Navigating the constantly evolving landscape of the consulting industry presents its challenges, often requiring professionals to stay attuned to the latest insights and strategies. Along this journey, consultants inevitably encounter obstacles that prompt them to explore innovative solutions, including the incorporation of modern technologies like specialized apps.
We’ve reached out to 13 consulting experts to discover their favorite tech tools that they would recommend to fellow consultants. Additionally, they’ve shared the significant lessons learned from their careers, navigating the industry’s challenges and successes.
1. Nurture Personal Growth for Success
Jessica Miller-Merrell, the Founder & CEO of Workology, emphasizes the importance of personal development in conjunction with professional growth. In her words, “What is most important is focusing on your own personal, not just professional, development. It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle culture, but self-awareness allows you to attract the right clients.” This insight highlights the essential balance between nurturing personal growth and advancing professionally. Miller-Merrell’s wisdom serves as a reminder that a well-rounded approach to self-improvement not only hones our skills but also connects us with the right clients and opportunities.
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Miller-Merrell favors applications like Keap, WordPress, Zapier, and Calendly, citing their effectiveness in automating tasks and streamlining workflows. Furthermore, she notes, “I am a bigger user of Google Drive and Trello for project management and collaboration.” These tools not only enhance productivity but also contribute significantly to a more structured and triumphant professional journey.
Connect with Jessica:
X (Twitter)
2. Build Trust Through Communication
In the pursuit of establishing trust, the cornerstone lies in effective communication. As Sean Sheppard, the Managing Partner at U+ Digital Ventures, wisely advises, “Always focus first on using your customers’ words to show value. They must feel understood and heard before they can trust you.” This underscores the fundamental principle that trust is nurtured through a genuine understanding of customers’ needs and perspectives, ultimately paving the way for meaningful connections.
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When it comes to facilitating seamless communication and fostering trust, Sheppard prefers several apps. Leveraging internal AI tools, HubSpot, Slack, LinkedIn, and G-Suite proves instrumental in maintaining transparent and efficient communication channels. These tools not only enhance collaboration but also contribute significantly to the development of trustful relationships with clients and partners.
Connect with Sean:
X (Twitter)
3. Embrace the Entrepreneurial Journey
Chris Herbert, the Founder of Mi6 Agency, speaks from a wealth of experience: “Over the past 15 years, we’ve seen and experienced a lot of learning experiences. There are many valuable lessons we’ve learned along the way and this would merit an entire blog series on this topic! So, what would be my most valuable lesson? Becoming an entrepreneur is doable!” Herbert’s thoughtful words capture a journey of growth and strength, underscoring that the path of entrepreneurship involves ongoing learning and the ability to adapt. His message shines as a guiding light for those who dream of being entrepreneurs, reassuring them that by staying determined and open to learning, the intricate world of entrepreneurship can indeed be successfully explored.
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In today’s brisk business landscape, the widespread use of tools often escapes our notice, as pointed out by Herbert, who notes, “It’s highly probable that within your company, employees are utilizing tools you might not even be aware of, creating potential challenges.” This emphasizes the need for careful scrutiny of tools in use, given their potential hidden pitfalls. Herbert advocates a streamlined approach, remarking, “In an ideal scenario, the focus should be on utilizing a minimal number of tools that seamlessly integrate into a holistic business, marketing, and productivity framework.”
For Herbert, there are a few tools that fit the bill. Nimble, Obsidian, and ChatGPT are some of his top picks. These tools not only match his efficient approach but also work together smoothly, making them a great fit for various aspects of business, marketing, and getting things done. Herbert’s insight reminds us that as technology keeps changing, it’s smart to not just use tools blindly, but to pick and choose wisely, creating a toolbox that helps us thrive in today’s fast-paced business world.
Nimble makes it easy for Herbert to connect with customers and strengthen relationships, adding a personal touch to marketing efforts. Obsidian, a note-taking app, helps keep thoughts and information in order, making it simpler to create content, plan projects, and come up with new ideas. Meanwhile, ChatGPT is like having a language expert on hand – it can help with customer support, create catchy marketing messages, and even give a hand with making decisions, all of which make the business run smoother. When used together, these tools work seamlessly, creating a complete package that tackles all the different needs of a modern agency like Mi6.
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4. The Impact of Comprehensive Note-Taking
“Take detailed notes,” emphasizes Marc Scott, Voiceover Artist & Marketing Coach at Marc Scott Voice Over, as he shares his effective approach to productive sessions. Scott’s emphasis on keeping meticulous and well-structured notes underscores their pivotal role in his work. By revisiting these notes before each session, he ensures a seamless continuation from where things were last left off, optimizing the time spent together. This practice not only showcases his commitment to efficiency but also highlights his dedication to extracting the utmost value from every interaction.
