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How to Write an Education Consulting Business Plan [Sample Template]

Are you about starting an education consulting firm? If YES, here is a complete sample education consulting firm business plan template & feasibility report you can use for FREE . If you are an educationist or someone who has background in education matters, and you intend starting your business, then you should consider starting your own education consulting firm.

There are many would – be international students and students aspiring to go to colleges / universities who are trapped simply because they don’t know who to talk to when they have challenges with testing and educational related issues that is why it is important to set up your own education consulting firm.

Why Start an Education Consulting Firm?

Being an educational consultant means that you will help your clients handle all their educational concerns, help to gain admission to colleges or universities of their choice. You can also help your clients (international students) obtain work permits in their new country of residence / studies.

Starting an education consulting firm is not too expensive except for the money required to rent and furnish an office space. Running this type of business requires that you should be trained as an educationist and it is indeed a very lucrative business in the United States, Canada, Australia and The United Kingdom simply because of the inflow of international students from different parts of the world.

If you are truly convinced that starting an education consulting firm is the right business for you to do, then you need to write your own business plan. Below is a sample education consulting firm business plan template that will help you successfully write yours with little or no stress;

A Sample Education Consulting Firm Business Plan Template

1. industry overview.

Establishments in the Testing & Educational Support industry that education consulting belongs to primarily provide non – instructional support services for the education industries. The major segments of this industry are educational testing services and educational consultants.

It is important to state that computer software designers that develop education support software are not part of the Testing & Educational Support industry; they are part of the IT Consulting industry

If you are a close observer of the Testing & Educational Support industry, you will agree that the controversial No Child Left Behind Act in the united states has been an important driver of revenue for the Testing and Educational Support industry over the past decade.

This is due to the fact that education consultants play a prominent role in administering the assessments that ensure schools meet federal guidelines. Hence, the industry will be heavily impacted in the next half a decade by potential education reforms and fluctuations in federal funding.

Nevertheless, college enrollment will continue to expand over the period, and international student growth will continue, driven by high demand from students from Nigeria, China and India. Even though tighter state budgets will limit unnecessary expenditure, underlying demand for support services will still be sustained.

The Testing & Educational Support Industry is indeed a large industry and pretty much active in countries such as United States of America, United Kingdom, France, Germany,  Italy, Holland, Switzerland, Australia and Canada et al.

Statistics has it that in the United States of America alone, there are about 7,639 registered and licensed education consulting firm scattered all across the United States responsible for employing about 115,967 and the industry rakes in a whooping sum of $15 billion annually.

The industry is projected to grow at 3.4 percent annual growth within 2011 and 2016. It is important to state that ETS and Pearson PLC has the largest available market share in the industry.

A recent research carried out by IBISWORLD reveals that the Testing and Educational Support industry has expanded over the five years to 2016. The report stated that during this time, revenue grew at an average annual rate of 0.9 percent to $13.7 billion in 2016.

The report pointed that the Testing and Educational Support industry is composed of three main segments: educational testing providers, educational consultants and student-exchange program providers. While overall growth has been strong, these segments have experienced different levels of growth over the past five years, with educational testing services accounting for the largest share of revenue growth.

The research further revealed that the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act of 2001 has driven industry demand during much of the past decade. Under NCLB, which was signed into law in January 2002, states had to implement major educational changes to remain eligible for federal funding.

Lastly, one thing is certain about starting an education consulting firm, if you are able to conduct your market research and feasibility studies, you are more likely not going to struggle to secure clients because there are always individuals and even educational institutions / schools that would want to hire your services from time to time.

2. Executive Summary

Webster & Golden® Education Consulting, LLP is a registered and licensed education consulting firm that will be based in New York City – New York.

The firm will handle all aspect of education related services; services such as providing college selection services, providing educational consulting services, providing educational guidance counseling services, providing educational support services, providing educational testing services, attending school buses and facilitating student exchange programs.

We are aware that to run a standard education consulting firm can be demanding which is why we are well trained, certified and equipped to perform excellently well. Webster & Golden® Education Consulting, LLP is a client – focused and result driven education consulting firm that provides broad- based services at an affordable fee that won’t in any way put a hole in the pocket of our clients.

We will offer a standard and professional education consulting services to all to our individual clients, and corporate clients at national, and international level. We will ensure that we work hard to meet and surpass our clients’ expectations whenever they hire our services.

At Webster & Golden® Education Consulting, LLP, our client’s best interest would always come first, and everything we do is guided by our values and professional ethics. We will ensure that we hire professionals who are well experienced in the testing and educational support industry

Webster & Golden® Education Consulting, LLP will at all times demonstrate her commitment to sustainability, both individually and as a firm, by actively participating in our communities and integrating sustainable business practices wherever possible.

We will ensure that we hold ourselves accountable to the highest standards by meeting our client’s needs precisely and completely. We will cultivate a working environment that provides a human, sustainable approach to earning a living, and living in our world, for our partners, employees and for our clients.

Our plan is to position the business to become the leading brand in the testing and educational support industry in the whole of New York City – New York, and also to be amongst the top 20 educational consulting firms in the United States of America within the first 10 years of operations.

This might look too tall a dream but we are optimistic that this will surely be realized because we have done our research and feasibility studies and we are enthusiastic and confident that New York City – New York is the right place to launch our education consulting firm before sourcing for clients from other cities in The United States of America and throughout the globe.

Webster & Golden® Education Consulting, LLP is founded by Webster Magnus and Golden Jade, his business partner for many years. The organization will be managed by both of them since they have adequate working experience to manage such business.

Webster Magnus has well over 5 years of experience working at various capacities within the testing and educational support industry in the United States of America. Webster Magnus and Golden Jade have the required experience and qualifications to build a world class education consulting firm that can favorably compete amongst leaders in the industry.

3. Our Products and Services

Webster & Golden® Education Consulting, LLP is going to offer varieties of services within the scope of the testing and educational support industry in the United States of America. Our intention of starting our education consulting firm is to favorably compete with leading players in the testing and educational support industry both in the United States of America and in the world at large.

We are well prepared to make profits from the industry and we will do all that is permitted by the law in the United States to achieve our business goals, aim and ambition. Our business offerings are listed below;

• Providing college selection services
• Providing educational consulting services
• Providing educational guidance counseling services
• Providing educational support services
• Providing educational testing services
• Attending school buses
• Facilitating student exchange programs

4. Our Mission and Vision Statement

• Our vision is to build an educational consulting brand that will become the number one choice for both individual and corporate clients in the whole of New York City – New York.
• Our vision reflects our values: integrity, service, excellence and teamwork.
• Our mission is to position our education consulting firm to become the leading brands in the testing and educational support industry in the whole of New York City – New York, and also to be amongst the top 20 education consulting firms in the United States of America within the first 10 years of operations.

Our Business Structure

Normally we would have settled for two or three full – time staff members, but as part of our plan to build a standard education consulting firm in New York City – New York, we have perfected plans to get it right from the beginning which is why we are going the extra mile to ensure that we have competent, honest and hardworking employees to occupy all the available positions in our organization.

The picture of the kind of education consulting firm we intend building and the business goals we want to achieve is what informed the amount we are ready to pay for the best hands available in and around New York City – New York.

We will ensure that we only hire people that are qualified, honest, hardworking, customer centric and are ready to work to help us build a prosperous business that will benefit all the stake holders (the owners, workforce, and customers).

As a matter of fact, profit-sharing arrangement will be made available to all our senior management staff and it will be based on their performance for a period of five years or more depending how fast we meet our set target. In view of that, we have decided to hire qualified and competent hands to occupy the following positions;

• Chief Executive Officer

Education Consultants

Admin and HR Manager

Marketing and Sales Executive

• Customer Care Executive / Front Desk Officer

5. Job Roles and Responsibilities

Chief Executive Office:

• Increases management’s effectiveness by recruiting, selecting, orienting, training, coaching, counseling, and disciplining managers; communicating values, strategies, and objectives; assigning accountabilities; planning, monitoring, and appraising job results; developing incentives; developing a climate for offering information and opinions; providing educational opportunities.
• Creates, communicates, and implements the organization’s vision, mission, and overall direction – i.e. leading the development and implementation of the overall organization’s strategy.
• Responsible for fixing prices and signing business deals
• Responsible for providing direction for the business
• Creates, communicates and implements the organization’s vision, mission, and overall direction – i.e. leading the development and implementation of the overall organization’s strategy.
• Responsible for signing checks and documents on behalf of the company
• Evaluates the success of the organization
• Responsible for providing college selection services
• Responsible for providing educational consulting services
• Responsible for providing educational guidance counseling services
• Responsible for providing educational support services
• Responsible for providing educational testing services
• Attends to school buses as it relates to students under our care
• Responsible for facilitating student exchange programs
• Responsible for overseeing the smooth running of HR and administrative tasks for the organization
• Designs job descriptions with KPI to drive performance management for clients
• Regularly hold meetings with key stakeholders to review the effectiveness of HR Policies, Procedures and Processes
• Maintains office supplies by checking stocks; placing and expediting orders; evaluating new products.
• Ensures operation of equipment by completing preventive maintenance requirements; calling for repairs.
• Defines job positions for recruitment and managing interviewing process
• Carries out staff induction for new team members
• Responsible for training, evaluation and assessment of employees
• Responsible for arranging travel, meetings and appointments
• Updates job knowledge by participating in educational opportunities; reading professional publications; maintaining personal networks; participating in professional organizations.
• Oversees the smooth running of the daily office activities.
• Identifies, prioritizes, and reaches out to new partners, and business opportunities et al
• Identifies development opportunities; follows up on development leads and contacts; participates in the structuring and financing of projects; assures the completion of relevant projects.
• Writes winning proposal documents, negotiate fees and rates in line with company policy
• Responsible for handling business research, marker surveys and feasibility studies for clients
• Responsible for supervising implementation, advocate for the customer’s needs, and communicate with clients
• Develops, executes and evaluates new plans for expanding increase sales
• Documents all customer contact and information
• Represent the organization in strategic meetings
• Help increase sales and growth for the organization
• Responsible for preparing financial reports, budgets, and financial statements for the organization
• creates reports from the information concerning the financial transactions recorded by the bookkeeper
• Prepares the income statement and balance sheet using the trial balance and ledgers prepared by the bookkeeper.
• Provides managements with financial analyses, development budgets, and accounting reports; analyzes financial feasibility for the most complex proposed projects; conducts market research to forecast trends and business conditions.
• Responsible for financial forecasting and risks analysis.
• Performs cash management, general ledger accounting, and financial reporting for one or more properties.
• Responsible for developing and managing financial systems and policies
• Responsible for administering payrolls
• Ensures compliance with taxation legislation
• Handles all financial transactions for the company
• Serves as internal auditor for the organization

Client Service Executive / Front Desk Officer

• Welcomes students and clients by greeting them in person or on the telephone; answering or directing inquiries.
• Ensures that all contacts with clients (e-mail, walk-In center, SMS or phone) provides the client with a personalized customer service experience of the highest level
• Through interaction with clients on the phone, uses every opportunity to build client’s interest in the company’s products and services
• Manages administrative duties assigned by the manager in an effective and timely manner
• Consistently stays abreast of any new information on the organization’s products, promotional campaigns etc. to ensure accurate and helpful information is supplied to clients
• Receives parcels / documents for the organization
• Distributes mails in the organization
• Handles any other duties as assigned the line manager

6. SWOT Analysis

Going by our vision, our mission and the kind of business we want to set – up, we don’t have any other option than to follow due process. Following due process involves hiring business consultant to help us conduct SWOT analysis for our business.

Webster & Golden® Education Consulting, LLP hired the services of a seasoned business consultant with bias in start – ups in the United States to help us conduct a thorough SWOT analysis and to guide us in formulating other business strategies that will help us grow our business and favorable compete in the testing and educational support industry.

As a company, we look forward to maximizing our strength and opportunities and also to work around our weaknesses and threats. Here is a summary from the result of the SWOT analysis that was conducted on behalf of Webster & Golden® Education Consulting, LLP.

Our core strength lies in the power of our team; our workforce. We have a team of highly qualified education consultants and support staff members that can go all the way to give our clients value for their money; a team that are trained, qualified and equipped to pay attention to details and to deliver excellent education consulting services.

We are well positioned and we know we will attract loads of clients (students and international students alike) from the first day we open our doors for business.

As a new education consulting firm, it might take some time for our organization to break into the market and gain acceptance especially from international students in the already saturated testing and educational support industry; that is perhaps our major weakness. So also, we may not have the required cash to give our business the kind of publicity we would have loved to.

• Opportunities:

The opportunities in the testing and educational support industry is massive considering the number of local and international students who can’t do with key services provided by only the testing and educational support industry. As a standard and well – positioned education consulting firm, we are ready to take advantage of any opportunity that comes our way.

Some of the threats that we are likely going to face as an education consulting firm operating in the United States are unfavorable government policies, the arrival of a competitor within our location of operations and global economic downturn which usually affects purchasing / spending power. There is hardly anything we can do as regards these threats other than to be optimistic that things will continue to work for our good.

7. MARKET ANALYSIS

• Market Trends

If you a closer observer of the trends in the Testing & Educational Support industry, you will agree that the controversial No Child Left Behind Act in the united states has been an important driver of revenue for the Testing and Educational Support industry over the past decade.

Although it is cheaper to start an education consulting business, but the fact remains that it is a bit challenging for new entrant to come into this industry, the primary barrier to the entry for new establishment is the stiff registration requirements applicable in most countries not just the United States of America.

As a matter of fact, education consulting firms must comply with local licensing criteria set out by registration boards and professional associations to obtain registration in their country or the state they want to operate from. This usually requires applicants to hold an accredited tertiary qualification before they can undertake written tests of skills, knowledge and abilities.

Lastly, the geographic distribution of education consulting firms and revenue in the industry is based on population levels and business locations. Education consulting firms tend to be located in areas with high populations students, and such areas tend to have higher level of students who would want to sit for college exams, apply for international studies or for student exchange programs.

8. Our Target Market

The demographic and psychographics composition of those who need the services of education consulting services providers cut across students and schools at all levels.

Webster & Golden® Education Consulting, LLP will initially serve students within our immediate community, but that does not in any way stop us from growing to be able to compete with the leading education consulting firms in the United States.

As a standard and licensed education consulting firm, Webster & Golden® Education Consulting, LLP offers a wide range of education consulting services hence we are well trained and equipped to services a wide range of clientele base. Our target market cuts across businesses of different sizes in both the individual and corporate clients.

We are coming into the industry with a business concept that will enable us work with individuals, small businesses and bigger corporations in and around New York City – New York and other cities in the United States of America. Below is a list of the people and organizations that we have specifically design our products and services for;

• International Students
• Local students
• Tutorial colleges

Our competitive advantage

The level of competitions in the testing and educational support services industry depends largely on the location of the business and of course the business model. If you can successfully create a unique brand identity for your education consulting firm or carve out a unique market, you are likely going to experience less competition.

