Discussion: View Thread

Good Morning,

Long time reader, first time poster! :)

I am new to the statistical consulting world. While I have served as a "statistician on retainer" for a variety of companies in the past and work as a full-time statistician in my current role, I would like to start my own consulting business and perhaps, eventually, form this into a full-time endeavor.

Being new to this area, however, I was wondering if some of the expert consultants in this group would be willing to share their advice (for myself and I am sure others in the same position) for how you built your client network when you first began in the consulting world. Did you advertise? If so, where? Was your client-building strategy mostly word of mouth, or is there some magical board of "please help, I need a statistician" out there of which I am unaware? Is better to start with an established consulting company, and then "split off" eventually?

Just curious, for all of the people out there with established consulting businesses, how you built your consulting firm and client base. Thanks in advance!

- Matt

------------------------------
Matt DeMonbrun, Ph.D.
Statistician
Southern Methodist University
------------------------------

Don't advertise. There is a list of consultants on the ASA website, and it costs nothing to join, but I have gotten very little business from it.

There are two ways to get clients. First is word of mouth. This means that people who know you pass your name along to people that they know might be interested in hiring you. I got clients from my dissertation adviser, from people I used to work with in government and academia, and from one client recommending me to another potential client.

You should have business cards printed that you hand out liberally. When you get someone else's business card in exchange, don't toss it in your desk drawer. Send back a brief email thanking the person for meeting you, so they have not just your card but an email from you that they might archive for later reference.

Build a network of people who might hire you again or who might refer you to others. Send them emails once in a while (never more than once a month) when you find an interesting article that they might be interested in. Once a year you can send everyone in your network an email asking if they know anyone who might be interested in hiring a consultant.

It's important to not overdo this to the point where your email contacts are treated like spam. But you do want to do it often enough that they remember you and think about you when they talk to their colleagues who might be potential customers.

If you already have a good set of contacts, send them all an email saying "Hey how are you doing? I just started a consulting business." You can get away with this because people like to hear when their friends and colleagues embark on a new adventure.

Make sure each email is personalized and sent out individually. There's nothing more off putting than being in a list of dozens of other people.

The second way is by giving small samples of your work away for free. Do this in a way that increases your profile and visibility and establishes you as an expert in your field. Give talks on your area of expertise, start a blog, write newsletter articles, and so forth. Volunteer in organizations that have potential clients. Don't volunteer and do a crappy job, though. You want to be remembered but not in a bad way.

------------------------------
Stephen Simon, blog.pmean.com
Independent Statistical Consultant
P. Mean Consulting
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 06-12-2020 09:59
From: Robert DeMonbrun
Subject: New to Consulting and Findings Clients

Good Morning,

Long time reader, first time poster! :)

I am new to the statistical consulting world. While I have served as a "statistician on retainer" for a variety of companies in the past and work as a full-time statistician in my current role, I would like to start my own consulting business and perhaps, eventually, form this into a full-time endeavor.

Being new to this area, however, I was wondering if some of the expert consultants in this group would be willing to share their advice (for myself and I am sure others in the same position) for how you built your client network when you first began in the consulting world. Did you advertise? If so, where? Was your client-building strategy mostly word of mouth, or is there some magical board of "please help, I need a statistician" out there of which I am unaware? Is better to start with an established consulting company, and then "split off" eventually?

Just curious, for all of the people out there with established consulting businesses, how you built your consulting firm and client base. Thanks in advance!

- Matt

------------------------------
Matt DeMonbrun, Ph.D.
Statistician
Southern Methodist University
------------------------------

There are several different ways to set up as a consultant. I was a full-time academician for almost 15 years (post-PhD) when I decided to become an independent consultant due to personal circumstances. Since then I have continued to collaborate with the same investigators (that I worked with previously) on a consultant basis while also finding opportunities with other organizations. Currently, I have a part-time appointment with a university and spend the rest of the time consulting with other groups - mostly academic and some international organizations. Most of my funding comes from  NIH/CDC/foundation grants. I have maintained a good relationship with all the investigators so they keep adding me to new grants. So far, I have not had to struggle to find projects since there is more demand than supply of statisticians. Also, people love to have someone available on short-term basis when they need them and not have to hire someone full-time. Almost all the work I have done for the past 5 years has come to my through references. I do not have a company but work on as an individual. I have also avoided consulting for corporates mainly due to my concern with liability issues. This might not work for everyone who might be the main bread winner in the family. In my case, I use my husband's health insurance and do not need to worry about how much money I make annually since he has a full-time position, although I have to say I make pretty close to what I did full-time.

