Consulting¶

How to ask for Referrals (Among other things)

How can I help? Do you know anyone that could use my help? Do you know anyone that could use my services?

These are all examples of exceptionally low agency questions. Not only is it difficult to answer the question, you subject your victim to a lot of additional work and thinking in their busy day.

It's like seeing your mom sweating away busy cooking, chopping vegetables and asking "How can I help?" It's a lot of work to manage you, and it's a lot of work to think about what you can do. Now she has to consider what's in your ability, what the unfinished work is, and prioritize that versus the other.

This post is my simple framework on how I ask.

Indie Consulting

As I've shared insights on building a consulting practice, marketing strategies, and referral techniques, it's important to understand the unique position of indie consulting in the broader landscape. In this post, we'll explore how indie consulting differs from traditional large-scale consulting firms and why it can offer more value to clients.

Indie consulting is fundamentally distinct from the practices of well-known institutions. For a critical perspective on these large firms, I recommend watching John Oliver's insightful critique of McKinsey or this concise TikTok video that encapsulates the issues with big consulting firms.

In contrast to these large firms, indie consulting focuses on specialized expertise, direct accountability, and long-term value creation for clients. It's about leveraging personal experience and skills to solve specific problems, rather than applying generic frameworks or strategies. This approach aligns closely with the pricing strategies and tools I've discussed in previous posts, all aimed at delivering maximum value to clients.