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Be a Squirrel That Gets The Nut

Author

Lauren Wambold Patel
March 26, 2024

Welcome back to The 2x2 - the ultimate newsletter for independent consultants.

Here’s what you’ll find in this week’s issue:

  1. 10 Minutes with Dana Heger

    Are you a squirrel? Then you don’t want to miss this week’s conversation with Lauren’s fellow philomath, Dana Heger, where they explore Dana’s geographically dispersed lifestyle and the nuances of successfully keeping work (and life) fresh.

  2. Template Highlight: Proactive NDA

    A potential client has engaged you. Level up your first impressions by proactively presenting an NDA - and we’ve got the template for you.

  3. Turning on the Creativity Spigot

    Ideo has long been a North star for creativity, and creativity drives innovation (read: success). Gift yourself one of these creativity challenges.

But before we go there…

Coming to you in our March workshop this Thursday, we’ll share our steps to propose AND win work. We've developed a standard and repeatable approach to selling yourself and the difference you can make for your client.

You'll walk away knowing:

  • How to approach relationship building to build credibility fast and facilitate conversion later.

  • How to identify and define a problem a client will pay you to solve.

  • Proven method for writing consulting proposals that justify your rate.

  • How to intelligently follow up until you get the yes…without being annoying.

Not a member of our community yet? Apply here to sign up for the workshop and gain access to other valuable resources for indies like you.

1. 10 Minutes with Dana Heger

This week, we chatted with long-time Keenan Reid Consultant, Dana Heger. After a couple of tours of duty with KRS, Dana has spent the last year helping launch TheConsult.co.

More interestingly, she splits her time between an off-grid cabin in Colorado and the jungle of Costa Rica. But it’s how she manages her squirrel (or maybe racoon) tendencies - twinning with Lauren - that you don’t want to miss.

Our favorite take-away?

When you feel like it’s time to move on, enable the client’s ongoing success with a tailored transition strategy or, essentially, work yourself out of a job.

2. Template Highlight: Proactive NDA

Including a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) as part of a business proposal signals professionalism and establishes trust from the get-go, particularly in the eyes of a potential client.

It assures them that their sensitive information, trade secrets, and innovative ideas are safeguarded under a veil of confidentiality. This gesture not only protects the client's interests but also elevates your credibility as an indie. 

By proactively offering an NDA, you communicate respect for proprietary information and commitment to ethical business practices, setting a solid foundation for a transparent and secure professional relationship. This level of integrity in handling confidential matters is often a deciding factor for clients when choosing a trusted partner.

And it shouldn’t be any surprise that we’ve got an NDA template to download and customize for your own needs.

3. Turning on the Creativity Spigot

When creativity meets strategy, the results are groundbreaking. It’s in the way you tackle a complex problem, the unique spin you put on client interactions, and the inventive processes you devise to streamline workflow.

If you’re looking to supercharge your creativity, carve out 30 minutes and give one of these 3 creativity challenges a try.

Remember, the path to success is paved with continuous learning and embracing fresh perspectives.

Let's stay connected, share ideas, and elevate your consulting business.

Stay curious, friends.

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