Struggling to strike the right balance between giving away free advice and landing those coveted consulting gigs? You're not alone. As fractional executives, we've all wrestled with this dilemma at some point.
Here's the thing: your value isn't just in the information you possess - it's in your ability to execute and deliver results. Giving away tidbits of advice won't diminish your worth. In fact, it can be a powerful strategy to build authority, legitimize your expertise, and ultimately, attract high-paying clients.
The Power of Strategic Information Sharing
Picture this: you're chatting with a potential client who's eager to pick your brain. They want to tap into your unique experience and insights. Your instinct might be to hold back, fearing that you'll give away too much for free.
But here's the secret: sharing valuable information in a strategic way can actually work in your favor. By asking thought-provoking questions and sharing relevant anecdotes from your own experiences, you're demonstrating your expertise and building trust with the prospect.
Even if you share a wealth of information during a 30-45 minute intro call, the prospect still won't be able to execute on it effectively without your ongoing guidance. They'll recognize the value of having access to your brain on a regular basis.
Setting Boundaries and Valuing Your Time
Of course, there's a limit to how much you should give away for free. You've worked hard to accumulate your knowledge and skills, so it's crucial to set clear boundaries and value your time.
If a prospect keeps pushing for more and more free advice, it's time to have an honest conversation. You can say something like, "I'm happy to share more insights, but let's come up with a formal arrangement so I can give you everything you need." This approach shows that you value your expertise while still being open to collaboration.
The Long-Term Benefits of Generosity
When you approach sales calls with a genuine desire to help, magic happens. Even if the prospect isn't ready to buy right away, leaving them feeling inspired, educated, and positive about their interaction with you can pay off in spades.
They might not work with you immediately, but they'll remember the value you provided and the confidence you exude. Down the line, when they need your services or know someone who does, guess who they'll think of first? That's right - you!
Putting It All Together
So, how can you implement this approach in your own fractional consulting business? Here are a few key takeaways:
- Don't be afraid to share valuable insights during intro calls. It legitimizes your expertise and builds trust.
- Ask thought-provoking questions in your area of expertise to demonstrate your knowledge.
- Share relevant anecdotes and experiences to illustrate your points and showcase your unique perspective.
- Set clear boundaries around your time. One intro call is usually sufficient before discussing a formal arrangement.
- Follow up with prospects periodically to stay top-of-mind and continue providing value.
Remember, being generous with your knowledge doesn't devalue your worth - it amplifies it. By strategically sharing insights and building authority, you'll attract the high-value clients you deserve.
So go ahead, give away some free advice. Just make sure to do it with purpose, confidence, and a touch of that signature fractional executive edge!
Mylance
This value-added article was written by Mylance. Mylance takes your marketing completely off your hands. We build the marketing machine that your Fractional Business needs, but you don't have time to run. So it operates daily, growing your brand, completely done for you.
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From Uber to Fractional COO to Mylance founder, I've run my own $25k / mo consulting business, and now put my business development strategy into a service that takes it all off your plate, and powers your business