Jonathan StarkProvidence, RI · December 9–10, 2026
Kickstart Your Pipeline
A one-day, in-person workshop for consultants searching for a systematic and dignified way to generate new business.
The usual tactics aren’t working
Something changed. Your newsletter, podcast, and social posts aren’t bringing in leads like they used to. Referrals, repeat clients, and word of mouth are great when you get them, but they’re alarmingly unpredictable.
You dread the idea of spamming people, buying ads, or clowning around on social media, but you’re starting to think you have no other options.
But wait! I’ve got good news… Spam, ads, and algo antics are not your only options.
What we’ll do instead
Join me in Providence this December and I’ll give you a new way to do biz dev that is systematic, dignified, rewarding, and dare I say it…? Maybe even a little bit fun.
In the workshop, you’ll learn:
- Why a sales funnel has become the wrong model for relationship-driven consulting businesses—and what to build instead.
- How to create legitimate, non-sales reasons to have one-on-one conversations with the kinds of people you want to serve.
- How to get introductions without asking anyone to explain, pitch, or sell you.
- How to make each conversation worthwhile even if it never leads to a sale.
- How to turn all of this into a repeatable practice that makes qualified opportunities more likely over time.
This won’t just be theory. We’ll put it into practice. By the end of the workshop, you’ll have kickstarted your own business development engine for attracting more and better leads over time—without chasing strangers or turning every conversation into a sales call.
Who this workshop is for
This workshop is for you if you’ve delivered paid work for clients, can describe the kinds of problems you solve, know who you want to help (or are ready to narrow it down), and are open to trying something new.
For over a decade, I’ve taught and advised more than a thousand consultants on positioning, publishing, pricing, negotiation, and sales.
None of that matters if nobody’s paying attention.
Positioning, publishing, pricing, negotiation, and sales all assume somebody is listening.
This workshop is about what comes before that.
You’ll leave Kickstart Your Pipeline with new ways to uncover demand, start conversations, and attract qualified opportunities.
When and where
Kickstart Your Pipeline is a dinner and one-day workshop in Providence, Rhode Island, on December 9 and 10, 2026.
We’ll start with dinner Wednesday from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM. The workshop runs Thursday from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Wednesday dinner and Thursday lunch are on me; you’re on your own for breakfast and snack breaks.
If you’re coming from out of town, you’ll only need to spend one night in Providence. We’ve got a great airport and Amtrak station minutes from the location, so it’s a quick in and out.
I’ll send the exact dinner and workshop locations after you register.
Questions
The workshop
How experienced do I need to be?
What really matters isn’t how long you’ve been in business. What matters is whether you’ve delivered results to happy clients. If you have, you’ve got enough experience for this workshop.
Is this cold outreach?
No. You won’t be spamming strangers or buying lists.
What happens after I register?
Once you register, I’ll email you to confirm your seat and ask about any dietary restrictions. As we get closer to the workshop, I’ll send the exact dinner and workshop locations, along with a short worksheet to complete before you arrive.
What’s included in the price?
The early-registration fee is $1,497 through November 10. After that, registration is $1,997. The fee includes Wednesday dinner, Thursday lunch, and the full-day workshop. Travel and lodging are not included.
What if I need to cancel?
If you cancel by November 25, I’ll refund your registration fee in full. After November 25, registration is nonrefundable, but you may transfer your seat to someone else through December 8.
Will there be time to discuss my specific situation?
Yes. The workshop is limited to ten people so we’ll have time to discuss your business and answer questions as we go.
How should I prepare?
No required reading. Before the workshop, I’ll send you a short worksheet about your current sources of business, the kinds of clients you want more of, and what you’ve already tried. Bring that, a laptop, and whatever notes or materials you use to manage your current sales pipeline and customer relationships. I’ll provide everything else you’ll need (including WiFi).
Are there any other social events?
We’ll also have lunch together on Thursday. Other than that, there are no scheduled social events or official programming after the workshop ends at 4:00 PM.
Can someone else from my firm attend with me?
Yes, as long as seats remain. Each attendee needs to register separately.
Will the workshop be recorded?
No. It's a working session, not a webinar. You will leave with the slides and other materials, but the real deliverable is knowing what to start doing on Monday.
Getting there and staying
How many nights will I need to stay in Providence?
One. We’ll have dinner Wednesday at 6:30 PM and wrap up Thursday at 4:00 PM.
What’s the best way to get to Providence?
If you’re flying, use Rhode Island T. F. Green International Airport (PVD), about 15 minutes from downtown Providence. If you’re coming from Boston or New York, Amtrak brings you directly into downtown. From there, it’s a very short taxi ride to hotels, AirBNBs, the restaurant, and the workshop location.
Where should I stay?
I’ll send you a short list of nearby hotels after you register.
What will the weather be like?
Over the past five years, December 10 in Providence has averaged a high of 46°F and a low of 32°F, with no snow. Now that I’ve put that in writing, expect a blizzard.
Don’t spend 2027 wondering where your next client is coming from.
$1,497 through Nov 10 • 10 seats remaining