What if your consulting business wasn’t meticulously planned, but evolved from one bold decision after another?

In this episode, Melisa talks with longtime client Alison Jeffrey, a strategic fundraising consultant, about how Alison went from leaving a full-time job with no safety net to building a seasonal, profitable business rooted in authenticity, intention, and relationships.

Alison shares candidly how she stopped chasing “good enough” clients, redefined what success looks like (even when walking away from high-paying work), and leaned into her natural strengths as a strategist, connector, and advisor not just a fundraiser.

Whether you're building from scratch or refining your consulting business model, this episode offers hard-earned insight on how to build a business that aligns with your values, your energy, and your long-term goals.

Timestamps for Key Moments:

[05:00] The mindset shift that started it all — leaving without a plan and trusting it would work.

[10:00] Why Alison walked away from a high-paying engagement — and what happened next.

[15:00] The hidden power of strategic positioning — moving from “fundraiser” to “advisor.”

[25:00] How to consistently build a pipeline using relational strategies, not hustle tactics.

[35:00] Creating a seasonal business model that supports high-revenue periods and planned slow-downs.

[40:00] How to structure fractional advisory roles without becoming a staff augmentation.

Tune in to Episode 221 to hear Alison’s practical, powerful path to building a sustainable consulting business and how you can apply her approach to your own.

Related Resources

• Full Show Notes: https://shownotes.melisaliberman.com/episode-221/
• Read Chapter 14 in Grow Your Consulting Business: The 14-Step Roadmap to Make Your Independent Consulting Goals a Reality, https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CSXJBGVB
• Related Podcast Episode: Episode 212 – Succeeding as a Fractional Consultant with Alessandro Pregnolato, https://shownotes.melisaliberman.com/episode-212/
• Work with Melisa: Apply for a Coaching Exploratory call at https://www.consultmelisa.com 
• Connect with Alison: Alison Jeffrey

Want More?

• Get Melisa’s Book: https://www.melisaliberman.com/book
• Visit with Melisa’s Website: www.melisaliberman.com 
• Follow on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/melisa-liberman 

If you want a predictable pipeline in 2026, I’m hosting a live training to show you how to create steady consulting opportunities, even when you’re busy delivering. You can choose from two dates, January 13 or January 15. There are no replays. 

Go to ICworkshop.info to grab your spot. 

Want help achieving your consulting business goals? Melisa can help. Click here for more on coaching tailored to you as an independent consulting business owner.