Do you find yourself waiting to feel confident until you land the next client or hit a certain revenue goal? This common "chicken and egg" effect keeps many consultants stuck in a cycle of self-doubt. In this episode, Melisa Liberman breaks down why waiting for external validation is holding you back and provides practical tools to build authentic confidence that drives results. In This Episode: Why confidence matters more than experience or credentials The dangerous cycle of waiting for externa...
Nov 28, 2024•29 min•Ep. 194
Taking control of your consulting business results can be the difference between stagnation and growth. In this episode, Melisa Liberman breaks down why consultants often feel powerless against external factors and provides a practical framework to regain control of your business outcomes, regardless of economic conditions or market timing. You'll learn how to identify where you're making excuses, develop an ownership mindset, and get actionable steps to take back control of your results. If you...
Nov 21, 2024•34 min•Ep. 193
Inbound lead generation can be the difference between a thriving consulting business and a stagnant one. In this episode, Melisa Liberman breaks down the essential strategies to attract leads who actively seek out your expertise, so you can spend more time on meaningful work and less on chasing down potential clients. You’ll learn the prerequisites to drive inbound leads effectively, develop the right mindset, and get actionable steps you can start implementing today. If you’ve been wanting to b...
Nov 14, 2024•46 min•Ep. 192
In this episode of Grow Your Independent Consulting Business , Melisa Liberman dives into a transformative mindset shift—treating your business as your own best client. She shares some practical steps and strategies that independent consultants can adopt to ensure they prioritize their business growth and maintain consistency in their operations. Key Topics Covered: Why you should view your business as one of your clients. The four major benefits of applying this mindset. Tactical and logistical...
Nov 07, 2024•36 min•Ep. 191
In this episode of Grow Your Independent Consulting Business , Melisa Liberman digs into creating and managing excess demand for your independent consulting business. She covers why generating more demand than you can handle is a powerful strategy that allows you to build a business that’s both scalable and sustainable. Melisa walks through her “Excess Demand Protocol,” designed to help you navigate demand challenges and turn them into opportunities for growth, increased pricing, and greater cli...
Oct 31, 2024•39 min•Ep. 190
Are you struggling with turning contacts into consulting leads? This is a common issue for many independent consultants who struggle to move a conversation from a general connection into a valuable business opportunity. In this episode, Melisa Liberman shares her BLCS tool to help you take control of your pipeline and unlock more consulting opportunities. Melisa breaks down the common mindset blocks that hold consultants back from making this shift, along with practical steps to break through th...
Oct 24, 2024•38 min•Ep. 189
Are you ready to take your consulting business to the next level? In this episode, Melisa Liberman shares a powerful mindset shift that can help you make more money, land better engagements, and set yourself up for long-term success: thinking of yourself as the managing partner of your independent consulting business. Melisa explains into what it means to adopt the managing partner mindset, how it can change the way you prioritize your time, and the strategies that will help you generate more fu...
Oct 17, 2024•34 min•Ep. 188
Are you struggling with taking on non-ideal clients as an independent consultant? In this episode of the "Grow Your Independent Consulting Business" podcast, Melisa Liberman breaks down actionable steps to help you avoid signing non-ideal clients, even when it’s tempting to accept work for cash flow. You will hear about four essential tools to filter your clients better and protect your consulting business from regret. Melisa also shares strategies for dealing with the emotional and financial co...
Oct 10, 2024•41 min•Ep. 187
Can you successfully balance fractional work while building a sustainable business of one? In this episode, Melisa Liberman sits down with Ran Harpaz, CEO of Lettuce, to explore the unique dynamics of running a solo consulting business while taking on fractional roles. With a background in tech and startups, Ran shares invaluable insights from his experience working both as an independent consultant and as a leader building tools to support solopreneurs. Ran discusses how fractional consultants ...
Oct 03, 2024•53 min•Ep. 186
Are you paying too much in taxes as an independent consultant? You might be leaving money on the table without even realizing it. In this episode, Melisa is joined by Gabrielle Tanaglia, a seasoned fractional CMO and head of marketing at Lettuce, who shares invaluable insights about tax savings strategies, building a sustainable consulting business, and how to leverage AI tools to streamline operations. Gabrielle dives into her own experiences, from overpaying taxes to discovering how an S-Corp ...
Sep 26, 2024•46 min•Ep. 185
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. Meli...
Sep 19, 2024•36 min•Ep. 184
Have you been overlooking important clients in your consulting business? It's common for independent consultants to provide valuable services to clients and not "count" them for their business. In this episode, Melisa Liberman dives deep into how recognizing overlooked clients —whether it’s side gigs, unpaid work for a spouse, or volunteer positions— can transform your consulting practice. Melisa shares personal experiences, including how recognizing her own overlooked clients changed her approa...
Sep 12, 2024•32 min•Ep. 183
Why are some consultants able to charge an effective rate of $500+ per hour while others are stuck at $120 or $200 or $250? Many independent consultants face the challenge of increasing their rates, feeling constrained by industry norms or self-imposed personal limitations. In this episode, Melisa Liberman dives deep into the mindset shifts and practical strategies needed to raise your consulting fees and break through your pricing ceiling. She introduces a powerful tool—your pricing set point—t...
Sep 05, 2024•35 min•Ep. 182
Wondering if you and your partner can build a thriving consulting business together? Running a consulting business as a couple comes with its own unique challenges and opportunities. It’s normal to worry about balancing your personal and professional lives, especially when you’re also trying to niche down and grow a sustainable practice. In this episode, Melisa Liberman sits down with Stephen Dummit and Olivia Leigh of Tradewinds Leadership to discuss how they navigated these challenges. They sh...
