By 2020, 50% of the
world’s workforce will be freelance. The Gig Economy is creating unprecedented
opportunities for business owners to strategically create what they want to
bring to the world. So it follows that as a business owner who leads your own
destiny, you need to be able to adapt to the changing times and understand how
to be the Rainmaker in your business.
Running your own business can give you a wealth of freedom, living your purpose
and living life on your own terms. This is especially true for those who have
spent their careers leading the charge in the corporate world and who now are
charting their own futures as independent consultants.
In Canada alone the opportunities are endless for those such as freelance
executives, consultants, coaches and other third-party service providers. In
fact, Corporate Canada spends over $500 Billion annually on these vendors – $30
Billion on consulting, coaching and training alone – which translates into a
huge need for people with critical worked and “lived” experience to deliver
solutions they’re looking for.
Leading in this context means having a great infrastructure in your business
that ensures day-to-day operations to run smoothly as well as having a
strategic plan to build and grow a successful and sustainable business that
moves with the times.
In all your communications with
potential clients and with colleagues and your network, it is critically
important to become known as a thought leader in your specific niche. This
means establishing a powerful point of view and getting that out into the
marketplace, whether by social media, your own blog, articles you write for
publications, white papers, webinars, etc. When you create your own thought
leadership material that is widely distributed, you can attract prospects and
powerful influencers and impact as many people as possible.
As the leading Rainmaker in your business, it’s important that you spend at
least 50% of your time on business development. Create powerful, value-add
content as mentioned. Ensure you’re networking effectively, and proactively
reaching out to decision-makers to close deals, so you keep your sales pipeline
full.
In essence, you are a two-fold leader. You lead in your own business, showing
up as a fully prepared and consultative Trusted Advisor and thought leader to
your prospects and clients. And you help today’s corporate leaders change and
improve their organizations so their people are engaged, perform well, and all
can adapt well to the changes that everyone is facing.
It’s an exciting time for business owners/consultants as we head into 2020 and
beyond. When you lead powerfully through your business vision, and attract your
ideal clients, you will undoubtedly be in for a very successful future!