...Also, why I still use it in my business today.

Before I ever launched an online course or logged into Kajabi, I was a personal chef. The parties I worked were mostly at elegant estate home Airbnbs. The house would be filled with about a dozen girls who had just spent the day wine tasting (you can imagine). They’d hired me as their personal chef to come in and make a multi-course dinner as the close to their weekend.

It would begin with an inquiry through my website while they were in the planning stage. I’d reply with a personalized estimate that included groceries, menu prep, and travel.

👉And then… silence.

Over and over again, I would take the time to reply, customize a menu, send my pricing, then hear nothing.

At first, I assumed I was being price-shopped. I figured they went with someone cheaper or changed their plans.

But then I decided to try something different. I set up a basic follow-up system.

Every two weeks, I would send a quick email. Something simple like:

That’s it.

The result? My bookings doubled. The best business systems are really that simple.

I left the personal chef business behind, but that follow-up system came with me.

Now, I help professionals who want to launch online courses, coaching and consulting with business strategy and website platform support. Just like back then, people reach out and sometimes go quiet after our consultation.

Instead of assuming they’re gone, I stay in touch. Not constantly, but at regular intervals and with the right tone.

Sometimes they’re waiting for the right time. Sometimes they’re overwhelmed with other projects. Sometimes they want to buy, but need a little nudge.

The point is, business relationships can take time. And the people who buy aren’t always the ones who reply instantly.

💗 Now for the step-by-step that you love...

If you’re working with leads, consults, or inquiries and things go quiet after the first conversation, here’s a simple follow-up system:

Any time someone expresses interest but doesn’t buy, add them to a list. This could be a Word doc, spreadsheet, or label in your inbox. What matters is that they don’t disappear from your radar.

These are not long or pushy. They’re respectful check-ins spaced a couple of weeks apart.

You'd adjust the tone to sound like something you would say, of course.

You can schedule these with automations inside Kajabi, or use a simple calendar reminder. The key is to make follow-up part of your system, not something you remember last minute.

If someone tells you they’re waiting three months, tag that. If they say they’re not ready, that doesn’t mean never. It just means revisit later.

Most people think they need more content or a bigger audience. What they really need is a systemized, repeatable process.

Follow-up is not about becoming a stalker. It’s just staying top of mind while respecting their timeline. It’s one of the most overlooked ways to increase your sales without increasing your output.

I would drive to a client's house and dread my day before it began. I was offering 1:1 services and I just could not see a way to make it 1:Many. But my goodness, I was determined to find the answer of how to get out of this fixed income life. 

As you probably already know, offering 1:1 work is limited by how much time is available in a day. I could only help two clients a day so my income was capped. I just knew there had to be a better way. 

One afternoon, I took a deep breath, opened my laptop, and committed to finding a way to help others, but at scale. That decision changed everything.

Your online business will grow, but growth is rarely instant. Use the security of your current position to support your transition. Build your business in the margins of your day in early mornings, lunch breaks, and evenings. This methodical approach will help you create something sustainable without the pressure of needing instant results.

The steps below are a roadmap that I, and many others, have followed to create online consulting businesses from the ground up. No matter your expertise, this is how you begin building your online business from where you are right now.

Start by translating your in-person offer into something that can be delivered virtually. Think through what people consistently come to you for help with. What outcomes do they achieve because they work with you? Structure your service around the result they’re looking for, not the time they spend with you.

If you’ve been offering hourly sessions, consider switching to a result-based package. For example, instead of one-off sessions, you might create a three-session bundle that helps clients reach a specific goal. This gives your offer structure and value, even in a digital format.

Clarity is everything. If you can describe what you help people achieve in one sentence, you’re on the right path.

The three most common models are private coaching, group consulting, and digital programs. Each has its own rhythm.

Private coaching gives you the deepest connection with clients and is ideal if you’re starting with a small audience. It’s also the easiest to begin because it doesn’t require content creation up front, just your presence and expertise.