As Stephen mentioned, I do send an email to people after I have met them the first time. I also try to reach out to them periodically to check on opportunities. I send at least 2 follow-up emails before giving up. I have maintained a good network and as some others have mentioned, touch base with everyone at least once or twice a year. I have also connected with them on LinkedIn which also gives me an opportunity to know what they are involved with.

Some people find that being an expert in a particular area might help them with consulting but in my case, I have found that being a generalist with expertise in a few areas has helped me a lot. I have worked on a number of projects in these 5 years that I might not have been able to do if I had focused only in one area. I am open to learn (to a certain degree) some new methods to help on a project but don't try to take on anything that might be a huge time sink.

My 2 cents



------------------------------
Sowmya Rao
Senior Research Scientist
Boston University School of Public Health
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 06-12-2020 10:24
From: Stephen Simon
Subject: New to Consulting and Findings Clients

Don't advertise. There is a list of consultants on the ASA website, and it costs nothing to join, but I have gotten very little business from it.

There are two ways to get clients. First is word of mouth. This means that people who know you pass your name along to people that they know might be interested in hiring you. I got clients from my dissertation adviser, from people I used to work with in government and academia, and from one client recommending me to another potential client.

You should have business cards printed that you hand out liberally. When you get someone else's business card in exchange, don't toss it in your desk drawer. Send back a brief email thanking the person for meeting you, so they have not just your card but an email from you that they might archive for later reference.

Build a network of people who might hire you again or who might refer you to others. Send them emails once in a while (never more than once a month) when you find an interesting article that they might be interested in. Once a year you can send everyone in your network an email asking if they know anyone who might be interested in hiring a consultant.

It's important to not overdo this to the point where your email contacts are treated like spam. But you do want to do it often enough that they remember you and think about you when they talk to their colleagues who might be potential customers.

If you already have a good set of contacts, send them all an email saying "Hey how are you doing? I just started a consulting business." You can get away with this because people like to hear when their friends and colleagues embark on a new adventure.

Make sure each email is personalized and sent out individually. There's nothing more off putting than being in a list of dozens of other people.

The second way is by giving small samples of your work away for free. Do this in a way that increases your profile and visibility and establishes you as an expert in your field. Give talks on your area of expertise, start a blog, write newsletter articles, and so forth. Volunteer in organizations that have potential clients. Don't volunteer and do a crappy job, though. You want to be remembered but not in a bad way.

------------------------------
Stephen Simon, blog.pmean.com
Independent Statistical Consultant
P. Mean Consulting

Original Message:
Sent: 06-12-2020 09:59
From: Robert DeMonbrun
Subject: New to Consulting and Findings Clients

Good Morning,

Long time reader, first time poster! :)

I am new to the statistical consulting world. While I have served as a "statistician on retainer" for a variety of companies in the past and work as a full-time statistician in my current role, I would like to start my own consulting business and perhaps, eventually, form this into a full-time endeavor.

Being new to this area, however, I was wondering if some of the expert consultants in this group would be willing to share their advice (for myself and I am sure others in the same position) for how you built your client network when you first began in the consulting world. Did you advertise? If so, where? Was your client-building strategy mostly word of mouth, or is there some magical board of "please help, I need a statistician" out there of which I am unaware? Is better to start with an established consulting company, and then "split off" eventually?

Just curious, for all of the people out there with established consulting businesses, how you built your consulting firm and client base. Thanks in advance!

- Matt

------------------------------
Matt DeMonbrun, Ph.D.
Statistician
Southern Methodist University
------------------------------

Similar to the initial post I am new to independent consulting.  In my case, I was an Industrial Statistician for 30 plus years, but always at small manufacturers.  Hence my "network" is virtually non-existent. 

