February 27, 2023
Pivoting After A Layoff
This week on TBOA, Rochelle and I talked about pivoting to consulting after being laid off from a full-time job.
NOTE: This is a special episode designed for people who have never been a consultant before, so it might be a little “beginner-y” for the average TBOA listener. You’ve been warned! :-)
Would you rather read?
This episode was inspired by a guest post I wrote for friend-of-the-list Michael Zipursky over at consultingsuccess.com. If you’d rather read than listen, you can find it here:
Talking Points
Why you want to learn “how to business” — the craft of building a profitable, sustainable business for yourself.
The three most critical areas to master (delivery, sales, and marketing) and how to start practicing each immediately.
What to do now to avoid the “sophomore slump” — your second year when referrals tend to dry up.
Why speaking and writing — even at the very beginning of your business — are worth committing to consistently.
Teaching your contacts how to look out for the key trigger that says it’s time to call you in.
Quotable Quotes
“Use that time (your first year of business) to learn ‘how to business,’ learn the craft of business, building a profitable business that you want to show up and work at every day.”—JS
“(Your pre-layoff work) came to a screeching halt because somebody else made a decision that was outside of your control.”—RM
“You probably think that doing a great job is how you’re gonna magically get new clients.”—JS
“Selling is the art of taking someone who’s interested and showing them how you can help them, how you can transform their situation into something better.”—RM
“Instead of pitching, try to talk prospective clients out of working with you, confidently, and if possible, with some humor.”—JS
“If you’re just getting started, focus on actively listening (in a sales meeting) because your instinct is gonna be to do the opposite.”—RM
“You’re not gonna know who your ideal buyer is. You might not even know who your target market is, but you do want to show up in places where people who might have problems you can solve are hanging out.”—JS
“Think in terms of a trigger: what does that other person have to hear to know that they should call you in?”—RM
Sharing is caring!
If you enjoyed this episode, please consider sharing it with a few friends who might find it useful. Thanks!
Yours,
—J