For instance, if you are one of the few education consulting firms in your locations that has the most qualified and experienced education consultant with successful track record under your payroll, you are likely going to have a competitive advantage over your competitors.

We are quite aware that to be highly competitive in the testing and educational support services industry means that we should be able to deliver expected results, our clients should be able to pay for our services and we should be able to meet the expectations of clients.

Webster & Golden® Education Consulting, LLP might be a new entrant into the testing and educational support services industry in the United States of America, but the management staffs and owners of the business are considered gurus. They are people who are core professionals and licensed and highly qualified education consultants and experts in the United States. These are part of what will count as a competitive advantage for us.

Lastly, our employees will be well taken care of, and their welfare package will be among the best within our category (start – ups education consulting firms) in the industry meaning that they will be more than willing to build the business with us and help deliver our set goals and achieve all our aims and objectives.

9. SALES AND MARKETING STRATEGY

• Sources of Income

Webster & Golden® Education Consulting, LLP is established with the aim of maximizing profits in the testing and educational support services industry and we are going to go all the way to ensure that we do all it takes to attract clients (local and international students) on a regular basis.

Webster & Golden® Education Consulting, LLP will generate income by offering the following immigration consulting services;

10. Sales Forecast

One thing is certain, there would always be local students, international students, individuals, schools and tutorial colleges et al who would need the services of testing and educational support services providers.

We are well positioned to take on the available market in New York City – New York and other key cities in the United States of America and we are quite optimistic that we will meet our set target of generating enough income / profits from the first six month of operations and grow the business and our clientele base beyond New York City to other cities in New York and other states in the U.S.

We have been able to critically examine the education consulting services market and we have analyzed our chances in the industry and we have been able to come up with the following sales forecast. The sales projections are based on information gathered on the field and some assumptions that are peculiar to similar startups in New York City – New York.

Below are the sales projections for Webster & Golden® Education Consulting, LLP, it is based on the location of our business and the wide range of education consulting and advisory services that we will be offering to our clients;

• First Fiscal Year-: $250,000
• Second Fiscal Year-: $450,000
• Third Fiscal Year-: $950,000

N.B : This projection is done based on what is obtainable in the industry and with the assumption that there won’t be any major economic meltdown and natural disasters within the period stated above. There won’t be any major competitor offering same additional services as we do within same location. Please note that the above projection might be lower and at the same time it might be higher.

• Marketing Strategy and Sales strategy

We are mindful of the fact that there are stiffer competitions amongst education consulting firms and other related educational support service providers in the United States of America; hence we have been able to hire some of the best business developer to handle our sales and marketing.

Our sales and marketing team will be recruited base on their vast experience in the industry and they will be trained on a regular basis so as to be well equipped to meet their targets and the overall goal of the organization.

We will also ensure that our excellent job deliveries speak for us in the market place; we want to build a standard and world – class education consulting firm that will leverage on word of mouth advertisement from satisfied clients (both individuals and corporate organizations).

Our goal is to grow our education consulting firm to become one of the top 20 education consulting firms in the United States of America which is why we have mapped out strategy that will help us take advantage of the available market and grow to become a major force to reckon with not only in the New York City – New York, but also in other cities in the United States of America.

Webster & Golden® Education Consulting, LLP is set to make use of the following marketing and sales strategies to attract clients;

• Introduce our education consulting firm business by sending introductory letters alongside our brochure to migrant communities, corporate organizations, households and key stake holders in New York City and other cities in New York.
• Advertise our business in relevant magazines, newspapers, TV stations, and radio station.
• List our education consulting firm business on yellow pages’ ads (local directories)
• Attend relevant international and local education, international studies and business expos, seminars, and business fairs et al
• Create different packages for different category of clients (local students and international students et al) in order to work with their budgets and still deliver quality education consulting services to them
• Leverage on the internet to promote our education consulting firm
• Engage in direct marketing approach
• Encourage word of mouth marketing from loyal and satisfied clients
• Join local chambers of commerce and industries with the aim of networking and marketing our services.

11. Publicity and Advertising Strategy

Any business that wants to grow beyond the corner of the street or the city they are operating from must be ready and willing to utilize every available means (both conventional and non – conventional means) to advertise and promote the business. We intend growing our business which is why we have perfected plans to build our brand via every available means.

We know that it is important to create strategies that will help us boost our brand awareness and to create a corporate identity for our education consultancy services firm business. Below are the platforms we will leverage on to boost our brand and to promote and advertise our business;

• Place adverts on community based educational and related newspapers, radio stations and TV stations.
• Encourage the use of word of mouth publicity from our loyal customers
• Leverage on the internet and social media platforms like; YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Snapchat, Badoo, Google+ and other platforms to promote our business.
• Ensure that we position our banners and billboards in strategic positions all around New York City – New York
• Distribute our fliers and handbills in target areas in and around our neighborhood
• Contact migrant communities, schools, and households et al by calling them up and informing them of Webster & Golden® Education Consulting, LLP and the educational support services we offer
• Advertise our business in our official website and employ strategies that will help us pull traffic to the site
• Brand all our official cars and school buses and ensure that all our staff members and management staff wears our branded shirt or cap at regular intervals.

12. Our Pricing Strategy

Hourly billing for education consulting services is a long – time tradition in the industry.  However, for some types of education consultancy services, flat fees make more sense because they allow clients to better predict consultancy costs.

As a result of this, Webster & Golden® Education Consulting, LLP will charge our clients a flat fee for many basic services such as providing college selection services, providing educational consulting services, providing educational guidance counseling services, providing educational support services, providing educational testing services, attending school buses and facilitating student exchange programs et al.

At Webster & Golden® Education Consulting, LLP we will keep our fees below the average market rate for all of our clients by keeping our overhead low and by collecting payment in advance.  In addition, we will also offer special discounted rates to both local and international students from time to time.

We are aware that there are some clients that would need regular access to education consultancy and advisory services and assistance, we will offer flat rate for such services that will be tailored to take care of such clients’ needs.

• Payment Options

The payment policy adopted by Webster & Golden® Education Consulting, LLP is all inclusive because we are quite aware that different customers prefer different payment options as it suits them but at the same time, we will ensure that we abide by the financial rules and regulation of the United States of America.

Here are the payment options that Webster & Golden® Education Consulting, LLP will make available to her clients;

• Payment via bank transfer
• Payment with cash
• Payment via credit cards / Point of Sale Machines (POS Machines)
• Payment via online bank transfer
• Payment via check
• Payment via mobile money transfer
• Payment via bank draft

In view of the above, we have chosen banking platforms that will enable our client make payment for our testing and educational support services without any stress on their part. Our bank account numbers will be made available on our website and promotional materials to clients who may want to deposit cash or make online transfer for all education consultancy and advisory services rendered.

13. Startup Expenditure (Budget)

When it comes to calculating the cost of starting an education consulting firm, there are some key factors that should serve as a guide. Besides, in setting up any business, the amount or cost will depend on the approach and scale you want to undertake.

If you intend to go big by renting / leasing a big facility, then you would need a good amount of capital as you would need to ensure that your employees are well taken care of, and that your facility is conducive enough for workers to be creative and productive.

This means that the start-up can either be low or high depending on your goals, vision and aspirations for your business. The tools and equipment that will be used are nearly the same cost everywhere, and any difference in prices would be minimal and can be overlooked.

As for the detailed cost analysis for starting an education consulting firm; it might differ in other countries due to the value of their money. Below are some of the basic areas we will spend our start – up capital in setting up our education consulting firm;

• The total fee for incorporating the Business in the United States of America – $750.
• The total cost for payment of insurance policy covers (general liability, workers’ compensation and property casualty) coverage at a total premium – $9,400
• The amount needed to acquire a suitable Office facility in a business district 6 months (Re – Construction of the facility inclusive) – $40,000
• The total cost for hiring Business Consultant – $2,500
• The cost for equipping the office (computers, software applications, printers, fax machines, furniture, telephones, filing cabins, safety gadgets and electronics et al) – $5,000
• Marketing promotion expenses for the grand opening of Webster & Golden® Education Consulting, LLP in the amount of $3,500 and as well as flyer printing (2,000 flyers at $0.04 per copy) for the total amount of $3,580 .
• The cost for purchase of the required software applications (testing results tracking Software, Payroll Software, CRM software, and Accounting Software et al) – $10,500
• The cost of launching our official Website – $600
• Budget for paying at least three employees for 3 months plus utility bills – $10,000
• Additional Expenditure (Business cards, Signage, Adverts and Promotions et al) – $2,500
• Miscellaneous: $1,000

Going by the report from the market research and feasibility studies conducted, we will need over one hundred and fifty thousand ( 150,000 ) U.S. dollars to successfully set – up a small scale but standard education consulting firm in the United States of America. Please note that the salaries of all our staff members for the first month is included in the expenditure.

Generating Funds / Startup Capital for Webster & Golden® Education Consulting, LLP

No matter how fantastic your business idea might be, if you don’t have the required money to finance the business, the business might not become a reality. No doubt raising start – up capital for a business might not come cheap, but it is a task that an entrepreneur must go through.

Webster & Golden® Education Consulting, LLP is a business that will be owned and managed by Webster Magnus and Golden Jade, his business partner for many years. They are the sole financial of the firm, but may likely welcome partners later which is why they decided to restrict the sourcing of the start – up capital for the business to just three major sources.

These are the areas we intend generating our start – up capital;

• Generate part of the start – up capital from personal savings
• Source for soft loans from family members and friends
• Apply for loan from my Bank

N.B: We have been able to generate about $50,000 ( Personal savings $40,000 and soft loan from family members $10,000 ) and we are at the final stages of obtaining a loan facility of $100,000 from our bank. All the papers and document has been duly signed and submitted, the loan has been approved and any moment from now our account will be credited.

14. Sustainability and Expansion Strategy

The future of a business lies in the numbers of loyal customers that they have the capacity and competence of the employees, their investment strategy and the business structure. If all of these factors are missing from a business (company), then it won’t be too long before the business close shop.

One of our major goals of starting Webster & Golden® Education Consulting, LLP is to build a business that will survive off its own cash flow without the need for injecting finance from external sources once the business is officially running.

We know that one of the ways of gaining approval and winning customers over is to offer our education consultancy and advisory services a little bit cheaper than what is obtainable in the market and we are well prepared to survive on lower profit margin for a while.

Webster & Golden® Education Consulting, LLP will make sure that the right foundation, structures and processes are put in place to ensure that our staff welfare are well taken of. Our company’s corporate culture is designed to drive our business to greater heights and training and re – training of our workforce is at the top burner of our business strategy.

As a matter of fact, profit-sharing arrangement will be made available to all our management staff and it will be based on their performance for a period of three years or more as determined by the board of the organization. We know that if that is put in place, we will be able to successfully hire and retain the best hands we can get in the industry; they will be more committed to help us build the business of our dreams.

Check List / Milestone

• Business Name Availability Check: Completed
• Business Incorporation: Completed
• Opening of Corporate Bank Accounts various banks in the United States: Completed
• Opening Online Payment Platforms: Completed
• Application and Obtaining Tax Payer’s ID: In Progress
• Application for business license and permit: Completed
• Securing a standard office facility (renovation of the facility inclusive): Completed
• Purchase of All form of Insurance for the Business: Completed
• Conducting Feasibility Studies: Completed
• Generating part of the start – up capital from the founder: Completed
• Applications for Loan from our Bankers: In Progress
• Writing of Business Plan: Completed
• Drafting of Employee’s Handbook: Completed
• Drafting of Contract Documents: In Progress
• Design of The Company’s Logo: Completed
• Graphic Designs and Printing of Packaging Marketing / Promotional Materials: Completed
• Recruitment of employees: In Progress
• Purchase of the Needed software applications, furniture, office equipment, electronic appliances and facility facelift: In progress
• Creating Official Website for the Company: In Progress
• Creating Awareness for the business (Business PR): In Progress
• Health and Safety and Fire Safety Arrangement: In Progress
• Establishing business relationship with vendors and key players in the industry: In Progress.

More on Education

How to Start an Education Consulting Business

Below you will learn the key steps to starting an educational consulting firm.

Download the Ultimate Consulting Business Plan Template

10 Steps to Starting Your Own Educational Consulting Business

1. conduct market research to determine demand.

An important step to starting an educational consulting business is conducting market research. To begin, you must learn what services your clients want and how much they are willing to pay for them. There are two ways you can go about conducting this research:

• Survey your target market . This can be done by conducting online surveys, conducting phone interviews, or sending out questionnaires.
• Review the competition . Look at how other educational consultants are marketing their services and what services they offer. This will give you an idea of what services are in high demand and how you can differentiate yourself from the competition.

Once you have analyzed the survey data, determine which types of businesses are likely to hire you and how much they are willing to pay. Use this information to set your consulting prices.

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2. Name Your Education Consulting Business

Once you have analyzed your market and determined what services clients want, it’s time to name your educational consultancy business. While naming a business can be difficult, there are a few rules of thumb to keep in mind:

• Keep it Short : Your business name needs to be short enough for clients to remember and say.  
• Keep it Relevant : Your business name should be relevant to the education services you offer and your target market’s needs.
• Keep it Memorable : Using clever ideas and words, help your audience connect with your business.
• Focus on Your Target Market :  Make sure that whoever sees or hears your company name understands who you are targeting as clients.

Read our article about choosing the right business name .

3. Choose Your Business Structure and Set-Up Your Company’s Legal Entity

As with any business, the type of legal entity you set up is critical.  After all, you want your company to be treated as a separate entity, not just an extension of yourself.  There are several types of structures in which you can start your own educational consulting business. Three popular options are sole proprietorship, S-corporation and LLC (limited liability company).

• Sole Proprietorship :  A sole proprietorship is one in which the business and the owner are considered to be one entity. Therefore, you are personally responsible for all debts and liabilities your education consultancy business may incur. One benefit of this type of structure is that it’s easy to set up and there are no formal filings required.
• S-Corporation : An S corporation is a type of C Corporation that was designed by the IRS to help small corporations minimize their paperwork while still gaining many of the tax benefits of incorporating. It also offers protection for business owners in case of lawsuits and other liabilities.
• Limited Liability Company (LLC) :  An LLC is a structure in which the company is considered a separate legal entity from its owners. This means that the company is responsible for its own debts and liabilities. This type of structure offers protection for business owners in case of lawsuits.

Read our article comparing the most common consulting business structures .

4. Write an Education Consulting Business Plan

A business plan is a document that outlines your business goals, strategies, and how you plan to achieve them. For an educational consulting company, your business plan should include the following:

• Business Description : Describe what your company does, who your target market is, and how you will differentiate yourself from the competition.
• Industry & Market Analysis : Detail your research on the industry and what services clients are most likely to want.
• Financial Plan : Outline your estimated income and expenses for the next three to five years.

Other sections of your plan will answer other key questions such as the following:

• What are your areas of expertise?
• What services can you offer your clients?
• Who is your target audience?
• How will you differentiate yourself from the competition?

