changing directions..how to push my consulting biz

[Bell Ringer]

Hey it has been a while since I posted so I want to say hello to those who have helped in the past. I may recap some things as new members may not have read any of my threads.

I had been trying to find funding for a bar and grill venture since the first of the year and have had no success. However I have now decided that what may be best is to build on what I have as opposed to banging my head against the wall looking for an investor. Those who dont know, I have 17 year experience in the business and have had contracts as an independent consultant to the hospitality industry. It was my desire to open and operate a bar and grill but have not found the funding. So now I am turning to the cosulting and really want to get aggressive about building up the buiness there. I have always relied on word of mouth and chance meetings, but that is not enough to build a client base large enough to make it lucrative enough to be my sole source of income.

I am looking at developing a website to extend my reach, also a virtual office and even adding services offered (ie staffing and placement). I know there are some great ideas amongst the contributers of this forum and I would appreciate some advise. I do have colleagues that I can tap for projects on a free lance basis and if the business can grow I can bring on some additional talent in a full time capacity. I have quality references and experience myself including a contract from one of the largest full service casual dining concepts in the industry.

It's ironic that I can help owners grow their businesses yet I am looking for advise on growing my own. Thanks to all who reply

[Bell Ringer]

I was hoping to have to advise by now but after 31 views no one has anything to offer. That's ok. I am also speaking with a gentleman from SCORE (Senior Corporate Officers and Retired Executives).

[David]

Sorry, what kind of help are you looking for?

[Bell Ringer]

I was just looking for advise on pushing the name and attracting more clients. It's not something that I can not manage myself I just thought maybe there would be some members with experience in growing a consulting agency. One administrator did in fact send me a PM wich I appreciate. That is all I had in mind. Thank you for asking.

[ca. club owner]

hey bell ringer whats happening... I know I got to be the last person you thought would chime in on you... lol... But I will extend you a lil help, the consulting part of the business by far is your strongest point.

Going about being a consultant and getting your firm off the ground is about the same as getting a promoting company off the ground. Its really all the same method, but instead talking to a club about promoting there business. You are talking to companies about how to help them grow. Its pretty much the same speech. If your good at promotions then you should be ok. Or the best thing you can do is, get with your friends like you have mentioned an help them with what they got going. As well as anyone else in yours as well as there pool of people in business. Build you a web page about what you can offer as well as add on there the business or the companies you have helped turn around. Things like, what you did. How much they grew in the time you helped. etc etc

Consulting is an all word of mouth business pretty much. The more companies you change for the better the more business will come your way. If you need a good web designer I know a company that is one of the best. They can help with internet marketing an other things like that for you. Best of luck to you...

Money Talks In All Languages

[Bell Ringer]

Consulting is definitly what has the most immediate viable potential for profit for myself. I have done what I've done in the past just by "falling into it" and never marketed myself with any real effort. The website is my first oder of business. Also setting up a virtual office to handle inbounds and faxes. Yesterday I attended a networking group luncheon and am interested in looking into other similar groups. I met with a lender/lease specialist yesterday as well and we have agreed to strategically align which opened the door for further ideas. Through the business alliances I have already I can offer assistance beyond my and my partners experiences and areas of specialization. I know that what I really need to do is marketing of the business and get set up to handle the growth. Once I have that, you are absolutely correct, the clients will market me better than I could ever do myself. I am looking into what kind of software may be needed to compete with these recruiting and placement firms. I would like to add human capitol as a service eventually as it is one of the fastest growing segments today.

Thanks Cali
best regards
B

[ca. club owner]

Sounds like you are on your way... The virtual office is a good idea for getting started. There are many companies to use. I used a place long time ago called HQ. They are really really good. They handle everything for you. I dont have one complaint about the company. Here is a lil link for you to check out.. noproblem on the advice fella... thats what this place is for.. If you need any marketing help let me know. There are a few ways to go about it where it wont cost you a whole lot of cash to get the word out....

http://www.hq.com/offices/search/results.htm?lnk=FND-BOX-BUT&grp=HOM

[Coach]

ca. club owner

My email address is wells96@gmail.com . If you would please email me I would like to ask you a few questions directly. I sent you a private message but have not received a response so I am not sure if it went through.

Thanks

[Bell Ringer]

Up date. I came across my current client shortly after posting this thread. Currently I am in a 10 week contract and it looks like it may extend if I am willing to do so. I have not yet put a website together for my services as I keep falling into opportunities. However, I realize that I need to get to work pushing the marketing of my services so that I can keep a steady flow. I just have been lucky finding new clietns around every corner. This is very beneficial though as I continue to build a list of past clients which continue to call me with small projects. It's almost like the car business how the clients come back to me with little things to work on for them. A trust relationship has been established and I understand the owners' needs and unique visions.

I will let you all know when I have the virtual office up and going, but until then I can be reached here or at bell-ringers@hotmail.com. Thanks for all the advise. ~B. Fortner