LAUNCH                              EXPAND                           REFINE

LAUNCH

Whether starting a new practice or beginning a career in consulting, this stage is geared to the newer consultant.  Definition is critical: defining value propositions and target markets, initial marketing and business plans, and securing an initial base of clients.  Consultants in this stage have technical expertise, but may not have the business experience (or even the mindset) to be entrepreneurs or consultants.

EXPAND

This stage is focused on building and expanding a client base, market penetration, and revenues.  Often consultants are creating a network of fellow consultants, mentors, and advisors.  Business relationships develop, creating mutually beneficial referrals.  Consultants reach beyond their personal focus and expertise towards developing alliances, partnerships, sub-contractors and employee relationships.

REFINE

Consultants in this stage have typically developed a specific client base.  They look to refine and renew these seasoned and long-standing relationships.  They are exploring new ways to be of service and diversifying - to clients, new markets and beyond consulting.  They are developing new services or territories,and building new revenue streams.  They are focused on fine-tuning their practice and exploring new and different ways to approach their work.