What if the biggest reason you're not hitting your revenue goal has nothing to do with strategy — and everything to do with tiny, invisible breakdowns in your business development process?

In this episode, I walk you through the concept of “leaks” in your consulting business — those points where value, opportunity, or efficiency is lost without you even realizing it. 

These leaks aren’t just annoying; they dilute your revenue, add unnecessary stress, and make your business harder to run than it needs to be.

We’ll cover eight common types of leaks that affect independent consultants — from not generating enough conversations to getting stuck in the "friend zone" — and how to use the Consultant Leak Framework to identify and fix them.

I also share two real-world case studies from clients who patched their leaks and saw big changes — including one who added $650K to their pipeline.

Timestamps for Key Moments

• [05:12] What a "leak" actually is and how even seasoned consultants have them
• [08:45] Eight common business development leaks that stall your revenue growth
• [16:33] The Consultant Leak Framework, a 6-step process to find and fix the biggest breakdowns in your BD system
• [20:01] Case Study #1: How one consultant shifted his mindset and process to unlock $650K in pipeline
• [24:45] Case Study #2: How a “friend zone” leak was solved by creating simple hook offers that convert conversations into next steps

Tune in to Episode 216 to diagnose your own biggest leak — and learn how to fix it so you can build a more predictable, fulfilling consulting business.

Related Resources

• Full Show Notes: https://shownotes.melisaliberman.com/episode-216/
• Subscribe to Melisa’s newsletter: The Independent - Weekly Newsletter, https://www.melisaliberman.com/news
• Consulting Business Health Check – Take it at  https://www.icassessment.com to establish your baseline and identify key areas for optimization.
• Related Podcast Episode: Episode 193 - Being In Control of Your Consulting Business Results, https://shownotes.melisaliberman.com/episode-193/ 
• Work with Melisa: Apply for a Coaching Exploratory call at https://consultmelisa.com 

Want More?

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

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.

What if you could run a corporate retreat... for a company of one? 

That’s exactly what independent consultant and brand strategist Claire Elvers did. In this episode, Claire joins Melisa to share why she carved out the time and space to take her business offline — and what she learned from zooming out.

This conversation is packed with real talk about the real work of running a consulting business:

• Facilitating a productive, impactful retreat for your solo consulting business,
• Why consultants often neglect mid-funnel strategy (and the impact of doing so), 
• How to create more leverage without hiring a team, and 
• How to stay focused on building a business — not just delivering client work.

Claire also opens up about her non-linear path into independent consulting, how she made her first project happen, and why productizing her expertise has become a game-changer for her growth and freedom.

Whether you’ve been thinking about taking yourself “offsite,” or you’re stuck in the weeds and need to see your business with fresh eyes, this episode will challenge you to think like a business owner — not just a service provider.

Tune in to Episode 215 for practical insights and peer-level perspective on building an independent consulting business that reflects your goals and plays to your strengths.

Timestamps for Key Moments

• [08:12] Why Claire created a solo business retreat — and what it revealed about her next stage of growth
• [15:47] The strategic questions she asked herself to get clarity and create focus
• [21:30] How she’s productizing her expertise and making it easier for clients to say yes
• [29:22] Mid-funnel blind spots most consultants overlook (and how to fix them)
• [36:50] The most important mindset shift Claire made to start and grow her consulting business
• [43:03] Advice from one consultant to another on making the leap and finding your footing

Related Resources

• Full Show Notes: https://shownotes.melisaliberman.com/episode-215/
• Retreat Checklist PDF: Download The Independent Consultant's Corporate Retreat Checklist https://www.melisaliberman.com/retreat-checklist
• Related Podcast Episode: Episode 090 – Corporate Retreat for the Independent Consultant, https://shownotes.melisaliberman.com/episode-90/
• Work with Melisa: Apply for a Coaching Exploratory call at consultmelisa.com
• Connect with Claire: https://www.linkedin.com/in/claire-elvers-4a09271/

Want More?

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

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.

What if the most valuable tool in your consulting business is one you already have — and didn’t even realize?

In this episode, Matty Bakkeren joins Melisa to share his early-stage consulting business experience as an independent consultant and the strategies he uses to create momentum in his business.

From listening to this podcast in his car to building his own consulting practice — Matty gives us a grounded, behind-the-scenes look at what it’s really like to start and grow a consulting business.

Whether you’ve just exited corporate or are considering the move, this conversation is packed with perspective, encouragement, and a few sharp truths that’ll help you build your consulting business on solid ground.

Tune in to Episode 214 for a grounded perspective and a clear takeaway: You already have more tools than you think — now it’s time to use them.