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Nimble is a pivotal component in Marc Scott’s toolkit as a Voiceover Artist & Marketing Coach at Marc Scott Voice Over. Scott firmly attests, “I’d be lost without a CRM that helps me keep my database organized and keeps me from forgetting to keep up with important contacts.” By seamlessly orchestrating his contact database, Nimble empowers Scott to foster vital connections, ensuring that significant contacts remain engaged and valued.
Connect with Marc:
X (Twitter)
5. The Crucial Role of Sales for Consultants
“Always keep the pipeline filled, sales is the lifeblood of a consultant’s business.” says Angus Nelson, Founder of Evolve Leadership. Nelson’s guidance acts as a wake-up call for consultants, urging them to always have a flow of potential clients who might be interested in their services. Following this approach ensures a regular stream of chances to work and grow, which is like the beating heart of their business. And with tools like Nimble’s Deals function that streamline the sales pipeline process, consultants can make sure they’re staying on top of their game and never missing out on a valuable opportunity to thrive.
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Nelson’s tech tool recommendations include Dripify, an email marketing automation tool centered around LinkedIn. It’s tailored to streamline and optimize email campaigns, particularly within the LinkedIn ecosystem. For sales professionals, LinkedIn Sales Navigator comes into play. This subscription service provides advanced search and lead generation tools, giving an edge to sales strategies. Additionally, Nelson advises to, “Treat your personal LinkedIn page like a landing page.” to maximize networking opportunities.
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6. Be Persistent and Resilient
Stacy Ennis, CEO, Coach, and Writer at Stacy Ennis, wisely shares, “When it doesn’t work, know when to redirect or quit. Always be willing to go all out for your dreams. After an obstacle you have to dust yourself off, bet back on that horse, and ride.” Ennis’s words echo a spirit of flexibility and perseverance. She underscores the value of recognizing when a chosen path isn’t yielding the desired results and the courage to adapt or let go. Her advice centers on dedicating oneself fully to aspirations and highlighting the tenacity required to conquer challenges. In the face of setbacks, Ennis encourages us to view them as opportunities for personal growth, to rise above adversity, and to relentlessly pursue our dreams.
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In regard to project management, Ennis finds Asana to be an indispensable asset due to its ability to effortlessly streamline workflow and task tracking. The software’s intuitive interface allows her to bid farewell to missed deadlines and welcome a new level of organization.
For marketing purposes, Canva has won Stacy’s heart as a non-designer-friendly design software. The platform’s array of stunning templates offers a delightful solution for producing high-impact designs that perfectly align with her brand. ConvertKit, another staple in Ennis’ marketing efforts, stems from its versatile functionalities. Serving as her go-to creator marketing platform, ConvertKit caters to email marketing, crafting engaging landing pages, sales pages, and more. The fact that it was founded in her hometown adds a personal touch that further resonates with her.
For finance-related tasks, Ennis prefers utilizing Quickbooks, Expensify, and Gusto. Quickbooks simplifies key financial tasks from invoicing to generating reports. The software streamlines Ennis’ financial management, allowing her to focus more on her business’s growth and less on administrative hassles. Expensify has secured a place in Stacy’s toolkit due to its game-changing role in handling receipts and expense reports. Gusto’s payroll service has earned Stacy’s favor for its role in centralizing payroll and contractor payments. This strategic move has enhanced the efficiency and clarity of her financial operations, making it one of the smartest decisions she’s made for her business.
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7. Become a Problem Solver
Stuart Leo, Founder & CEO of Waymaker.io, highlights a spectrum of roles in a single powerful quote: “Solve someone’s problem, you’re a consultant, who needs to find new clients after every job. However there is a better way to make a living. Make someone aware of their problem, you’re their coach. Guide others to solving a problem together, you’re their facilitator. Show someone how to solve a problem, you’re their trainer. Help someone work through their problem with your own experience, you’re their mentor.” Stuart emphasizes the essence of being a trusted advisor by skillfully combining multiple roles, offering high-value work that lasts over time.
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Leo suggests checking out Waymaker for all of your consulting needs. Waymaker proves invaluable to coaches and consultants by providing a pathway to attain repeatable and reliable income while establishing themselves as trusted advisors within their specific domains, delivering tangible outcomes that come with a demonstrable return on investment. Leo says “Waymaker is software for leaders to manage plans, goals, projects, and meetings which leads to an uplift of up to 77% in goal performance in a team.” Waymaker empowers consultants to seamlessly convert plans into actionable goals through its AI goal builder, conduct meetings with automated agendas, tasks, scorecards, and minute tracking, generate dynamic scorecards reflecting team progress, leverage AI-powered diagnostic tools to identify gaps, and provide executive coaching that drives measurable improvements, all tracked and demonstrated.
