A friend of mine asked a question that has stuck in my head recently:

What about your service makes it uniquely qualified to solve your client’s problems?

In the past when I was exclusively focused on Redmine, I had an easy answer to this question. But since leaving that niche I’ve struggled to find a unique place to call my own.

The new productized consulting service I’ve been developing hints at a solution but like any product, it’s taking its time to come together.

I don’t have an answer yet, just questions.

But the journey to answer these questions will be an interesting one.

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Marketing Automation For Consultants (getdrip.com)

I’ve been a big fan of using email marketing to build relationships with clients. Drip is my tool of choice and they recently wrote a great article about using marketing automation with email to nurture, warm up, and keep in contact with current, past, and potential clients.

Million Dollar Consulting: Interview with Alan Weiss (consultingsuccess.com)

Michael Zipursky interviews Alan Weiss, one of the leaders of the value-based fees (and author of many other consulting books).

Learn How To Start Freelancing, Find Clients, and Create a Successful Business (theadmin.org) SPONSOR

If you’re starting to freelance or need help finding the ideal clients for you, join my free newsletter for freelancers. With 67+ weekly lessons, you’re sure to learn something new every week.

The New Freelancer’s Guide to Starting Strong (nusii.com)

In this article Hannah Moyer outlines several things you need to do to start freelancing covering your workspace, schedule, marketing, and more.

NO is NOT a Curse Word (curtismchale.ca)

Curtis McHale recently released his business manifesto, NO is NOT a Curse Word. I read it yesterday morning and it’s a nice summary of how to run an actual, respectful business. I think every freelancer or consultant could learn a few things from it.

Value Proposition: If You Don’t Know, Then Neither Do Clients (bidsketch.com)

One fun trick to do: open your top five competitors websites, cross your eyes so things are slightly blurred, and quickly glace at each site for a few seconds. Now, how many of those competitors are offering the exact same thing? How many could swap sites and no one would notice?

This is what happens when everyone has the same value proposition. Terri Scott writes about a few ways you can create your own unique value proposition. One that can stand out.

Portfolios 101: what you need to know to get started (freelancersunion.org)

I don’t agree with all of the advice in here about portfolios, but this is a good resource if you don’t have a portfolio or desperately need to update yours.

My best tip: make sure to include the value and results your client received, in their own words.

7 Tips for a More Effective Work Day (curtismchale.ca)

Working effectively is always going to be better than working efficiently. Curtis McHale highlights seven habits he uses to be more effective every week.

Thanks, I’ll see you next week

Eric Davis (@edavis10)