Strategies for Reaching Out to Potential Consulting Clients

If you want more consulting clients, stop waiting for your marketing to bring prospects to you. There’s a faster, more direct way to start talking to the right people: Reach out to them yourself. One by one. And suggest a call. It’s easier than it might seem. AND it even works in a business environment like ours. This is the approach I’ve used for over 10 years - with my own business and with my clients. Here’s what it looks like: 1️⃣ Make a list of people you’d genuinely like to work with. Start with people already in your extended network. They might be past colleagues, warm-ish LinkedIn connections, or second-degree contacts who fit your target market. 2️⃣ Choose a reason to reach out that’s real - and not about selling There are a few ways to do this, but they all need to come from a place of curiosity and respect. Here are three that I use often: Ask for their help. → You’re doing informal research on a problem in their space → You’re writing a short piece and want their input or quote (This only works if you’re actually doing it - and you should be.) Rekindle an existing relationship. → A quick check-in or follow-up after a long gap React to something they’ve shared → You saw something they posted and have a thoughtful POV to add   3️⃣  Keep it simple and easy to respond to Here’s an example using the research approach: “Hi [Name], I’m talking to product marketing leads at B2B SaaS firms about how they’re positioning their analytics tools right now. I’m seeing some interesting patterns and blind spots. If you’re open to a short call, I’d love to hear your take and share what I’m seeing.” Follow up once if you don’t hear back. Then move on. If you do hear back? You’re in a real conversation, which is where clients come from. This is still the fastest path to more and better clients. Most consultants never try it. What’s holding you back?

How to Get Consulting Clients Without Sending a Single Resume You don’t “apply” for consulting work. You attract it. Most executives make the mistake of treating consulting like a job search: ❌ Tweaking their resume ❌ Blindly reaching out to recruiters ❌ Hoping someone “gives them a shot” That’s not how this game works. Companies don’t hire consultants the way they hire employees. They hire trusted experts who can solve urgent, high-value problems. 👉 You don’t need a resume. You need conversations. Here’s how you start landing clients—without ever applying for a “job.” Step 1: Tap Into Your Network (Your Fastest Path to Cash) 80% of your first consulting clients will come through people you already know. Your past colleagues, peers, and industry connections already trust you. They just don’t know you’re available. Here’s your script: “Hey [Name], I’m helping companies [solve big problem]. Who do you know that could benefit from that?” 🚀 Example: Maxwell’s First $50K Client Maxwell, 60+, landed his first consulting deal by reaching out to former colleagues. Instead of asking for a “job,” he positioned himself as an external marketing strategy consultant. Lesson? Your first client is probably sitting in your phone right now. Step 2: Build a LinkedIn Presence That Attracts Clients Your expertise is invisible until you make it public. When companies look for consultants, they don’t check job boards. They check LinkedIn. The 3-Post Strategy to Build Credibility Fast: 1️⃣ Your Availability Post – Announce your transition. Example: 🔹 “After 25+ years in [industry], I’m now advising companies on [problem you solve]. If you’re facing [specific challenge], let’s connect.” 2️⃣ Industry Insights Post – Share a valuable tip, case study, or framework. 🔹 “Most companies struggle with [big challenge]. Here’s a 3-step framework I’ve used to solve it.” 3️⃣ Client Win Post – Share a real success story. 🔹 “Just helped [company] increase [key metric] by X%. The key? [Insight you applied].” Do this for 30 days, and you’ll start getting inbound leads. Step 3: Create a Referral Pipeline That Works for You You should never be the only one promoting you. The One-Line Referral Ask: “Who do you know that needs help with [your expertise]?” 🔹 Why It Works: It’s not a sales pitch—it’s an invitation to help. 🔹 Bonus Hack: Offer a free strategy call to build relationships before selling. 🚀 Example: Gordon’s 5-Week Sprint Gordon, a former teacher pivoting into software sales, had ONE interview in two years. After consistently engaging his network, he booked 50 calls in 5 weeks—leading to 3 paid offers. Final Thought: Stop Applying. Start Connecting. 💡 Your network is your client pipeline. 💡 Your LinkedIn is your credibility builder. 💡 Your referrals are your growth engine. Instead of sending out 50 resumes this month… 📌 Start 50 real conversations. 👉 Who in your network needs to see this today? Drop a comment or tag them below. 🚀

I received this message from an individual repping AI consulting to help companies drive pipeline. It’s wrong for a variety of reasons… “I am interested to explore if we can work together. I’d be happy to grab a virtual cup of coffee or just chat. Always happy to network either way, let’s chat at your convenience.” Nice? Sure. Clear? Not even close. Effective? Nope. Here’s the problem: “Interested to explore if we can work together” — This is vague and passive. What kind of work? Why me? Why now? I share enough content and talk on enough podcasts you should have better research. “Grab a virtual cup of coffee or just chat” — This is the cold outreach version of “wanna hang out sometime?” If you’re selling AI strategy, lead with something more intentional. “Happy to network either way” — This is filler. And worse, it sounds like you’re just collecting connections. If you’re in the AI space (especially consulting) you have to assume you’re not the only person in my inbox pitching “exploration.” Differentiate or be ignored. Especially if I believe I can use AI to write a better email. How to fix it: ✅ Be specific about why you’re reaching out ✅ Show that you’ve done your homework ✅ Lead with value, not vagueness ✅ Make the ask clear and easy to say yes to Example: “Hey Kyle - I’ve been following how you’re structuring your marketing team around AI. I work with companies like X and Y to automate content workflows and reduce campaign time by 40%. Would you be open to a quick chat next week to swap notes?” Short. Personal. Clear. Relevant. If you’re not sending messages like that, you’re just adding noise. And nobody has time for more noise. Nobody.