Group consulting allows you to leverage your time while still offering personal support. Clients get the benefit of learning from others while you serve multiple people at once. This can be delivered over video calls, with supporting resources to guide their progress.

Digital programs are pre-recorded or pre-written lessons that clients can move through on their own. These take more time to build but allow you to serve clients at scale. They’re especially useful for topics that are repeatable or structured.

Start with the one you feel most confident about. You can evolve into the others later.

Once you know your model, build a simple offer. It doesn’t need to be fancy or filled with extras. Your goal is to help someone solve a specific problem.

Give your offer a name. Write out what’s included. Be honest about the outcomes. Keep your price straightforward. A low-to-mid-tier offer is usually best in the beginning because it builds trust while you learn what your audience needs.

Don’t wait for it to be perfect. It will improve as you gain experience and client feedback.

This is where you need to become a little more organized. Set up a way for people to schedule a session with you. Use a calendar tool that links to your availability. Make sure clients receive confirmation emails and know how to connect with you, whether that’s Zoom or another platform.

If you’re creating digital materials, organize them into folders or an online course layout. Label everything clearly. Clients should never feel lost or confused.

The easier you make the experience, the more likely people are to refer others and return themselves.

You don’t need a full website right away. You need one page that communicates who you help and how. Add your photo, your bio, and a call to action to schedule or apply. Link your calendar and you’re ready to start sharing your offer.

Start talking about your work on the platform where your people already spend time. Share stories, tips, and behind-the-scenes moments. Speak directly to the problem your offer solves. Don’t be afraid to repeat yourself. Consistency builds trust.

Think of every post, email, or video as a doorway into your world. You’re building a relationship, not just selling a service.

The online world moves fast, but trust is still earned slowly. Instead of chasing trends or obsessing over likes, focus on connecting with the people who genuinely need your help. Reply to messages. Thank people for their interest. Ask questions that lead to meaningful conversations.

Referrals, testimonials, and repeat clients all grow out of genuine relationships. Stay present with your audience. Show them that you care and that you’re paying attention.

Your first few clients may come from your existing network. Let them know what you’re offering. Ask them to share with anyone who might benefit. Momentum often starts close to home.

As your business begins to grow, you’ll notice where things feel clunky or confusing. Take time to fix those friction points. Streamline your intake process. Improve your client onboarding. Refine your communication templates.

Start keeping track of your wins (client results, positive feedback, and income milestones). These notes will help you stay encouraged and make better decisions as you grow.

Also, give yourself permission to pause and reassess every few weeks. Look at what’s working. Double down on that. Let go of anything that feels forced or unsustainable.

You’re building something that supports your lifestyle, not the other way around.

The journey from in-person to online consulting isn’t solely moving your business to virtual. It’s reclaiming your time, expanding your reach, and building something resilient. You already have what it takes. Now, you have a map to follow.

Take the first step today. Your future self will thank you. 😉

A practical guide for coaches, consultants, and digital creators

If you're trying to grow your online business by sharing your skills or knowledge, then you need a funnel. 

That includes coaches, consultants, teachers, authors, therapists, course creators, and anyone else who helps others by sharing what they know.

Even if you're just starting or your audience is small, a funnel helps you organize how people find you and how they move toward working with you.

A sales funnel is simply a way to describe the step-by-step process that someone goes through before they decide to work with you or buy something you offer. It's really just a series of landing pages and emails. The customer journey starts with them finding you online, continues through learning more about what you do, and ends when they make a purchase or join your program.

Imagine a funnel in the kitchen. At the top, it is wide and open so it can catch a lot of material. As it goes down, it gets narrower. This shape helps us visualize how people move through your content and offers. Many will see your content and services at first, but only some will keep moving forward until they are ready to say yes to what you offer. That is exactly what happens in an online business. 

Mapping out the journey will help you understand what area of the path needs adjusting in the case of too many leads dropping at one point in the map. 

Remember, it's called a “funnel” because it starts wide when lots of people see your content or visit your website, but as they move through the different steps, fewer continue forward. Each stage filters your audience down to the most interested and aligned people.