 

Since my retirement three years ago I have hoped to work a contract position.  I received several inquiries mainly through LinkedIn, but with only one making an offer, that unfortunately I had to decline.  (They wanted a one year commitment in one of the highest cost of living areas in the US, but didn't want to pay commensurate to that high cost of living area.)

 

Where do others meet contacts or build a network?  Does attending ASA functions help?  On line blogs?  LinkedIn?   I would also be happy to take a contract with an established consulting company.   

 

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

 

David Patin

------------------------------
David Patin
Statistical Manufacturing Solutions
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 06-12-2020 11:25
From: Sowmya Rao
Subject: New to Consulting and Findings Clients

There are several different ways to set up as a consultant. I was a full-time academician for almost 15 years (post-PhD) when I decided to become an independent consultant due to personal circumstances. Since then I have continued to collaborate with the same investigators (that I worked with previously) on a consultant basis while also finding opportunities with other organizations. Currently, I have a part-time appointment with a university and spend the rest of the time consulting with other groups - mostly academic and some international organizations. Most of my funding comes from  NIH/CDC/foundation grants. I have maintained a good relationship with all the investigators so they keep adding me to new grants. So far, I have not had to struggle to find projects since there is more demand than supply of statisticians. Also, people love to have someone available on short-term basis when they need them and not have to hire someone full-time. Almost all the work I have done for the past 5 years has come to my through references. I do not have a company but work on as an individual. I have also avoided consulting for corporates mainly due to my concern with liability issues. This might not work for everyone who might be the main bread winner in the family. In my case, I use my husband's health insurance and do not need to worry about how much money I make annually since he has a full-time position, although I have to say I make pretty close to what I did full-time.

As Stephen mentioned, I do send an email to people after I have met them the first time. I also try to reach out to them periodically to check on opportunities. I send at least 2 follow-up emails before giving up. I have maintained a good network and as some others have mentioned, touch base with everyone at least once or twice a year. I have also connected with them on LinkedIn which also gives me an opportunity to know what they are involved with.

Some people find that being an expert in a particular area might help them with consulting but in my case, I have found that being a generalist with expertise in a few areas has helped me a lot. I have worked on a number of projects in these 5 years that I might not have been able to do if I had focused only in one area. I am open to learn (to a certain degree) some new methods to help on a project but don't try to take on anything that might be a huge time sink.

My 2 cents



------------------------------
Sowmya Rao
Senior Research Scientist
Boston University School of Public Health

Original Message:
Sent: 06-12-2020 10:24
From: Stephen Simon
Subject: New to Consulting and Findings Clients

Don't advertise. There is a list of consultants on the ASA website, and it costs nothing to join, but I have gotten very little business from it.

There are two ways to get clients. First is word of mouth. This means that people who know you pass your name along to people that they know might be interested in hiring you. I got clients from my dissertation adviser, from people I used to work with in government and academia, and from one client recommending me to another potential client.

You should have business cards printed that you hand out liberally. When you get someone else's business card in exchange, don't toss it in your desk drawer. Send back a brief email thanking the person for meeting you, so they have not just your card but an email from you that they might archive for later reference.

Build a network of people who might hire you again or who might refer you to others. Send them emails once in a while (never more than once a month) when you find an interesting article that they might be interested in. Once a year you can send everyone in your network an email asking if they know anyone who might be interested in hiring a consultant.

It's important to not overdo this to the point where your email contacts are treated like spam. But you do want to do it often enough that they remember you and think about you when they talk to their colleagues who might be potential customers.

If you already have a good set of contacts, send them all an email saying "Hey how are you doing? I just started a consulting business." You can get away with this because people like to hear when their friends and colleagues embark on a new adventure.

Make sure each email is personalized and sent out individually. There's nothing more off putting than being in a list of dozens of other people.

The second way is by giving small samples of your work away for free. Do this in a way that increases your profile and visibility and establishes you as an expert in your field. Give talks on your area of expertise, start a blog, write newsletter articles, and so forth. Volunteer in organizations that have potential clients. Don't volunteer and do a crappy job, though. You want to be remembered but not in a bad way.

