Want to stand out in your industry and get hired by your dream consulting clients? This podcast is for you…
I share with you proven strategies for building your unique brand story, based on my communications career experience and 10 years working as an independent consultant. Hear stories and new ideas from my unique community of inspiring independent professionals who are using their passion, purpose and expertise to stand out in their market and niche.
I’d love you to join me on this podcast journey as you explore and build your own brand story.
Episode 10: How to succeed as an independent consultant in 2021
In this episode – the season finale – I reflect on the wisdom I’ve gained from this season’s guests and share ideas for putting all that we’ve learned into action to be a happier and more successful independent consultant in 2021.
I also share with you what we can be positive about going into 2021 and how you can choose to lead with an even more inspiring story in the new year.
In this episode you’ll learn:
- The six key themes that stood out for me in season one
- How a portfolio of client types is possible (and the hidden benefit)
- Why being independent doesn’t have to mean working alone
- Why you’re a leader whether you realise it or not
- My word of the year for 2021
Episode 9: Unleashing your inner rebel with Advita Patel
This week I’m chatting to internal communication and employee experience consultant, Advita Patel.
Advita is managing director of Comms Rebel where she helps organisations revolutionise the way they communicate internally. She’s also co-founder of A Leader Like Me, a subscription service for people who are underrepresented in their workplace, currently working with women of colour who are growing in their leadership journey.
Listen to hear us talk about:
- The challenges of launching a business during the pandemic
- How Advita uses a 90-day plan to stop procrastinating and get the important stuff done
- The surprising outcome when she asked someone to be her mentor •
- How professional bodies can benefit your business
- What embracing your inner rebel could mean for you
Episode 8: How to find your voice as an independent consultant
In this episode, I’m exploring how you can find your voice so you can show up as an expert and a leader.
You will learn:
- How to connect with your audience
- How to write like you speak
- Why using jargon doesn’t make you clever
- What to do if you hate writing
Plus, how you can:
- Use your independent voice with clients
- Share authentic content from the heart
- Help other people to find their voice
Episode 7: Building a community as a consultant – with Laura Ryan
This week I’m chatting with Laura Ryan, marketing expert and founder and global chair of Meat Business Women, a professional group for women in the meat industry. Laura is a role model for women in the meat industry and beyond.
You’ll hear us chat about:
- How COVID has fast-tracked the way we work and communicate – opening opportunities for consultants now we don’t have to be physically in the room.
- How following your passion can deliver remarkable results, even without a clear long-term strategy.
- How to build confidence and variety and manage risk, through a portfolio approach to consulting.
- Why it’s vital to the health of your business to build and nurture your network.
Episode 6: How to use your back story to build your expert status
As an independent consultant deciding how much of your backstory to share can be tricky. If you’re wondering about how much of your backstory to share or how to make your story relevant during the COVID-19 pandemic, this episode is for you. You’ll learn:
- The difference between your backstory and your overall brand story
- How much of your backstory to share
- What to do if you feel your story is boring
- How to make your story relevant during the pandemic
Episode 5: Finding your ideal consulting clients with Caroline Drake
In this episode independent social media expert Caroline Drake talks about combining her passion for sport with her work for organisations that help people become active. We cover a lot of topics. including:
• How Caroline found her first client
• How a clear niche can help your business be memorable
• The benefits of niching for Caroline and her clients
• The importance of values and integrity
• Ignoring the ‘gurus’ and following your gut
Episode 4: How to get hired by your dream consulting client
You spend hours of your week running your independent business. You want to work with people you love working with and with whom you do your best work. Getting hired by your dream client is much simpler than you think but first you have to know who they are. This episode goes beyond traditional marketing approaches to help you discover who your ideal client is, even if you’re just starting out in business.
Episode 3: Working with passion and meaning with Moyra Mackie
In this episode leadership coach Moyra Mackie shares her experience of running a consulting business based on passion, purpose and meaning, including: Selecting ideal clients based on values and attitudes, starting a business in a recession, being a leader when you work on your own, dealing with constant change and writing your own story in work and life.
Episode 2: How to use your passion and purpose to stand out
When you’re juggling all the tasks of running an independent consulting business, it’s easy to lose track of why you do what you do. Yet there’s something irresistible about someone who clearly loves what they do. Listen for inspiration and thought-provoking questions to reconnect with your passion and purpose so you can stand out in your industry.
Episode 1: My personal guide to building your brand story
It seems like everyone is talking about storytelling in business but what exactly is a brand story? Find out how you can use your story to stand out in your industry and attract your dream consulting clients. You’ll also hear the inspiration behind The Leading Story podcast and discover what you can expect over the next 10 weeks. Plus I will reveal who my fabulous guests are in this first series.
Let’s get this story started!