Resources & Links Mentioned: 

• Download Your Business Dashboard One-Pager, https://www.melisaliberman.com/KPI
• Episode 208 - Becoming a Client Sherpa with John Healy, https://shownotes.melisaliberman.com/episode-208/ 
• Apply for a Coaching Exploratory call at consultmelisa.com

Timestamps for Key Moments

[03:44] – From podcast listener to guest: Maddie’s journey

[10:12] – The surprise value of a personal brand

[16:45] – Corporate skills that transfer to consulting

[22:08] – Building momentum and sharing learnings

[28:14] – Why consulting isn’t a solo sport

[33:20] – Final advice for new and aspiring consultants

Want More?

Get Melisa’s Book: https://www.melisaliberman.com/book

Visit with Melisa’s Website: melisaliberman.com/ 

Follow on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/melisa-liberman 

Full Show Notes: https://shownotes.melisaliberman.com/episode-214/
Connect with Matty Bakkeren: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattybnl/

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.

Are you curious what it takes to consistently earn 50K per month as an independent consultant? 

In this episode, host Melisa Liberman reveals the four key components you need to implement in your consulting business to create a consistent 50k per month consulting business.

She outlines how to create an aligned offer, attract high-quality demand, shape your identity as a sought-after expert, and take focused, decisive action. 

To help you put the episode into action, Melisa provides actionable questions to help refine your approach and start seeing real growth.

If you're committed to growing your consulting business, don't miss out on these insights.

Tune in now to learn the four steps you need to take to make $50K per month as an independent consultant.

Resources & Links Mentioned: Download Melisa’s Book, Grow Your Consulting Business: The 14-Step Roadmap to Make Your Independent Consulting Goals a Reality https://www.melisaliberman.com/book

Related Podcast Episode: Episode 193 - Being In Control of Your Consulting Business Results, https://shownotes.melisaliberman.com/episode-193/ 

Work with Melisa: Apply for a Coaching Exploratory call at consultmelisa.com

Timestamps for Key Moments

​[06:56] – What 50k months look like

[11:33] – 4 components of a 50k per month consulting business

[12:45] – An aligned offer

[21:04] – High-quality demand

[25:14] – Aligned identity

[35:20] – Action focus

[48:45] – Steps to put this into action

Want More?

Get Melisa’s Book: https://www.melisaliberman.com/book

Visit with Melisa’s Website: melisaliberman.com/ 

Follow on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/melisa-liberman 

Full Show Notes: https://shownotes.melisaliberman.com/episode-213/

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.

Want to know the secrets behind a successful fractional consulting business?

Learn how to build trust, sell yourself as a fractional leader, and land high-value clients.

In this episode, Melisa Liberman chats with Alessandro Pregnolato, a seasoned fractional consultant. 

Alessandro is one of Melisa’s clients and has established himself as an in-demand fractional leader for start-ups and companies looking to scale quickly and efficiently. 

Melisa and Alessandro discuss what it takes to succeed in the fractional space. They explore key strategies for selling your services, managing demand, and growing your consulting business sustainably.

Tune in now to hear Alessandro’s expert advice on building a successful fractional consulting business through his proven strategies and procedures.

Full Show Notes: https://shownotes.melisaliberman.com/episode-212/

Resources & Links Mentioned: Download Your Business Dashboard One-Pager, https://www.melisaliberman.com/KPI

Related Podcast Episode: Episode 208 - Becoming a Client Sherpa with John Healy, https://shownotes.melisaliberman.com/episode-208/ 

Work with Melisa: Apply for a Coaching Exploratory call at consultmelisa.com

Timestamps for Key Moments

​[06:03] – Meet Alessandro

[11:27] – What makes a successful fractional leader

[16:33] – Alessandro’s sales process

[25:00] – Protecting your capacity as a fractional consultant

[33:00] – Lead generation strategies

[40:00] – Lessons learned

[48:45] – Alessandro’s mindset shifts

Want More?

Get Melisa’s Book: https://www.melisaliberman.com/book

Visit with Melisa’s Website: melisaliberman.com/ 

Follow on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/melisa-liberman 

Connect with Alessandro: https://www.alessandropregnolato.com/ and https://www.linkedin.com/in/alessandro-pregnolato-5472501/

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.

Do you want to generate inbound leads for your consulting business? Do you want a path to meeting your ideal clients?

In this episode, host Melisa Liberman shares how to leverage a podcast for consulting lead generation. She shares four simple steps to put this lead gen strategy into action and record your first episode

Discover the proven strategies top consultants use to leverage podcasts for effective lead generation within the unique consulting business model.