------------------------------
Stephen Simon, blog.pmean.com
Independent Statistical Consultant
P. Mean Consulting

Original Message:
Sent: 06-12-2020 09:59
From: Robert DeMonbrun
Subject: New to Consulting and Findings Clients

Good Morning,

Long time reader, first time poster! :)

I am new to the statistical consulting world. While I have served as a "statistician on retainer" for a variety of companies in the past and work as a full-time statistician in my current role, I would like to start my own consulting business and perhaps, eventually, form this into a full-time endeavor.

Being new to this area, however, I was wondering if some of the expert consultants in this group would be willing to share their advice (for myself and I am sure others in the same position) for how you built your client network when you first began in the consulting world. Did you advertise? If so, where? Was your client-building strategy mostly word of mouth, or is there some magical board of "please help, I need a statistician" out there of which I am unaware? Is better to start with an established consulting company, and then "split off" eventually?

Just curious, for all of the people out there with established consulting businesses, how you built your consulting firm and client base. Thanks in advance!

- Matt

------------------------------
Matt DeMonbrun, Ph.D.
Statistician
Southern Methodist University
------------------------------

All,

I am hosting a roundtable for new consultants at the JSM.   Please join me.  We can help each other. 

From the organizers:


After adjusting the schedule for a successful virtual meeting (given speakers in different time zones), we are pleased to inform you that your presentation (Abstract #309603, The transition to consulting statistician: how to successfully navigate the move and succeed.) is scheduled in Session 238 on Tuesday, 8/4/2020, beginning at 12:00 PM. Also, the full JSM Schedule at a Glance is now available:


https://lnkd.in/efuS_sa

I hope to "virtually" see you in August! Seats are limited. Sign up early.

------------------------------
Jeffrey Davidson
CEO
Alpha Kappa Statistics, LLC
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 06-12-2020 12:22
From: David Patin
Subject: New to Consulting and Findings Clients

Similar to the initial post I am new to independent consulting.  In my case, I was an Industrial Statistician for 30 plus years, but always at small manufacturers.  Hence my "network" is virtually non-existent. 

 

Since my retirement three years ago I have hoped to work a contract position.  I received several inquiries mainly through LinkedIn, but with only one making an offer, that unfortunately I had to decline.  (They wanted a one year commitment in one of the highest cost of living areas in the US, but didn't want to pay commensurate to that high cost of living area.)

 

Where do others meet contacts or build a network?  Does attending ASA functions help?  On line blogs?  LinkedIn?   I would also be happy to take a contract with an established consulting company.   

 

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

 

David Patin

------------------------------
David Patin
Statistical Manufacturing Solutions

Original Message:
Sent: 06-12-2020 11:25
From: Sowmya Rao
Subject: New to Consulting and Findings Clients

There are several different ways to set up as a consultant. I was a full-time academician for almost 15 years (post-PhD) when I decided to become an independent consultant due to personal circumstances. Since then I have continued to collaborate with the same investigators (that I worked with previously) on a consultant basis while also finding opportunities with other organizations. Currently, I have a part-time appointment with a university and spend the rest of the time consulting with other groups - mostly academic and some international organizations. Most of my funding comes from  NIH/CDC/foundation grants. I have maintained a good relationship with all the investigators so they keep adding me to new grants. So far, I have not had to struggle to find projects since there is more demand than supply of statisticians. Also, people love to have someone available on short-term basis when they need them and not have to hire someone full-time. Almost all the work I have done for the past 5 years has come to my through references. I do not have a company but work on as an individual. I have also avoided consulting for corporates mainly due to my concern with liability issues. This might not work for everyone who might be the main bread winner in the family. In my case, I use my husband's health insurance and do not need to worry about how much money I make annually since he has a full-time position, although I have to say I make pretty close to what I did full-time.

As Stephen mentioned, I do send an email to people after I have met them the first time. I also try to reach out to them periodically to check on opportunities. I send at least 2 follow-up emails before giving up. I have maintained a good network and as some others have mentioned, touch base with everyone at least once or twice a year. I have also connected with them on LinkedIn which also gives me an opportunity to know what they are involved with.

