Welcome to a special milestone episode—#200! 

Are you limiting your potential as an independent consultant? 

You might be surprised at what’s truly possible for you—whether it’s doubling your income, hitting $1M in revenue, or building a consulting business that fulfills you in ways you never imagined.

In this episode, Melisa dives into why understanding what’s possible is critical for independent consultants who want to achieve more. She shares five real-life success stories from her clients, illustrating how expanding their vision unlocked incredible results—from remarkable revenue growth to creating a more balanced, meaningful business.

If you’re unsure what’s possible for your business—or you’re ready to push past your current limits—this episode is your guide to shifting your mindset, embracing opportunity, and taking the next big leap.

Key Topics Covered:

• Why knowing what’s possible is the foundation of consulting business success
• 5 real-life consulting business models that will inspire you
• A framework to embrace possibility and set bold goals

Don’t let doubt or uncertainty hold you back. 

Tune in to episode 200 for practical insights, inspiring stories, and actionable steps to unlock your full potential as an independent consultant.

Start exploring what’s possible—episode 200 is not to be missed!

Full show notes and more information: https://shownotes.melisaliberman.com/episode-200/

Companion Resource: 🔗 Today’s Companion Resource is The Consultant’s Yearly Planning Guide. Download it at https://www.melisaliberman.com/plan

MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE:

Episode 186. How a Consulting Buyer Thinks About Engaging Independent Consultants with Ran Harpaz the CEO and Founder of Lettuce.co - https://shownotes.melisaliberman.com/episode-186/

Episode 132 – The Path To $1M For The Independent Consultant - https://shownotes.melisaliberman.com/episode-132/

FOR MORE RESOURCES SPECIFIC TO THE INDEPENDENT CONSULTANT —

• Interested in working with Melisa? Visit consultmelisa.com to apply for a consultation and explore coaching opportunities
• "Grow Your Consulting Business: The 14-Step Roadmap to Make Your Independent Consulting Goals a Reality" by Melisa Liberman -melisaliberman.com/book
• Watch my YouTube Podcast Channel - youtube.com/channel 
• Connect with me on LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/melisa-liberman 
• Check out my 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.

For many independent consultants, entering a new year can feel like starting over. 

While starting over can initially feel exciting, it can quickly sabotage your business if you’re not careful.

In this episode, Melisa points out the dangers of thinking you’re starting over and shares actionable strategies to break the start-over cycle.

This is an important concept for your business beyond the start of a new year. This “starting over” cycle applies to a new year and also to key inflection points in your business, such as launching your business and adding new service offerings. 

Key Topics Covered:

• What is the Start Over Cycle
• Impact of the Start Over Cycle
• How to Avoid the Start Over Sabotage

What would it mean for your consulting business to never feel like you are starting over? 

Make sure to listen to episode 199 to find out.

Full show notes and more information: https://shownotes.melisaliberman.com/episode-199/

Companion Resource: 🔗 Today’s Companion Resource is The Consultant’s Yearly Planning Guide. Download it at https://www.melisaliberman.com/plan

FOR MORE RESOURCES SPECIFIC TO THE INDEPENDENT CONSULTANT —

• Interested in working with Melisa? Visit consultmelisa.com to apply for a consultation and explore coaching opportunities
• "Grow Your Consulting Business: The 14-Step Roadmap to Make Your Independent Consulting Goals a Reality" by Melisa Liberman -melisaliberman.com/book
• Watch my YouTube Podcast Channel - youtube.com/channel 
• Connect with me on LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/melisa-liberman 
• Check out my 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.

Understanding key trends can be the difference between staying ahead or falling behind in your consulting business. In this final episode of 2024, Melisa Liberman breaks down the six essential trends that will shape independent consulting in 2025, helping you position your business for greater success.

You'll learn why these trends matter and get practical strategies to leverage them in your business. If you want to stay competitive and grow your consulting practice in 2025, this episode provides your strategic roadmap.

In This Episode:

• Why the growing number of independents creates opportunity
• How AI and automation impact consulting businesses
• The increasing focus on business longevity
• Future of work trends affecting consultants
• The rise of consultant-specific software solutions
• Why consultants are building consortiums

Listen now to position your consulting business for success in 2025.

Companion Resource: 🔗 Today's Companion Resource is The Consultant's Yearly Planning Guide. Download it at https://www.melisaliberman.com/plan

Resources:

• Consultant’s Business Health Check - icassessment.com
• "Grow Your Consulting Business: The 14-Step Roadmap to Make Your Independent Consulting Goals a Reality" by Melisa Liberman - https://www.melisaliberman.com/book
• Full show notes and more information: https://shownotes.melisaliberman.com/episode-198/

Interested in working with Melisa? Visit consultmelisa.com to apply for a consultation and explore coaching opportunities

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.

