Make a Splash

⏰ Today in 5 minutes or less:

• Posting your new business isn’t bragging - it’s about making sure the right people know you exist.

• One post isn’t enough. Be consistent and always stay on the radar (or people’s feed).

• Use a tabular framework to sort information and tell the brain how to process each piece.

Going Indie? Here’s What Can Make Your Launch Count

So, you’ve done it. 

You’ve cut the corporate cord, stepped out of the firm, and listened to the voice saying, “I could do this on my own, and I could do it better.” 

First off, welcome to the world of independent consulting. 

The coffee’s better, the boss is more reasonable, and the PTO policy rocks (if you do it right). 

Here comes the next big step: telling people about the new business. 

For many indies, this step feels awkward. 

Too loud. Too self-promotional. 

But it’s not about bragging – it's about making sure the right people know you exist before hiring someone else. 

Here’s how I would have done it today, and how it might work for you too. 

Step One: Repositioning Within the Network 

Before making a big public announcement, a few conversations behind the scenes helped set the stage. 

My former colleagues, mentors, and trusted contacts were some of the first people to hear about my new venture.  

They already saw me in action, so I figured they were most likely to offer early support through introductions, referrals, or even just helpful advice. 

A short but personal message was all it took to start my conversations right: 

“Hey [Name], 

I wanted to share some exciting news: I’m launching my own consulting practice soon, focusing on [niche]. 

I’d love to hear what you’re working on these days and see if there are ways I can support. 

Let’s catch up soon.” 

No complicated strategy involved – just my genuine effort to reconnect, update, and see where conversations lead. 

Those early discussions shaped a lot of the business decisions that followed. 

Step Two: Making It Official Online (Without Being ‘Sales-y’)  

Once my evangelists and inner circle were in the loop, the next step was putting it out there broadly. 

LinkedIn is still one of the best places to reach potential clients. 

The first announcement wasn’t groundbreaking, but it was clear, confident, and reflective of what I want for my business. 

Here’s a simple format that usually works: 

“🚀 Big news! 

After [X] years advising companies on [expertise], I thought it was time to take the next step and build something of my own. 

This new practice is focused on helping [ideal clients] navigate [specific challenge]. 

The work remains the same – solving complex problems, driving decisions, and making things happen – just with a new business card. 

Excited for what’s ahead. 

If this work resonates, let’s connect.” 

No over-the-top sales pitch or dramatic reinvention – just a straightforward statement of what was happening and how it might be valuable to others. 

Step Three: Turning Interest into Conversations  

Posting one announcement and waiting for new leads was never going to cut it. 

Real work opportunities came in the follow-ups. 

A lot of early traction came from simple outreach – replying to comments, following up with people who engaged with the initial post, and reaching out directly to contacts. 

The conversations weren’t necessarily about selling instantly, but more about reconnecting and seeing where there might be a fit. 

Some of the best connections came from messages like: 

• For potential clients - “Saw your comment. Do you want to take some time to chat about what you’re working on these days?” 

• For referrers - “Appreciate the support. If you know someone dealing with this challenge, I’m always happy to help.” 

Nothing was scripted or overly calculated. Just plain effort to turn visibility into real discussions. 

Step Four: Staying on the Radar 

The announcement was a great first step, but one post isn’t enough. 

Staying visible mattered just as much, if not more. 

But instead of constantly ‘selling’ my consulting services online, I found that sharing useful insights is another way to keep the momentum going. 

Some of my most effective posts in the early days were: 

✅ A case study from my past work – something that showed real results. 

✅ A breakdown of a common industry problem – something that my ideal clients might be dealing with. It’s a great way to show them how I think when solving it. 

✅ A milestone update – maybe some reflections on the new venture, some of my lessons learned, or just an honest look at the process. 

Beyond social media, frequent check-ins with my evangelists also played a huge role in getting my name out there. 

Quarterly messages, quick email updates, and genuine conversations over coffee – I did everything to keep my relationships active without feeling transactional. 

Over time, those small and consistent efforts paid off. 

Time to Own Your Transition 

You’ve taken the leap. 

Now, it’s time to make sure the world knows you’re ready to help. 

There’s no single formula for a perfect announcement, but what worked for me might be the key for you too. 

Clients don’t come knocking in just because of a single announcement. 

But if the right people know what’s happening, value and momentum starts to build. 

My advice? Don’t overcomplicate it.  

Get the word out, start the conversation, and let your work speak for itself. 

Framework Focus: Tabular

This is as flexible as it can get. 

For many consultants, a tabular framework is the bread and butter for visualizing insights. 

We sort through dozens of disconnected inputs, turning them into simple insights that clients can act on. 

It's not rock science, but it is deceptively powerful. 

Think of it as a slide-sized summary that gives your client a clear point of view from observation to action. 

Picture this: a mid-sized software company can’t figure out why their product launches miss deadlines. 

Cue in, a seasoned consultant with an arsenal of strategic frameworks in hand. 

After some interviews and team reviews, the consultant found multiple issues contributing to the main problem – unclear roles, overlapping meetings, and last-minute scope changes. 

Instead of a 30-slide deck, the consultant dropped all the key insights into a simple framework during a meeting with the stakeholders. 

The result? The client saw the full picture and the clear action plan with just one slide. 

This one’s in my personal hall of fame, so download our template here.

💼 See if you’re qualified…

• Organizational Change Management Consultant at Avaap, 3+ years of management or strategy consulting experience, ~$87k-$120k

• Digital Supply Chain Senior Analyst at McKinsey & Company, 3+ years of supply chain experience, ~ $110k

• Senior Manager for Strategy and Business Development at MGM Studios, Inc., 5+ years of strategy consulting experience, ~$101k-$177k 

• Strategy and Corporate Finance Specialist at McKinsey & Company, 2+ years of due diligence or strategy consulting experience, ~$192k

• Strategy and Technology Management Consultant at Metis Strategy, 7+ years of management consulting experience, ~$140k-$225k 

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.

The 2×2 is brought to you by Keenan Reid Strategies

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