The goal is not to convince everyone to buy from you but to create a path where the right people feel understood, supported, and eventually ready to work with you.

Each part of the funnel is a point in the journey. Someone might read a post, download a free guide, receive helpful emails, and eventually make a choice to purchase. The funnel keeps all those steps organized and intentional.

Funnels are talked about often, but they are rarely explained clearly. The confusion comes from the fact that a funnel is not one tool or one page. It is a combination of several parts working together. This includes your website, your free content, email messages and offers.

Unless you build your funnel piece by piece with purpose, it can feel like a collection of random ideas. But once you learn the steps and how they connect, it becomes a useful tool.

Here is one way to create an effective funnel inside Kajabi:

Choose a platform you enjoy using. This could be Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn, or a blog. Share tips, answer common questions, and offer useful advice regularly. This builds trust and helps people begin to recognize your voice and approach.

Encourage people to come to your website and download a free resource. This could be a short guide, a checklist, a sample video, or a mini course. The goal is to give value while also gathering their email address so you can stay in touch.

Once someone requests your free resource, send it through email automatically. Then bring them to a thank you page that offers a simple next step. This might be to follow you on social, book a consultation, or presentation of a low-ticket paid offer.

Over the next few days, send a short series of emails that helps the person get to know you. Share your story, explain what you offer, and give more free advice or insights. This helps build comfort and interest.

After the first set of emails, continue sending a weekly message with helpful content. This could be a new blog post, a video, or a tip from your experience. Over time, this turns new contacts into loyal followers and customers.

If you have an idea for an online course, coaching program, or digital product but feel uncertain about how to turn it into something people will buy, the Offer Building Toolkit is designed to guide you through that process. 

This set of ten interactive tools helps you clarify your offer, identify your audience, determine your pricing, and plan your marketing strategy. 

By breaking down each step, the toolkit allows you to move forward with confidence and purpose. It's a practical resource for anyone ready to transform their knowledge into a structured, sellable offer. 

Inside the Offer Building Toolkit:

These tools work together to move your idea from “I’m thinking about it” to “I’m ready to sell this.”

P.S. I’m brand new on YouTube this month if you would be so kind to support me by subscribing here.

It’s the missing pieces between your idea and execution.

Your idea is solid. You know it can help people. But turning that idea into a digital offer that people want to buy? That’s the part that keeps getting pushed to the bottom of the to-do list.

Most coaches, consultants, and course creators don’t struggle with having a “bad idea.” They struggle with building the offer around that idea in a compelling way.

These aren’t branding exercises. They're business choices that determine whether people understand your offer, trust it, and feel confident buying it. When left unanswered, they lead to vague messaging, inconsistent pricing, and offers that get interest but no sales. When answered with intention, they give your idea traction and make your next steps obvious.

Below are ten key decisions that move you from idea to income. This toolkit will help you take your existing idea and shape it into an offer that connects with the right people and earns consistent sales.

Each tool helps you make focused decisions around what you're offering, who it's for, what makes it worth paying for, and how to communicate that in a way that leads to action.

If you've been sitting on a great idea but not seeing the traction you expected, this is exactly what you need.

Learn More Here.

Helps you nail down exactly what you’re selling. If you can’t explain it clearly, people won’t buy it. This tool walks you through refining your offer until it’s specific, desirable, and results-focused.

This helps you move beyond vague avatars. It helps you identify who’s most likely to pay for your offer, where to find them, and how to speak directly to their core desires and struggles.

There are others offering something similar, so how do you stand out? This tool shows you how to articulate your unique value without having to “be better,” just different in a way that matters to your audience.

People need to understand what you do right away. This tool helps you write a concise and compelling one-line pitch that clearly communicates your offer and grabs attention.

You might know what you want to teach, but are people ready to pay for it? This tool helps you identify what your audience values most so you can focus your offer on real demand.

Pricing gets emotional fast. This tool gives you a framework to price your offer based on value, audience, and your goals so you can stop second-guessing your rates.

Once your offer is built, what’s next? This tool helps you reverse engineer your income goals into realistic sales targets and timelines so you can start planning.

