I got an email from Dale H this week and he asked a couple simple but important questions pertaining to getting started as an office consultant. I thought rather than just answering him directly, you may be able to benefit from the answer as well.

Dale has been considering getting started in the offline consulting world but has hesitations based on the time it may take working with clients and keeping them happy.

This is a great question especially considering if you’ve been delving in internet marketing for some time. What makes it most interesting is that we’ve been told with all the new launches and info products that selling online information products will allow you to make tons of cash with little to no time or effort on your part.

I’m sorry to say but the only place you’ll really find that to be true is to make us think we’ve found the missing formula. I gotta admit, I’ve personally fallen for that time and time again and come to find out that there was actually work involved.

To give you an example, my first information product was an ebook on credit scoring secrets. I physically typed it out word for word in the course of over 45 days and believe me, it wasn’t easy. Once I had the product, I then had to start writing the free report for the opt in, then learn how to use Microsoft Expression Web to built the site and write the sales letter and…

You get the point.

So, does working with local businesses take time. Yes. Is there a way to shortcut it though? Absolutely.

The first thing you have to do is narrow down what your business model will be and what are the 2-3 things you’ll be offering initially.

So, if all I offer are Animoto videos for businesses or Google Places optimization, it doesn’t take a whole lot of time. However, if I’m taking on a client and building a website for them or creating a lead generation system with videos and autoresponders, then it will in fact take more time.

Do you get what I’m saying?

If you focus on a select few services that you’ll master, it will take you less and less time to implement which shortens the amount of time you spend working for each client.

Now, the secret to this focus strategy is that you’ll then get to know a little about your clients and for those you don’t mind working with, you can offer them more services outside of the primary offerings.

Put it this way, you get money from them all for little engagement and you only continue working with those who you personally like working with.

It works perfectly.

What do you think?

Be sure to leave your comments below!

Do you have any questions you want answered regarding your offline consulting business? If you do, make sure to let me know and I’ll be answering your questions on the blog. If you miss it on the blog, don’t worry, I’ll email you too!