As a consultant, you know what your niche industry is. Your ideal client is well defined and within your grasp. But what if you want to go after a bigger, corporate client? Expanding your own skills to do so is a smart idea for the enterprising individual. Here are the areas consultants need to master before attempting to land corporate clients.
Develop Your Brand
One of the first things you need established to work with larger clients is a cohesive and developed brand. It’s going to be one of the first things they seek out when deciding if they will pursue a partnership with you.
According to Stanford, 75% of users admit to making judgments about a company’s credibility based on their website’s design. You need an established brand! Check out our article on creating marketing assets to get started.
You also need to have some kind of social media presence. It doesn’t have to be intensive, but it does need to be somewhat active. Your potential clients might check your social media before they even check your site, so make sure to post thoughtful, value-adding content on a regular basis.
Find a Trusted Assessment Provider
If you’re using assessments in your consulting business, you need to find a true partner. There are a lot of options for assessment providers out there, but if you’re going to be working with a corporate client, you need several things. Look for the following in your assessment provider:
- Backed by research and data
- Case studies and testimonials as social proof
- Multiple assessments available, as well as multiple-science assessments
- International presence as well as multiple language options
You’re a talented consultant. Make sure your assessment provider is on the same level as you.-
Highlight Your Certifications & Training
Training is another aspect that corporate clients are going to look for. What kind of training do you have that their organization can benefit from? What are your certifications? Expertise is not always measured by titles, but when working with large companies, it can help get your foot in the door.
Make sure your certifications are listed on your site, with links to the programs that they come from. “Training also helps you learn the right language to connect more effectively with your target audience,” we’ve shared before. “If you know their industry lingo, you’re more likely to make the connection you need to move forward.”
If you’re interested in finding out about training and certification through TTI SI, we’ve got you covered.
Showcase Social & Tangible Proof
Your next step is to show the tangible difference your expertise makes for businesses. Don’t be all talk!
A great way to do this is to curate a library of case studies, testimonials, and hard data about your successes. When you can show beyond a shadow of a doubt what your consulting does for a business, you’ll get the attention of the right people.
Try to gather as many stories from previous and current clients as possible. A diverse portfolio of social proof will help your client understand your vision and specialities.
Make Sure You’re Compliant
Compliance is a crucial concept for your business. It refers to the certifications, privacy, and legal compliance statements that protect the confidentiality, integrity and accessibility of our clients’ data. Compliance differs depending on your location and industry, but you need to be up-to-date in everything you do.
If you’re interested in learning more about TTI SI’s compliance, read more here.
Find Your Dream Clients
Your future success will come from a combination of your hard work, your confidence, and your preparedness for the future. Your ideal clients are waiting out there and they need a consulting solution. Following these steps and improving these areas will ensure that you are the solution they’re looking for.
If you’re a member of our network and want some more inspiration, contact your Business Development Consultant or our Solutions Consultant team to learn more.
If you’re not a member of our network but want to learn more, find the information you need here.