Your business plan should also include several sections that detail your company’s history, current financial situation, and future goals. These sections will allow an investor to learn more about your company before they commit to investing in it.

Read our article about how to write a consulting business plan .

5. Apply for the Necessary Permits and Licenses

You must register your education consultancy business as a legal entity with the state in which you plan to do business.

To file your business with the state, obtain the necessary forms from the Secretary of State’s website or local County Clerk’s office. You will be required to pay a small fee for filing your business with the state.

Registering with the federal government may or may not be required. You can register your business on the federal level by obtaining an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS.

Read our article about obtaining the proper consulting business licenses .

6. Determine Your Budget & Apply for Funding as Needed

As with any business, you will need to use your own capital to finance the initial stages of your educational consulting company.  Your budget may also include several other costs including marketing expenses and the salary you wish to pay yourself.  

After determining how much money you will invest in starting your business, review some options for financing your business.  Here are several financing options that may be available to you:

• SBA Loans : The Small Business Administration (SBA) is a government agency that provides financial assistance to small businesses in the U.S.  
• Bank Loans : Many small business owners are able to secure loans from their local banks. Often, you can borrow money for any purpose that relates to the growth of your company.
• Friends and Family : You can consider getting loans and/or equity investments from friends and family members..
• Angel investors : Angel investors may provide debt or equity funding to you.

Read our article about the costs associated with starting a consulting business to help you determine if funding is needed.

7. Get the Technology & Software Needed to Run Your Educational Consulting Company Efficiently

As an educational consulting firm, you will need different types of technology to complete projects and keep track of your company’s operations. To simplify the process of starting a consulting company, we’ve provided a list below detailing some items that you’ll need:

Computers : Even if most of your work is done remotely with clients on the other side of the country or world, you will need at least one computer that is dedicated to your educational consulting company.

Software : Software is an essential component of any new business. The right software can help you manage projects, track expenses, and communicate with clients more effectively.

Here are some popular software platforms that may be beneficial to your business:

• Microsoft Office : This software suite includes a variety of applications that can help you manage your company, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• QuickBooks : This software is designed for small businesses and can help you track income and expenses, create invoices, and manage payroll.
• Basecamp : This project management software can help you manage multiple projects simultaneously and keep track of deadlines and milestones.
• Gmail : Google’s email platform offers several features that can be helpful for educational consultants, including the ability to access the same email from multiple devices.
• CRM : Customer relationship management software can help you track customer communication, manage leads, and create reports that detail your sales activities.

There may be additional software options available for educational consultants, so be sure to ask other educational consultants to find the best options for your business.

Read our article about the technology and software you need to run a consulting business .

8.  Market Your Educational Consulting Firm to Potential Clients

Once you’ve established your educational consulting company, the next step is to market it to potential clients.

Here are some common marketing strategies used for educational consulting firms:

• Networking : One of the best ways to market your company is by meeting people and building relationships. Attend industry events, meet-ups, and other networking opportunities to get in front of potential clients.
• Online marketing : Marketing your business online, such as through a business website and pay-per-click and/or social media marketing, can help you reach a larger audience looking for your services.
• Blog : A blog is a great way to showcase your knowledge and expertise in the educational consulting industry. Share case studies, how-to articles, and other content that will be helpful to potential clients.
• Website : Your website is the central hub for your business. Make sure it is well-designed, easy to navigate, and provides all the information potential clients need to learn more about your company.
• Referral Programs : Offer current clients a discount or other incentive for referring new clients to your business. This helps build word-of-mouth marketing for your company.

There are many ways to market an educational consulting firm, so be sure to explore all of your options and find the strategies that work best for you.

You should also consider ways to incentivize potential clients to choose you over another educational consulting firm. Some incentives that work well include:

• Lower rates : Many consulting businesses offer lower rates on their services to attract new clients.
• Discounts on services : Offering discounts on certain projects may help you win bids against other companies.
• Free consultation : Providing potential clients with a free consultation can help them determine if your company is the best one for their needs.

Learn more about how to market your consulting business .

9.  Establish a Price Structure and Billing System

There are a few factors to consider when establishing your price structure:

• Hourly rates : Charging by the hour is a common way to price consulting services. This allows clients to budget for your services and gives you the flexibility to charge more for complex projects.
• Project rates : Charging a flat fee for a project can be beneficial for both the client and the educational consultant. It ensures that the client knows what they are paying up front, and it allows the consultant to charge more for more complex projects.
• Retainers : A retainer is a set amount of money that the client pays upfront for services. This can be a good option for clients who need regular educational consulting services.

No matter which pricing structure you choose, be sure to clearly communicate it to your clients. Additionally, have a detailed invoice template that includes all the education services you provided so the client knows exactly what they are paying for.

10.  Manage Client Relationships and Deliver Projects

After finding new clients and marketing your educational consulting business, you should begin delivering the projects and getting paid. This means managing client relationships and making sure that clients are happy with your work. Some of the ways to manage relationships with your education clients include:

• Regular communication : Keep in touch with clients regularly, either through email, phone calls, or face-to-face meetings. This will help ensure that they are happy with the work you are doing and that any issues are addressed promptly.
• Project updates : Send project updates to clients throughout the course of the project. This will keep them in the loop on what you are doing and how the project is progressing.
• Client feedback : Ask clients for feedback after every project. This will help you improve your services and ensure that clients are happy with your work.

Delivering projects on time and within budget is essential for an educational consulting business. It can be beneficial to create a project management plan that outlines how each project will be completed. This will help ensure that all deadlines are met and that the client is happy with the final product.

Learn more about how to effectively manage client relationships .

Starting an Educational Consulting Business FAQs

Why start an educational consulting business.

There are many reasons to start an educational consulting business:

• You have a wealth of knowledge and experience in the education field (such as, as a classroom teacher, school administration, curriculum developer, etc.) and want to share it with others.
• You are passionate about education and want to help students achieve their academic goals.
• You are looking for a flexible business that allows you to work with the clients you choose.

What is Needed to Start an Educational Consulting Business?

There are a few things you will need before becoming an educational consultant:

• Strong knowledge of the education system and how it works
• Experience in teaching or tutoring
• Strong marketing and sales skills
• The ability to manage client relationships effectively

What are Some Tips for Starting an Educational Consulting Company?

The following tips can help you to start an educational consulting business:

• Do your research . Make sure you understand the education system and how it works before starting your business. This will help you to provide accurate information to clients and manage expectations effectively.
• Develop a strong marketing strategy . Marketing is essential for any business, especially a new one. Plan how you will reach potential clients and how you will differentiate your business from others.
• Set your prices wisely . It is important to charge rates that reflect the services you are providing, but also be competitive so you can attract new clients.
• Create a detailed invoice template . This will help ensure that clients understand what they are paying for and that you are billing correctly for services rendered.
• Establish a project management plan . This will help ensure that all projects are completed on time and within budget.
• Manage client relationships effectively . Keep in touch with clients regularly, send project updates, and ask for feedback to ensure they are happy with your work.

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Education Consulting Business Plan Sample

DEC.10, 2021

Do you want to start Education Consulting business plan?

You might wonder how to start an educational consulting business. In that case, you can take help from this education consulting business plan. Starting a consultation business doesn’t require many resources. You just need basic expertise in the domain.

So, if you have a fundamental understanding of the education sector, you can start this business. However, in order to create a successful venture, you’ll need a good business plan. For that purpose, you can refer to this document or any related business plan such as life coaching business plan , etc. You can also take help from the best business plan experts .

Executive Summary

2.1 the business.

Pro Learning will be an education consultation firm started by Harry Brown. The firm will aim to provide consultation services catering to the requirements of the clients in Stockton. The firm will provide a wide range of services for both students and educational institutes in the US.

2.2 Management of Education Consulting Company

Starting an educational consulting business requires appropriate management of the resources you possess. You can ensure this through an education consultant business plan. In this plan, you should mention all the technical as well as human resources you have along with your plans for their management.

In this strategic and operational business plan , all the requirements for business consulting education have been mentioned.

2.3 Customers of Education Consulting Company

The backbone of an education consulting business is its customers. Our customers will mainly be people who directly belong to the educational domain. They are identified as follows:

• Universities
• International Education Agents

2.4 Business Target

Our primary goal is to become the most trusted place for all kinds of education-related consultancy services.

The financial targets that we want to achieve within the first few years of launch are demonstrated below:

Company Summary

3.1 company owner.

Harry Brown will own Pro Learning. Harry did his M. Ed two years ago. After that, he served as a freelance consultant to many clients. But he decided to expand his business and provide more services.

3.2 Why the Education Consulting company is being started

Harry observed that many schools around the Stockton area had a deficiency of adequate educational consultancy resources. Many able students needed guidance, but there was no one they could go to. Therefore, he decided to make use of his experience and start a consultancy firm.

3.3 How the Education Consulting company will be started

Step1: Plan Everything

A solid education consultant business plan is the first step in how to start an education consulting business. For developing your business plan, you can refer to this education business plan sample or any related business plan like business consulting business plan .

This sample educational consultant proposal can be used to guide the development of a business plan for any business because Harry decided to offer a wide variety of services.

Step2: Define the Brand

The next step in your journey is to advertise your business. You can do this by developing a brand. In your brand, you have to highlight your competitive advantage by listing your unique services and policies.

Step3: Establish Your Corporate Office

For the time being, Harry decided to rent out an office in Stockton. He will now put together a team and gather the technical equipment required.

Step4: Establish a Web Presence

Establishing a solid web presence is necessary when starting a business in this digital age. Keeping this in view, Harry created social media profiles of his business. He also had a simple website developed where clients could reach out.

Step5: Promote and Market

The last thing to do is develop a marketing plan and promote your business by following it.

Services of Education Consulting

Before you start education consulting business, you need to identify the services you will be providing to your clients. That way, you can develop your education consultant services business plan accordingly.

As Harry wanted to offer a wide variety of services through his business, so this education consulting business plan sample pdf can be used as a guide to writing any business plan. Even a mortgage lender business plan .

Below, we have described the education consulting services. So, if you want to know how to become an education consultant, you can take help from here.

• Education Counselling Service

The main service provided by Pro Learning will be education counseling for students. Students can book an appointment directly or through their institutes to gain the help and perspective they need. Our firm will help students:

• Realize their potential
• Understand their areas of aptitude
• Make an educated decision about their future learning
• Admission Procedure Help

Another important service of Pro Learning will be to guide students about the application procedures of the institutes of their choice. Many students shy away from applying to educational institutes because of the overwhelming and complex application procedure.

Pro Learning will:

• Guide students about application dates
• Help students plan out their application submission process
• Inform students about necessary academic and financial requirements
• Financial Advice

Pro Learning will also help students plan out their finances. And inform them of financial resources they can turn to if needed.

• Visa Assistance

Our firm will also handle visa applications and guide students throughout the whole process so that they are as efficient as possible.

Marketing Analysis of Education Consulting Company

Starting an educational consulting firm will require you to have an in-depth knowledge of the target market. You can gain this knowledge through a marketing analysis. A marketing plan for education consultancy business will help you identify your customers and competitors in a better way.

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Conducting marketing analysis is an essential step in the steps to become an educational consultant. However, if you don’t know much about marketing analysis, you can take help from education business plan samples. You can also look to specialized documents like Harvard business school marketing plan template for a more in-depth understanding.

In this document, we have detailed the marketing analysis of Pro Learning.

5.1 Market Trends

According to IBISWorld, the education consultant market is valued at $2 billion. The industry is expected to increase at a steady rate of 2% or over in the next five years. It is because people have finally realized the importance of suitable education. So more and more people are turning towards professional consultancy services to boost their careers.

5.2 Marketing Segmentation

The customer groups of Pro Learning are as follows:

5.2.1 Students

Our primary services will be dedicated to helping students and coaching their academic path. They are expected to be our main customers and are expected to avail our resources the most. The services they are expected to use involve:

• Counseling for future academic opportunities
• Guide for choosing a career path
• Help in deciding and managing academic activities

5.2.2 Universities

Our second target customers will be universities and other institutes of higher education. We want to connect students with suitable universities. Thus, we are expected to partner with many universities throughout the year to provide them with a good candidate pool.

5.2.3 International Education Agents

We will also be partnering with international educational agents and connecting them with the universities in the US. So we expect them to avail our resources quite often as well.

5.2.4 Schools

Lastly, we will also reach out to schools to provide high school students counseling for deciding their future academic paths and careers.

5.3 Business Target

• To become the most sought out counseling service firm throughout Stockton
• To expand our services steadily and reach out to more schools
• To keep customer satisfaction rate above 95%
• To earn a profit margin of $30k per month by the end of our first year.

5.4 Product Pricing

Our prices will be very reasonable considering our main target audience is students. We will provide a greater range of services at the same price as our competitors.

Marketing Strategy of Education Consulting

To become prominent among the businesses for education consulting careers, you need to have a strong marketing strategy for educational consultancy. A good marketing strategy will help you highlight your competitive advantage to your customers. Therefore, it should be a part of your business plan.

Here, we have a sample business plan educational services that highlights the marketing strategy of Pro Learning. This is just an example. And you can use any business plan for guidance, may it be a   counseling private practice business plan .

6.1 Competitive Analysis

• We have excellent client care services available that will be ready to help our clients whenever they need them.
• We will implement a feedback system to improve our services for our clients.
• Our clients can contact us directly by phone. Or they can reach out to us through our website or social media platforms. This will allow them to easily book appointments from the comfort of their home.
• We will have timings for walk-in sessions where our first-time customers can just come and go through a session without needing to book an appointment.

6.2 Sales Strategy

• We will offer reduced prices and sales for our long-term customers
• We will provide cheaper and affordable packages for students.
• We will advertise through word of mouth, Google Ads, and social media.

6.3 Sales Monthly

6.4 Sales Yearly

6.5 Sales Forecast

Personnel plan of Education Consulting

Any good sample educational consultant proposal includes employee hiring criterion. It’s because the success of a business, especially a consultancy business, depends on the employees and their behavior.

Realizing the importance of employee selection, Harry also decided to implement a selection criterion while selecting the employees mentioned below in the educational services business plan.

7.1 Company Staff

• 1 Co Manager
• 4 B. Ed graduates to help with the workload
• 8 Career Specialists
• 1 Web Developer/ Mobile App Developer to manage online sites
• 1 Sales Executive to organize and promote sales
• 1 Accountant
• 1 Receptionist

Financial Plan of Education Consulting

To start education consulting business, you need much more than sales. The success of a business is ensured by a proper financial plan that is usually a part of education consulting business plan.

A financial plan allows you to manage your time and other resources efficiently in order to reap the benefits. It also helps you to analyze the degree of profitability or loss that your business is incurring.

In your financial plan, you need to identify the ways and plan how you will earn profits and pay up your expenses. The financial analysis of a company also helps to identify ways to reduce expenses and increase productivity.