A great freebie does more than collect emails. This tool helps you design a lead magnet that grabs attention, builds trust, and smoothly leads into your paid offer.

Where do your buyers hang out online? This tool helps you figure out where to show up, what kind of content to post, and how to attract the right eyeballs.

You do not need a whole new offer to grow your revenue. This tool helps you come up with simple ways to add value to your existing offer so your customers are eager to buy more.

⚡ Your idea isn’t the problem. The lack of structure is. When you work through these 10 tools, you’ll go from conceptual idea to sellable offer, even if you’ve been stuck for months how to go about building an online business.

If you’ve ever thought:

“I just need to get it all out of my head…” This is your bridge to doing exactly that.

Curious which tool you need most right now? 

Learn More Here.

P.S. I’m brand new on YouTube this month if you would be so kind to support me by subscribing here.

A resume gap raises eyebrows. Consulting changes the conversation.

You have experience. You’ve led teams, solved problems, managed systems, improved workflows, coached people. That doesn’t expire when you leave a job. It becomes leverage. Consulting turns that leverage into income.

You solve problems others aren’t equipped to handle. 

That’s the value you bring. 

You provide structure, direction, and solutions in areas like operations, marketing, strategy, finance, or mindset. If you’ve done it before, someone is ready to invest in your support.

You are in charge. You move forward without interviews or traditional gatekeepers. You choose who you serve and how you deliver your expertise.

👉That gap in your resume? It becomes the start of your business. 

1. Focus on the problem you solve. Choose something meaningful and specific that creates real impact. Let your expertise be defined by the solution you offer, not just a title.

Examples:

2. Package your offer. 

Don’t overthink it.

Define the offer. What’s the outcome? How do they get it?

3. Build your online home. Use Kajabi. Set up a simple page: who you help, what you offer, how to book. Connect your calendar and payment gateway.

4. Start talking. Pick one platform as your podium. Post insights, share wins, explain how you help. No need to go viral. Show up consistently and with value.

5. Get one client. Reach out to your network. Offer free consultations. Run a workshop. Automate booking and follow-up. 

Gain results, get testimonials, repeat.

Consulting is a forward move. You choose the work. You set the pace. You lead with what you know. Your expertise speaks through action and outcomes.

The next step is simple. Begin. Allow your results to tell the story. 💖

When you're new to consulting, one of the quickest ways to land your first clients is by starting with the people who already know you. 

Keep showing up with insights, small wins, and proof of how you think. When your message stays consistent and your "schedule a consultation" button is easy to access, your first few clients will come through.

If I had a dime for every consultation with a highly educated professional that begins with, “I've had this platform for a year, but have been procrastinating on beginning my business because it all just feels so overwhelming.”

These are people who have built websites before, led projects, presented to executives, and made complex decisions in their day jobs. They’re capable and sharp. They know what they’re doing. 

But when it comes to starting this kind of business, something shifts. The pressure to do things the “right way” grows louder. Suddenly, everything feels high stakes, even when it’s just a homepage.

So they pause and stay in research mode. Underneath all this is a strong desire to build something that reflects their expertise and fits their next chapter. 

👉You don’t need another platform walkthrough. You need someone to admit that tech overwhelm is a real reason people don’t start their business, and it’s not because they’re lazy.

It’s like putting on full hiking gear just to take a walk around the block. Backpack strapped tight. Headlamp on. Trekking poles in hand. Maybe even a water filter and a first-aid kit. And where are you headed? Around the block. 

That’s what most people do when they start their consulting business. They prepare for a cross-country expedition when all they really needed was one solid step in the right direction.

Before we get into it, I want to show you how this plays out in real life. Because it is easy to read a list like that and think, “Okay sure, that sounds simple,” while still feeling stuck in the weeds. 

You need three things. Not fifteen.

That’s it. If someone can understand what you offer, schedule time with you, and pay you, you’re open for business. You don’t need to build a course, write a funnel, or set up automations. You need a front door that opens.

This part 👇 matters just as much as what you do need.