Some people find that being an expert in a particular area might help them with consulting but in my case, I have found that being a generalist with expertise in a few areas has helped me a lot. I have worked on a number of projects in these 5 years that I might not have been able to do if I had focused only in one area. I am open to learn (to a certain degree) some new methods to help on a project but don't try to take on anything that might be a huge time sink.

My 2 cents



------------------------------
Sowmya Rao
Senior Research Scientist
Boston University School of Public Health

Original Message:
Sent: 06-12-2020 10:24
From: Stephen Simon
Subject: New to Consulting and Findings Clients

Don't advertise. There is a list of consultants on the ASA website, and it costs nothing to join, but I have gotten very little business from it.

There are two ways to get clients. First is word of mouth. This means that people who know you pass your name along to people that they know might be interested in hiring you. I got clients from my dissertation adviser, from people I used to work with in government and academia, and from one client recommending me to another potential client.

You should have business cards printed that you hand out liberally. When you get someone else's business card in exchange, don't toss it in your desk drawer. Send back a brief email thanking the person for meeting you, so they have not just your card but an email from you that they might archive for later reference.

Build a network of people who might hire you again or who might refer you to others. Send them emails once in a while (never more than once a month) when you find an interesting article that they might be interested in. Once a year you can send everyone in your network an email asking if they know anyone who might be interested in hiring a consultant.

It's important to not overdo this to the point where your email contacts are treated like spam. But you do want to do it often enough that they remember you and think about you when they talk to their colleagues who might be potential customers.

If you already have a good set of contacts, send them all an email saying "Hey how are you doing? I just started a consulting business." You can get away with this because people like to hear when their friends and colleagues embark on a new adventure.

Make sure each email is personalized and sent out individually. There's nothing more off putting than being in a list of dozens of other people.

The second way is by giving small samples of your work away for free. Do this in a way that increases your profile and visibility and establishes you as an expert in your field. Give talks on your area of expertise, start a blog, write newsletter articles, and so forth. Volunteer in organizations that have potential clients. Don't volunteer and do a crappy job, though. You want to be remembered but not in a bad way.

------------------------------
Stephen Simon, blog.pmean.com
Independent Statistical Consultant
P. Mean Consulting

Original Message:
Sent: 06-12-2020 09:59
From: Robert DeMonbrun
Subject: New to Consulting and Findings Clients

Good Morning,

Long time reader, first time poster! :)

I am new to the statistical consulting world. While I have served as a "statistician on retainer" for a variety of companies in the past and work as a full-time statistician in my current role, I would like to start my own consulting business and perhaps, eventually, form this into a full-time endeavor.

Being new to this area, however, I was wondering if some of the expert consultants in this group would be willing to share their advice (for myself and I am sure others in the same position) for how you built your client network when you first began in the consulting world. Did you advertise? If so, where? Was your client-building strategy mostly word of mouth, or is there some magical board of "please help, I need a statistician" out there of which I am unaware? Is better to start with an established consulting company, and then "split off" eventually?

Just curious, for all of the people out there with established consulting businesses, how you built your consulting firm and client base. Thanks in advance!

- Matt

------------------------------
Matt DeMonbrun, Ph.D.
Statistician
Southern Methodist University
------------------------------

Hi all,

Just a quick note; there's a book I definitely recommend, called "Business Model Generation," when transitioning to private consulting. While finding clients is only one aspect of this, having a full business model is extremely helpful--and narrowing down what you do and what value you provide can really help you when it comes to identifying and recruiting your client base.

Link: https://www.strategyzer.com/books/business-model-generation

Personally, when I moved from running an academic consulting center to running my own private consulting business, I had to relearn some old lessons all over again--even though I wasn't truly desperate for clients by any logical measure, I several times pressured myself into spending time and resources trying to put together a proposal that I knew from the start really wouldn't (or shouldn't) be a winner for a potential client, just because of my background and level of expertise in a particular area at that time. In other words, I panicked, LOL.