Here we’re providing the detailed financial plan for Pro Learning. You can go through this document on any business plan, such as a business plan for electrical contractor to help you develop a financial plan.

8.1 Important Assumptions

8.2 break-even analysis.

8.3 Projected Profit and Loss

8.3.1 profit monthly.

8.3.2 Profit Yearly

8.3.3 Gross Margin Monthly

8.3.4 Gross Margin Yearly

8.4 Projected Cash Flow

• How do I start an educational consulting business?

If you are wondering how to start an education consulting business, you can do it by writing a sample educational consultant proposal. You can refer to any business proposal such as business plan computer software for guidance.

• How much do educational consultants make?

If you are wondering how much do educational consultants make, then on average, an educational consultant makes $65k per year. But the salary may vary depending on the scale of the business and the job post.

• What is the average cost of an educational consultant?

On average, an educational consultant charges $85 to $200 per hour. The rates will be dependent on the services required and the scale of the business.

Download Education Consulting Business Plan Sample in pdf

OGSCapital’s team has assisted thousands of entrepreneurs with top-rate business plan development, consultancy and analysis. They’ve helped thousands of SME owners secure more than $1.5 billion in funding, and they can do the same for you.

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How to start an education consulting business

Are you a seasoned educator with a passion for helping others succeed? Do you have an entrepreneurial spirit? If so, an educational consulting business may be the perfect career path for you. As an educational consultant, you can provide invaluable guidance, support, and expertise. You can offer your services to clients who want to achieve their educational and career goals. 

There are over 7,500 education consultants in the country. There’s increasing demand for expert guidance and support from students, parents, and educators. By starting your own consultancy business, you can tap into this growing market. 

This guide will help you lay a strong foundation for your consulting business. Read on to explore the essential steps to starting an education consulting business. 

What is an educational consulting business?

Starting an educational consulting business is a great opportunity for individuals with expertise in the education sector. An educational consultant provides guidance and support to students, parents, and educational institutions. This is to enhance their learning process and achieve their academic goals. 

Educational consultants help students and parents with college admissions, financial aid, and career choices. They also assist educational institutions with curriculum development, faculty development, and student recruitment.

Benefits of starting an educational consulting business

Starting an educational consulting business can be a highly rewarding and lucrative venture. It provides the opportunity to work in the education sector. You can help and impact the lives of students and educators. You can also work with educational institutions to improve their services. Additionally, an educational consulting business has the potential to generate significant revenue.

The education consultancy industry

The education consultancy industry is a growing sector as many parents and educators seek support and guidance in navigating the education system. The education consulting market size is expected to reach $3.45 billion by the end of 2030. With an increasing demand for quality education, these consulting businesses are increasingly relevant, helping students and parents make informed decisions about their educational journey. The industry includes a range of services, from college admissions counseling to curriculum development and teacher training. This provides businesses with a wide range of opportunities to specialize and stand out.

Conducting market research

Before you start your education consultancy business, it is essential to conduct thorough market research. This will help you understand your target audience, competition, and industry trends. 

Identifying your target audience

One crucial aspect of market research is identifying your target audience. You must understand your potential clients’ specific demographics, interests, and needs. This will help you develop services that cater to their unique requirements and create effective marketing strategies.

Analyzing competition in the education consultancy industry

Competitor analysis is another significant element of market research. By analyzing the services, pricing, and marketing strategies of your competitors, you can gain a competitive edge. This can help you identify opportunities to differentiate your services and stand out in the market.

Understanding market trends and demands

You must understand the current and future trends in the education consultancy industry. This includes understanding your target audience’s needs. You must understand the increasing demand for specific services. Additionally, you must explore advancements in technology that can impact your business. So stay up-to-date on trends. This way, you can adapt your services. This also lets you stay ahead of the competition.

Conducting comprehensive market research can help you understand your audience, competition, and industry trends. Consequently, this can help you develop effective strategies for growth and success.

Developing a business plan

A business plan is the essence of any business, including an educational consulting business. It is a roadmap for achieving your goals and objectives. A well-written business plan helps you define your business and identify your competition. It helps you determine your target audience and develop effective marketing strategies.

Setting specific goals and objectives

Before creating a business plan, you need to set specific goals and objectives for your educational consultancy. These goals should be measurable, achievable, and relevant to your business. Goal examples include:

• Improving client conversion rate
• Increasing revenue
• Becoming a market leader in your niche

Say you’ve identified your goals and objectives. Then, you can create a plan that focuses on achieving those goals.

Creating a marketing strategy

A well-crafted marketing strategy can help you reach your target audience. Your marketing strategy should identify your target audience. This is where you outline your marketing channels (print ads, social media platforms, email marketing, etc.). This is also where you determine your budget for marketing activities.

Determining financial projections

Determining financial projections is vital for any business. You need to calculate your start-up costs and ongoing expenses. These include rent, utilities, equipment, and employees' salaries. You also need to determine your pricing strategy. You can base this on your competition and the value of your services. Additionally, you should prepare financial projections for the next two to five years. This will guide you in your financial decisions and ensure your business stays profitable.

Legal and financial considerations

Starting a consultancy business involves important legal and financial considerations. By addressing these aspects, you can ensure the smooth operation of your business and minimize the risks involved.

Choosing a business structure

You must choose a business structure. This includes sole proprietorship, LLC, partnership, or corporation. For an educational consultancy business, an LLC structure is commonly preferred as it offers limited liability protection and flexibility in management.

Meeting legal requirements

Starting a consultancy business also involves meeting legal requirements. This includes obtaining any required licenses or permits from your state and local government. You may also need to file for a tax ID number and register for taxes. Additionally, you must ensure compliance with relevant laws and regulations. For instance, data privacy laws.

Managing expenses and income

Managing expenses and income is an essential part of running a consultancy business. You can anticipate expenses through your business plan. You should keep track of your expenses and income through an accounting system. This can help you make informed decisions. Plus, this can ensure that your business stays profitable.

Protecting your business

You can protect your business in several ways. For example, you can purchase general liability insurance and professional liability insurance. These can cover legal expenses and damages resulting from liability claims and lawsuits. By investing in proper insurance coverage, you can minimize financial risks and safeguard your business.

Branding and marketing your business

Branding and marketing are essential elements of any successful consulting business. Below are some strategies that can help you establish a strong brand image and attract potential clients.

Creating a strong brand image

Your brand identity communicates your values, expertise, and personality to your target audience. To create a strong brand image for your education consulting business, you need to consider the following aspects.

• Logo and color scheme: A well-designed logo and color scheme can make your brand memorable and recognizable. Choose colors and fonts that represent your brand's personality and appeal to your audience.
• Messaging and tone: Your brand messaging should clearly communicate your value proposition and unique selling points. The tone of your messaging should be tailored to your audience and aligned with your brand values.

Developing a website and social media presence

A website and social media presence are essential tools for promoting your education consulting business and reaching potential clients. 

• Website: Your website should be easy to navigate. It should be visually appealing and optimized for search engines. Your website should feature clear calls to action and compelling content that highlights your services and expertise. B12 is an AI website builder favored by growing consultancies for its ease of use, on-platform experts, and built-in client tools like scheduling and invoicing.
• Social media: Choose social media channels that are popular among your target audience. Create a content strategy that includes a mix of educational content, industry news, and promotional messages. Engage with your followers and respond to their comments and feedback.

Establishing partnerships with educational institutions

Partnering with educational institutions can help you expand your network and reach more potential clients. Here are some ways to establish partnerships:

• Networking: Attend industry events, conferences, and meetups to meet potential partners and clients. Build relationships with school administrators, educators, and other professionals in the education industry.
• Offering value-added services: Consider offering value-added services, such as professional development workshops or teacher training programs, to school districts and institutions. This can help you establish yourself as a thought leader in the education space and build credibility with potential clients.

By implementing these strategies, you can develop a strong brand image and attract potential clients to your education consulting business. Remember to continuously monitor and refine your marketing efforts to ensure that they are aligned with your business goals and target audience.

Growing your consultancy business

Congratulations, you have successfully started your own education consultancy business! But the work doesn't stop here. To achieve long-term success, you must continuously grow and improve your services. 

Continuously improving your services and offerings

The education consultancy industry is constantly evolving. So you must stay up-to-date with the latest trends and practices. Keep yourself informed by attending conferences, reading industry publications, and networking with other professionals. Additionally, continuously gather feedback from your clients and use it to improve your services.

Retaining clients and building long-term relationships

Building long-term relationships with your clients impacts your consultancy business’s success. Keep in touch with your clients through regular communication and provide them with regular updates on your services and offerings. Respond to their concerns and questions promptly, and always go the extra mile to exceed their expectations. This will help build trust and loyalty. Plus, this will build a positive reputation for your business.

Seeking opportunities for expansion and growth

As your education consultancy business grows, you may want to consider expanding into different markets or offering new services. But before you do so, conduct market research and assess the risks and benefits of the expansion. Consider hiring additional staff and investing in new technologies to support your growth.

Grow your education consulting business with B12

Starting an education consultancy business is a challenging yet rewarding journey. It requires a solid business plan, a strong brand image, and a clear understanding of your target audience. With these, you can create a consultancy business that will thrive in the ever-changing education industry.

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Starting an Educational Consulting Firm

Main Sections In This Post Steps To Starting A Educational Consulting Firm Points to Consider Knowledge Is Power Featured Video

This post offers a clear and detailed guide on how to start an educational consulting firm, including an overview of what to expect. It also provides numerous examples and a business plan template to assist you in the process.

To ensure you have access to the latest and most popular information, we’ve included links to search results from our “Knowledge Is Power” section.

These resources can be beneficial both during the initial startup phase and after your business is up and running.

Given the abundance of information covered in this post, if you find it helpful, please consider sharing it and bookmarking the page for future reference.

Let’s get started with the steps.

Steps to Starting a Educational Consulting Firm

Below are the steps to starting a educational consulting firm.

Each step is linked to a specific section, allowing you to jump to your desired section or scroll to follow the steps in order.

• An Overview of What You’re Getting Into
• Educational Consulting Firm Overview
• Researching Your Educational Consulting Firm
• Looking at Financials
• Choosing A Business Location
• Creating Your Mission Statement
• Creating A Unique Selling Proposition (USP)
• Choose a Educational Consulting Firm Name
• Register Your Company
• Create Your Corporate Identity
• Writing a Business Plan
• Banking Considerations
• Getting the Funds for Your Operation
• Software Setup
• Business Insurance Considerations
• Supplier and Service Provider Considerations
• Physical Setup
• Creating a Website
• Create an External Support Team
• Hiring Employees

1.  An Overview of What You’re Getting Into

Passion: The Key to Your Educational Consulting Firm’s Success

Discover Your Drive

Your feelings towards running an educational consulting firm matter. Passion fuels success, empowering you to seek solutions during challenges.

The Power of Passion

If granted 5 unrestricted wishes, would you use one to start your consulting firm? Your answer unveils your true passion.

Follow Your True Path

If the answer is no, explore your preferred alternative. Pursue what ignites your passion for a fulfilling journey.

Summary: Embrace Passion

Passion increases your odds of success. Avoid uphill battles; embark on your educational consulting venture with fervor.

For More, See How Passion Affects Your Business . Also, see, Considerations Before You Start Your Business to identify key points for a new business owner.

2. Gaining an Overview of Owning a Educational Consulting Firm

Next, let’s spend some time on key issues to give you an overview of what to expect from owning and running your business.

a.) A Quick Overview of Owning a Educational Consulting Firm

Educational Consulting Firm:

An educational consulting firm is a specialized service provider that offers expert guidance and support to individuals, schools, or organizations in the education sector.

These firms assist clients in various aspects of education, including academic planning, curriculum development, school improvement, college admissions, and student counseling.

Day-to-Day Tasks in Running an Educational Consulting Firm:

• Client Consultations: Conduct meetings with clients to understand their specific needs and goals, and provide personalized recommendations.
• Research and Analysis: Gather and analyze data related to education trends, policies, and best practices to offer up-to-date advice.
• Developing Strategies: Create tailored plans for schools or students to improve performance and achieve academic objectives.
• Marketing and Networking: Promote the firm’s services through online channels, conferences, and networking events to attract new clients.
• Administrative Tasks: Handle business operations, invoicing, and scheduling appointments efficiently.
• Collaboration with Educators: Work closely with teachers, school administrators, and other education professionals to implement strategies effectively.
• Continuous Learning: Stay informed about the latest advancements and changes in the education industry to enhance expertise.
• Client Progress Monitoring: Regularly track and assess the effectiveness of implemented strategies to ensure positive outcomes.
• Maintaining Records: Keep detailed records of client interactions, progress reports, and successful case studies.
• Adherence to Ethical Standards: Abide by ethical guidelines and maintain confidentiality when dealing with clients’ personal and academic information.
• Professional Development: Engage in workshops or courses to improve skills and stay abreast of industry trends.

Running an educational consulting firm requires a dynamic approach, adaptability, and a genuine commitment to helping clients achieve their educational goals.

b.) Educational Consulting Firm Models

Individual Consultancy

Solo consultants offer personalized services, tailoring solutions to meet specific clients’ needs.

This model allows for focused attention and customized support, fostering strong client relationships.

Group Practice

A team of consultants collaborates to provide comprehensive educational solutions.

Group practices bring diverse expertise, enabling them to address a wide range of educational challenges effectively.

Virtual Consulting

Operating online, this model offers flexibility and global reach. Virtual educational consulting firms can serve clients worldwide, leveraging technology to deliver valuable services remotely.

Institutional Partnerships

Collaborating with schools or organizations, educational consulting firms offer specialized services within existing institutions.

This model allows consultants to integrate their expertise seamlessly into established educational settings.

Choosing the right educational consulting firm model is crucial, as it will define your approach to clients and the scope of services you can offer.

Consider your strengths, resources, and target market to make an informed decision.

Evaluating the demand for specific services and identifying unique value propositions will set your firm apart in the competitive market.

Adapting your model as your business grows and evolves will ensure continued success and relevance in the ever-changing educational landscape.

c.) Pros and Cons of Owning a Educational Consulting Firm

Pros of Owning an Educational Consulting Firm

Be Your Own Boss

Enjoy the freedom of making decisions and running the business according to your vision.

Embrace Creativity

Your educational consulting firm allows you to explore innovative approaches to enhance learning experiences.

Potential for High Revenue

A successful business can yield lucrative returns, rewarding your efforts and expertise.

Flexible Working Hours

With a well-established team, you can manage your schedule for a balanced work-life.

Control Over Working Environment

Create a supportive and nurturing space that fosters productivity and collaboration.

More Pros of Running an Educational Consulting Firm

• Make a Positive Impact: Help students and educators achieve their full potential.
• Diverse Clientele: Engage with a variety of individuals and institutions.
• Continuous Learning: Stay updated on educational trends and advancements.
• Personal Growth: Develop leadership and management skills.