Plus, get the inside scoop on the tools and tech Melisa uses to keep everything running smoothly, so you can focus on what matters most—growing your business.

Tune in and get the tips you need to launch a podcast as an independent consultant.

Resources & Links Mentioned: 

• Full Shownotes: https://shownotes.melisaliberman.com/episode-211/
• Download the Consulting Business Dashboard One-Pager: https://www.melisaliberman.com/KPI
• Related Podcast Episode: Episode 206 - Choosing The Best Lead Generation Strategy For Your Consulting Business Phase, https://shownotes.melisaliberman.com/episode-206/

Work with Melisa: Apply for a Coaching Exploratory call at consultmelisa.com

Timestamps for Key Moments

​[08:19] – Benefits of hosting a podcast

[17:22] – Inspiration for content

[22:38] – How to leverage the podcast to get consulting leads

[26:34] – 3 key success strategies

[35:21] – Podcast technology

[40:35] – Put this into action

Want More?

Get Melisa’s Book: https://www.melisaliberman.com/book

Visit with Melisa’s Website: melisaliberman.com/ 

Follow on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/melisa-liberman 

Full Show Notes: https://shownotes.melisaliberman.com/episode-211/

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.

Do you advise your consulting clients to leverage KPIs but don’t apply the same strategy to your own business?

You’re not alone.

In this episode, host Melisa Liberman explains how to implement Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to manage your consulting practice more effectively. 

Melisa outlines the power of a simple consulting KPI dashboard and shares real-world examples of KPIs, such as financial tracking, lead generation, and operational efficiency. She discusses how these metrics can bring clarity, guide decisions, and help independent consultants avoid running their businesses based on feelings or intuition.

You know KPIs can be effective.

This episode will help you break down the KPIs that best fit your consulting business model, the software you can use to capture the KPI data, and a simple one-pager format you can use to keep your KPIs top-of-mind.

Are you ready to achieve predictable results in your independent consulting business? Tune in to learn how leveraging KPIs can set you up for success.

Resources & Links Mentioned: 

Key Metrics & KPIs Consulting Business Owners Should Track: https://www.melisaliberman.com/KPI

Related Podcast Episode: Episode 156 - The 3 Lead Generation Modes for a Consulting Business Pipeline, https://shownotes.melisaliberman.com/episode-156/

Work with Melisa: Apply for a Coaching Exploratory call at consultmelisa.com

Timestamps for Key Moments

​[07:25] – Why you might not be leveraging KPIs in your business

[13:16] – 3 KPIs to track

[21:50] – How to implement KPIs

Want More?

Get Melisa’s Book: https://www.melisaliberman.com/book

Visit with Melisa’s Website: melisaliberman.com/ 

Follow on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/melisa-liberman 

Full Show Notes: https://shownotes.melisaliberman.com/episode-210/

Related Blog Article: https://www.melisaliberman.com/blog/consulting-metrics-and-kpis

OnePageCRM: https://www.onepagecrm.com/crm-solution/consulting/?via=5d1ff0

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.

Are you struggling to find time for lead generation? What if you could fill your pipeline in just 7 minutes a day?

In this episode, host Melisa Liberman shows you how to do just that. 

Melisa breaks down the common obstacles independent consultants face when it comes to lead generation and shares a game-changing strategy to overcome them. 

You’ll learn how dedicating just 7 minutes to one focused lead-generation action per day can rapidly fill your pipeline with ideal clients. Plus, she’ll walk you through actionable success strategies to ensure you maximize your results, stay organized, and keep your momentum high.

Are you ready to take control of your consulting business and start generating leads in just minutes a day? Tune in and discover how Melisa’s 7-minute lead generation routine can completely transform your business. 

Resources & Links Mentioned: Standard Operating Procedure: Fill Your Consulting Pipeline in 26 Minutes https://www.rammethod.com

Related Podcast Episode: Episode 190 – How to Create Excess Demand for Your Consulting Business, https://shownotes.melisaliberman.com/episode-190/

Work with Melisa: Apply for a Coaching Exploratory call at consultmelisa.com

Timestamps for Key Moments:

​[01:20] – Inspiration for episode

[04:28] – Common lead generation blocks

[10:21] – 7-minute lead generation routine

​[13:15] – Success strategies for optimization

[18:54] – How to put this into action

Want More?

Get Melisa’s Book: https://www.melisaliberman.com/book

Visit with Melisa’s Website: melisaliberman.com/ 

Follow on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/melisa-liberman 

Full Show Notes: https://shownotes.melisaliberman.com/episode-209/

CRM Affiliate: https://www.onepagecrm.com/crm-solution/consulting/?via=5d1ff0

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.

