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
- Full Show Notes: https://shownotes.melisaliberman.com/episode-221/
- Read Chapter 14 in Grow Your Consulting Business: The 14-Step Roadmap to Make Your Independent Consulting Goals a Reality, https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CSXJBGVB
- Related Podcast Episode: Episode 212 – Succeeding as a Fractional Consultant with Alessandro Pregnolato, https://shownotes.melisaliberman.com/episode-212/
- Work with Melisa: Apply for a Coaching Exploratory call at https://www.consultmelisa.com
- Connect with Alison: Alison Jeffrey
Want More?
- Get Melisa’s Book: https://www.melisaliberman.com/book
- Visit with Melisa’s Website: www.melisaliberman.com
- Follow on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/melisa-liberman
Want help achieving your consulting business goals? Melisa can help. Click here for more on coaching tailored to you as an independent consulting business owner.
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