Experience Is Your Best Teacher: Learning and Growing as a Consultant

Embracing Challenges, Mistakes, and Lessons to Elevate Your Consulting Career

Hey there, aspiring consultants! Are you contemplating the idea of starting your own consulting business? Are you getting caught up in endless debates about what it takes to be a successful consultant? Well, it's time to put all those arguments aside and focus on what truly matters: being a good consultant. In the words of an age-old saying, "Don't waste any more time arguing what a good person should be. Be one." Let's dive into the essence of this quote and discover how it can guide you on your consulting journey.

Be Authentic:

One of the key principles to keep in mind when embarking on your consulting venture is authenticity. There is no universal definition of a "good consultant." The consulting field is vast and diverse, and what works for one consultant may not work for another. Rather than getting stuck in endless debates about what traits and skills you should possess, focus on being true to yourself.

Embrace your unique experiences, knowledge, and personality. These are the very things that will set you apart from others and attract clients who resonate with your authentic self. Remember, being a great consultant means being true to who you are and bringing your own individual flair to the table.

Take Action:

The path to becoming a successful consultant isn't paved with theoretical discussions alone. It requires action. While it's essential to gain knowledge and equip yourself with the necessary skills, at some point, you need to take the plunge and start doing the work. Don't let the fear of making mistakes or not being fully prepared hold you back.

Instead of wasting time debating every little aspect of your business, focus on taking tangible steps forward. Start small if you must, but make progress every day. Take on projects, engage with potential clients, and build your network. The more action you take, the more experience you gain, and the more refined your consulting skills become.

Learn from Experience:

The journey of a consultant is marked by continuous learning and growth. You'll encounter various challenges, make mistakes, and learn valuable lessons along the way. Instead of striving for perfection right from the start, embrace the idea that experience is the best teacher.

Each project and client interaction will provide you with unique insights and opportunities for improvement. Embrace these experiences as valuable stepping stones in your consulting career. By learning from both your successes and failures, you'll continually evolve and become a better consultant.

Buy Zero Dollar Consultancy

Looking for a shortcut to this? I’ve laid out my best lessons - including going deeper into the above - and my top 10 tools in my new book, Zero Dollar Consultancy. Early reviews are in, and here’s what a few folks are saying.

The book is refreshing for its lack of BS. Phil covers it all – and in such clear, concise language, step by step. Debbie A. Call

This book is easy to read and very valuable to new entrepreneurs or smaller businesses that want to add consulting or grow their business. One thing Phil mentioned saved me hundreds of dollars right away. Ron M

[Zero Dollar Consultancy] provides a clear roadmap to starting your own consultancy with little to no money. It guides you thru easy steps that allow you to create a strong presence. Dr. Karen A. Jacobson

Starting a consulting business can be an exhilarating yet overwhelming endeavor. It's easy to get caught up in debates about what it means to be a good consultant. However, the true essence lies in action and authenticity. Aspire to be the best version of yourself, leveraging your unique skills and experiences.

Remember, don't waste precious time arguing about the qualities and attributes of a successful consultant. Instead, take action, learn from your experiences, and refine your approach as you go along. By embodying the quote, "Don't waste any more time arguing what a good man should be. Be one," you'll set yourself on the path to becoming an exceptional consultant. So, go out there, be authentic, take action, and make your mark in the world of consulting!