Anyway, I hope this is helpful, even if it doesn't directly send clients your way!

Kim

------------------------------
Kim Love
CNSL Section Communications Officer
Owner and Lead Consultant
K. R. Love Quantitative Consulting & Collaboration
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 06-12-2020 09:59
From: Robert DeMonbrun
Subject: New to Consulting and Findings Clients

Good Morning,

Long time reader, first time poster! :)

I am new to the statistical consulting world. While I have served as a "statistician on retainer" for a variety of companies in the past and work as a full-time statistician in my current role, I would like to start my own consulting business and perhaps, eventually, form this into a full-time endeavor.

Being new to this area, however, I was wondering if some of the expert consultants in this group would be willing to share their advice (for myself and I am sure others in the same position) for how you built your client network when you first began in the consulting world. Did you advertise? If so, where? Was your client-building strategy mostly word of mouth, or is there some magical board of "please help, I need a statistician" out there of which I am unaware? Is better to start with an established consulting company, and then "split off" eventually?

Just curious, for all of the people out there with established consulting businesses, how you built your consulting firm and client base. Thanks in advance!

- Matt

------------------------------
Matt DeMonbrun, Ph.D.
Statistician
Southern Methodist University
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 6/12/2020 2:09:00 PM
From: Kimberly Love
Subject: RE: New to Consulting and Findings Clients

Hi all,

Just a quick note; there's a book I definitely recommend, called "Business Model Generation," when transitioning to private consulting. While finding clients is only one aspect of this, having a full business model is extremely helpful--and narrowing down what you do and what value you provide can really help you when it comes to identifying and recruiting your client base.

Link: https://www.strategyzer.com/books/business-model-generation

Personally, when I moved from running an academic consulting center to running my own private consulting business, I had to relearn some old lessons all over again--even though I wasn't truly desperate for clients by any logical measure, I several times pressured myself into spending time and resources trying to put together a proposal that I knew from the start really wouldn't (or shouldn't) be a winner for a potential client, just because of my background and level of expertise in a particular area at that time. In other words, I panicked, LOL.

Anyway, I hope this is helpful, even if it doesn't directly send clients your way!

Kim

------------------------------
Kim Love
CNSL Section Communications Officer
Owner and Lead Consultant
K. R. Love Quantitative Consulting & Collaboration
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 06-12-2020 09:59
From: Robert DeMonbrun
Subject: New to Consulting and Findings Clients

Good Morning,

Long time reader, first time poster! :)

I am new to the statistical consulting world. While I have served as a "statistician on retainer" for a variety of companies in the past and work as a full-time statistician in my current role, I would like to start my own consulting business and perhaps, eventually, form this into a full-time endeavor.

Being new to this area, however, I was wondering if some of the expert consultants in this group would be willing to share their advice (for myself and I am sure others in the same position) for how you built your client network when you first began in the consulting world. Did you advertise? If so, where? Was your client-building strategy mostly word of mouth, or is there some magical board of "please help, I need a statistician" out there of which I am unaware? Is better to start with an established consulting company, and then "split off" eventually?

Just curious, for all of the people out there with established consulting businesses, how you built your consulting firm and client base. Thanks in advance!

- Matt

------------------------------
Matt DeMonbrun, Ph.D.
Statistician
Southern Methodist University
------------------------------

After more than 20 years in the pharmaceutical industry, I have been consulting for more than 15 years, relying on word of mouth. I have tried distributing business cards liberally, especially at DIA and SCT (often with follow-up emails), serving on several DSMBs (thinking I would get other DSMB members or Sponsor as clients), a website (see Do You Need A Website? AMSTAT News #480, June 2017), and reaching out to CROs and consultants for work they can't handle. I can't think of getting any clients, except word of mouth, including the DSMB work leading to more DSMB work. The clients rarely came from former colleagues. I have not particularly worked on forming a group of contacts, but it worked.

------------------------------
David Bristol
Statistical Consulting Services, Inc.
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 06-12-2020 09:59
From: Robert DeMonbrun
Subject: New to Consulting and Findings Clients

Good Morning,

Long time reader, first time poster! :)

I am new to the statistical consulting world. While I have served as a "statistician on retainer" for a variety of companies in the past and work as a full-time statistician in my current role, I would like to start my own consulting business and perhaps, eventually, form this into a full-time endeavor.