Cons of Owning and Running an Educational Consulting Firm

Responsibility for Problems

Addressing challenges and finding solutions rest on your shoulders.

Irregular Payments

Cash flow may vary, causing uncertainty in receiving regular paychecks.

Difficult Start-Up Phases

Launching the firm demands effort and persistence during initial stages.

Customer Acquisition and Retention

Attracting and maintaining clients requires consistent marketing and exceptional services.

Long Working Hours

Be prepared to invest extra time in building and managing the business.

Pressure to Succeed

Meeting clients’ expectations and staying competitive can be demanding.

Substantial Initial Investment

Starting an educational consulting firm may require significant capital.

Adapting to Constant Change

The dynamic nature of education necessitates ongoing adaptation.

Business Risks

Uncertainties and market fluctuations pose inherent risks to your venture.

Facing these challenges head-on and leveraging your passion and expertise will pave the way to a rewarding and successful educational consulting firm.

For more, see Pros and Cons of Starting a Small Business.

d.) Questions You Need to Consider for Your Educational Consulting Firm

Key Considerations

Answer these questions to anticipate potential challenges when starting your educational consulting firm:

Educational Consulting Firm Model

Define the model that aligns with your vision and target market.

Solo or Team Approach

Decide whether to handle all tasks yourself or hire employees for collaborative support.

Management Approach

Consider if you will manage the business personally or hire a capable manager.

Customer Acquisition

Plan strategies to attract and retain clients effectively.

Customer Retention

Develop methods to ensure satisfied clients return for your services.

Partnerships and Investors

Explore opportunities for collaborations and investments, if desired.

Physical vs. Online Presence

Decide between a brick-and-mortar setup or an online operation.

Growth and Long-Term Goals

Contemplate your firm’s expansion and establish clear long-term objectives.

Navigating these aspects thoughtfully will pave the way for a successful and fulfilling journey as an educational consulting firm owner.

Embrace your passion, stay resilient, and continue seeking opportunities to thrive in the dynamic educational landscape.

3. Research

Thorough Research: Your Foundation for Success

Quality Information Matters

Before starting your educational consulting firm, conduct extensive research to comprehend the venture’s intricacies. Armed with insights, unexpected challenges can be avoided.

Learn from Experienced Peers

Connect with seasoned educational consulting professionals for invaluable guidance and firsthand experiences.

Priceless Insights

Time spent with these experts offers a treasure trove of knowledge, cultivated through years of experience.

Unlocking Opportunities

Access my article on approaching and connecting with these individuals respectfully and effectively for transformative insights.

Take the Next Step

Read the article to delve deeper into the process of connecting with experienced professionals, gaining invaluable wisdom, and making informed decisions for your educational consulting firm’s success.

See An Inside Look Into the Business You Want To Start for all the details.

Understanding Your Target Market: A Path to Success

Appealing to Your Customers

Knowing your educational consulting firm’s target audience empowers you to tailor offerings and services to their preferences effectively.

Identifying Potential Customers

Here’s a list of potential individuals interested in what your educational consulting firm has to offer:

• Students and Parents: Seek academic guidance and college admissions support.
• Educators and Teachers: Seek professional development and curriculum enhancement.
• School Administrators: Seek consultancy for institutional improvements.
• Education Institutions: Seek partnerships for specialized programs.
• Career Changers: Seek guidance for transitioning into the education sector.
• Learning Disabilities Specialists: Seek expertise in supporting students with learning challenges.
• Online Learners: Seek virtual educational services and resources.

Understanding these target market ideas will guide your marketing strategies and ensure your educational consulting firm delivers relevant solutions to the right audience.

Your success lies in providing valuable services that meet their specific needs and aspirations.

For more, see How To Understand Your Target Market.

4. Looking at Financials:

Financial Overview: A Successful Start

Startup Costs

Accurate estimation of startup costs is essential for a smooth educational consulting firm launch.

Underestimating can lead to financial challenges, while overestimating may deter potential investors.

• Size and scope of your operation
• Location choice
• Employee hiring and equipment procurement
• Renting or leasing options

Compile a comprehensive list of necessities and research prices for an informed estimate.

For more detailed information, refer to my article on Estimating Startup Costs.

Sales and Profit

Your educational consulting firm’s success depends on:

• Popularity and demand for your services
• Effective marketing to reach the right audience

Profitability Matters

Beyond individual sales, profitability entails meticulous analysis of expenses like rent, payroll, and overhead costs.

To thrive, aim to generate sufficient sales to cover monthly expenses and secure your salary.

A well-managed financial approach ensures a profitable and sustainable educational consulting venture.

For More, See Estimating Profitability and Revenue.

Simple Sample: Financial Lists to Consider As a Starting Point

Note: Focus on the issues more than the numbers. The numbers are samples. Your estimates will differ due to how you set up your business, location, expenses, and revenues. 

Sample Estimated Costs to Start a New Educational Consulting Firm in the USA

1. Legal Costs:

• Business Registration: $200 – $500
• Trademark Registration: $300 – $1,500

2. Office Space:

• Down Payment for Office Lease: $2,000 – $5,000
• Office Furnishings: $1,500 – $3,000

3. Technology:

• Computers and Software: $1,500 – $3,000
• Website Design and Hosting: $500 – $2,000

4. Marketing:

• Logo Design: $300 – $1,000
• Initial Marketing and Advertising: $1,000 – $5,000

5. Insurance:

• Liability Insurance: $500 – $1,500

6. Miscellaneous Costs:

• Office Supplies: $200 – $500
• Business Cards and Stationery: $100 – $300

Total Estimated Costs: $7,100 – $23,300

Sample Estimated Monthly Expenses for an Educational Consulting Firm in the USA

• Monthly Lease Payment: $1,500 – $3,500

2. Utilities:

• Electric, Water, Internet: $200 – $500

3. Employee Salaries:

• Consulting Staff: $5,000 – $10,000
• Administrative Staff: $2,000 – $4,000

4. Marketing and Advertising:

• Monthly Promotion: $500 – $2,000

5. Loan Payments:

• Monthly Payment: $300 – $600

6. Miscellaneous Expenses:

• Office Supplies, Travel, etc.: $200 – $500

Total Monthly Expenses: $9,700 – $21,100

Sample Profit per Sale

1. Standard Consulting Package:

• Profit: $200 – $500

2. Premium Consulting Package:

• Profit: $400 – $800

3. Workshop or Training Service:

• Profit: $300 – $700

Your overall profit will depend on the monthly sales you can generate and your actual profit per sale.

These are samples so you can understand the issues to consider when planning to start your educational consulting firm.

So focus on the list and not the numbers. Adjusting costs makes a significant difference in whether the business will be successful.

A slight shift in profit per sale on high-volume sales will make a difference in your overall profits.

Also, note many new businesses take time to become profitable because it takes building a customer base, building a reputation, and fine-tuning operations.

Your figures will be different. Every situation is different, and many factors come into play.

Research and Consider getting professional advice when calculating your business’s startup costs, expenses, and potential revenues and profits.

5. Choosing The Right Business Location

The Significance of Location

The success of your educational consulting firm hinges on the location you choose, whether physical or virtual.

Balancing Demand and Competition

Seek a location with sufficient demand for your services while managing competition effectively.

Affordability Matters

Balance exposure with expenses to ensure profitability and sustainability.

Physical vs. Virtual Presence

For online or non-physical models, assess competition and demand carefully.

Operating from Home

Consider home-based operations for minimal customer interaction and cost-effectiveness.

Strategic Growth

Start from home and expand to a commercial location as your business flourishes.

Informed Decision-Making

Thorough research and analysis of potential locations are essential for your educational consulting firm’s prosperous future. Choose wisely and set the stage for your success!

For more about business locations, see Choosing The Best Location for Your Business.

6. Create Your Mission Statement

The Power of a Mission Statement

Defining Your Mission

A mission statement clarifies your educational consulting firm’s purpose, guiding your path and highlighting the value you offer to customers and the community.

Staying on Track

Your mission statement serves as a compass, ensuring your actions align with your core purpose.

Customer-Centric Focus

It emphasizes the primary benefit you provide to your clients and the community you serve.

Examples of Educational Consulting Firm Mission Statements

• Empowering Students for Lifelong Success: Our firm commits to personalized guidance and innovative solutions, unlocking students’ potential for enduring achievements.
• Bridging Educational Gaps: We strive to bridge the gap between students’ aspirations and achievements, fostering an inclusive and empowering learning environment.
• Transforming Education Together: Our mission is to collaborate with educators, institutions, and parents to revolutionize education and create future leaders.
• Nurturing Growth and Excellence: We are dedicated to nurturing academic and personal growth, cultivating excellence in students’ lives and beyond.
• Empowering Educators, Empowering Minds: Our firm empowers educators with professional development and resources, impacting students’ minds and futures positively.

A compelling mission statement embodies your educational consulting firm’s vision, values, and aspirations, inspiring and guiding your journey towards making a meaningful impact.

For more, see, How To Create a Mission Statement.

7. Creating A Unique Selling Proposition (USP)

The Power of a Unique Selling Proposition (USP)

Discovering Your Distinctiveness

A Unique Selling Proposition (USP) identifies and shapes what sets your educational consulting firm apart.

Creating Uniqueness

Craft a compelling USP that showcases your firm’s distinctive offerings, making it stand out in the market.

Attracting Your Audience

A strong USP attracts and retains customers by highlighting the value and benefits you bring.

Examples of Educational Consulting Firm USPs

• Personalized Learning Journeys: Tailoring individualized education plans for each student, maximizing their potential.
• Expertise in College Admissions: Helping students navigate the complex college application process with unmatched expertise.
• Comprehensive Teacher Development: Empowering educators with comprehensive professional growth programs.
• Diverse Cultural Inclusivity: Emphasizing inclusivity and diversity to create a culturally rich learning environment.
• Cutting-Edge Virtual Solutions: Delivering innovative online educational programs for a dynamic learning experience.

A well-crafted Unique Selling Proposition for your educational consulting firm will elevate its distinctiveness, captivate your target audience, and foster success in the competitive landscape.

8. Choose a Business Name

Selecting Your Educational Consulting Firm Name

Catchy and Memorable

Choose a business name that is catchy, easy to pronounce, and leaves a lasting impression.

Long-Term Commitment

Your business name is an enduring identity; select one that you’ll keep throughout your firm’s journey.

Online Presence

Secure a matching domain name for a strong online presence, aligning with your firm’s identity.

Avoiding Conflicts

Ensure your desired name is not registered by another business to prevent legal issues.

30 Creative Ideas for Your Educational Consulting Firm Name

• EduQuest Consultancy
• LearningEdge Solutions
• BrillianceMentors
• Students’ Pathfinders
• Enlightened Minds Consulting
• SmartScholars Partners
• EducareNavigators
• GuidedAcademics Advisors
• SuccessMark Education
• EduPro Innovations
• WisdomTree Consultants
• AcademicGrowth Experts
• KnowledgeBridge Coaches
• FutureBright Consulting
• MindfulMentorship
• ScholasticSynergy
• EduVisionary Solutions
• AcademicTrailblazers
• InsightfulLearnings
• DreamBuilders Consulting
• EduSpark Guides
• SchoolMastery Advisors
• Brainwave Mentors
• EduNurture Experts
• LearnScape Partners
• ScholrBridge Consultancy
• VisionQuest Education
• EduWise Allies
• IntellectConnect Coaches
• AchievaTutors Solutions

Let these creative ideas ignite your imagination as you craft a unique and memorable name for your educational consulting firm.

Your chosen name will represent your vision, values, and commitment to transforming lives through education.

For more, see the following articles:

• How To Register a Business Name
• Registering a Domain Name For Your Business

9. Register Your Company

Ensuring Legal Compliance for Your Educational Consulting Firm

Professional Consultation

Consulting with a professional is vital to ensure your educational consulting firm is legally compliant, offering tax benefits, and minimizing liabilities.

Common Types of Registrations

• Sole Proprietorship: Operating as an individual without a separate legal entity.
• Limited Liability Company (LLC): Providing liability protection for owners while maintaining flexibility.
• Partnership: Establishing a business with two or more individuals sharing profits and liabilities.
• Corporation: Creating a separate legal entity with limited liability for shareholders.
• Nonprofit Organization: Forming a tax-exempt entity dedicated to educational purposes.

Permits and Licenses

Ensure you acquire necessary permits and licenses for your educational consulting firm:

• Business License: Required for operating legally in your locality.
• Educational Consultant Certification: If your area mandates specific credentials.
• Health and Safety Permits: If you offer in-person services in a physical location.
• Online Business Licensing: Necessary for virtual consulting services.
• Tax Identification Number (TIN): Required for tax reporting purposes.
• Zoning Permits: If you plan to operate from a commercial location.

Legal compliance is essential for the smooth and successful operation of your educational consulting firm.

Seek expert advice to select the appropriate business structure and obtain necessary permits and licenses, setting a solid foundation for your firm’s growth and prosperity.

Registration:

• How to Register Your Business
• How To Register a DBA
• How to Register a Trademark
• How to Get a Business License

Business Structures:

• How to Choose a Business Structure
• Pros & Cons of a Sole Proprietorship
• How To Form an LLC
• How To Register a Business Partnership
• How To Form a Corporation
• How To Choose a Business Registration Service

10. Create Your Corporate Identity

Impress with a Professional Design

Your corporate identity encompasses essential elements like your logo, business cards, website, business sign, stationary, and promotional items.

Consistent and Professional

Present a seamless and professional design to leave a lasting impression on new and existing clients.

You can see our page for an overview of your logo , business cards , website , and business sign , or see A Complete Introduction to Corporate Identity Packages.

11. Writing a Business Plan

The Importance of a Business Plan for Your Educational Consulting Firm

Acquiring Funding and Attracting Investors

A well-crafted business plan serves as a valuable tool to secure funding and attract potential investors for your educational consulting firm.

Guidance and Vision

This essential document acts as a roadmap, keeping you focused during startup and guiding your operations in full swing.

Planning with Precision

Writing a business plan demands careful consideration and time as it shapes your vision for the future of your firm.

Options and Involvement

Choose the best approach for creating your plan – from scratch, with a professional, using a template, or business plan software.

Actively participate, ensuring a distinct and effective representation of your educational consulting firm.

A Living Document

Your business plan can evolve as you gain experience. Regular reviews and updates ensure optimization and alignment with your firm’s growth and objectives.

Embrace the dynamic nature of education and adapt your plan to seize opportunities for success.

Business Plan Template for a Educational Consulting Firm

Educational Consulting Firm Business Plan

1. Executive Summary

• Overview of your educational consulting firm’s mission and vision.
• Brief description of services provided and target market.
• Summary of key financial projections and funding requirements.

2. Company Description

• Detailed explanation of your firm’s background and history.
• Description of services offered and unique value proposition.
• Explanation of your target audience and market positioning.

3. Market Analysis

• Comprehensive analysis of the educational consulting industry.
• Examination of market trends, opportunities, and potential challenges.
• Identification of competitors and their strengths and weaknesses.