You can skip:

Most of these tools were made to support a business that’s already running. If you're still trying to get a first client, they’re just distractions wearing productivity costumes.

Because the tools weren’t made for someone at your stage.

They’re designed for scale-focused businesses.

And because you’re a smart, high-functioning person, being confused by this stuff doesn’t just feel frustrating. It feels disorienting. "If I can lead teams or solve complex problems at work, why can’t I figure out a website builder?"

This isn’t about your intelligence. It’s about the pressure to make it all look polished before you’ve even started. That pressure will keep you stuck unless you recognize it for what it is. Procrastination dressed as preparation.

If you’ve been circling the block with your hiking gear on, here’s your permission to take off the backpack.

Start with a simple setup. Make your offer findable, bookable, and payable. That’s it.

You're absolutely right that LinkedIn’s algorithm can limit reach if you drop external links inside your article. Instead of making a hard sell, your article ending should naturally guide readers toward the next step, whether that’s joining your email list, following you, or checking out your offer.

Here’s a better way to structure your newsletter ending so that it feels organic and still moves people closer to buying.

So you’ve just written your first or second LinkedIn newsletter as a consultant.

You shared some useful ideas, offered your perspective, maybe even a tip or two...

And now you’re at the end thinking: “How do I end this in a way that helps people and brings in clients... without sounding like I’m selling something?”

Here’s how:

Instead of ending your article with something like “Book a call” or “Hire me,” try using a call to action that feels like an invitation — not a pitch.

If you’re trying to build relationships or grow your audience:

Want more tips like this? I share a few extra ideas each week. Just hit “connect” and I’ll add you to my list.

If you’re offering consulting services:

Curious what this could look like in your business? I’m happy to walk you through it. Just reply “curious” in the comments and I’ll reach out.

Why this works:

Want more people to comment on your article? Ask them something that invites reflection or personal experience.

What’s the biggest challenge you’re facing with [your topic] right now? Have you tried something like this before? How did it go? What’s one thing you’d add to this? I’d love to hear your take.

Then say:

Drop your thoughts in the comments. I reply to everyone.

Why this works:

Instead of putting all your best stuff in the article, hint at something more valuable they can get, if they reach out.

I actually have a breakdown of how I’ve used this exact framework with past clients. If you’d like a copy, just comment “send it” and I’ll DM you.

Why this works:

When you’re new, stories go a long way. They show that you’re real, you’ve helped people, and that your offer comes from experience.

A few weeks ago, I walked someone through this exact process with a client. They messaged me a week later saying, “I finally feel like I know where I’m headed.” That’s why I do this work. If you’re stuck and want to talk through your next step, reply “next step” and I’ll reach out.

Why this works:

Try this 3-part format next time you write:

1️⃣ One-sentence summary of your takeaway

“Most new consultants overthink their offer. It’s really about solving one clear problem.”

2️⃣ Open-ended question to spark comments

“What’s one thing you’d change in your own offer based on this?”

3️⃣ Soft CTA

“If you want a copy of the worksheet I use for this, comment ‘worksheet’ and I’ll send it over.”

The more human your article feels, the more likely someone is to raise their hand and say, “Can we talk?”

You don’t need a big audience. You just need a good ending.

When you’re transitioning into consulting, the challenge isn’t figuring out what you offer. It’s structuring your business around it, packaging it, and building the systems that make it sustainable.

This 90-day framework is designed to help you do exactly that. It’s organized into three phases, with focused, strategic actions that take around 15–20 minutes a day.

Set the strategic groundwork. Every strong consulting business starts with clarity.

Objectives:

Key Assets You’ll Build:

With the strategy defined, now you’ll build the systems that present, deliver, and sell your offer.

Objectives:

Key Assets You’ll Build:

You’ll now start attracting leads, testing messaging, and building consistency in your outreach.

Objectives:

Key Assets You’ll Build:

If you want this 90-day framework broken down into bite-sized daily tasks, delivered in order and designed for real progress, you’ll find it inside the Expert to Offer program.

