How can you build your brand as a Private Equity consultant?

Showcasing your work, especially with high-value clients, is critical to establishing authority. In the fast-paced private equity world, specializing in one or two sectors and strongly highlighting ROI and growth can result in faster recognition of your expertise.

In my experience, staying in touch with people you have interacted with, always helps you. They will remember you and sooner or later can refer you for any business opportunity. As humans out of sight out of mind is most of the time true hence maintaining contact is key. Another tip is work on your brand from the start of your career and every interaction is an opportunity to create an impression and people build perceptions about you as a person as a professional which lasts long. If any client didn’t had good experience with you when you were junior, it’s highly unlikely that they would like to work with you even when you are senior. This is tried and tested:)

In this case building a solid network of referrals will help you get established a lot faster as a key player in your industry. Strategic networking and making time for business development daily will close the customer acquisition phase a lot faster than implementing typical marketing advice like “define your niche”. Make it a goal to connect with 5-7 people a day who can help put you in position to reaching this goal. Don’t expect that social media posts alone can get you there, especially if you have a small audience or are switching industries.

I would also recommend that you follow up with connections by arranging 121's with them to get to know them better. Also, understand that a 121 is not a chance to sell to people, use them to get to know people and for them to get to know you. No one is going to buy from you just because you have turned up to a networking event or had a 121 once.

Many times, the idea of creating content is daunting for a professional; however, with the right strategy, the process can be simplified. It's important to remember the WHY (am I doing this?). You're publishing original content to: 1. Establish yourself as an expert. 2. Develop a body of content around your personal brand (think Google search results). 3. Give potential clients a sense of your unique voice and how you operate. One article or podcast episode is a great start. Find a cadence that works for you, and take the leap.

I am bound to say it as it's the industry that I am in but video has to be the best medium for getting your message out there as it is show and tell. Show people your expertise and personality and help them by giving advice. The biggest problem that I come across is that people think that video is out of their reach, it's too expensive or too hard to make. This is nonsense, get a decent HD webcam and then use something like OBS Studio, which is free, and start sharing your knowledge.

Everyone should be doing this as we live in a world where things constantly change from technologies to laws. Remember, every day is a school day.