Being new to this area, however, I was wondering if some of the expert consultants in this group would be willing to share their advice (for myself and I am sure others in the same position) for how you built your client network when you first began in the consulting world. Did you advertise? If so, where? Was your client-building strategy mostly word of mouth, or is there some magical board of "please help, I need a statistician" out there of which I am unaware? Is better to start with an established consulting company, and then "split off" eventually?

Just curious, for all of the people out there with established consulting businesses, how you built your consulting firm and client base. Thanks in advance!

- Matt

------------------------------
Matt DeMonbrun, Ph.D.
Statistician
Southern Methodist University
------------------------------

I did a presentation a few years ago at CSP about getting clients. I'm attaching the handout, in case it's helpful.

And I'm on a panel this year at JSM about business aspects of consulting. One of the presentations is on getting clients, which I believe Elaine Eisenbeisz is talking about. She is great. https://ww2.amstat.org/meetings/jsm/2020/onlineprogram/AbstractDetails.cfm?abstractid=308125

I would argue that the most important thing you can do is define the type of clients you want to serve. There are so many types of potential clients and the more you narrow it down, the easier it is to find and talk with those people.

Many consultants narrow this down by field, type of company, type of project. Personally, I work with clients who already know some statistics but are over their head and want to not just get their project done right, but to learn in the process. They care about doing it right and understanding it. That's who I'm passionate about helping. I have tried working with clients who want to hire me so they don't have to deal with it and it has always been a disaster. You really want to find the right clients.

I would recommend these two books:
Get Clients Now! by CJ Hayden
Book Yourself Solid by Michael Port

They have details in there about networking, writing, speaking, and how to follow up effectively.

------------------------------
Karen Grace-Martin
Senior Statistical Consultant
The Analysis Factor, LLC
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 06-12-2020 09:59
From: Robert DeMonbrun
Subject: New to Consulting and Findings Clients

Good Morning,

Long time reader, first time poster! :)

I am new to the statistical consulting world. While I have served as a "statistician on retainer" for a variety of companies in the past and work as a full-time statistician in my current role, I would like to start my own consulting business and perhaps, eventually, form this into a full-time endeavor.

Being new to this area, however, I was wondering if some of the expert consultants in this group would be willing to share their advice (for myself and I am sure others in the same position) for how you built your client network when you first began in the consulting world. Did you advertise? If so, where? Was your client-building strategy mostly word of mouth, or is there some magical board of "please help, I need a statistician" out there of which I am unaware? Is better to start with an established consulting company, and then "split off" eventually?

Just curious, for all of the people out there with established consulting businesses, how you built your consulting firm and client base. Thanks in advance!

- Matt

------------------------------
Matt DeMonbrun, Ph.D.
Statistician
Southern Methodist University
------------------------------

Thank you so much Karen sharing this great presentation

------------------------------
Salem Dehom
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 06-15-2020 20:19
From: Karen Grace-Martin
Subject: New to Consulting and Findings Clients

I did a presentation a few years ago at CSP about getting clients. I'm attaching the handout, in case it's helpful.

And I'm on a panel this year at JSM about business aspects of consulting. One of the presentations is on getting clients, which I believe Elaine Eisenbeisz is talking about. She is great. https://ww2.amstat.org/meetings/jsm/2020/onlineprogram/AbstractDetails.cfm?abstractid=308125

I would argue that the most important thing you can do is define the type of clients you want to serve. There are so many types of potential clients and the more you narrow it down, the easier it is to find and talk with those people.

Many consultants narrow this down by field, type of company, type of project. Personally, I work with clients who already know some statistics but are over their head and want to not just get their project done right, but to learn in the process. They care about doing it right and understanding it. That's who I'm passionate about helping. I have tried working with clients who want to hire me so they don't have to deal with it and it has always been a disaster. You really want to find the right clients.

