Episode 185 – Using AI to 10x Your Independent Consulting Business (and much more) with Gabrielle Tenaglia

In Episode 185 of the Grow Your Independent Consulting Business Podcast, Melisa is joined by Gabrielle Tanaglia, a fractional CMO and head of marketing at Lettuce. Gabrielle shares her journey of building a successful consulting business while navigating the complexities of taxes and back-office management.

She also highlights how tools like Lettuce and AI can streamline operations and save you valuable time, allowing you to focus on what you do best—serving your clients. If you’re struggling with tax management or looking to transition from project-based work to more fractional roles, this episode is packed with actionable insights.

Key Topics Covered:

1. The S-Corp Advantage:
   • Gabrielle explains how converting her business to an S-Corp saved her thousands in self-employment taxes.
   • Learn how to structure your business to maximize tax savings and increase take-home pay.
2. Leveraging AI for Marketing and Operations:
   • Gabrielle shares how she uses AI to scale her marketing efforts and streamline back-office tasks, allowing her to focus on high-value activities.
3. Transitioning from Projects to Fractional Work:
   • How Gabrielle shapes her client engagements and uses project-based work as a pathway to long-term, fractional CMO roles.
4. Back-Office Management:
   • Discover how tools like Lettuce make it easier to manage the financial and operational aspects of your consulting business, from taxes to invoicing.

Quotes to Remember:

• “I traded my time and sanity for $20,000 in savings.”
• “The IRS wants small businesses to succeed, and there are strategies available—like the S-Corp—that can save you money, but most consultants don’t know about them.”
• “AI can help you 10x your output if you know how to use it correctly.”

Mentioned in the episode:

• Lettuce.co
• Lettuce Tax Calculator
• Lettuce Free Business Assessment
• Butterhead music video
• Power to the Solopreneur video
• Follow Lettuce on LinkedIn
• Gabrielle Tenaglia’s LinkedIn

Stop overpaying your taxes and start optimizing your consulting business. Whether you’re looking for tax strategies, back-office support, or marketing efficiency, this episode has everything you need to take your business to the next level.

FOR MORE RESOURCES SPECIFIC TO THE INDEPENDENT CONSULTANT —

1. Take the IC Business Health Assessment
2. Discuss working with Melisa as your coach – Click here to schedule your consultation.
3. Buy the book – Grow Your Consulting Business: The 14-Step Roadmap to Make Your Independent Consulting Goals a Reality
4. Watch my YouTube Podcast Channel
5. LinkedIn 
6. Website