Business Development
As an independent consultant, getting new clients is usually the most challenging part of building your business. Never fear, PICA is here to help with online content and live events.
This section of PICA's resources will help you expand your thinking and establish some practices that should bear fruit over time.
Whether you're just starting out, or you're more established, you'll find this section useful. Foundational concepts are listed first, followed by resources listed by lifecycle stage. PICA members have access to members-only content in this section, as well as web workshops, virtual roundtables, PICA's Office Hours, or by emailing PICA's Chief Advocate. Non-members and members alike can access free content below.
Foundational Concepts for Every Independent Professional
| Lifecycle Stage | Title | Description | |
|---|---|---|---|
  |
Consultant, Contractor, Freelancer: Labels Matter! | The terms you use impact how potential clients perceive you, how they pay you, and even how much they're willing to pay. | |
 |
Tap into Consulting's Secret Club to Help Grow Your Business | Successful consultants follow an unspoken code. PICA's Chief Advocate lets you in on the secret. |
Resources on Business Development
| Lifecycle Stage | Title | Description | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Using Online Platforms to Boost Your Billings | Learn how to use online consulting platforms like Catalant to get new projects. Six of the largest platforms are reviewed along with links to their websites to sign up. | |
|
|
Supplement Your Pipeline with Consulting Agencies | Realize the pros and cons of working with an agency, get questions for starting your research, and discover some of the better-known consulting agencies. | |
| |
Build Credibility as a Consultant with Success Stories | Use short stories or mini case studies to build your credibility before you've even had a conversation with a prospective client. | |
|
|
Shift Your Perspective to Make Business Development Easier | Most consultants struggle with business development. A simple shift in thinking can make this easier. | |
|
|
Business Development = Relationship Development | Business development does not equal sales. Be sure you understand the difference! This article by PICA's Chief Advocate includes seven tricks for making it easier. | |
   |
From Contacts to Contracts: Use a "Love List" for Solopreneur Success | Most solopreneurs find the majority of their work through referrals or repeat business. Learn how to use a "love list" to keep your name fresh in people's minds. | |
|
|
How Diligent Biz Dev Led to a Six-Figure Consulting Project | Building your business takes time and diligence. This article by PICA's Chief Advocate explains how she landed a $400,000 project, and shares her lessons learned. |
Related Tools, Services, and Events
| Lifecycle Stage | Tool/Service/Event | Description | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Reference Guide for Subcontracting | Our latest Resource Guide | |
| |
Project Intake & Discovery Questions | Use these questions to size up a project's scope, importance, urgency, and budget. It's a Word doc instead of a PDF so you can adapt it and make it your own. | |
|
|
Partner Service: Catalant |
Supplement your project pipeline with Catalant's online platform. Search and bid on projects for Fortune 1000 companies. | |
|
|
Web Workshop: Business Development as a Solopreneur Offered every few months; see our calendar |
Stop living in fear of doing business development! In this 90-minute workshop you'll learn several tips for generating your own project leads, as well as other ways to supplement your pipeline. Free for members; non-members pay a fee. |
Partner Service: Catalant
For project opportunities, explore Catalant's website
Web Workshop: Business Development as an Independent Consultant
Offered every other month; see our calendar.
Free for members; non-members pay a fee.
In-Person Events to Build Your Network
Offered in major metro areas throughout the year; send us an email to get on the invite list!