A First-Person Journey Into the Start of a Consultancy
We’ve all been that person — the new kid on the block trying to navigate and fit in amongst the crowd.
It can be exciting and inspiring, but can also awkward and overwhelming at the same time.
As a first-time attendee of TTISICon, I am also at the start of my consulting journey, where many of you were at one time and might even be at today. We all have one thing in common — and that was the decision to join the TTI family.
I use the word family in a real sense of the word.
New VAAs like myself might have reservations about attending a boot camp or conference, because we might be concerned about direct payoff and value, especially if we are a one-man operation.
There might also be concerns how you will be perceived by more experienced VAAs. Maybe you have a different background and are not sure how to connect with others. Or maybe you are worried about the social aspect of the conference.
There are many perceptions someone might have that could prevent them from attending a boot camp or conference.
However, I’m here to tell you my initial reservations and perceptions prior to arriving at TTISICon have flipped 180 degrees from the reality of this week.
Boot Camp
Initially, I was concerned the information would be too complex for a rookie VAA trying to navigate the learning process amongst more established network associates.
But then reality kicked in — and it was beyond easy to follow along with and understand the content coming our way. I like to think our facilitators, Adam Wong and Favor Larson, developed a great plan and were able to easily connect with the entire group, no matter our level of expertise.
Both Adam and Favor were available for Q&A throughout, as was other TTI staff. What you learn in boot camp is extremely valuable to setting yourself up for success in your individual consulting practices.
One of the best parts of boot camp was the interaction I had with other VAAs.
When I said family earlier, I have heard many organizations make and preach that statement but not truly live it. TTI provides that family type of experience that is truly unmatched.
The incredible diversity of experience, specialties and niches shared during boot camp was motivating. I’ve found that the VAA network isn’t a competitive atmosphere; it truly is a collaborative network of professionals who want to share their expertise with anyone and everyone alike.
One of the other benefits of boot camp were the networking opportunities, because it gave me and other fellow attendees proper context for attending conference. The ability to interact with more tenured VAAs through meaningful conversation was invaluable.
TTISICon 16
Like any new employee or associate of a group, you have initial reservations about whether you will be accepted and feel comfortable in a new setting.
Similarly, when I arrived to boot camp and conference, I had general ideas of where I wanted to go. Thanks to the support of my fellow VAAs, I have been able to narrow down my focus and define who I am as a consultant.
There wasn’t a single person I interacted with who was not supportive, encouraging and willing to share their perspective in answering a rookie’s questions. Even when I ran on and on sometimes…
I was able to receive amazing tips and advice on everything from marketing, web design, social media, coaching, client engagement, debriefing, pricing and more.
Thank you to everyone at TTISICon who mentored me and made us rookies and first timers feel welcome! If you have not attended boot camp or conference, start making plans today for the next one. I guarantee you will not regret it!
Good luck to everyone, and best wishes for a successful 2016!
