How to Start Consulting: Know Your Positioning
For many professionals, RTO (Return to Office) mandates have sparked a career crossroads. Some are going back. Others are realizing: Maybe it’s time to do things differently.
If you’ve ever thought about consulting—as a career break, a side gig, or a long-term path—you don’t have to go “all in” overnight.
You don’t need a perfect business plan or a huge LinkedIn following to start. What matters most is clarity—on what you offer, who you help, and how people can refer you.
How to Start Consulting: Know Your Positioning
If you’re just starting out, positioning might sound overwhelming. But at its core, it’s about answering a few key questions that every client has:
✔️ Who do you serve?
✔️ What specific problems do you solve?
✔️ What makes you different from others offering similar services?
✔️ What outcomes can you deliver that clients actually care about?
For example, let’s say you’re an HR executive with years of compliance experience. You’ve spent your career making sure companies meet regulatory standards—but how does that translate into consulting?
Positioning Example: Compliance Consultant
Here’s potential answers for this compliance consultant.
Types of Companies You Can Help:
✔️ Small to mid-sized businesses that don’t have a full-time compliance team.
✔️ Startups or growing businesses expanding into new regions that need updated policies.
Specific Problems You Solve:
✔️ Navigating complex labor laws and compliance issues.
✔️ Helping overwhelmed HR teams implement clear, actionable solutions.
What Makes You Different:
✔️ Hands-on experience dealing with real-world compliance challenges.
✔️ Ability to simplify complex regulations into practical, easy-to-follow steps.
Outcomes You Deliver:
✔️ Risk reduction—helping businesses avoid costly compliance mistakes.
✔️ Efficient, streamlined policies that HR teams can implement with confidence.
Positioning is Your North Star
Once you have this clarity, you’re in a great position to move forward. These answers should inform everything you do – from your LinkedIn profile, website, and even the content you create. Because the more completely you articulate your positioning, the more likely you will be known for it.
💡 Need help? Download the toolkit: “Repackage Yourself for Consulting Success.”