Seeking Freedom and a Livable Income

Through his consulting firm, Common Good Data, Andrew Reynolds provides evaluation and data services for nonprofits and public sector entities, primarily in the fields of prevention, mental health, human services, and education. When he first began his consulting practice, he was transitioning out of the academic world, and his biggest goal was to be able to make a good living solely from consulting work.

As he put it, “I wanted to have the freedom to be able to work out of my house, pick up my kids from school, and manage life in my household, and I realized that solo consulting was the best way I could do those things.” However, in order for it to be financially viable for his family, he had to figure out how to generate a livable income from consulting.

Unfortunately, while he had plenty of expertise to offer clients, he knew he was not an expert in business development or marketing. So within a few months of starting his business, he came to Consulting Success look for help. At that time, he had only two clients, and he had to supplement his consulting income with other work.

Becoming an Authority

As Drew says, “I have learned, oh, so many things from Consulting Success, and I continue to learn from them.” In particular, he learned how to establish himself as an authority in the marketplace in his particular area of expertise, as well as how to provide value to his ideal clients so he remained top-of-mind for them when they needed his services.

This approach created a reliable and predictable pipeline of high-paying client work, which allowed him to stop doing supplemental work and increasingly focus his time and attention on consulting. At the same time, he was using his expertise in a way that made a real difference for his clients, so he was achieving his dream and genuinely helping people at the same time.

Living His Best Life

As a direct result of learning how to create a predictable pipeline of client work, Drew realized his goal of creating a sustainable six-figure income entirely through consulting. “Consulting Success gave me the freedom I needed as a dad,” he said. “I now make a good living doing meaningful work. I can pick my kids up from school when I want and take them to doctor’s appointments and other places during the day, without having to ask for time off.”

He now maintains between seven and twelve projects at any given time, and he has enjoyed a reliable six-figure income for the past three years. Consulting Success has helped him develop good processes for marketing through thought leadership, and he has strong relationships with his clients.

For anyone who is new to consulting, Drew says, “If you’re an expert in your field, but not necessarily an expert in business development and marketing, or how to establish yourself as a respected thought leader in your field, then Consulting Success is going to give you the tools, confidence, and clarity you need.”