How Can I Restart My Consulting Business Successfully?

[pampereddrea]

I was a consultant for almost 2 years when I had to take a 6 month break because of personal issues. Also, I'd been struggling with getting bookings & sales the entire time... I'd have a great show, then get no more bookings. I'd do well one month then nothing for three or four and of course end up inactive. I was spending a lot more than I was making trying to keep afloat. Now I'm trying to get going again... unfortunately, most of my past hosts & customers are my family, friends, and neighbors and I've worn them all out!! I need to look elsewhere for business, but don't know where or how to start! I have no other contacts, no co-workers besides my fellow consultants. I'm completely starting over, but with less resources!! Oh, and I've already made phone calls to past customers & hosts who cancelled.

Any ideas where to begin?? June has been a dud :'( I don't want to do the same with July!

 

[MORFIA]

go interactive book 8 in 2 weeks---See how this works---Listen to the Move it you wont loose it CD

 

[legacypc46]

When I went to Leadership, there was a woman at the New Directors Breakfast who moves her business every two years because of her husband's job (not military). Despite that kind of turmoil, she is tremendously successful (she was sitting at Doris's table). I asked her how she started from scratch over and over again.

One of the things she does is approach small shop owners in her new town and introduce herself. She explains she has just relocated her business and is looking for an initial client base interested in hosting a show (or any referrals).

I moved a month later to a town where I knew no one. So I tried her approach...and got a lot of friendly no's (and some brush-offs). But I got a couple yes's and that was all I needed.

You can use a similar approach but say you are restarting your business. You are a small business owner yourself. Also, the CD Morfia referenced is great.

Lastly, your word choice can make it a little easier too. You can ask people to do shows for you or you can offer to do shows for them.

 

[PChefPEI]

Here's a few ideas off the top of my head:

- Ask friends and family for references
- Make some posters and put up in grocery stores, malls, etc
- Have your own show
- Set up a table at a local fair

Good luck! We're all cheering for ya!

 

[pampereddrea]

Thanks for the ideas. I'll look into the CD. Here's hoping - and working hard - for the best!