Laura's Consulting Guide

“More Confidence and More Prepared as Prospective Clients Find Me - When I launched my consulting business, I had no direct consulting experience. My organizational and leadership knowledge and expertise was solid, but when it came to consulting, reading books wasn’t enough. I needed someone who could share expertise as well as guide, encourage, and challenge me. While on LinkedIn, I discovered Laura Burford and signed up for a webinar where it became clear I had much to learn about the “ins and outs” of building a consulting business. I enrolled in the Consulting Jumpstart Blueprint program, which helped me articulate my focus, Leadership Excellence within Education. Understanding my focus helped me define how I serve my clients and enabled me to establish an approach to networking and relationship building. I am much more confident and equipped to find and support my clients. What is great is my prospective clients are finding me and responding with more enthusiasm now that my communication incorporates the principles Laura taught me. I am prepared and ready for all stages of the consulting relationship due to the theory and practice learned from Laura through the Consulting Jumpstart Blueprint program. ”

Allison Langford, Ed.D, ABL Wise Consulting

“Still Using Many of the Consulting Principles Today - In early 2016, I made the decision to move from Corporate America to full-time consulting. It was a bit “rocky” at the start with several painful lessons learned along the way. About a year into my journey, I was introduced to Laura Burford and her “Consulting Process” which was targeted for small firms and solopreneurs. I participated in all her online and face-to-face classes, which provided me a blueprint for success starting with Strategy/Focus, defining my ideal client, refining brand messaging and my portfolio of offerings, meeting preparation, pricing and much more! Her approach helped tremendously in focusing me on the right opportunities and clients that have resulted in long term relationships and business. I still use many of her principles as “touchstones” today. Definitely, worth the time and effort for those serious about moving into the consulting field. ”

Art Anderson, Jr, AH Anderson Consulting, LLC

“"Successful engaged with new clients without using third parties- After years of working with third parties to find work, I decided to directly acquire my own clients but didn’t know where to start. The Consulting JUMPSTART Blueprint program helped me clarify my focus and ideal client—helping CIOs obtain the benefits of agile transformation without destroying the morale of their staff—and improve my approach as to how I support my client’s needs. The best part is as I validated my agile offer, within a couple months I engaged with two new clients without the use of any third parties. With increased confidence, I’m now positioned to productize my services and to continue building relationships. If I get stuck, I know I can get help by joining a weekly call or dropping a question in the community group." ”

Patrick Delany, eSelect Consulting, Inc.

“"Executing a pivot led to confidence and energy to engage - I am confident in my abilities for specialty chemicals and materials processing, but was anxious about moving from my previous corporate career to that of a consultant. Even though I have a strong peer network, I was unsure as to how to identify potential clients. Being a strong believer in making a powerful first impression, I wanted to clearly articulate the services and value I provide to a client. Working with Laura, I quickly learned the power of less being more and the importance of narrowing my consulting focus. This resulted in tailoring my message and aligning my focus with the commercialization challenges facing business development leaders. Additionally, Laura helped me move outside of my comfort zone and focus my energy on further developing my service offering and strategically reaching out to build relationships to find potential opportunities." ”

John Gohndrone, Ph.D, JMG Process Solutions, LLC

“I highly recommend these courses for anyone considering becoming a consultant or existing consultants struggling with their practice. Having worked in large corporations and as an entrepreneur, I’m looking to leverage my experience by pursuing a consultancy business. I have found Laura’s approach invaluable in helping me understand different aspects of consulting starting with identifying my targeted client and service offering. Without the course material and instruction, I would have been struggling and making many mistakes or in-efficient shot-gun attempts. I now have the confidence to pursue consulting in a very clear and laser- focused way. ”

Tom Scurria, Founder, IAWL Advisory, LLC

“I started taking Laura’s courses when I began my consulting and coaching business because I needed to gain clarity around several consulting topics. The courses are clear and concise but the work you do is heavy lifting. Laura challenges you to think beyond what you know and requires you to think outside your comfort zone. Her approach helped me gain clarity around my focus, ideal client, and brand. I highly recommend Laura's courses and the support and interaction you receive from Laura. Believe me when I say her objective is your success.”

Charlotte Anderson, Transformation Keys, LLC