4. Marketing and Sales Strategies

• Description of marketing tactics to attract clients.
• Outline of sales strategies to convert prospects into clients.
• Plan for building brand awareness and customer loyalty.

5. Organization and Management

• Overview of your firm’s organizational structure.
• Description of key management personnel and their roles.
• Details of team members’ qualifications and expertise.

6. Services and Products

• In-depth description of the educational consulting services offered.
• Explanation of how services meet the needs of clients.
• Potential future services or expansion plans.

7. Financial Projections

• Financial forecasts, including revenue, expenses, and profit margins.
• Breakdown of startup costs and funding requirements.
• Projections for the next three to five years.

8. Funding Request

• Detailed explanation of the funding needed for your firm.
• Justification for the requested amount.
• Proposed terms for potential investors or lenders.

9. Appendix

• Additional documents, such as resumes, certifications, and licenses.
• Samples of marketing materials, testimonials, or case studies.
• Other relevant information supporting your business plan.

Tips for Creating Your Business Plan:

• Research thoroughly and analyze the educational consulting market.
• Clearly outline your firm’s unique selling proposition.
• Tailor your marketing strategies to your target audience.
• Provide realistic and data-driven financial projections.
• Seek feedback from peers or mentors to refine your plan.

Remember, your business plan is a dynamic document that may evolve as your educational consulting firm grows and adapts to market demands.

Regularly review and update it to ensure it remains relevant and effective.

For information on creating your business plan, see, How to Write a Business Plan.

12. Banking Considerations

Financial Management for Your Educational Consulting Firm

Choosing a Business-Friendly Bank

Opt for a nearby bank with a strong focus on supporting small businesses, facilitating smooth financial operations.

Separate Business Account

Maintain a distinct business account to segregate business and personal expenses. This enhances expense tracking, bookkeeping, and simplifies tax compliance.

Professional Relationship with Your Banker

Develop a strong rapport with your banker, gaining access to valuable advice, financial services, and expedited applications.

Embrace Online Payment Solutions

Offering credit and debit card payment options through a merchant account or online service enhances sales and customer convenience.

For more, see, How to Open a Business Bank Account. You may also want to look at, What Is a Merchant Account and How to Get One.

13. Getting the Funds for Your Operation

Securing Funding for Your Educational Consulting Firm

Exploring Funding Options

If you require financial assistance to kickstart your educational consulting firm, consider the following funding sources:

• Traditional Lenders: Banks and credit unions offer business loans with standard terms.
• Private Loans: Seek loans from individuals or private lenders.
• Investors: Attract investors interested in supporting your venture.
• Self-Financing: Utilize personal savings or assets to fund your business.
• Collateral: Use valuable assets as security for loans.

Meeting with a Loan Officer

When meeting with a loan officer, consider these important aspects:

• Clearly communicate your business plan and funding needs.
• Address potential risks and demonstrate your ability to repay the loan.
• Present financial projections and demonstrate your firm’s growth potential.

Sample Documents for Loan Application

• Business Plan outlining your firm’s objectives, target market, and financial projections.
• Financial Statements providing an overview of your firm’s current financial standing.
• Tax Returns for the past few years, if applicable.
• Personal and Business Credit Reports to evaluate creditworthiness.
• Legal Documents like licenses, contracts, and permits.

Be prepared and organized during the loan application process to increase your chances of securing the necessary funds for your new educational consulting firm.

See, Getting a Small Business Loan for more.

14. Software Setup

Choosing the Right Software for Your Educational Consulting Firm

Software Selection Tips

When considering software for your educational consulting firm, keep these key factors in mind:

Long-Term Viability

Research software providers with a proven track record and a history of reliable support for future needs.

Ease of Implementation

Opt for a program that can be seamlessly implemented from the start, avoiding the hassle of switching systems later.

User Experience

Look for software with a user-friendly interface and consider checking demos, reviews, and forums for insights from other users.

Financial Management

Explore options for expense tracking and financial document preparation to facilitate tax filing.

Consult with Professionals

Seek advice from your bookkeeper or accountant to make an informed choice for accounting software.

Educational Consulting Firm Software List

Here are some software options to consider for your educational consulting firm:

• CRM Software: Track client interactions, manage leads, and enhance customer relationships.
• Project Management Tools: Organize and streamline tasks for efficient project completion.
• Scheduling and Calendar Apps: Manage appointments and deadlines effectively.
• Online Collaboration Platforms: Facilitate teamwork and communication among team members.
• Virtual Classroom Solutions: Deliver virtual learning experiences to students.
• Accounting Software: Handle finances, track expenses, and prepare financial reports.
• Video Conferencing Tools: Conduct remote meetings with clients or team members.
• Learning Management Systems: Offer online courses and educational resources.
• Marketing Automation Software: Automate marketing campaigns and track results.
• Document Sharing and Storage Platforms: Securely store and share important files.

Choose software that aligns with your educational consulting firm’s specific needs, enhances efficiency, and optimizes client engagement to ensure smooth operations and business growth.

Software Considerations for a Educational Consulting Firm.

Check out Google’s latest search results for software packages for a educational consulting firm.

15. Get The Right Business Insurance

Securing the Right Insurance for Your Educational Consulting Firm

Protecting Your Business and Assets

Safeguard your educational consulting firm with the appropriate insurance coverage to address unforeseen incidents effectively.

Comprehensive Coverage

Consider insurance options to protect:

• Customers and Employees: Ensure their safety and well-being.
• Yourself and Others on the Premises: Mitigate risks and liabilities.
• Property and Assets: Safeguard your valuable resources.

Professional Liability Insurance

Protect yourself from potential lawsuits with professional liability insurance, providing peace of mind amid legal challenges.

Interruption Insurance

Prepare for unexpected shutdowns with interruption insurance, providing crucial financial support during involuntary disruptions.

Home-Based Business Considerations

If operating your firm from home, inform your home insurance agent to avoid nullification of existing coverage.

Expert Guidance

Engage a competent insurance broker to guide you in selecting the right coverage to safeguard your educational consulting firm effectively.

For more, see What to Know About Business Insurance . You can also browse the latest Google search results for educational consulting firm insurance .

16. Suppliers and Service Providers

Selecting Suppliers

Consider the items and services your educational consulting firm may need from suppliers to ensure smooth operations and exceptional service delivery.

Importance of Reliable Service Providers

Establishing a strong and trustworthy relationship with service providers is crucial for your firm’s success.

Competitive Prices and Profit Margins

Reliable suppliers can offer competitive prices, enabling you to provide cost-effective solutions to your clients and increase your profit margins.

Mutually Beneficial Relationships

Treating suppliers and service providers with respect and ensuring fair financial arrangements fosters positive working relationships and mutual growth.

Prioritizing their success is essential in maintaining a long-lasting partnership.

A strong network of reliable suppliers ensures your educational consulting firm can consistently deliver quality services and solutions, contributing to your firm’s reputation and growth.

For More See, How To Choose a Supplier.

17. Physical Setup

Physical Setup and Signage for Your Educational Consulting Firm

Create a neutral overview of your educational consulting firm’s physical setup and layout.

Establish clear and professional signage for your educational consulting firm, guiding visitors to essential locations.

Strategic Sign Placement

Besides your main business sign, ensure signs are placed at relevant areas, including parking lots, exits, and special sections.

Well-designed signs enhance direction and showcase professionalism.

Office Setup

Outline a neutral overview of your office setup.

Optimized Productivity

An organized office is crucial, as managing your business will predominantly occur within this space. Set up an office fully equipped to support efficient business management.

Ensuring a well-structured physical setup and effective signage boosts your educational consulting firm’s professional image and facilitates smooth operations.

See, Here are Considerations for The Setup of Your Office, for tips and ideas to make your office work for you. Also, have a look at our article About Company Signs.

18. Creating a Website

Building an Effective Website for Your Educational Consulting Firm

Essential Online Presence

A website is indispensable for your educational consulting firm, serving as the primary point of contact and information hub for existing and potential clients.

Ownership and Control

Unlike social media accounts, a website provides autonomy, allowing you to host your site and register a domain name under your control.

Leveraging Marketing Potential

Utilize your website as a powerful marketing tool to position yourself as an industry expert.

Blogging about your field and offering valuable insights tailored to your clients fosters trust and boosts sales potential.

Establishing a well-designed and informative website reinforces your educational consulting firm’s credibility, amplifies its reach, and nurtures strong connections with clients.

For more, see How to Build a Website for Your Business .

19. Create an External Support Team

Building an External Support Team for Your Educational Consulting Firm

Dependable Advisory Network

Forming an external support team of professionals provides reliable advice and services for your educational consulting firm.

These experts are not on your payroll, allowing flexibility in utilizing their services.

Flexible Engagement

You can engage these professionals on various terms, such as projects, contracts, hourly arrangements, or retainers.

Expanding your team helps recognize their significance and enables you to access a diverse range of expertise.

Gradual Expansion

Building a robust support team may take time as it involves nurturing professional relationships and finding trustworthy individuals.

Continuously work on expanding and strengthening your team.

Essential Team Members

Consider including professionals like accountants, lawyers, financial advisors, marketing specialists, technical advisors, and consultants in your external support network.

With a strong external support team, your educational consulting firm gains valuable resources and expertise, enabling better decision-making and enhanced operational efficiency.

For more, see, Building a Team of Professional Advisors for Your Business.

20. Hiring Employees

Building Your Team for a Growing Educational Consulting Firm

Managing Early Stages

In the initial phases, handling tasks alone can help control costs.

It’s viable if manageable, as payroll can be a significant expense during startup.

Scaling with Growth

As your educational consulting firm expands, consider hiring employees to handle increasing demands.

Recruiting qualified individuals with strong work ethics is essential for each position.

Crucial Job Positions and Outsourced Services

To facilitate smooth operations as your firm grows, consider the following roles or outsourced services:

• Educational Consultants: Expert professionals to offer specialized guidance and solutions.
• Administrative Staff: Assist in managing appointments, documents, and daily operations.
• Marketing Specialists: Strategize and execute marketing campaigns to attract clients.
• Accountants: Ensure financial management and accurate bookkeeping.
• IT Support: Handle technical aspects and maintain digital infrastructure.
• Customer Service Representatives: Provide excellent customer support and address queries.
• Web Developers: Design and manage your website for an effective online presence.
• Content Creators: Develop educational materials and engaging content.
• Graphic Designers: Design visually appealing materials for promotional purposes.

A well-structured team, whether in-house or through outsourcing, boosts productivity and supports your educational consulting firm’s growth journey.

For more, see, How and When to Hire a New Employee.

Points To Consider

Hours of operation:.

Educational Consulting Firm Hours of Operation

Flexible Scheduling

Consider offering flexible hours to accommodate clients’ needs and varying educational schedules.

Standard Business Hours

Adopt standard business hours on weekdays from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM for consistent availability.

Extended Hours

Explore the possibility of extending working hours during peak seasons or for special events.

Weekend Availability

Evaluate the demand for weekend appointments or workshops to cater to a broader clientele.

Remote Services

Offer virtual consultations or online support, enabling access beyond traditional working hours.

Strategically designing your educational consulting firm’s hours of operation enhances customer convenience and widens your reach in the education industry.

A List of Equipment and Supplies to Consider for a Educational Consulting Firm:

Equipment List for an Educational Consulting Firm

• Computers: High-performance desktops or laptops for staff to handle administrative tasks, research, and client interactions.
• Printers and Scanners: Multifunctional devices for printing documents, scanning materials, and managing paperwork.
• Projectors and Screens: To facilitate presentations and workshops during client sessions or educational events.
• Interactive Whiteboards: Enhance interactive learning experiences and collaborative sessions.
• Office Furniture: Desks, chairs, and storage units to create a comfortable and organized workspace.
• Telephone System: Communication system with multiple lines for efficient client communication.
• Video Conferencing Tools: For remote consultations and online workshops with clients or partners.
• Conference Room Setup: Furnishing and equipment for holding meetings and group sessions.
• Educational Materials: Books, educational resources, and materials for reference and client use.
• Online Learning Platforms: Subscriptions or software for providing e-learning solutions.
• Internet Connectivity: Reliable high-speed internet service to facilitate research and online activities.
• Security Systems: Cameras and alarms to ensure the safety of the premises and sensitive data.
• File Storage Solutions: Cloud storage or physical file cabinets to organize and store documents securely.
• Notebooks and Writing Materials: For jotting down notes during consultations and brainstorming sessions.
• Audio Recording Equipment: For capturing lectures, presentations, or client discussions.

Ensuring your educational consulting firm is equipped with the necessary tools fosters efficient operations and enhances the overall learning experience for your clients.

Key Points To Succeeding in a Educational Consulting Firm

Building a Strong Customer Base

Establishing a customer base may pose challenges during the initial phase. Focus on understanding their needs and preferences.

Cultivating Relationships

Nurture relationships with customers, suppliers, and employees. Provide personalized services to build trust and loyalty.

Customer Feedback for Growth

Act on credible customer feedback to enhance operations and deliver exceptional value.

Prioritizing Customer Service

Customer satisfaction is paramount. Prioritize high-quality service to retain and attract more clients.

Value-Centric Approach

Emphasize value in your offerings, ensuring customers receive tangible benefits.

Building the Right Team

Recruit qualified individuals for each position, forming a competent and cohesive team.

Effective Staff Management

Treat employees with respect, fostering a positive work environment and boosting retention.

Managing Cash Flow

Maintain a healthy cash flow to support smooth operations and growth.

Cost Optimization

Minimize expenses without compromising on service quality or customer satisfaction.

Adapting to Change

Be agile and adaptive to industry changes, technological advancements, and evolving business practices.

Addressing Revenue Fluctuations

Prepare for revenue fluctuations and implement strategies to navigate through them.

Competition Management

Compete effectively with new and existing competitors, focusing on your unique strengths.

Strategic Marketing

Invest in effective marketing initiatives to create awareness and expand your educational consulting firm’s reach.

By diligently addressing these points, your educational consulting firm can thrive, ensuring sustained success and client satisfaction.

Making Your Educational Consulting Firm stand out

Specialization and Expertise

Narrow your focus and become an expert in a specific educational niche.

Specialization enhances credibility and attracts clients seeking tailored solutions.

Unique Service Offerings

Offer innovative and exclusive services that differentiate your firm from competitors.

This could include personalized learning plans, online tutoring, or mentorship programs.

Client Success Stories

Highlight success stories of previous clients to showcase the effectiveness of your services.

Testimonials and case studies build trust and demonstrate your firm’s impact.

Free Workshops and Webinars

Organize free workshops or webinars to provide valuable insights to potential clients.

This showcases your knowledge and creates a sense of community.

Collaboration with Schools and Institutions

Partner with educational institutions to offer supplementary services or collaborate on educational projects.

Such alliances enhance your reputation and widen your reach.

