for expanding his practice and mentions giving a guaranteed parent speech to every school he visits, which is his journey, how the Acton approach works and why, followed by a Q&A session. River mentions that the Acton Academy is open to different school types, age groups, and staff levels. The Acton Academy Education in Action The conversation turns to potential education and structure models that work in the Acton Academy by breaking it down into a range of dimensions. River explains that Acton Academy has small class sizes, with elementary students ranging from 20 to 40 kids, middle school students from sixth to eighth grade, and sixth to eighth graders in the same classroom. Acton Academy runs in person classes with online courses through programs like Khan Academy Newsela, allowing students to work on core curriculars like math and reading in the same space while working at their own pace with their own computer. The first half of the day focuses on individual studies, such as math and reading, while the second half is more project-based electives, such as science engineering or real-world skills. Teachers are known as guides while students take a proactive approach to learning. The older kids are encouraged to tutor and mentor the younger ones, focusing on leadership skills. Extracurricular activities are often outside of the school, as they are often independent of the school.  Developing a Diagnostic Guide Will Bachman talks about mentoring in education, which can be divided into four dimensions: student-to-student mentoring, academic progression, and open-ended research programs. He suggests that these dimensions should be mutually exclusive and collectively exhaustive, covering all aspects of the educational process. He also mentions the importance of parent involvement and homework and suggests that schools should be assessed based on their maturity model, which includes the maturity of the program, the novice stage, and the developing stage. He mentions that a diagnostic guide could be developed to help identify problems or opportunities. He suggests offering productized offerings, such as a student government module, which can be tailored to the specific needs of the school. Timestamps: 01:07: Consulting Services and Client Engagement  02:54: Finding Clients and Initial Projects  05:07: Contract Negotiation and Pricing  06:03: Future Plans and Service Offerings  08:35: Developing Productized Services  10:24: Acton Academy School Structure and Operations  16:20: Potential for Productized Services and Diagnostics  18:43: Conclusion and Contact Information  Links: Email: rivertompkinsone@gmail.com.    Unleashed is produced by Umbrex, which has a mission of connecting independent management consultants with one another, creating opportunities for members to meet, build relationships, and share lessons learned. Learn more at www.umbrex.com.

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Text us to share your thoughts What's it like being a senior B leader in an organisation but not realising you hold privilege in that position? This was Collin's experience and the basis of our conversation, a fascinating exploration of what it means to be a POC in a senior leadership role today. Collin reveals the impact of a post BLM era and how expectations on leadership for change has affected him, a revealing conversation which you definitely don't want to miss.Some of our key talking points:Not appreciating that you hold a position of privilege irrespective of your colour or background. That you are being seen as a role model without you knowing.What's the implication of being a role model? How does it affect your leadership stance? It's important to focus on what's achievable in your sphere of control. Otherwise it can be overwhelming!Are there risks to publishing diversity data? Could it affect people's perceptions of why they've been hired. Transparency is always important and changing the system requires courage.Getting external support with DEI efforts needs to be treated with care but much needed expertise to hold space for all viewpoints within an organisation is equally important. Guest bioCollin spent the last 11 years at ustwo, an award-winning a digital product studio. He has been a member of their Executive leadership team for the last 9. He has recently left ustwo to start his independent consulting practice. His focus is on helping teams and organisations radically improve their capability to create and delivery digital products. During almost 30 years of industry experience, working in London, New York, Tokyo, Bangalore and San Francisco, he's helped organisations like Three, Sky, JPMorgan, HSBC, and Nissan, as well as start ups, to create cultures where people can thrive in their work. He advises and trains senior leadership teams to support their adoption and use of modern ways of working. He even wrote a book about it called Make Learn Change.To connect with Collin and learn more about his work visit his website and connect with him on LinkedInVisit our website www.humble.associatesOr check out our LinkedIn page to learn more about Humble Associates

