How to Build a Successful Education Consulting Business: The 3 Phases You Need to Know

Building an education consulting business can be one of the most fulfilling journeys, but it can also be overwhelming without a clear plan. Whether you're just getting started or looking to scale, understanding the phases of growth is crucial. In this post, I’ll break down the 3 Phases of Building an Education Consulting Business and share actionable strategies to ensure you’re building on a solid foundation for success.

Phase 1: Focus – The Foundation of Your Business

Why Focus Matters in Education Consulting
The first phase of building a successful education consulting business is all about clarity. Many educators transitioning to consultants struggle in this phase because they are naturally great problem solvers. They often try to solve every problem at once, but that approach doesn’t work in business, especially at the beginning.

Steps to Gain Clarity in Your Business
This phase is about becoming crystal clear on:

• What you sell - (your framework)

• Who you sell it to - (administrators)

• The pain points you solve - (the administrator's pain points)

• The transformation your clients will experience

Having this clarity will give your business a strong foundation and help you focus your efforts effectively. Without it, your business won’t have the direction needed for long-term success.

Phase 2: Build – Creating Impactful PD (Professional Development)

Why You Need Focused PD Packages
Once you have your foundation in place, the next step is to build your PD offerings. But simply throwing out content doesn’t guarantee success. The key to building impactful PD is delivering training that is focused and leads to measurable results.

Avoiding Common PD Mistakes
Many education consultants make the mistake of overloading their clients with information, thinking more content means more value. However, PD that works must be solution-oriented and designed to solve specific problems.

Creating Solutions-Based PD Packages
In this phase, you'll learn to create PD packages that keep administrators coming back for more. You’ll also explore different PD containers, such as:

• In-person training

• Coaching

• Digital courses

• Physical products

Plus, you’ll discover the technology you need to support your business and streamline your delivery.

Phase 3: Package & Sell – Getting Your Solution in Front of Decision-Makers

Packaging Your Solution Effectively
Phase 3 is when everything comes together. This phase is all about packaging your solution and selling it to the right people. These two steps are key to landing those high-ticket contracts that will grow your business.

Step 1: Package – Presenting Your Solution
When you're meeting with principals or other school leaders, you need to walk in prepared with a well-defined package. It’s not enough to just talk about PD; you need to present a clear solution that aligns with their goals.

Step 2: Sell – Converting Leads into Clients
Selling is where many education consultants feel stuck, but it’s an essential part of the business-building process. To sell effectively, you need to adopt the right mindset.

Mindset #1: Prioritize Your Warm Market
Start by focusing on your warm market—the people you already know and who trust you. These people are the most likely to buy from you.

Mindset #2: Ask for the Sale
The next mindset shift is understanding that you must ask for the sale. Many consultants hesitate because they’re afraid of rejection, but if you don’t ask, no one will know you’re available to help.

Writing Effective Copy for Conversions

Why Copywriting Matters in Education Consulting
Writing compelling copy is another crucial skill for education consultants. Whether you’re sending an email, posting on social media, or crafting a proposal, your communication needs to engage your audience and encourage them to take action.

Tips for Writing High-Converting Copy

• Write like you talk. Avoid overly formal language.

• Speak to your audience’s pain points.

• Include a clear call to action in every communication.

Ready to Build a Profitable PD Business?

Building an education consulting business takes time, but the rewards are worth it. Whether you're just starting out or already in business but looking to scale, these three phases will help guide you to success.

If you're ready to dive deeper into the 4-step framework for building and selling profitable PD, I have a free masterclass just for you! In this masterclass, I’ll walk you through the process of turning your education expertise into a scalable, profitable business.

Enroll now to secure your spot and start building the profitable PD business you’ve always dreamed of!