Connect with Stuart:
X (Twitter)
Waymaker.io Partner Program for Coaches & Consultants
8. Embrace Modern Communication Methods
Emphasizing the significance of leveraging social media within organizations, Timothy Hughes, CEO & Co-founder of DLA Ignite, highlights the benefits of harnessing Slack’s capabilities. As he articulates, “To use social media internally, we use Slack. This eradicates “email culture” and enables you to onboard people faster, support returners, increase forecast accuracy, and enhance work/life harmony.” By seamlessly applying this methodology to his business practices, Timothy illuminates a progressive avenue for nurturing internal communication, collaboration, and overall well-being. In the long run, this results in a work environment that is notably more efficient and interconnected.
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Hughes presents a lineup of tech tools that cater to diverse needs. At the forefront is Nimble, which seamlessly integrates into various work environments, allowing Hughes to build and nurture professional relationships. Passle, another recommendation, stands as a potent content marketing platform empowering professionals to craft and share insightful content. This positions them as authoritative voices within their respective industries. Adding to the toolkit is Flipboard, an app that brings personalized news aggregation to the forefront. Using a magazine-style layout, it compiles articles, images, videos, and more, tailored to individual preferences. In the realm of teamwork, Slack is a pivotal communication and collaboration platform. By streamlining messaging, file sharing, and integrations, it enhances collective productivity. Lastly, ChatGPT, a popular AI-powered gem, generates of human-like text, that serves a variety of purposes from marketing to business strategy.
Connect with Timothy:
X (Twitter)
9. Prioritize Networking & Marketing
Michelle Garrett, a seasoned Consultant at Garrett Public Relations, underscores the enduring importance of networking and consistent marketing efforts with her advice, “Never stop networking and marketing activities. Even when you’re busy, try to make time to talk with people and attend events when you can. And, don’t stop marketing your business. Try to leave as many doors open as you can to potential work opportunities.” Her wisdom highlights the need for ongoing engagement and relationship-building, even in the midst of a bustling schedule. By adhering to this principle, consultants can ensure a continuous flow of opportunities and maintain a broad spectrum of potential work prospects, ultimately fostering a dynamic and thriving business landscape.
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Reflecting on her go-to tools, Garrett shares that she is a fan of Mailchimp, Grammarly, G Suite, Buffer and Pablo by Buffer. Mailchimp and GSuite are especially helpful for email communications and processes. Garrett mentions that she uses Mailchimp to build out her email lists and publish monthly newsletters. To assist with her actual writing process, Garrett often uses Grammarly, which provides smart spelling and grammar reccomendations in real time.
For social media management, Buffer and Pablo by Buffer shine. Posts are easily schedulable through Buffer, while Pablo allows Garrett to easily find images for her blogs and social posts. Each tool provides Garrett with a helping hand that makes her content creation and emailing processes more efficient and effective.
Connect with Michelle:
X (Twitter)
10. Maintain Passion Through Challenges
Reflecting on her professional journey, Amanda Robinson, Founder & CEO of The Digital Gal Inc., states, “You will make mistakes. You grow by failing forward. Money and clients will come and go. Stick to what makes you tick and what makes you passionate and all else will fall in line with time.” In the midst of the ups and downs she encountered along her path, Robinson’s outlook not only shines a light on the fact that setbacks are a natural part of the journey, but also emphasizes how much growth can come from learning through them. She shares a valuable lesson: that staying strong and committed are essential elements in successfully navigating the intricate world of entrepreneurship.
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Robinson is constantly finding and experimenting with new tech tools. She says, “I have tried hundreds of apps and tools over the years, partly because I am a bit of a geek when it comes to testing out new tech, and partly because I’m constantly seeking ways to innovate my business based on my needs.”
For Robinson, Agorapulse plays a pivotal role as a versatile platform for social media scheduling and reporting. Its diverse capabilities enable adept management of multiple brands, offering a blend of organic and paid ads reporting on platforms like Facebook and Instagram. Calendly complements this by facilitating hassle-free scheduling of pre-paid Zoom call appointments, while also providing flexibility in VIP interaction timing. Zoom, preferred over other face-to-face meeting apps, emerges as a reliable conduit for virtual interactions, harmonizing seamlessly with communication needs.
Nimble is a key element of Robinson’s business practices. She says, “Nimble allows me to find social profiles of contacts and build a robust profiles, track people through my sales process with Deals, tag people based on how they have interacted with my business in the past, add notes for networking and people I’ve met along the years of events and conferences, and connects seamless with Gmail to keep conversations organized.”
Regarding content creation, Adobe Creative Cloud and Adobe Stock Photos provide unmatched resources for crafting professional content in Robinson’s eyes. SEOdity and Spyfu add to the toolkit by enabling effective tracking of keyword rankings and competitor insights, all within a budget-friendly framework. The dynamic capabilities of Ecamm Live present a transformative edge for Mac users engaging in video content creation and live streaming. This tool empowers the creation of high-quality recorded and live video content, addressing both personal needs and those of clients.