Are you an independent consultant or a fractional executive aiming to grow your business?

Have you ever thought about how much easier it would be to land consulting clients if you could understand exactly what buyers are looking for?

Don’t miss episode 208, where I, Melisa Liberman, talk with John Healy, Chief Executive of Whrrr.work. John brings a comprehensive 360-degree perspective to consulting, leveraging his current roles as a fractional executive and strategy consultant, along with his past experience as a staffing company executive and a buyer of consulting services in corporate staffing. 

John’s unique blend of experiences enables him to understand and address the multifaceted needs of both his fellow consultants and their clients.

This episode is packed with specialized strategies that cater directly to the unique challenges of independent and fractional consultants.

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

Certainly, here’s the expanded list including a new bullet point about John’s perspective on not knowing it all:

• Surprising Approach to Not “Knowing It All” as an Expert: Discover the surprising advantage John finds in admitting he doesn’t have all the answers, which builds trust and stimulates impactful discussions for better outcomes.
• The Key to Deepening Prospect and Client Relationships: Uncover how leading with transparency and curiosity in client interactions fosters relationships rich in mutual value and collaborative growth.
• Why It’s Important to Be a “Client Sherpa”: Delve into John’s innovative strategy for client acquisition that hinges on intrigue and genuine engagement, establishing you as an indispensable strategic partner.
• What Makes a Consultant Stand Out: The difference between consultants who land strategic, interesting work and those that fall into work that’s less fulfilling
• Ecosystems and Partnerships: Learn how crafting win-win scenarios can significantly elevate your consultancy from a mere service provider to a valued ally.

Why This Episode Is a Must-Listen:

If you want to grow your consulting practice, move into advisory and fractional work, and build stronger professional relationships, this episode is packed with practical insights. 

• Learn from John Healy’s effective strategies to not only grow your client list but also become a trusted advisor in the consulting industry. 
• Get a behind-the-scenes look at how a successful fractional consultant operates, offering you a real-world perspective that can inform your own consulting approach. 
• Listen to Episode 208: Equip yourself with the knowledge to improve your consulting skills and drive significant growth in your business.

Full show notes: https://shownotes.melisaliberman.com/episode-208/

FOR MORE RESOURCES SPECIFIC TO THE INDEPENDENT CONSULTANT —

• Companion Resource: Grow Your Consulting Business: The 14-Step Roadmap to Make Your Independent Consulting Goals a Reality. Download the first three chapters at https://www.melisaliberman.com/book
• Work with Melisa: Apply for a Coaching Exploratory call at consultmelisa.com
• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/melisa-liberman 
• Website:  melisaliberman.com/ 
• Connect with John at [email protected]

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.

When you think of a "campaign," your mind might immediately go to ads. 

But, in today's episode, Melisa talks about campaigns as a way to center your business development and lead generation activities around a specific theme so you can more effectively fill your pipeline as an independent consultant.

Melisa defines the concept of a campaign in the context of an independent consulting business and shows how it can become the driving force behind your lead generation efforts. 

Creating a repeatable process and leveraging theme-based outreach can attract the right clients and elevate the quality of leads in your pipeline. 

To help you visualize this, Melisa shares real-life examples of how campaigns have transformed her clients' businesses.

Then, she breaks down the five essential elements of a winning lead gen campaign, offering a clear and actionable framework for leveraging a campaign for lead generation. 

If you're ready to fill your pipeline with high-quality leads from clients you're excited to work with, this episode is a must-listen. 

Tune in for practical insights on how to implement a business development process that delivers results!

Full show notes: https://shownotes.melisaliberman.com/episode-207/

Key Topics Covered:

• What is a Campaign? - Learn how a strategic, theme-based approach can center your lead generation efforts to be more appealing to ideal clients.
• Benefits of Leveraging a Campaign - Discover the benefits of leveraging something tangible to ground your lead generation conversations.
• 5 Components of a Successful Campaign - Learn the five key components to building a successful campaign that supports effective and repeatable lead generation.
• 5-Step Framework - Put this concept into action by following Melisa’s five-step framework for implementing a campaign in your independent consulting business.

Is your goal to drive high-quality consulting leads? Make sure to listen to episode 207 to find out how.

FOR MORE RESOURCES SPECIFIC TO THE INDEPENDENT CONSULTANT —

• Companion Resource: Grow Your Consulting Business: The 14-Step Roadmap to Make Your Independent Consulting Goals a Reality. Download the first three chapters at https://www.melisaliberman.com/book
• Work with Melisa: Apply for a Coaching Exploratory call at consultmelisa.com
• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/melisa-liberman 
• Website:  melisaliberman.com/ 

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.