Feeling Stuck in Your Career? Here’s How to Take the First 5 Steps Toward Your Consulting Business

Have you ever felt stuck between wanting to start a consulting business and not knowing where to begin? You’re not alone.  

For many, the idea of stepping out on their own feels overwhelming, like they need to have everything figured out before taking the leap. But the truth is, starting a consulting business isn’t about perfection—it’s about action. 

The first step is often the hardest, but it’s also the most important. Once you take that initial leap, momentum builds, confidence grows, and doors begin to open. If you’re ready to move from “stuck” to “started,” here’s how to take the first five steps toward launching your consulting business.

Step 1: Define Your Expertise

Every consulting business begins with expertise. This is your foundation—your superpower—and it’s what will set you apart in the market. Start by reflecting on what you’re truly great at. What problems have you consistently solved throughout your career? What do colleagues and friends always seek your advice on? These answers will reveal your unique value proposition. 

Your expertise doesn’t need to be flashy or revolutionary. It simply needs to solve a real problem for real people. Write down three to five specific skills or problems you can help others with. These will form the core of your consulting business. By narrowing your focus, you’ll gain clarity and confidence, making it easier to communicate your value to potential clients.

Step 2: Identify Your Ideal Client

One of the most important aspects of starting a consulting business is knowing exactly who you want to serve. The narrower your focus, the easier it is to succeed. Ask yourself: Who benefits most from my skills? What industries or roles excite me? What specific pain points do these people face that I can solve? 

For example, instead of positioning yourself as a “marketing consultant,” consider saying, “I help startups develop customer acquisition strategies to scale their first million in revenue.” A clear niche not only makes it easier to market yourself but also helps you attract the right clients—those who value your expertise and are ready to invest in your services. 

Step 3: Start Talking to Your Network

Your first clients are closer than you think. Often, they’re already in your network—former colleagues, friends, or even past bosses. Start by reaching out to let them know about your new venture. Be specific about what you offer and the type of client you’re looking to serve. 

For example, you might send a message like this: 

“Hi [Name], How are you and the family? it has been too long. Can we schedule some time to connect? I’m launching a consulting business focused on helping [specific client type] solve [specific problem]. If you or someone you know could benefit, I’d love to connect!” 

Don’t underestimate the power of platforms like LinkedIn™ to amplify your reach. Posting about your services, engaging with your network, consistently showing up, and asking what you want can lead to referrals and unexpected opportunities.

Step 4: Package Your Expertise into an Offer

Many aspiring consultants get stuck trying to figure out how to sell their services. The key is to keep it simple. Instead of selling vague “consulting,” create specific offers that solve clear problems. Think about the results your clients want and how you can deliver those results in a structured, actionable way. 

For instance, you might offer a “90-Day Strategic Growth Plan” to help businesses scale their revenue or “Leadership Coaching for New Managers” to build confidence and drive results. Each offer should clearly outline deliverables (what the client will receive), a timeline (when they’ll receive it), and the benefits (how it will impact their business or career). 

You don’t need a fancy website or elaborate marketing materials to sell your offer. A clear email, a well-written LinkedIn™ post, or a simple PDF can be just as effective. Focus on solving problems and delivering value—that’s what clients care about most.

Step 5: Take Imperfect Action

Here’s the truth: you’ll never feel 100% ready. Waiting for the perfect moment or perfect plan will only keep you stuck. The key to launching your consulting business is to take imperfect action. Send that first outreach email. Post about your services on LinkedIn™. Schedule a call with a potential client. Action creates momentum, and momentum builds confidence. 

Don’t worry about having a website, logo, or perfect branding from the start. Those details can come later. What matters now is connecting with clients, solving problems, and building relationships. The more you take action, the easier it becomes to keep going.

Bonus Step: Build Your Personal Brand

In consulting, your personal brand is just as important as your expertise. It’s what helps you stand out and attract opportunities. Start sharing your insights and expertise publicly. Post quick tips, lessons you’ve learned, or solutions to common problems in your niche. This not only builds your credibility but also keeps you top of mind with your audience. 

Reintroduce yourself every few months on platforms like LinkedIn™. New people are always discovering your profile, so let them know who you are, what you do, and how you can help. By consistently showing up and sharing value, you’ll position yourself as a trusted authority in your field.

Conclusion: Start Today

Starting a consulting business doesn’t require perfection—it requires action. Imagine where you could be a year from now if you took your first step today. Define your expertise. Find your niche. Reach out to your network. Package your offer. Take the leap. 

Success isn’t about making massive moves—it’s about small, consistent actions that build momentum over time. Surround yourself with people who inspire you, push through doubt, and remember that every successful consultant started somewhere. Your journey begins with one step. Take it today. 

Are you ready to move from lurking to leveraging your personal brand? Schedule a discovery call with me today—I’d love to help you take your personal brand to the next level with actionable tips and strategies that work. 

Want to learn more about this topic? Make sure to follow Melanie Borden and The Borden Group on LinkedIn™. 

If you’ve been looking for tools to elevate your personal brand on LinkedIn™ or social media, The Creator Store by The Borden Group features professional, easy-to-use templates designed to help you build your visibility, foster engagement, and achieve meaningful results. These aren’t just any templates—they’re proven to work, having helped our agency clients transform their personal brands into platforms that stand out and drive real growth. 

And this is just the beginning—soon, we’ll also be adding worksheets, processes, content calendars, and more to make growing your brand even easier. 

We created the Creator Store to give you access to the same high-performing tools we use with our clients, so you can take your brand to the next level with confidence.  

Check them out here: https://humantobrand.com/creator-store/