Connect with Amanda:
X (Twitter)
11. Craft a Strong Personal Brand
For consultants, developing a solid brand and presence is a key stepping stone to widening your future client list. Madalyn Sklar, Social Media Speaker, Consultant and Twitter Expert, prides herself in her ability to brand successfully. Having built her own personal brand from the ground up, Sklar holds ample expertise on the subject. As she stated in a recent #TwitterSmarter chat, held every Thursday via Twitter Spaces, “Never forget the importance of personal branding.” Specializing in online brand-building, Sklar often drops tips for elevating your Twitter brand. For consultants, you may want to consider creating a piece of content that truly represents your brand. Then, Sklar says, “Make sure to have the tweet that will attract others to your brand pinned on your Twitter profile.” as an accurate representation of your brand for potential clients.
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Sklar utilizes Magai as a more user-friendly alternative to ChatGPT, often leaning on it as her “invisible assistant” to gather content ideas and discussion topics – it is worth noting that Sklar’s weekly #TwitterSmarter chats are frequently sponsored by Magai. She also advocates for crafting video content to enhance your brand and subsequently transforming these videos into gifs using Giphy. Sklar recommends fashioning custom gifs for responding to social media interactions. Additionally, she highlights X (Twitter) as an excellent platform for aspiring consultants to actively build their own community. Being mostly free, X enables seamless connections with individuals who share similar interests or are seeking consulting services, presenting a multitude of opportunities for consultants.
Connect with Madalyn:
X (Twitter)
Madalyn Sklar Coaching & Consulting Services
12. Prioritize Your Time
Greg Cullup, Founder of The Numbers Guy, states, “Value your time sooner rather than later in your journey.” These words gently encourage you to recognize the importance of time right from the beginning, shaping the direction of your consulting journey. Embrace the present, considering how time passes quickly. Make thoughtful choices that align with your consulting goals and values, ensuring that each step you take adds value to your bigger professional aspirations. By valuing your time early on, you empower yourself to make the most of every consulting opportunity, fostering a strong sense of purpose and accomplishment as you move forward in your career.
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Cullup offers a range of indispensable tech tools for seamless business operations. QuickBooks Online takes charge of financial management with its cloud-based accounting software, handling invoices, expenses, and more. Notion steps in as a versatile all-in-one workspace, combining note-taking, project management, and collaboration in a single app. For virtual interactions, Zoom emerges as a go-to platform, enabling effective video conferencing and online communication. To fortify sales strategies, Cullup recommends LeadConnector, a customer relationship management (CRM) tool finely tuned for lead management and nurturing, empowering businesses to cultivate valuable connections.
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13. Create Repeatable Processes
Jim Fuhs, President of Fuhsion Marketing, emphasizes the importance of establishing efficient systems for repeatability. As he puts it, “Create systems to make things repeatable. Without processes, we tend to start over and take up time that we could be using solving client problems.” Fuhs highlights that without well-defined processes in place, there’s a risk of constantly restarting tasks, consuming valuable time that could be better utilized addressing client issues. Efficient processes help things run smoother and allow you to concentrate more on the services that your clients really need.
A great way to organize your repeatable processes is by using Nimble’s Workflows feature. Workflows break down your repeatable processes into tangible steps, where you can then, fully monitor your client’s progress throughout each stage of the process. Workflows provide an effective answer to managing your processes efficiently.
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Fuhs advocates for a collection of essential tech tools to enhance various aspects of digital engagement. Microsoft 365 spearheads the lineup, offering a suite of versatile productivity software for tasks like document creation, data analysis, and presentations. Agorapulse follows suit as a pivotal social media management tool, streamlining the process of scheduling, monitoring, and analyzing interactions. For dynamic live engagement, StreamYard steps in, enabling seamless broadcasting and audience interaction across social media platforms. Zoom remains an integral choice for video conferencing and online communication. Additionally, Ecamm caters to Mac users, providing a comprehensive software suite that facilitates live streaming, video recording, and webcam enhancements, rounding out the toolkit.
Connect with Jim:
X (Twitter)
Conclusion
The ever-changing world of consulting brings its fair share of challenges, urging professionals to stay updated on the latest insights and strategies. Along the journey, consultants face obstacles that encourage them to seek innovative answers, including adopting modern tools like specialized apps.
Listening to 13 consulting experts has revealed a wealth of their favorite tech tools, which they are eager to pass on as suggestions to fellow consultants. Moreover, their experiences have unveiled priceless lessons learned from navigating the diverse landscapes of the industry, tackling challenges head-on, and celebrating moments of success.
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