Digital Learning Resources

Create and share digital resources like e-books, educational videos, or interactive quizzes that provide value to your target audience.

Emphasize Customization

Tailor your consulting approach to each client’s unique needs and learning style. Personalized solutions lead to more satisfied and engaged clients.

Exceptional Customer Support

Provide prompt and attentive customer support to address queries and concerns. A strong support system boosts client satisfaction.

Transparent Pricing

Be upfront about your pricing and avoid hidden costs. Transparency builds trust and demonstrates your commitment to fair dealings.

Interactive Workshops and Seminars

Conduct interactive workshops and seminars to engage participants actively. Hands-on learning experiences leave a lasting impact.

Accessible Online Platform

Ensure your website is user-friendly and accessible. An informative and easy-to-navigate platform enhances the client experience.

Continual Professional Development

Demonstrate commitment to excellence by investing in ongoing professional development for your team.

Stay updated with the latest educational trends and best practices.

Add on Ideas for a Educational Consulting Firm

Online Tutoring Services

Expand your services to offer online tutoring sessions, catering to students worldwide.

College Application Support

Assist students with college applications, personal statements, and interview preparations.

Parental Workshops

Host workshops for parents on effective educational support strategies and understanding child development.

Career Counseling

Provide career counseling services to guide students and professionals in their career paths.

Learning Assessments

Conduct comprehensive learning assessments to identify strengths and areas of improvement for students.

Curriculum Development

Offer custom curriculum development services for educational institutions or homeschooling families.

Study Skills Training

Help students develop effective study skills and time management techniques for academic success.

Multilingual Support

Cater to diverse communities by providing educational services in multiple languages.

Online Learning Platforms

Develop and manage online learning platforms to deliver educational content to a broader audience.

Educational Events and Conferences

Organize educational events and conferences to foster networking and professional growth.

By implementing these standout ideas and add-ons, your educational consulting firm can attract more clients and make a lasting impact in the education sector.

Marketing Considerations

Attracting Customers for Your Educational Consulting Firm

Building an Initial Customer Base

In the early stages, focus on building your reputation through exceptional service and word-of-mouth referrals.

Leverage Your Network

Reach out to friends, family, and professional contacts to spread the word about your educational consulting services.

Create a professional website to showcase your expertise and services. Utilize social media platforms to engage with your target audience.

Content Marketing

Share valuable educational content through blogs, articles, or videos to establish yourself as an industry expert.

Networking Events

Participate in educational and networking events to connect with potential clients and industry peers.

Client Referral Program

Offer incentives for satisfied clients who refer new customers to your firm.

Collaborations and Partnerships

Collaborate with schools, educational institutions, or complementary businesses to expand your reach.

Local Advertising

Advertise in local newspapers, community boards, or magazines to target your immediate area.

Free Workshops

Host free educational workshops to showcase your expertise and build credibility.

Online Advertising

Use targeted online advertising on platforms like Google Ads or social media to reach your desired audience.

Remember, consistency is key in marketing your educational consulting firm.

Continuously analyze the effectiveness of your marketing efforts and adapt your strategies based on customer feedback and changing market dynamics.

We have an article on How To Get Customers Through the Door and a marketing section that will provide ideas to help you bring awareness to your business.

Sample Ad Ideas:

Online PPC Ads for an Educational Consulting Firm

“Revamp Your School’s Success!”

• Unlock your institution’s potential with our professional educational consulting. Click to discover how we can elevate your educational standards!

“Achieve Academic Excellence!”

• Struggling with curriculum planning? Our expert educational consultants are here to guide you. Click for a free consultation today!

“Empower Teachers, Enhance Learning!”

• Transform teaching methods and enhance learning outcomes with our innovative educational consulting services. Click to learn more!

“Build the Future of Education with Us!”

• Planning a new educational strategy? We provide tailor-made solutions for schools and universities. Click to explore our services!

“Education Consulting that Makes a Difference!”

• Our educational consulting firm specializes in turning challenges into opportunities. Click to find out how we can help your institution thrive!

Classified Ads to Attract Customers to an Educational Consulting Firm

“Boost Your School’s Performance!”

• Looking to improve your school’s performance? Our experienced educational consultants provide personalized strategies. Contact us today!

“Expert Guidance for Educational Growth!”

• Elevate your institution with professional educational consulting. Specializing in curriculum development, teacher training, and more. Call now!

“Shape the Future with Quality Education!”

• Want to shape the future of education? Our educational consulting firm can help you achieve academic success. Reach out today for a free quote!

“Unlock Success with Our Educational Consulting!”

• Struggling with academic planning? Our educational consultants are here to unlock your success. Call us now to discover how!

“Transform Your Educational Journey!”

• Let our experienced educational consultants transform your institution’s journey towards excellence. Contact us today to learn more!

Newspaper Display Ads for an Educational Consulting Firm

Headline: “Revitalize Your Educational Approach!”

• Ready to take your school or university to the next level? Our expert educational consultants specialize in curriculum design, teacher training, and strategic planning. Contact us today to start revitalizing your educational approach!

Headline: “Expert Educational Consulting for Success!”

• Our dedicated team of educational consultants offers tailored solutions to meet your institution’s unique needs. From academic assessments to innovative teaching strategies, we guide you to success. Reach out today!

Headline: “Build a Brighter Future with Us!”

• With our experienced educational consultants, build a brighter future for your students. Offering services in curriculum development, school management, and more. Discover how we can make a difference. Contact us now!

Headline: “Elevate Education with Professional Guidance!”

• Transform your institution with our professional educational consulting services. We offer innovative solutions that elevate education, foster growth, and ensure success. Call us to explore how we can partner with you!

Headline: “Empowering Schools, Inspiring Success!”

• Looking for ways to empower your educators and inspire student success? Our educational consulting firm is here to help with customized strategies and expert guidance. Let’s work together to create a thriving educational environment. Contact us today!

Building Strategic Partnerships for Your Educational Consulting Firm

Schools and Colleges

Approach local schools and colleges to offer your educational consulting services as a supplementary resource for students and parents.

In return, they can refer their students to your firm for personalized guidance.

Tutoring Centers

Partner with tutoring centers to complement their services with academic counseling and career guidance. Offer them a referral fee for sending clients your way.

Career Development Centers

Collaborate with career development centers at educational institutions to provide expertise in college admissions and career planning.

In exchange, they can recommend your firm to students and graduates seeking guidance.

Educational Nonprofits

Connect with educational nonprofits that focus on supporting students and educators.

Offer workshops or webinars for their members, and they can refer individuals in need of your services.

Parenting and Education Blogs

Engage with influential parenting and education bloggers to showcase your expertise through guest posts or interviews.

Offer discounts for their followers, encouraging them to refer clients to your firm.

Language Schools

Partner with language schools to assist their students with educational pathways and college applications.

Offer language schools a referral commission for any successful conversions.

Youth Organizations

Collaborate with youth organizations to provide career development workshops and mentorship programs.

They can then direct interested individuals to your educational consulting firm.

Online Educational Platforms

Explore partnerships with online educational platforms to integrate your consulting services for students seeking personalized educational support.

Education Equipment Suppliers

Connect with suppliers of educational equipment and offer to refer your clients to them in exchange for a referral fee.

Community Centers

Engage with community centers that focus on education and career development. Offer to host seminars or workshops in exchange for referrals to your firm.

By building these strategic partnerships, you can create a win-win situation for both your educational consulting firm and your partners, expanding your client base and benefiting from mutual referrals and increased visibility in the education sector.

The Importance of Skill Set in Running an Educational Consulting Firm

Before embarking on the journey of starting and running an educational consulting firm, it’s crucial to assess your skill set.

The success of your business hinges on your abilities and expertise in the education industry.

Identify and Enhance Your Skills

Evaluate your strengths and weaknesses in areas such as education consulting, marketing, communication, leadership, and financial management.

If you lack essential skills, consider acquiring knowledge through training or hiring professionals who possess those skills.

List of Essential Skills for an Educational Consulting Firm Owner

• Educational Expertise: In-depth knowledge of academic programs, college admissions processes, and career paths.
• Communication: Effective verbal and written communication to engage with students, parents, and educational institutions.
• Listening Skills: The ability to understand clients’ needs and concerns, offering tailored solutions.
• Marketing: Promoting your services, building a brand, and attracting potential clients.
• Problem-Solving: Analyzing challenges and providing practical solutions to enhance students’ academic journeys.
• Empathy: Understanding clients’ emotions and experiences, fostering trust and rapport.
• Organization: Managing appointments, resources, and paperwork efficiently.
• Networking: Building connections with schools, colleges, and other educational organizations.
• Time Management: Balancing multiple tasks and deadlines effectively.
• Adaptability: Keeping up with changes in education trends and technology.
• Business Acumen: Understanding financial aspects, budgeting, and planning for sustainable growth.
• Leadership: Guiding a team (if applicable) to ensure smooth operations.

By having a strong skill set and continuously seeking improvement, you can lead your educational consulting firm to success, providing valuable services and support to students and educational communities.

Knowledge Is Power if You Use It!

“Knowledge is power when you put it to use! You can find a lot of information about your industry online.

Follow the links in the following sections for valuable information you can use during the research, startup phases, and when your business is in full operation.”

Trends and Statistics

Exploring industry trends and statistics is crucial to stay informed and make informed decisions for your educational consulting firm.

See the latest search results for trends and statistics related to the educational consulting firm industry.

Educational Consulting Firm Associations

Trade associations provide valuable industry news, networking opportunities, and events that can benefit your educational consulting firm. Stay informed and connected with these associations.

See the search results related to educational consulting firm associations.

Top Educational Consulting Firms

Analyzing established educational consulting firms can inspire new ideas for innovation and identify areas of improvement within your own business.

Gain insights from successful industry players.

See the latest search results for the Top Educational Consulting Firms.

The Future of the Educational Consulting Firm Industry

Examining the industry’s future trends provides valuable insights and opportunities for aspiring educational consulting firms to stay ahead and thrive in a dynamic market.

See the search results for the future of the educational consulting firm industry.

Analyzing industry prices empowers educational consulting firms to set competitive rates, understand market dynamics, and make informed pricing decisions for business success .

See the latest educational consulting firm prices.

Educational Consulting Firms for Sale

Benefits of Buying an Established Firm:

• Immediate Revenue Generation
• Bypassing Startup Challenges
• Proven Business Model
• Access to Financial Data
• Existing Customer Base
• Established Reputation

Disadvantages of Purchasing a Firm:

• Higher Initial Cost
• Risk of Losing Customers with Changes
• Inheriting Both Good and Bad Reputation

Explore available opportunities in the educational consulting industry through this link for potential acquisitions.

Businesses for sale: See the latest results for a educational consulting firm and others related to this business model.

Franchise Opportunities Related to a Educational Consulting Firm

• Leveraging Established Reputation and Marketing
• Comprehensive Knowledge of Business Operations
• Support from Corporate Office
• High Initial Investment
• Limited Autonomy for Major Changes
• Restricted Product/Service Selection
• Adherence to Agreement Terms
• Ongoing Franchise Fees

Discover potential educational consulting firm franchises or similar opportunities through this link.

See the latest search results for franchise opportunities related to this industry.

Customer Expectations

Examining search results for customer expectations offers valuable insights into meeting and surpassing their needs.

Gain a customer’s perspective to deliver exceptional services and address unforeseen concerns, ultimately ensuring comprehensive and satisfying experiences.

See the search results related to customer expectations for educational consulting.

Expert Tips

Reviewing expert tips benefits both novices and seasoned professionals.

As an expert, gain new insights and alternative approaches.

For novices, learn valuable techniques and knowledge to refine your skills.

See the latest search results for expert educational consulting firm tips to gain tips and insights.

Educational Consulting Firm Insights

Explore tips for innovative ideas, pitfalls to sidestep, and expanding industry knowledge to propel your educational consulting firm to greater heights.

See the latest search results leading to resources about  Educational Consulting Firm Insights.

Educational Consulting Publications

Publications offer valuable updates and insights on the latest trends and developments in the educational consulting firm industry.

See the search results for Educational Consulting Publications.

Educational Consulting Forums

Participate in educational consulting firm forums to connect with industry professionals, gain customer perspectives, and access invaluable information for your business.

See the latest search results related to Educational Consulting Forums.

Take online or local courses to learn, improve your skillset, and expand knowledge in the educational consulting field.

It’s a valuable investment for personal and business growth.

See the latest courses related to Educational Consulting  and our management articles to provide insights and tips on managing Your business.

Educational Consulting Firm Blogs

Subscribe to industry blogs for fresh ideas and updates.

Keep the valuable ones and unsubscribe from outdated or less informative ones. Stay updated with a curated collection of blogs.

Look at the latest search results for educational consulting firm blogs to follow.

Educational Consulting News

Utilize news sources to stay informed about the educational consulting industry and its latest developments.

Find valuable information by browsing YouTube videos related to educational consulting firms. Stay updated with informative content from various creators.

See the links to YouTube Videos Below.

• Videos related to starting a educational consulting firm can be found here.

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2023 EDUCATIONAL CONSULTING BUSINESS PLAN: Template & Free Tips

• by Folakemi Adegbaju
• August 9, 2023
• No comments
• 9 minute read

Table of Contents Hide

Why do you need an educational consulting business plan, #1. executive summary, #2. company analysis,  #3. market analysis, #4. customer analysis, #5. competitive analysis, #6. marketing plan, #7. management team, #8. financial plan, #9. appendix, educational consulting business plan template, #1. write the real version, #2. conduct research, #3. determine your usp, #4. get criticism, #5. simple is best., how do i become an educational consultant, who does an educational consultant work for, how do i start a small consulting business, how do i get clients for my consulting business, how do i find a consulting contract, how do you write a consultant proposal, what is the best way for a small consulting company to increase sales, final thoughts, why is educational consulting important, how much do british consultants make, can i be a consultant without a degree.

The secret to getting the educational consultant business running like an efficient machine is to fully comprehend the business concept. The educational business plan you create will assist you in organizing the necessary components into a startup strategy by providing a clear road map for what you must do throughout the life of your company. Our ready-to-use educational consulting business plan template is available for download to make writing your plan easier.

What is an Educational Consulting Business Plan?

A business plan for educational consulting will detail your expansion goals for the next five years and provide an overview of the company as it stands right now. It details the goals of your business and how you intend to get there. You can also use the included market research to inform your strategy.

An effective educational consulting business plan is essential, whether you are just getting started in the consulting industry or want to expand your current firm. To increase the likelihood of success in your educational consulting business, an educational consulting business plan can be used to solicit investments (if necessary) and map out the company’s future expansion. Furthermore, annual revisions to your educational consulting business plan are necessary to keep up with the dynamic nature of your firm.

Why not get our educational consulting business plan today to enable the fast growth you want for your consulting business?

Download the Business plan template for educational consulting

How to Write an Educational Consulting Business Plan

We should know that the way we write our business plans is as important as the business itself. Thus, following the right steps when writing your educational consulting business plan is crucial. You can also download the educational business plan template written by our professional writers at BusinessYield Consult to serve as a guide to writing your plan.