Join host Leanne Woehlke and clinical research professional, Suzanne Kincaid, for a compelling conversation about the unseen demands of family caregiving. With candor and humor, Suzanne shares her journey managing the healthcare of multiple elderly family members, discussing the hurdles of medication management, doctor visits, and technology support. This episode dives deep into the practical and emotional sides of caregiving, exploring why self-care is essential yet often overlooked, and how systemic changes could ease the load on caregivers everywhere. For anyone supporting a loved one through aging or illness, this conversation offers insights, resources, and a reminder that you're not alone. Suzanne Kincaid, CCRA, ACRP-PM, FACRP Owner and Independent Consultant, Responsibility Research Suzanne has over 25 years of clinical research experience. She has conducted clinical trials from every aspect, from study coordinator to global project manager. She was the Study Delivery Program Leader of AstraZeneca's Oncology Phase I Team, Director of Operations for Sarah Cannon's Phase I Drug Development Unit, and Chief Operating Officer of Aperio Clinical Outcomes.   Suzanne's clinical research passions include process improvement, project management, training clinical research professionals, cultivating high performing teams, and Risk Based Quality Management.   Suzanne is actively involved in the Association of Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP), serving on the board of the Greater Nashville Chapter since 2011, and is currently Chair of the ACRP Fellows Advisory Panel.  In 2020, Suzanne was honored as one of the PharmaVoice 100 Most Inspiring People in Life Sciences. To connect with Suzanne on Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/responsibilityresearch/

Do you ever think about what it would mean to design your consulting business to be an employer of choice—for yourself? Often, we think about employer branding in terms of large organizations, but it's just as important for independent consultants and small boutique firms.In this episode, Melisa Liberman explores how to intentionally design your business so that you are creating an environment that offers competitive compensation, work-life balance, and meaningful opportunities for growth. Melisa shares actionable strategies that you can use to ensure your business supports your personal and professional life as if you were an employer of choice.In This Episode:Learn how to treat your independent consulting business as an employer of choice and how that can impact your success.Discover the 6 key components to make sure your business offers everything you need for fulfillment and success.Melisa shares a story about an independent consultant who went from autopilot mode to an intentional approach, radically improving her business.How to design a business that compensates you fairly, provides a work environment you love, and embodies a positive company culture.Why you need to think about your consulting business in terms of long-term sustainability, growth, and work-life balance.If you want to create a business that truly supports your personal and professional goals, this episode will provide you with the tools to make that a reality.Listen now to start building a consulting business that is your dream job.Resources:Ep. 162. Transform Your Solo Consultancy into a Center of Excellence (COE) - LinkEp. 090. Corporate Retreat for the Independent Consultant - LinkConsulting Offer Assessment - https://consultingoffer.expert"Grow Your Consulting Business: The 14-Step Roadmap to Make Your Independent Consulting Goals a Reality" by Melisa Liberman - https://www.melisaliberman.com/bookFull show notes and more information: https://shownotes.melisaliberman.com/episode-184/Interested in working with Melisa? Visit consultmelisa.com to apply for a consultation and explore coaching opportunities.Want help achieving your consulting business goals? Melisa can help. Click here for more on coaching tailored to you as an independent consulting business owner.

In this episode of the Unscripted Podcast, host Sarah Nicastro welcomes Tim Spencer, VP for North American Operations at Interblock Gaming, to reflect on what's changed (or not) related to leadership, technology, talent, and customer-centricity over his 35+ year career. Tim has a wealth of experience from his roles at BUNN, Scientific Games, WMS Gaming, and as an Independent Consultant. He specializes in field and customer services, manufacturing and printing operations, sales management, and executive leadership. If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts. Also, subscribe to our newsletter right here: https://www.futureoffieldservice.com/the-insider

Are you overlooking a valuable service offering in your independent consulting business?In this episode, Melisa Liberman discusses a commonly ignored service offering that independent consultants should consider adding to their portfolios.If you're struggling to find ways to increase revenue and stand out as an independent consultant while also making a meaningful difference in your clients' lives, you'll definitely want to listen carefully to this episode.Melisa addresses the common misconceptions and obstacles that prevent consultants from offering this valuable service, and shares compelling reasons why it may be the perfect fit for your business.IN THIS EPISODE:Discover the service that could add more flexibility and revenue to your consulting practiceLearn about the prerequisites and qualifications needed to offer this service effectivelyUnderstand the benefits of incorporating this offering, both for your clients and your businessExplore three strategic ways to package and sell this service to your target audienceIf you've been searching for a fulfilling way to leverage your expertise, create lasting change, and grow your consulting business, this episode will provide you with the insights and inspiration you need to take action.Don't miss this opportunity to expand your service offerings and make a profound impact on your clients' success.RESOURCES- Evaluate and optimize your consulting service offerings by getting the Consultant's Offer Scorecard - https://assessments.melisaliberman.com/consultingoffer- Full show notes and more information: https://shownotes.melisaliberman.com/episode-179/- Want help achieving your consulting business goals? Melisa can help. Visit consultmelisa.com to apply for a consultation and discuss how her coaching can support your growth.Want help achieving your consulting business goals? Melisa can help. Click here for more on coaching tailored to you as an independent consulting business owner.