Aug 29, 2024•57 min•Ep. 181
Are you questioning the sustainability of your consulting business? It's common for independent consultants to second-guess their decision to pursue a solo business, especially when the ups and downs of running a business feel like such a big responsibility. In this episode, Melisa Liberman tackles the emotional and mental challenges independent consultants face when trying to grow their businesses. She dives deep into the mindset needed to overcome hurdles and find the resilience to push forwar...
Aug 22, 2024•37 min•Ep. 180
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 misconce...
Aug 15, 2024•31 min•Ep. 179
Do you find yourself accepting any client that comes your way, even if they're not the right fit? Do you talk yourself into taking on clients despite red flags? If you're an independent consultant who wants to land more ideal clients and take on more high-paying and fulfilling work, this episode is a must-listen. IN THIS EPISODE: - Discover a common mistake consultants make in their sales process, a mistake that often leads to underearning and less fulfilling engagements - Learn how a structured...
Aug 08, 2024•32 min•Ep. 178
Are you feeling overwhelmed, stressed, or unfulfilled in your consulting practice? In this episode, Melisa Liberman discusses the concept of emotional debt and how it can negatively impact your consulting business results. IN THIS EPISODE: You will understand the concept of emotional debt and its impact on your consulting business. Be able to recognize the signs of accumulated emotional debt, such as increased stress and decreased joy. How emotional debt can affect your capacity, the types of wo...
Aug 01, 2024•30 min•Ep. 177
Are traditional goal-setting methods working for your consulting business? In this episode, Melisa Liberman dives into the challenges faced by independent consultants in setting and achieving sustainable goals. She reveals how typical goal-setting can lead to self-sabotage. Then, she shares a tool you can use to avoid building an underperforming, unsustainable, unpredictable, and/or plateauing consulting business. IN THIS EPISODE: Learn why traditional goals can lead to self-doubt Understand the...
Jul 25, 2024•32 min•Ep. 176
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 th...
Jul 18, 2024•29 min•Ep. 175
Want to set a strong foundation for your consulting business? In this episode, part two of a 2-part series, Melisa walks you through the steps to land clients. This episode goes back to basics. If you're new to consulting, it will help you launch your consulting by setting a strong foundation. If you're an established consultant, the episode will help you strengthen your client acquisition processes so you land clients more predictably. IN THIS EPISODE: Learn practical tactics for meeting potent...
Jul 11, 2024•33 min•Ep. 174
Are you wanting to know the best way to start or relaunch your consulting business? In this episode (part one of a two-part series), Melisa covers the 10 essential steps to set you on the path to a successful consulting business. This episode dives into the first six critical steps. In This Episode: Uncover the initial struggles of putting your business on legal and operational footing. Melisa explains why you should focus on vital basics rather than the common distractions that “seem productive...
Jul 04, 2024•36 min•Ep. 173
Want to fill your consulting pipeline in 45 days? Want to go from a dry pipeline to landing more opportunities than you can handle? In this episode, Melisa Liberman invites Abbie DuBois to discuss how she made massive changes in her business over the course of 3 months, including filling her pipeline, landing direct clients, and learning to effectively juggle working on the business with working in the business. Not only does Abbie share her successes, she is transparent about the challenges she...
Jun 27, 2024•40 min•Ep. 172
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...
Jun 20, 2024•32 min•Ep. 171
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 ...
Jun 13, 2024•34 min•Ep. 170
Feeling burned out and uninspired as an independent consultant? Are you constantly managing an overwhelming number of responsibilities without finding fulfillment or new challenges? In this episode, features guest Ashley Ryall who shares her experience taking a sabbatical as an independent consultant. In This Episode: When to take a sabbatical as an independent consultant Are you pushing through burnout and feeling disconnected from your work? Do you feel like your business is taking over your l...
Jun 06, 2024•44 min•Ep. 169
Do you feel overwhelmed by the multitude of tasks you juggle as an independent consultant? Are you constantly trying to optimize your processes but still find yourself struggling to achieve a work-life balance? In this episode, Melisa tackles one of the most pressing challenges faced by independent consultants: how to maximize the time you have available as a business owner. In This Episode: Take Back Your Control: Are you sinking hours into systems and processes that aren't actually necessary? ...
May 30, 2024•29 min•Ep. 168
Do you think you only need strategic advice for your independent consulting business? Think again. Many consultants believe they'll reach their goals if they're more consistent in executing their business development routines or are better able to articulate their service offerings and unique value proposition. It seems like having a clearer strategy and set of routines will be the answer to what helps them reach their goals. In Episode 167, Melisa Liberman challenges this notion, revealing why ...
May 23, 2024•36 min
Is your goal to replace your corporate income as an independent consultant? It's common for consultants set revenue goals centered around what they were making in corporate or would be making in corporate had you stayed. You might not realize it but setting goals in this way can backfire for you as a consulting business owner. In Episode 166, Melisa Liberman addresses a common and critical error many independent consultants make: setting revenue goals based on their past corporate income or base...
May 16, 2024•31 min
Are you struggling to get in front of decision-makers? Are you landing meetings with potential clients but then getting stuck because the people you're talking to don’t have a budget or decision-making authority. This is a common problem for independent consultants, but there are ways to make it easier. In this episode, Melisa Liberman discusses strategies for getting in front of the elusive decision-maker so you can effectively sell your consulting work. Melisa explains the importance of unders...
May 09, 2024•35 min
