You Don’t Need to Be an Expert, Just a Few Steps Ahead
This is Chapter 1 of Creative Consulting Made Easy
When I started consulting, I had over 10 years of experience in social media management, but I still felt the pressure to prove I was an "expert."
I’d seen countless consultants with more credentials, more followers, more… everything! But deep down, I knew that expertise wasn’t about being the best in the world; it was about being just a couple of steps ahead of the people you’re helping.
So, I took a leap, started offering my insights, and built something unique that resonated with like-minded clients.
The truth is, consulting isn’t about showing off everything you know. It’s about using your experiences to guide others through challenges you’ve already overcome.
You don’t have to know it all. Coaching, consulting, mentoring—each plays a unique role, but at the heart of each is helping someone else grow. Let’s break down the difference:
Consulting is about offering expertise in a specific field. You analyze, offer solutions, and guide your clients toward action.
Coaching focuses on helping people find their own answers. You ask the right questions, allowing your clients to unlock their potential.
Mentoring is about sharing personal experiences and providing guidance over a longer-term relationship.
When I transitioned from social media management to consulting, I learned quickly that being a consultant is different from being a "maker." As a freelancer, I did the work hands-on—posting, scheduling, and strategizing. But as a consultant, I had to step back, think bigger, and trust in the process of empowering others to make decisions.
It wasn’t enough to say, "I offer social media consulting."
I had to get clear about who I wanted to work with and what they needed from me.