Why Relationships are Key in Marketing Consulting Services - PS62 - Positivity Strategist - Robyn Stratton-Berkessel

Episode Introduction – Marketing Consulting Services

In this episode, I switch roles.

I enjoyed being interviewed by Amanda Lankart, a masters student at the University of Pennsylvania in the Organization Development & Change Program, where she also learned about Appreciative Inquiry (AI). The topic of the interview was “marketing consulting services.” After the interview, Amanda kindly sent me the transcript and also the MP3 file. As Amanda's intention in conducting this interview was to share it with her classmates, I thought it could be a helpful story for other consultants starting out in the organization development and change field. Amanda graciously gave me permission to publish it as a podcast episode. Toward the end of her interview, we speak in general about Appreciative Inquiry, as that’s my area of specialization.

Episode Background

My interviewer, Amanda Lankart, is a former Marine Corps officer. Currently, Amanda works as a supervisor for a government agency. When Amanda first first contacted me for an interview, she was studying Appreciative Inquiry in the Masters Program. She had become intrigued by AI and saw the value in the approach as a change method, and the topic of appreciative leadership. Even at that early stage, Appreciative Inquiry had become more than an assignment to her, as the more Amanda learned about AI, the more eager she was to get the opportunity to talk to me to learn about my personal experience as an AI practitioner and about AI in general.

Unfortunately, due to schedule constraints, the timing didn’t work for that first interview, but I was very willing to be interviewed for Amanda’s next course, Marketing Organization Development.

Marketing Consulting Services – What Works Best

In today’s global marketplace, having a great digital coach has taken me as an Appreciative Inquiry Consultant and Practitioner to page one on Google, meaning that's where my brand, Positivity Strategist, shows up when people search for my area of service: Appreciative Inquiry. By having a strong presence on the web through content creation- blog posts, podcast shows, speaking and training videos – I’ve been able to position myself as a leader in my field by marketing consulting services as an Appreciative Inquiry practitioner, trainer and coach. My marketing strategy has been to produce high quality content that people can find when they search for “appreciative Inquiry.”

Valuing Relationships

The common thread throughout the interview is that as consultants we are in the business of growing and strengthening relationships. I tell the story that when I came to the US from Australia, I had to start from zero in marketing my consulting services.. As I knew no one, other than my boyfriend at the time, I attended networking meetings to meet people. I found associate work that way. I also attended courses to align myself with thought leaders in my field and volunteered to work with them. That is how I came to develop my reputation as a thought leader in Appreciative Inquiry.

Sample Questions in this Interview

Listen in to the interview to find out my responses to questions such as:

How do you market your services and–so where do you get most of your business?
How would you say your marketing strategy has changed since you first started?
What approaches to marketing your services have proven to be most effective and why do you think that is?
Would you say any of the approaches that you’ve tried have not been effective?
What unique challenges have you faced in marketing your services based on that kind of consulting that you do, and how have you met those challenges?
So, what trends exist, if any, that might be changing the way consulting services are marketed?
So based on your experience, do you have any other advice for prospective consultants regarding marketing, anything we haven’t discussed yet?

Lifelong Student

I have a strong value around learning, and that has also driven my marketing philosophy. Staying open and curious and respecting all different perspectives keeps me growing. I learn from what works and what doesn't. I chose to to focus on what works to develop my capacity to be of service.

Impact on my Interviewer

Amanda states that our discussion was not only relevant to marketing, but also helpful to her as she continues to explore AI and strive to change her mindset to focus on the good, the strengths, and build upon that in her life and career to influence others to do the same.

Impact on You

I'd love to know your your thoughts after listening to Amanda's interview. What have you found works for you as you grow your consulting practice? Why not contribute to the conversation by leaving your comment below?

Connect with Us

Amanda on LinkedIn

Robyn on LinkedIn

Peacock Image by Michael Hacker

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