️Episode 142 – Building A Consultant’s Self-Identity: An Overlooked Success Factor For Consultants

The journey to success as an independent consultant goes beyond implementing effective business strategies. It starts with cultivating a powerful self-identity.

In today’s episode, Melisa explores the foundational element for success as an independent consultant: building a strong consultant self-identity. This identity shapes the work you attract, influences the clients you engage with, and determines your pricing power.

Use today’s insights to conduct a self-audit of your independent consultant identity. Ask yourself:

• How do I perceive myself as a consultant?
• What aspects of my expertise do I emphasize in client interactions?
• Are there dimensions of my identity that I may be overlooking or downplaying?

By intentionally shaping your self-identity, you’ll unlock new possibilities for your consulting business. 

KEY POINTS IN THIS EPISODE:

• [00:28] The importance of today’s topic
• [02:27] Agenda
• [03:46] What inspired this episode
• [13:30] What is self-identity?
• [15:44] Why does self-identity matter?
• [17:11] Three examples of how self-identity impacts your business and solutions
  • [17:45] Nature of the work you attract for your business
    • A consultant wanting to transition from execution-heavy lifting to strategic work. Her self-identity as a “doer” limited her pursuit of strategic projects. By shifting her focus to embrace her strategic capabilities, she transformed her business model and landed more strategic engagements.
  • [25:05] Quality of the clients you attract for your business
    • A consultant faced challenges accessing decision-makers. Her self-identity leaned towards being a helpful executor rather than a strategic advisor. By amplifying her strategic identity, she attracted higher-level discussions, securing projects with clients who valued her holistic consulting approach.
  • [32:13] Pricing and fee your are commanding for your business
    • A consultant consistently undersold her services due to a self-identity centered on being a problem-solver. Shifting to see herself as a strategic advisor allowed her to command higher fees. Clients recognized her comprehensive value, leading to increased income and a stronger consulting brand.
• [37:44] But Melisa
• [40:10] Two companion resources to support you with your self-identity
  • The Independent Consultant’s Toolkit – IC Toolkit
  • Strategy Call – consultMelisa.com 

MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE —

• I invite you to book a Strategy Consultation call with Melisa. On this call, we’ll dive into your business, get clear on your goals and challenges and determine an action plan for you so that you can create the business impact, income, and flexibility that you desire. To book yours, click here.
• Learn more about imposter syndrome and how it is holding you back in your business by listening to Episode 131 – Managing Imposter Syndrome In Your Consulting Business

FOR MORE RESOURCES SPECIFIC TO THE INDEPENDENT CONSULTANT —

1. Discuss working with me as your coach – Click here to schedule your consultation
2. Watch my YouTube Podcast Channel 
3. LinkedIn 
4. Website 

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