Expert Niche: How to Build a Profitable Speaking and Consulting Business

Expert Niche: How to Build a Profitable Speaking and Consulting Business

This is Episode 58 of This Old New Business weekly business podcast with Jeff Korhan.

In this episode, we learn how Steve Coscia carved out an expert niche in an industry where he previously had no previous experience. Now he is the go-to customer service expert in that industry with a jam-packed schedule of speaking and consulting events.

Steve Coscia helps his mechanical trades clients make more money through improved customer retention and increased upselling. He is a customer service, supply chain and logistics management expert and author of numerous business books, videos and audio programs.

Introduce Your Expertise to The Industry

Having a service background, Steve Coscia first discovered, and then exploited a need in the mechanical trades industries (HVAC, plumbing, fire protection) to provide customer experience training for managers and technicians.

It turns out these interpersonal or so-called “soft skills” are more important than ever for business success. To establish his expertise within the industry, Coscia published an instructional handbook that has now become the leading textbook in over 130 colleges in the United States and Canada.

While Steve Coscia’s blog and social media generate the majority of his business leads, it is the book published over 20 years ago, and now in its 4th edition, that is the foundation of his marketing.

While technology training of all kinds is in high demand, businesses, associations and institutions come back to speakers and consultants like Steve Coscia for help with the core competencies. Whether your business hires or provides educational services, this is an important reminder that people drive the customer experience.

I’d love to hear your thoughts on discovering and developing an expert niche. Meet me over on Twitter to take the conversation further.

Key Take-Aways

  • In the audio Steve mentions the National Speakers Association (NSA), of which we are both active members. Learn more about NSA here.
  • If you would like to get in touch with Steve, feel free to give him a call at 610-853-9836.
  • Learn more about Steve Coscia’s work and take advantage of the resources he offers at Coscia.com

How to subscribe to This Old New Business podcast

Click here to subscribe via iTunes.
You can also subscribe via Stitcher.

Help us Spread the Word

If you enjoyed this episode, please head over to iTunes or Stitcher to leave a rating, write a review, or subscribe.

About the Author:  Jeff Korhan, MBA, is the author of Built-In Social: Essential Social Marketing Practices for Every Small Business and host of This Old New Business podcast.

He helps organizations use media to create exceptional customer experiences that drive business growth in a digital, social and global world. Connect with Jeff on LinkedInTwitterFacebook, and Google+

Team Building: How to Train for Productivity and Profits

Team Building: How to Train for Productivity and Profits

This is Episode 38 of This Old New Business weekly business podcast with Jeff Korhan.

Shelia Butler is the co-founder of a multi-million dollar business whose success relied heavily on organizing productive and accountable teams.

In this episode we several aspects of team building, including mentoring, leadership and accountability, and knowing when to make the difficult, but necessary changes for accomplishing business objectives.

Our Featured Guest: Shelia Butler

Team Building: How to Train for Productivity and ProfitsShelia Butler is a growth strategist, team-builder, and host of To The Trade Radio and Successful Women Talk. She works hands-on with To-The-Trade professionals helping them solve their toughest and most critical business challenges.

Shelia was formerly Co-Owner and Chief Operating Officer of Aidan Gray Home. After selling that business in 2010, she started a consultancy to help other businesses build more repeatable profits.

Training Teams is an Asset Investment

Team building necessarily involves an investment, and it is one that will pay dividends that regularly fall to the bottom line.

One of the simplest training method that many small businesses overlook is mentoring. Shelia recommends mentoring for team building and creating upward mobility. Instead of waiting for the right time to hire someone to take over their responsibilities, smart business owners mentor their replacement years in advance.

To develop productive teams, it’s essential to first train on the workflow fundamentals. Everyone has their respective accountabilities, but there must also be a team leader that is responsible for the collective accountabilities of the team. 

When teams are properly organized and equipped with a clear vision of the goal and the tools for its accomplishment, all that’s left is execution. This naturally requires recruiting great (not just good) people, and having the courage to make changes when necessary.

Shelia says every business should periodically evaluate their teams by asking the question: Knowing what you now know, would you rehire this person today? Your business is a laboratory that will only produce more favorable outcomes if changes are made for the better.

I’d love to hear your thoughts on team building? Meet me over on Twitter to take the conversation further.

Lighting Round Tips and Advice

Shelia’s Top Sales or Marketing Advice – Be yourself, communicate well, and follow through.

Her Favorite Productivity Tip – Before ending the workday, write down the top three most important projects you plan to tackle tomorrow.

A Quote that has Inspired Shelia’s Success – “Luck follows the prepared.” Louis Pasteur (paraphrased)

Key Take-Aways

How to subscribe to This Old New Business podcast

Click here to subscribe via iTunes.
You can also subscribe via Stitcher.

Help us Spread the Word

If you enjoyed this episode of This Old New Marketing podcast, please head over to iTunes or Stitcher to leave a rating, write a review, or subscribe.

About the Author:  Jeff Korhan, MBA, is the author of Built-In Social: Essential Social Marketing Practices for Every Small Business and host of This Old New Business podcast.

He helps mainstream businesses adapt their traditional growth practices to a digital world. Connect with Jeff on LinkedInTwitterFacebook, and Google+

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