What do you do if you're struggling to find clients as a self-employed sustainability consultant?

To attract more clients: 1. Begin by pinpointing your unique strengths and expertise within the sustainability field. 2. Identify a specific audience that can benefit most from your specialized skills. 3. Tailor your services, marketing efforts, and communications to address this narrower audience's unique needs and challenges. 4. Engage with industry networks and leverage educational content to establish yourself as a thought leader in your niche. 5. Be prepared to make adjustments based on what you learn about your ideal clients' evolving needs. This focused approach not only makes your offerings more relevant and appealing but also increases the likelihood of connecting with clients who need your expertise.

🌱 Attract clients that value sustainability: - Craft a compelling pitch that resonates with prospects. - Highlight the concrete benefits and outcomes of your sustainability solutions. - Tailor your message to address industry pain points, showcasing sustainability as a strategic business move. - Remember, you're not just offering a service; you're solving problems and driving positive changes, showcasing sustainability's value as a smart business decision, fostering a more sustainable future for all.

Networking is a long-term strategy that requires nurturing relationships and providing value. By networking smartly, you can expand your professional network, generate leads, and uncover valuable business opportunities in the sustainability field.

Remember to maintain a consistent presence on social media by posting regularly, engaging with your audience, and responding to comments and messages promptly. By establishing yourself as a knowledgeable and trusted resource, you increase the likelihood of attracting potential clients and converting social media engagements into valuable business opportunities.

Workshops provide a valuable platform to establish yourself as a thought leader in the sustainability space, connect with potential clients, and showcase the value you can provide. By delivering high-quality content and engaging experiences, you can effectively demonstrate your approach and expertise, ultimately attracting new clients to your business.

By diversifying your service offerings, you position yourself as a comprehensive sustainability partner for clients seeking a holistic approach. This not only expands your market reach but also strengthens your overall value proposition and competitive advantage in the industry.

Effective follow-up is not about being pushy or aggressive. It's about building relationships, staying engaged, and providing ongoing value. By being persistent and maintaining regular communication, you increase your chances of success in business development.

Here are some key takeaways I got from a workshop I attended: 1. Focus on effective marketing. It's not just about promoting your services, but about finding solutions to your client's needs. 2. When cold emailing, use good SEO and write personalized emails. Mention things you've discussed with the client or learned about them through research. 3. Work on people skills. Don't come off as someone just trying to make a sale. It's not about you or your service, it's about what the client needs. Aim for genuine connections with people. 4. Practice active listening. 5. Remember, if you're doing most of the talking in a conversation with a potential client, you're probably not going to land them.

Ultimately to close a deal with a client you need to be talking to them about what is relevant to them in that moment. Thus, as well as all the points above about your positioning and pitch, it is critical to get the timing right. To do that consider who you know in the organisations to help you understand the view on Sustainability as well as ensuring you have built a profile that means people will reach out when they suddenly realise they want an expert on that topic.