In this blog article, I will discuss some essential rules for consulting internationally. The practical insights gained from real-world experiences with diverse clients—each with their unique cultural, logistical, and business needs—make these rules more than just theoretical knowledge.
These guidelines will help you navigate all aspects of conducting business internationally, from establishing trust in foreign markets to adapting your consulting style to fit various cultures. Over the years, I have refined my insights into a set of core principles that can serve as a roadmap for any consultant aiming to expand globally.
Must Follow Rules for Building Winning Consultancy
Rule 1: Stay courageous and diligent.
When starting a consulting business, it’s important to consider several key factors, including scheduling, risks, benefits, and drawbacks. One significant aspect to be aware of is loss aversion, which can hinder growth by making us more focused on potential losses than motivated by possible gains. While thorough planning is essential, it is also crucial to remain open to opportunities for growth. It’s easy to find excuses to avoid taking action.
Look beyond current obstacles and adopt a broader perspective to achieve your goals. Commitment to your objectives is essential; balancing practical considerations with dedication will drive your consulting toward growth and success.
Rule 2: Adopt a positive mindset.
Being a consultant can be a lonely experience. Transitioning from managing a large team to working independently means you must handle everything yourself, from delivering proposals to maintaining the copier. This shift is a humbling one, requiring both perseverance and practicality. It’s crucial to maintain a dedicated attitude, as starting a consulting business is challenging, and immediate success should not be anticipated. Despite the loneliness, it’s important to stay resilient and put in the hard work.
Remember that, even if others may not yet recognize it, you are the expert in your field. Take the initiative to share your knowledge through blogs, podcasts, or other online platforms. Building your brand and gaining the trust of your clients depends on establishing a solid reputation.
Rule 3: Be ready to work hard for it.
Starting a consulting firm requires significant effort and dedication. It involves long hours, confronting unexpected challenges, and maintaining perseverance through tough times. Achieving success demands diligence, thorough preparation, and continuous effort; it never occurs overnight.
Hard work is not only about completing tasks but also involves continuous learning, growth, and going the extra mile for your clients. Remember that every obstacle you overcome and every effort you put in will contribute to building a successful company.
Rule 4: Acknowledge your shortcomings and make changes.
When I started my consultancy, I was familiar with commercial business models and selling products to large companies, but I had limited knowledge about running a small business. To address this gap, I partnered with a former coworker who had extensive business expertise. He provided valuable insights in areas where I lacked experience. Recognizing that everyone has different weaknesses, it’s essential to seek help when needed. Very few people can excel in every aspect of business, so asking for support is crucial.
Rule 5: Make long-term, strategic choices.
Starting your own company gives you the power to make decisions, but some of those decisions should be long-term investments. For instance, when we launched our podcast, we invested both time and money without knowing what the outcome would be. Now, with 15,000 downloads per month, it’s clear that our efforts were worthwhile.
Patience is essential when planning for success, as profitability often takes longer to achieve than anticipated. Sixty-five percent of new businesses fail within ten years due to initial challenges. Rather than expecting quick profits, entrepreneurs should prepare for lean years and commit to long-term growth.
Rule 6: Create creative, distinctive insights.
In the consulting industry, it’s essential to have a distinctive offering. If you provide the same services as everyone else, what will make customers choose you? When I first entered the field of customer experience, my uniqueness lay in my emphasis on the emotional aspect of consumer behavior.
Over time, this expanded to include behavioral sciences, resulting in our unique intellectual property. This approach requires continuous development and progress; your knowledge is only valuable if it stays current. I wouldn’t be as creative if I relied on ideas from two decades ago. To maintain and enhance the value you offer, it is essential to consistently generate new insights.
Rule 7: Deliver real value to customers or your audience.
It is essential to provide value to your customers. Our podcast and newsletter demonstrate this, as evidenced by our growing subscriber base, which shows that our content is beneficial. Referrals and repeat business from clients are additional indicators of the value we provide. As a consultant, it is your responsibility to effectively communicate your knowledge. Even the best ideas can have limited impact if they are not presented in an understandable manner. Therefore, sharing knowledge in a relatable way is crucial for success.
Rule 8: Focused on your goals
Stay focused on the areas where you excel, and resist the temptation to take on high-paying projects that are outside your expertise. While “staying in your lane” might mean passing up some attractive opportunities, it helps you maintain your brand integrity and avoid producing mediocre work. Venturing into unfamiliar territory for short-term gains can harm your reputation. Instead, concentrate on delivering value in your field of expertise to establish yourself as a trustworthy authority in the industry.
Final Thought
Consulting internationally presents unique opportunities and challenges, but adhering to some fundamental principles can lead to success. Building a strong foundation involves being flexible, culturally aware, and committed to forming lasting relationships. While it requires effort, a dedication to learning and the ability to navigate differences in communication and expectations can lead to a fulfilling global consulting experience. By following these straightforward guidelines, staying focused on your expertise, and being prepared to make a significant impact worldwide, you can achieve great success in this field.