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<span class="active_member_name">Paul Anderson</span>
Paul Anderson
Business Psychology Consultant
Redmond, Washington
Posted by Paul Anderson, Redmond, Washington | Aug 08, 2008

Subscribe to Starting a business How do I get corporate clients?

I'm moving from personal/career coaching to serving corporate clients helping them with management training, communications training, sales training, etc.

What I'm trying to figure out is what are the best ways to break into the corporate world and start offering services as a consultant? Is speaking better, cold calling, networking?

I'd love to hear your thoughts.

5 Bizniks have posted replies

  • Tshombe Brown
    Posted by Tshombe Brown, Portland, Oregon | Aug 10, 2008

    Lori Richardson is the go-to person for this. She's an amazing sales trainer/strategist. Her experience and expertise is with corporate and small business clients.

    Knock 'em dead, Paul! (well, in a matter of speaking)

    Personally, I'd say forget cold calling, at least as it's traditionally defined.

    Building relationships and establishing your expertise is where it's at, so get yourself in front of people by speaking, giving workshops, and networking on- and offline.

    Some of the most giving people I know are right here in the Biznik community. If you are able to emulate this spirit by offering value to others in this community by giving (articles or podcasts, referring business to other professionals, offering tips, etc.) you're golden.

  • Paul Anderson
    Posted by Paul Anderson, Redmond, Washington | Aug 10, 2008

    Awesome, these are all great advices.

    Thanks Tshombe

  • Tammy Redmon
    Posted by Tammy Redmon, Olympia, Washington | Aug 10, 2008

    Great question Paul, I agree with the great advice from Tshombe, build relationships by getting in front of your desired client. Ask your colleagues and clients who they know at the companies you are seeking to build relationships with and ask for the introduction. Go in with information on your services from the perspective of 'how may I be of best service in your industry,' that isn't an overt asking for the sale but in my experience it helps to gain credibility and trust.

    Agreed also on the teleseminar or even asking to take them to coffee to discuss an idea. Engage at the personal level and you will gain a client and referral for the longterm.

    Good luck! Tammy Redmon

  • Paul Anderson
    Posted by Paul Anderson, Redmond, Washington | Aug 10, 2008

    Thanks Tammy, this is all great advice.

    Best, Paul Anderson

  • Arne Antos
    Posted by Arne Antos, Gig Harbor, Washington | Sep 19, 2008

    Paul,

    Pleasure meeting you at the publishing foray today. Just wanted to share some nuggets with you on your quest to crack the corporate ceiling. First, your primary target is the HR VP or Director. They will be the ones chartered with seeking out individuals to provide workshops along the line you propose.

    Next, it probably would be possible to take perssonal training and do a phase shift and beam down the package into a corporate environment. I think I mentioned to you that communications becomes vital in the corporate world between performing organizations (often vertical silos). There are a lot of aspects involved and I would be glad to share my experiences with you over the phone - my typing skills lag. A key phrase in any collateral information you send out would involve "Productivity Increases" via your approach to coaching.

    Arne

This forum is unmoderated, but please keep discussion courteous and not too far off topic.

Members posting in this topic

  • Tshombe Brown
    Bellingham Business Coach for Real...
    Portland, Oregon
  • Paul Anderson
    Business Psychology Consultant
    Redmond, Washington
  • Tammy Redmon
    Executive Coach, Business Coach and...
    Olympia, Washington
  • Arne Antos
    Business Process Mentoring
    Gig Harbor, Washington

Post tags

  • lead generation
  • marketing
  • sales
  • corporate
  • selling
  • networking
  • cold calling
  • closing