For episode 167, guest host Justin Salhani is joined by Yasser Elsheshtawy to talk about the Dubaization plan that Netanyahu's team put forward for Gaza after their genocide. You won't be surprised to know that we think it's a terrible plan, but what is dubaization? du·bai·za·tion /dōō'bīzāSHən/ adjective: 1. the act of building a city which relies on spectacular, non-contextual architecture (“The dubaization of Cairo's skyline”). Synonyms: gulfication; spectacular urbanism. Antonyms: context-oriented urban development; integrated urban fabric; informality. Bio: Yasser Elsheshtawy is a Non-Resident Scholar at the Arab Gulf States Institute in Washington, DC, and an Adjunct Professor at Columbia University (GSAPP). His scholarship focuses on informal urbanism and environment-behavior studies, with a particular focus on Middle Eastern cities. Moreover, he is an Independent Consultant and has worked on numerous projects in Saudi Arabia, collaborating with renowned architectural and planning practices. He taught at United Arab Emirates University from 1997 till 2017 and was appointed as Curator for the UAE Pavilion at the Venice Architecture Biennale in 2016. He was a Visiting Professor at Université Paris Sorbonne during the Fall semester of 2017. He has authored over 70 publications including Riyadh: Transforming a Desert City, Temporary Cities, and Dubai: Behind an Urban Spectacle. He also edited The Evolving Arab City which received the 2010 International Planning History Society Best Book Award, and Planning Middle Eastern Cities. Two chapters on urban development in the Arab world were published in the widely-known City Planning and Urban Design Readers. Elsheshtawy has a PhD in Architecture from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, a Master in Architecture from Pennsylvania State University, and a Bachelor of Architecture from Cairo University. Links: Salhani's profile at Al Jazeera Jerusalem Post's article on Netanyahu's plan: From crisis to prosperity: Netanyahu's vision for Gaza 2035 revealed online by Yuval Barnea Yasser's piece for DAWN MENA: Selling Egypt by the Pound: 'Gulfication' and the Ras al-Hekma Land Deal Yasser's blog Dubaization.com Recommended Book: Season of Migration to the North by Tayeb Salih (موسم الهجرة إلى الشمال) Support us: The best way to support The Fire These Times is to become a member of our ⁠⁠⁠"From The Periphery" Patreon⁠⁠⁠. For only 5$ a month (and less if you pay yearly) you get perks such as early access, exclusive episodes, an invitation to our monthly hangout, upcoming book clubs, and more. You can also help a lot by leaving a review wherever you listen to podcasts. Credits: Host(s): ⁠⁠Justin Salhani Guest(s): Yasser Elsheshtawy Music: ⁠⁠⁠Rap and Revenge⁠⁠⁠ Sound editor: Elliott Miskovicz Episode designer: ⁠⁠Elia J. Ayoub⁠⁠ Team profile pics: ⁠⁠Molly Crabapple⁠ Original TFTT design: ⁠⁠Wenyi Geng⁠⁠ TFTT Transcripts: ⁠⁠Antidotezine⁠

Struggling to Quantify the Value of Your Expertise as an Independent Consultant?Do you want to move into value-based pricing but don't know where to start?In this episode, Melisa Liberman digs into a case study that reveals the common challenges independent consultants face when trying to quantify their expertise's value. If you're stuck in the cycle of time-based pricing, fear you're underpricing, or worry your clients won't agree on the value, this episode is a must-listen.Melisa tackles these challenges head-on and opens up a behind-the-scenes look at how one corporate client navigated their own complexities in choosing the right consultant, shedding light on the false beliefs and solutions that can apply directly to your consulting business.IN THIS EPISODE:Common challenges independent consultants face when implementing value-based pricingMelisa will walk you through a case study where she describes the exact process an independent consultant used to transition from hourly-based pricing to value-based pricingHow shifting the client's focus from minimizing costs to optimizing benefits made all the difference in their decision-making processIf you've been grappling with how to set your prices based on the value of your expertise, rather than time spent, this episode will provide you with practical strategies and questions to help you and your clients see the full impact of your work. Don't miss this chance to transform your consulting pricing approach and elevate your consulting business.RESOURCES"Grow Your Consulting Business: The 14-Step Roadmap to Make Your Independent Consulting Goals a Reality" by Melisa Liberman - https://www.melisaliberman.com/bookIndependent Consultant's Pricing Assessment - https://assessments.melisaliberman.com/pricingFull show notes and more information: https://shownotes.melisaliberman.com/episode-175/Want help achieving your consulting business goals? Melisa can help. Click here for more on coaching tailored to you as an independent consulting business owner.