✅ Daily Email Tasks (Mon-Fri) Receive one focused task per weekday, designed to move your business forward in just 15–20 minutes. Tasks are clear, specific, and easy to implement, even with a busy schedule.

✅ Complete Curriculum Each phase is structured to build on the last. You’ll progress from business foundation → offer packaging → platform setup → launch and marketing. Every step is intentional.

✅ Private Kajabi Portal Access All content is also available in a Kajabi member portal, so you can revisit any lesson, catch up at your own pace, and track your progress.

✅ Templates & Video Tutorials Includes customizable templates for your:

✅ Regular Progress Checkpoints At the end of each month, you’ll receive a recap with suggested adjustments and optional reflection prompts to stay aligned and focused.

✅ Consulting Business Launch Plan By the end of the program, you’ll have a complete, client-ready offer, a functioning website, a lead generation system, and a plan to scale.

You know it. I know it.

The “Hey, can I pick your brain?” conversations. The casual coffee chats that somehow turn into full-blown strategy sessions. 

And those DMs asking you to explain how you'd do it, for free.

You care. You want to be helpful. 

And giving generously has probably built a lot of trust.

For a while, that was fine. But if you’ve been saying yes to these moments over and over, let me say what you might need to hear:

You don’t need to be a guru. You need to be a guide.

Some of the highest-selling online programs? Built by people just one step ahead of their audience.

Everyone’s chasing big follower counts. But a small, focused group of people who trust you and are willing to buy from you will outperform vanity metrics every time.

Not your niche. Not your title. What pain do you take away for others and how can you say it in plain English?

Don’t wait for perfection. Package what you already know how to help with. A one-hour session. A three-part strategy. A “done-for-you” jumpstart. Start where you are, not where you think you should be.

👉This is where I come in. Let me put together a simple one-page website for you (within a week) so you can stop keeping your consulting behind the scenes and finally share it with the world.

Imagine checking your inbox and seeing someone book, not just a chat, but a paid session!

“But what if no one buys?” “But I don’t have a framework yet.”

You don’t need a framework. You need one person willing to pay you to solve a problem they can’t figure out on their own.

The coffee chats helped people. But a consulting business? That changes lives, starting with yours.

Are you ready to take the first step? 

Unsuccessful consultants misunderstand time.

They see someone's website who has been in business for years and think they're going to have the same success if they build a similar website.

“I’ll build something like that and get the same results.”

But they’re missing the bigger picture.

That sales page? It didn’t build the business.

The business built the right to use that sales page.

All earned. Over years.

When you’re starting out, you don’t have that yet.

You need more than a headline and a checkout button. 

You need proof. You need people.

So what happens?

You launch. You do a webinar. You make a pitch. Nobody buys.

And you think...

“Maybe I’m not cut out for this.”

Nope. You're just early. Really early.

You don’t toss in one seed and expect a tomato the next day.

You water. You wait. 

You chase squirrels away.

You hope. You tweak the sunlight. 

You Google “why are my leaves yellow?”

Same with business.

Month 1: Dirt. 

Month 2: Still dirt. 

Month 3: Tiny green sprout. 

Month 12: First bloom. 

Year 3: A few veggies in your basket. 

👉 Year 5: Your neighbor asks for tips.

That’s the game.

They want instant wins. 

They want their first product to be perfect. 

They want applause before the effort.

It doesn’t work like that.

You have to be bad... 

before you can be good... 

before you can be great.

Put it out anyway.

Let your audience watch the journey.

Watch you learn. Watch you improve. Watch you try.

People don’t follow perfection. They follow progression.

If you don’t cringe at your old stuff a year from now... you probably launched too late.

You don’t need more talent. You need more patience.

You might be thinking that you don't want to put your stuff out there until it's really good. 

But the truth is that you have to be terrible before you can be good. 

You have to be good before you can be great.

Your audience will be watching you.

They are going to see that you're getting better and better at the content you're putting out. 

It's the long term, long view focus that is going to win. 

Your success is inevitable. 

Consistency is exactly where success lies.