How to become a successful fractional, interim or freelance consultant for startups, scaleups & investors?

I. Pick your niche

• Go for subjects that you have real experience in working for relevant companies

• Think about where people would call you for, i.e. you are that senior sales leader or international expansion guy, or data specialist woman

• Zoom in and select more specific skills that have strong need in the market where you focus on, see if you can build a framework or package your solutions

• Pick a market: startup, scaleup, corporate, government, VC, PE, other?

• Pick a geo: NL, Nordics, Europe, Singapore, Southeast Asia? Where is your network and experience?

• Write all this down on your website, both concise, as well explanatory, to show that you know

II. Brand building 

• Decide if you want to work super independent or become part of communities or networks to strengthen your position in the market

• Make a website, pick a name & logo

• Write down your focus and USPs

• Use references, case studies & client logos to show off your good work

• Communicate this in your network via Linkedin, Email, Whatsapp, Website

III. Top tips to find clients:

• Reach out to your ICP to find opportunities that are hidden from the market

• Build network with other players in the ecosystem you are in 

• Join a community like Vondel Venture Development

• Apply to jobs and ask if freelance/interim is possible

• Post regularly, but not too much and show you are open for business

• Email/whatsapp your network to inform them you are open for opportunities

• Ask for referrals

• Build a strong brand, on good results and good relations

• Keep pushing;)

IV. Value creation:

• Discuss clearly what needs to be done, and what has been tried, and what way to work together

• Be clear in goals for the client

• Communicate and check-in regularly

• Build dashboard to show your results and create transparency

• Make sure to come with some quick wins in first week(s), either from your framework & network or by putting in the hours to get the ball rolling

• More, more, more -> Calls, mails, Linkedin, level up your activity! And in case of sales: close those deals, or make the team you are managing more efficient!

• Work on bigger initiatives that drive value across multiple fields

• Start hiring (if needed) directly ASAP to hit the ground running!

V. Finally, stay close to your own skills that deliver most value, but keep on networking and learning and trying out new things:

• There is growth possible in multiple directions

• You will run into new business models, partnerships

• New opportunities will arise that are different from your consulting, you can get involved as investor, co-founder or simply by connecting people

• It's people business, so stay nice, trustworthy and keep on having fun!

• Enjoy the (entrepreneurial) adventure!

Interested to learn more? Check out Vondel.co or send me a DM!