I would recommend these two books:
Get Clients Now! by CJ Hayden
Book Yourself Solid by Michael Port

They have details in there about networking, writing, speaking, and how to follow up effectively.

------------------------------
Karen Grace-Martin
Senior Statistical Consultant
The Analysis Factor, LLC

Original Message:
Sent: 06-12-2020 09:59
From: Robert DeMonbrun
Subject: New to Consulting and Findings Clients

Good Morning,

Long time reader, first time poster! :)

I am new to the statistical consulting world. While I have served as a "statistician on retainer" for a variety of companies in the past and work as a full-time statistician in my current role, I would like to start my own consulting business and perhaps, eventually, form this into a full-time endeavor.

Being new to this area, however, I was wondering if some of the expert consultants in this group would be willing to share their advice (for myself and I am sure others in the same position) for how you built your client network when you first began in the consulting world. Did you advertise? If so, where? Was your client-building strategy mostly word of mouth, or is there some magical board of "please help, I need a statistician" out there of which I am unaware? Is better to start with an established consulting company, and then "split off" eventually?

Just curious, for all of the people out there with established consulting businesses, how you built your consulting firm and client base. Thanks in advance!

- Matt

------------------------------
Matt DeMonbrun, Ph.D.
Statistician
Southern Methodist University
------------------------------

Hi Everyone,
I just wanted to send a HUGE thank you for all of you who replied with advice. This was incredibly helpful. I obviously have a lot of reading to do! :) I have signed up and am looking forward to both JSM sessions suggested by Jeffrey and Karen. Look forward to seeing folks there.
Thanks again,
Matt

------------------------------
Matt DeMonbrun, Ph.D.
Statistician
Southern Methodist University
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 06-15-2020 21:17
From: Salem Dehom
Subject: New to Consulting and Findings Clients

Thank you so much Karen sharing this great presentation

------------------------------
Salem Dehom

Original Message:
Sent: 06-15-2020 20:19
From: Karen Grace-Martin
Subject: New to Consulting and Findings Clients

I did a presentation a few years ago at CSP about getting clients. I'm attaching the handout, in case it's helpful.

And I'm on a panel this year at JSM about business aspects of consulting. One of the presentations is on getting clients, which I believe Elaine Eisenbeisz is talking about. She is great. https://ww2.amstat.org/meetings/jsm/2020/onlineprogram/AbstractDetails.cfm?abstractid=308125

I would argue that the most important thing you can do is define the type of clients you want to serve. There are so many types of potential clients and the more you narrow it down, the easier it is to find and talk with those people.

Many consultants narrow this down by field, type of company, type of project. Personally, I work with clients who already know some statistics but are over their head and want to not just get their project done right, but to learn in the process. They care about doing it right and understanding it. That's who I'm passionate about helping. I have tried working with clients who want to hire me so they don't have to deal with it and it has always been a disaster. You really want to find the right clients.

I would recommend these two books:
Get Clients Now! by CJ Hayden
Book Yourself Solid by Michael Port

They have details in there about networking, writing, speaking, and how to follow up effectively.

------------------------------
Karen Grace-Martin
Senior Statistical Consultant
The Analysis Factor, LLC

Original Message:
Sent: 06-12-2020 09:59
From: Robert DeMonbrun
Subject: New to Consulting and Findings Clients

Good Morning,

Long time reader, first time poster! :)

I am new to the statistical consulting world. While I have served as a "statistician on retainer" for a variety of companies in the past and work as a full-time statistician in my current role, I would like to start my own consulting business and perhaps, eventually, form this into a full-time endeavor.

Being new to this area, however, I was wondering if some of the expert consultants in this group would be willing to share their advice (for myself and I am sure others in the same position) for how you built your client network when you first began in the consulting world. Did you advertise? If so, where? Was your client-building strategy mostly word of mouth, or is there some magical board of "please help, I need a statistician" out there of which I am unaware? Is better to start with an established consulting company, and then "split off" eventually?

Just curious, for all of the people out there with established consulting businesses, how you built your consulting firm and client base. Thanks in advance!

- Matt

------------------------------
Matt DeMonbrun, Ph.D.
Statistician
Southern Methodist University
------------------------------