Planning for 2025 can be the difference between another year of incremental growth and transformational success in your consulting business. In this episode, Melisa Liberman breaks down the five essential steps to make 2025 your best year yet, helping you move beyond basic goal setting to create real, sustainable growth.

You'll learn why traditional planning approaches often fail independent consultants and get a practical framework for setting yourself up for success. If you're ready to make 2025 different from years past, this episode provides your roadmap.

In This Episode:

• How to set vision-aligned goals that actually motivate you
• Why establishing your baseline is crucial for growth
• A practical framework for breaking down your plan
• How to anticipate and overcome obstacles proactively
• Essential steps to ensure consistent follow-through

Listen now to unlock the potential of strategic planning for your consulting business.

Companion Resource:
🔗 Today's Companion Resource is The Consultant's Yearly Planning Guide. Download it at https://www.melisaliberman.com/plan

Resources:

• Consultant’s Business Health Check - icassessment.com
• "Grow Your Consulting Business: The 14-Step Roadmap to Make Your Independent Consulting Goals a Reality" by Melisa Liberman - https://www.melisaliberman.com/book
• Full show notes and more information: https://shownotes.melisaliberman.com/episode-197/

Interested in working with Melisa? Visit consultmelisa.com to apply for a consultation and explore coaching opportunities

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 making a common sales mistake that's costing you clients and credibility? 

In this episode, Melisa Liberman reveals why letting potential clients take the lead in your sales process undermines your expertise and provides practical strategies to position yourself as the trusted advisor from the first conversation.

You'll learn why many independent consultants fall into this trap and get actionable steps to take control of your sales process. If you find yourself constantly responding to client requests rather than leading the conversation, this episode will transform your approach to consulting sales.

In This Episode:

• The impact of letting clients lead your sales process
• Three key prerequisites for taking control of your sales conversations
• Three mindset shifts that foster successful client interactions
• Practical examples of consultant-led sales processes
• Five steps to implement these strategies immediately

Listen now to unlock the potential of leading your consulting sales process with confidence.

Companion Resource: 

🔗 Today's Companion Resource is Chapter 10 - Become Someone Who Loves to Sell Without Being Salesy. Get my ebook for free at consultingbusinessbook.com

Resources:

• Consultant’s Business Health Check - icassessment.com
• "Grow Your Consulting Business: The 14-Step Roadmap to Make Your Independent Consulting Goals a Reality" by Melisa Liberman - https://www.melisaliberman.com/book
• Full show notes and more information: https://shownotes.melisaliberman.com/episode-196/

Interested in working with Melisa? Visit consultmelisa.com to apply for a consultation and explore coaching opportunities

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.

Managing your consulting pipeline effectively can be the difference between feast-or-famine and predictable revenue. 

In this episode, Melisa interviews Gosia Fitzgerald, co-founder and CFO of OnePageCRM, who shares insider knowledge on how successful consultants track and convert leads without getting overwhelmed by complex systems.

You'll learn why many independent consultants struggle with pipeline management, common mistakes to avoid, and practical solutions that work specifically for independent consultants. If you've been tracking leads in spreadsheets or wondering if you need a CRM, this episode provides clarity and actionable steps forward.

In This Episode:

• Why traditional CRMs often fail independent consultants
• The three key elements of effective pipeline management
• How to know when you're ready for a CRM system
• Real examples of successful follow-up strategies
• Practical tips for implementing a simple lead tracking system

Listen now to unlock the potential of effective pipeline management in your consulting business.

Companion Resource: 

🔗 Today's Companion Resource is the OnePageCRM Configuration Guide for Independent Consultants. Get it free when you sign up through Melisa's affiliate link here - https://www.onepagecrm.com/crm-solution/consulting/?via=5d1ff0

Resources:

• Consultant’s Business Health Check - icassessment.com
• "Grow Your Consulting Business: The 14-Step Roadmap to Make Your Independent Consulting Goals a Reality" by Melisa Liberman - https://www.melisaliberman.com/book
• Full show notes and more information: https://shownotes.melisaliberman.com/episode-195/

Interested in working with Melisa? Visit consultmelisa.com to apply for a consultation and explore coaching opportunities

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 find yourself waiting to feel confident until you land the next client or hit a certain revenue goal? This common "chicken and egg" effect keeps many consultants stuck in a cycle of self-doubt. In this episode, Melisa Liberman breaks down why waiting for external validation is holding you back and provides practical tools to build authentic confidence that drives results.

In This Episode:

• Why confidence matters more than experience or credentials
• The dangerous cycle of waiting for external validation
• Where true confidence really comes from
• The BE-DO-HAVE framework for authentic confidence
• A practical tool to implement confidence on demand

Listen now to unlock the secret to building unshakeable confidence in your independent consulting business.

