What if your consulting business wasn’t meticulously planned, but evolved from one bold decision after another?In this episode, Melisa talks with longtime client Alison Jeffrey, a strategic fundraising consultant, about how Alison went from leaving a full-time job with no safety net to building a seasonal, profitable business rooted in authenticity, intention, and relationships.Alison shares candidly how she stopped chasing “good enough” clients, redefined what success looks like (even when walking away from high-paying work), and leaned into her natural strengths as a strategist, connector, and advisor not just a fundraiser.Whether you're building from scratch or refining your consulting business model, this episode offers hard-earned insight on how to build a business that aligns with your values, your energy, and your long-term goals.Timestamps for Key Moments:[05:00] The mindset shift that started it all — leaving without a plan and trusting it would work.[10:00] Why Alison walked away from a high-paying engagement — and what happened next.[15:00] The hidden power of strategic positioning — moving from “fundraiser” to “advisor.”[25:00] How to consistently build a pipeline using relational strategies, not hustle tactics.[35:00] Creating a seasonal business model that supports high-revenue periods and planned slow-downs.[40:00] How to structure fractional advisory roles without becoming a staff augmentation.Tune in to Episode 221 to hear Alison’s practical, powerful path to building a sustainable consulting business and how you can apply her approach to your own.Related Resources<ul><li>Full Show Notes: <a href='https://shownotes.melisaliberman.com/episode-221'>https://shownotes.melisaliberman.com/episode-221/</a></li><li>Read Chapter 14 in Grow Your Consulting Business: The 14-Step Roadmap to Make Your Independent Consulting Goals a Reality, <a href='https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CSXJBGVB'>https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CSXJBGVB</a></li><li>Related Podcast Episode: Episode 212 – Succeeding as a Fractional Consultant with Alessandro Pregnolato, <a href='https://shownotes.melisaliberman.com/episode-212/#more-2663'>https://shownotes.melisaliberman.com/episode-212/</a></li><li>Work with Melisa: Apply for a Coaching Exploratory call at <a href='https://consultmelisa.com'>https://www.consultmelisa.com</a> </li><li>Connect with Alison: <a href='https://www.alisonjeffrey.com/'>Alison Jeffrey</a></li></ul>Want More?<ul><li>Get Melisa’s Book: <a href='https://www.melisaliberman.com/book'>https://www.melisaliberman.com/book</a></li><li>Visit with Melisa’s Website: <a href='https://www.melisaliberman.com/'>www.melisaliberman.com</a> </li><li>Follow on LinkedIn: <a href='https://www.linkedin.com/in/melisa-liberman'>linkedin.com/in/melisa-liberman</a> </li></ul> Want help achieving your consulting business goals? Melisa can help. <a href='https://www.melisaliberman.com/coaching-for-consultants'>Click here</a> for more on coaching tailored to you as an independent consulting business owner.

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221. From Accidental Consultant to Strategic Advisor: Lessons from Alison Jeffrey

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