Host Tom Foley invites Evan Harmon, MHI, RHIA - Director of Remote Patient Services at Resolve and Independent Consultant to discuss implementing virtual care programs and services. What are the best practices for selecting vendors, engaging patients, and correct billing fundamentals. And why should you take on a program and how do you keep up with regulations. To stream our Station live 24/7 visit www.HealthcareNOWRadio.com or ask your Smart Device to “….Play Healthcare NOW Radio”. Find all of our network podcasts on your favorite podcast platforms and be sure to subscribe and like us. Learn more at www.healthcarenowradio.com/listen

Want to generate leads by attending professional events but not sure how?Do you question the value of attending professional events as an independent consultant? Are you unsure how to maximize your time and investment when you're at these events, whether they are virtual or in-person?In this episode, Melisa addresses one of the most common dilemmas independent consultants face: is attending events really worth it, and how can you ensure that you're getting the most out of them?How do you turn events from awkward into productive?Networking Effectiveness: Do you leave events unsure of how to keep the conversation going with the people you've met?Follow-Up Failures: Are you finding it hard to successfully follow up with the contacts you've made, resulting in lost opportunities?Return on Investment: Have you spent money and time on events but are still questioning if they were worth the effort?What mistakes could you be making when you're attending professional events?Many independent consultants attend events without a concrete strategy, leading to wasted time and resources. This episode dives into why having a clear, intentional plan is crucial for event success.How do you maximize the ROI and ROT of the professional events you attend?Melisa reveals three essential strategies for event preparation, participation, and follow-up to ensure your time and investment pay off. Learn from real-world examples of independent consultants who turned event attendance into valuable leads and client relationships. Subscribe now and listen to this episode for actionable insights that will help transform your approach to professional events and elevate your business development game.ResourcesFull show notes and more information: https://shownotes.melisaliberman.com/episode-171/"Grow Your Consulting Business: The 14-Step Roadmap to Make Your Independent Consulting Goals a Reality" by Melisa Liberman - https://www.melisaliberman.com/bookClick here for more on coaching tailored to you as an independent consulting business owner.

Do you find yourself being ghosted by potential clients? Does the silence after initial interest leave you feeling confused and questioning your ability to sell your consulting services?In this episode, Melisa sheds light on the perplexing and frustrating phenomenon of being ghosted, giving you the insights you need to navigate this common, yet challenging, part of consulting.Are You Struggling With:Mental Agony: Is being ghosted taking a toll on your mental and emotional well-being, leaving you drained and demotivated?Follow-Up Strategies: Have you been blind-sided by ghosting despite diligent follow-up and communication?Understanding Why: Are you constantly second-guessing what might have gone wrong and how to prevent it in future interactions?The Underlying Issue: Independent consultants often expend enormous mental and emotional energy trying to decode the silence, which can be both exhausting and unproductive.So How Do You Fix It?Melisa discusses practical strategies to handle and reduce the occurrence of ghosting by establishing clear communication and setting expectations upfront.Discover how to create a ghosting protocol that not only cushions the blow but also refines your business processes to mitigate its impact.Listen now to learn actionable steps and mental tools that can help you turn ghosting from a confidence crusher into a manageable aspect of your consulting business.Resources:"Grow Your Consulting Business: The 14-Step Roadmap to Make Your Independent Consulting Goals a Reality" by Melisa Liberman - https://www.melisaliberman.com/bookFull show notes and more information: https://shownotes.melisaliberman.com/episode-170/Click here for more on coaching tailored to you as an independent consulting business owner.