🔗 Today's Companion Resource is "Grow Your Consulting Business: The 14-Step Roadmap to Make Your Independent Consulting Goals a Reality." Download it at MelisaBook.com.

Resources:

• Consultant’s Business Health Check - icassessment.com
• "Grow Your Consulting Business: The 14-Step Roadmap to Make Your Independent Consulting Goals a Reality" by Melisa Liberman - https://www.melisaliberman.com/book
• Full show notes and more information: https://shownotes.melisaliberman.com/episode-194/
• Interested in working with Melisa? Visit consultmelisa.com to apply for a consultation and explore coaching opportunities

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.

Taking control of your consulting business results can be the difference between stagnation and growth. In this episode, Melisa Liberman breaks down why consultants often feel powerless against external factors and provides a practical framework to regain control of your business outcomes, regardless of economic conditions or market timing.

You'll learn how to identify where you're making excuses, develop an ownership mindset, and get actionable steps to take back control of your results. If you've been feeling at the mercy of external circumstances, this episode is your roadmap to renewed business confidence.

In This Episode:

• The common reasons consultants feel out of control
• Why your brain seeks evidence to support limiting beliefs
• The real impact of external factors vs internal mindset
• A powerful tool for taking 100% responsibility
• Three steps to implement more control immediately

Listen now to unlock the potential of taking full ownership of your consulting business results.

Companion Resource: 

🔗 Today's Companion Resource is the Consultant's Business Health Check Assessment. Take it at icassessment.com to establish your baseline and identify key areas for optimization.

Resources:

• Consultant’s Business Health Check - icassessment.com
• "Grow Your Consulting Business: The 14-Step Roadmap to Make Your Independent Consulting Goals a Reality" by Melisa Liberman - https://www.melisaliberman.com/book
• Full show notes and more information: https://shownotes.melisaliberman.com/episode-193/

Interested in working with Melisa? Visit consultmelisa.com to apply for a consultation and explore coaching opportunities

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.

Inbound lead generation can be the difference between a thriving consulting business and a stagnant one. 

In this episode, Melisa Liberman breaks down the essential strategies to attract leads who actively seek out your expertise, so you can spend more time on meaningful work and less on chasing down potential clients.

You’ll learn the prerequisites to drive inbound leads effectively, develop the right mindset, and get actionable steps you can start implementing today. If you’ve been wanting to bring in more business without the constant hustle, this episode is your roadmap.

In This Episode:

• The definition and importance of inbound leads for consultants
• Three key prerequisites for creating a sustainable inbound lead generation system
• Five mindset shifts that foster successful inbound strategies
• Practical examples of inbound lead generation tailored to consultants
• Five steps to put these strategies into action immediately

Listen now to unlock the potential of generating inbound leads for your independent consulting business.

Companion Resource:

🔗 Chapter 9 “Your Lead Generation System to Uncover High Quality Opportunities” from my book, available here.

Resources:

• Consultant’s Business Health Check - icassessment.com
• "Grow Your Consulting Business: The 14-Step Roadmap to Make Your Independent Consulting Goals a Reality" by Melisa Liberman - https://www.melisaliberman.com/book
• Full show notes and more information: https://shownotes.melisaliberman.com/episode-192/

Interested in working with Melisa? Visit consultmelisa.com to apply for a consultation and explore coaching opportunities.

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.

In this episode of Grow Your Independent Consulting Business, Melisa Liberman dives into a transformative mindset shift—treating your business as your own best client. She shares some practical steps and strategies that independent consultants can adopt to ensure they prioritize their business growth and maintain consistency in their operations.

Key Topics Covered:

• Why you should view your business as one of your clients.
• The four major benefits of applying this mindset.
• Tactical and logistical ways to onboard and engage with yourself as a client.
• Real-life case studies showcasing this practice in action.
• Strategies for balancing personal workload and prioritizing your business.
• Actionable steps to implement these insights into your consulting routine.

Listen now to learn how adopting this perspective can help you manage your business more effectively and achieve your long-term goals.

Companion Resource:

🔗 Private coaching with Melisa to help you with Strategy, Processes, Mindset, and Accountability. Book at consultMelisa.com or learn more by visiting consultingbusiness.coach.

Resources:

• Consultant’s Business Health Check - icassessment.com
• "Grow Your Consulting Business: The 14-Step Roadmap to Make Your Independent Consulting Goals a Reality" by Melisa Liberman - https://www.melisaliberman.com/book
• Full show notes and more information: https://shownotes.melisaliberman.com/episode-191/

Interested in working with Melisa? Visit consultmelisa.com to apply for a consultation and explore coaching opportunities.

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.