Here are the steps you need to follow to write an effective educational business plan:

A business plan’s executive summary serves as an introduction to the larger document while also being the final section to be written.

The reader’s attention needs to be quickly captured by your executive summary . Describe the nature of your consulting business and its present status.

Give a brief description of each of the following sections of your plan after that. Talk about the educational consulting firm you run. Who are your main competitors? Give a general description of your target audience. Give a quick outline of your marketing plan. Think carefully about who will play pivotal roles on your team. and provide a summary of your financial plan.

Company history should be described in detail in your business plan’s company analysis section.

Be sure to address questions like:

• To what end did you start your business, and when did you do it?
• What are some of your accomplishments to date? Opening a new office, meeting a sales quota, etc., are all possible landmarks.

Your industry study needs to have a section summarizing the consulting market. This may seem unnecessary, yet it serves several purposes.

Begin by learning about the educational consulting industry through research. It will help you better understand your field of employment.

Second, if market research shows market trends, you may use that information to reinforce your strategy.

The third reason is that you should undertake market research so that you can show your readers that you are an expert in your subject. To do this, you will need to conduct the research and include the results in your strategy.

The clients you already work with and those you hope to acquire should be detailed in the customer analysis part of your educational consulting business plan. It stands to reason that the type of educational consulting firm you run will be heavily influenced by the market(s) you choose to serve. Nonprofit organizations, in contrast to the federal government, will have various needs in terms of pricing and services and will respond to advertising in unique ways.

Segment your potential customers by their demographic and psychographic traits. The demographics section should cover information like the sizes and types of businesses you plan to target, as well as the ages, genders, locations, and income levels of the consumers you hope to attract.

Insights gained from analyzing your target market’s psychographic profile can help you better meet their needs and wants. Your ability to understand and meet the requirements of your clientele will improve as your business grows.

The competitive study of your business needs to hone in on the unique challenges offered by direct competitors. The competition from other educational consulting firms is direct.

Indirect competitors are those who, in addition to direct competitors, provide customers with purchasing options. In order to demonstrate that you recognize that not every firm or consumer utilizes a consultant, you should bring up the existence of such competition. If you’re a consultant looking to gauge your competition, a map of nearby organizations would be helpful.

If you could, please include a summary of each competitor’s business as well as a list of their strengths and weaknesses. The best way to learn about your competitors is to enter the workforce as one of them. You should, nevertheless, be able to determine key data about them.

Come up with a plan to get the word out about your goods. Include your website as a central part of your strategy. Prove that search engine optimization (SEO) has benefited your business. Customers from all around the United Kingdom can be attracted to your business if you have a decent website. Certainly on a worldwide scale. To meet more influential people in your field, make a list of conferences and trade shows you would like to attend. Collect contact information for complementary professional service providers and compile a list of potential referral partners.

Educational consulting firms need effective management to prove their business worth. Draw attention to the backgrounds of your key players by presenting the knowledge and expertise that illustrate their capacity to build a business.

Your team members’ familiarity with the educational consulting field would be an asset. In that case, you should stress your expertise and experience. But also make sure to highlight any relevant experience you may have that could help your company succeed.

If your group is weak, you might want to consider putting together an advisory board. Two to eight business mentors would make up an advisory council. They would help with clarification and offer strategic direction. Look for advisors who have experience in business consulting or leading small companies if you need it.

Make a plan for your finances . Always use caution when formulating long-term predictions. Building a referral system is time-consuming and may delay your anticipated income increase. Invest enough money upfront to keep your educational consulting business afloat until it can sustain itself. Verify that all planned expenditures will actually contribute to the growth of your business.

You should attach your plan with all of your financial projections and any supporting evidence you have. You might include supporting documents like a lease or office layout plan.

You need a template checklist in addition to developing a plan so that you can make sure your investment is sound. The main goal of this educational consulting business plan template is to help you keep track of all the steps necessary to launch a reliable educational consulting business. These steps consist of:

• Draft an executive summary .
• Describe your company.
• Perform a market analysis.
• Outline the management and organization.
• List your products and services.
• Perform the segmentation.
• Define a marketing plan.
• Provide a logistics and operations plan.

Download our educational consulting business plan template for a stress-free educational consulting business plan.

Five Top Tips For Writing a Good Educational Consulting Business Plan

Writing business plans can be challenging. It could be difficult to think logically and clearly about your business strategy if you’ve never done it before. You can also download our ready-to-use educational consulting business plan template This advice will assist you in succeeding:

Don’t stress about grammar, organization, and neatness. Just get the ideas down on paper or a screen so they can leave your head. In a relaxed environment like a library or café, some individuals find this simpler to accomplish.

Recognize the market you’ll be operating in. Learn all the specifics so you can create a more successful consulting business strategy.

That is the selling point that sets you apart. Why might businesses choose to work with you rather than one of your rivals? Consider carefully what you are particularly strong at, and then use that as the foundation for your self-promotion.

Speak with your coworkers, friends, former business partners, and prospective clients. Show them your plan, then ask for their comments.

Your business plan shouldn’t be too long . Write a few pages instead of many. Your idea will be placed in a pile where no one will ever look at it again, including you, because you’ll bore the investors. Focus on the essentials only.

It is preferably a master’s or PhD but at the very least a bachelor’s degree. education and/or experience in a particular field or subject. professional experience in the educational environment where you want to consult. understanding of federal and state education laws and regulations

It serves as a resource for parents, educators, school boards, and government representatives. Examine academic standards, classroom rules, test results, and grades. This aids in the implementation of data-based curriculum improvements.

Are you having issues with starting a small consulting business? Here are some ways to start one:

• Brainstorm business ideas.
• Decide on a business idea.
• Pick a company name.
• Create a value proposition (a pitch for the business).
• Build a list of your target market (companies, names, email addresses).
• Send them your pitch.
• Arrange a telephone call with interested leads.

One thing you should know is that there’s no consulting company without a client. A client is the backbone of a consulting business. Here are some ways to get clients as a new consulting company:

• Identify your ideal client.
• Know your unique value proposition.
• Share helpful content related to your niche.
• Ask for referrals.
• Invest in paid advertising.
• Attend meetups and events related to your ideal client’s industry.
• Partner with other consultants or firms.

Here are ways or means you can find a consulting contract:

• Make a list of your areas of expertise.
• Start by targeting companies where you live.
• Get a meeting with the owner or a decision-maker.
• Prove your fee is worth it to solve the problem.
• Make it legal and deliver it. 

Are you confused about how to write a consultant proposal? Here is a list of how to go about it:

• Write an executive summary .
• Briefly describe why you’re the best for the job.
• Specify what the client can expect from the project.
• Establish what your deliverables will be.
• Confirm and outline the costs.
• Specify any other contract terms and conditions.
• Keep the proposal concise.

Here are ways by which you can increase your sales as a consultant:

• Call your clients regularly.
• Build trust with more than one person in the client’s organization.
• Sell something small.
• Look for disruptions.
• Involve young minds from other industries.
• Read a lot and pick up ideas for your business.
• Make and publish surveys on current topics.

It’s challenging to launch a small business in the UK, but having a solid business plan will help you succeed. Make the effort to thoroughly describe the concept in your educational business plan before beginning an educational consulting operation in the UK.

Our business plan writers are available for you. Contact us at Business Yield Consult to get your catchy and attractive business plan.

An educational consultant provides families with expert advice on how to select solutions that are a good fit for their beliefs and priorities in school and future employment, as well as helps them sort through their available possibilities.

The typical annual basic wage for an analyst or junior consultant is between £450,000 and £55,000. This is from £60,000 to £79,000 annually if you’re an associate or consultant.

To start your own consulting business, you don’t need to have a degree or be a world-renowned expert. Focus on recognising opportunities where you may assist others.

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Folakemi Adegbaju

She is a passionate copywriter and a good listener

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How To Start An Educational Consulting Business

Published: November 6, 2023

Modified: January 11, 2024

Define Your Niche and Target Audience

When starting an educational consulting business, it is crucial to define your niche and identify your target audience. By doing so, you can establish yourself as an expert in a specific area and tailor your services to the needs of your clients. Here are some steps to help you define your niche and target audience:

1. Identify your expertise: Determine your area of specialization within the educational field. Are you passionate about working with K-12 students, college-bound students, or adult learners? Perhaps you have expertise in special education, college admissions, or teacher professional development. Narrowing down your focus will give your business a clear direction.

2. Research the market: Conduct market research to identify the demand for your services within your chosen niche. Are there existing educational consulting businesses serving similar clients? What services do they offer and how can you differentiate yourself? Understanding the market landscape will help you position your business effectively.

3. Define your target audience: Once you have identified your niche, define your target audience within that niche. Consider factors such as age, demographics, educational goals, or specific needs. For example, if your niche is college admissions consulting, your target audience might be high school students aiming for Ivy League colleges or their parents.

4. Understand their pain points: Dive deeper into understanding the challenges and pain points of your target audience. What are their educational goals and aspirations? What obstacles do they face in achieving them? By empathizing with their needs, you can tailor your services to address their specific concerns.

5. Develop a unique value proposition: Differentiate your educational consulting business by developing a unique value proposition. What sets you apart from other consultants in your niche? It could be your experience, innovative methodology, personalized approach, or success stories. Clearly articulate why clients should choose you over your competitors.

By defining your niche and target audience, you can focus your efforts on providing specialized services and effectively positioning your educational consulting business in the market. Remember, it’s not about trying to cater to everyone, but about becoming an expert in your chosen area and serving your target audience with excellence.

Research the Educational Consulting Market

Researching the educational consulting market is a vital step in starting your business. It allows you to gain insights into the industry landscape, identify potential competitors, and understand the needs and preferences of your target audience. Here are some key steps to guide your market research:

1. Identify market trends: Stay up-to-date with the latest trends and developments in the educational consulting industry. This could include changes in education policies, advancements in technology, or shifts in student and parent preferences. By understanding market trends, you can adapt your services to meet the evolving needs of your audience.

2. Analyze competitor offerings: Research and analyze the services offered by other educational consulting firms in your area or within your niche. Take note of their pricing, service packages, expertise, and target audience. This analysis will help you identify gaps in the market and differentiate your services from the competition.

3. Conduct surveys and interviews: Gather valuable insights by conducting surveys and interviews with potential clients, educators, and other stakeholders in the education sector. Ask about their challenges, needs, and expectations when it comes to educational consulting services. This firsthand information will guide you in tailoring your services to meet their specific requirements.

4. Look for partnership opportunities: Research potential partnership opportunities with schools, colleges, or other educational organizations. Building partnerships can not only help you gain credibility but also provide access to a wider client base. Collaborations with educators and institutions can also lead to referrals and enhance your reputation in the field.

5. Explore online resources: Utilize online resources such as industry reports, educational blogs, and forums to gather insights and stay updated with the latest discussions and trends in the educational consulting market. These resources can provide valuable information on industry best practices, marketing strategies, and emerging opportunities.

Remember, thorough market research is essential for understanding the demand for your services, identifying competitive advantages, and positioning your educational consulting business for success. By investing time and effort into this research phase, you will have a solid foundation upon which to build your business and effectively meet the needs of your target audience.

Develop a Business Plan

Developing a well-structured business plan is crucial for the success of your educational consulting business. It serves as a roadmap, outlining your objectives, strategies, target market, financial projections, and more. Here are the key components to include in your business plan:

1. Executive Summary: Provide a brief overview of your business, including your mission statement, target market, and competitive advantage. This section should grab the reader’s attention and summarize the key points of your plan.

2. Description of Services: Clearly outline the educational consulting services you will offer, including any specialized areas or programs. Explain how these services will address the needs of your target audience and differentiate you from competitors.

3. Market Analysis: Conduct a thorough analysis of the educational consulting market, including the size, demographics, and trends. Identify your target market and define your ideal client profile. Analyze your competition and highlight your unique selling points.

4. Marketing and Sales Strategy: Outline your marketing and sales approach to reach and acquire clients. Identify the channels you will use to promote your services, such as social media, content marketing, networking, or partnerships. Include your pricing strategy and how you plan to generate revenue.

5. Operational Plan: Describe the operational aspects of your business, including office setup, equipment, and technology requirements. Outline your processes for delivering services, managing client interactions, and resolving issues. Include any partnerships or collaborations that are crucial to your operations.

6. Financial Projections: Provide a financial forecast, including projected revenue, expenses, and profitability. Include details about startup costs, such as marketing expenses, office rent, and staff salaries. Demonstrate your understanding of the financial aspects of running an educational consulting business.

7. Team and Organizational Structure: Introduce the key members of your team and their relevant experience. Describe the roles and responsibilities within your organization and how you plan to grow your team as your business expands.

8. Risk Assessment: Identify potential risks and challenges that may impact your business, such as changes in education policies, economic downturns, or legal and regulatory issues. Develop contingency plans to mitigate these risks and ensure the long-term sustainability of your business.

A well-developed business plan will guide your decision-making process, attract potential investors or lenders, and serve as a reference point as you navigate the complexities of starting and growing your educational consulting business. Regularly review and update your plan to adapt to changing market conditions and ensure you stay on track to achieve your goals.

Obtain the Necessary Qualifications and Certifications

Obtaining the necessary qualifications and certifications is an important step in establishing credibility and building trust with your clients as an educational consultant . These qualifications not only demonstrate your expertise but also ensure that you are equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to provide high-quality services. Here are some key steps to consider:

1. Assess your credentials: Evaluate your educational background, work experience, and any existing certifications or degrees related to the field of education. Identify any gaps in your qualifications that need to be addressed in order to provide comprehensive consulting services to clients.

2. Pursue relevant educational degrees or certifications: Consider pursuing further education or obtaining certifications that are relevant to your chosen niche. This could include a master’s degree in education, counseling, or a specialized certification program in areas like college admissions counseling, special education consulting, or curriculum development.

3. Research certification requirements: Look into the various certifications available for educational consultants and identify the ones that align with your niche and career goals. Research the specific requirements for each certification, such as education and experience prerequisites, examinations, or professional development hours.

4. Complete certification programs or courses: Enroll in certification programs or courses that will provide you with the necessary knowledge and training to specialize in your chosen area. These programs may be offered by professional organizations, universities, or online platforms. Completing these programs will enhance your expertise and credibility as an educational consultant.

5. Join professional associations: Consider joining professional associations or organizations that are relevant to the field of educational consulting. These associations often provide resources, networking opportunities, and continuing education programs that can help you stay updated on industry trends and connect with peers in the field.

6. Gain practical experience: Seek opportunities to gain practical experience in your chosen niche. This can include volunteering, internships, or working on small projects to apply your knowledge and skills. Practical experience not only enhances your expertise but also provides valuable case studies and success stories to showcase to potential clients.

7. Stay updated with industry best practices: Education is a constantly evolving field, so it is important to stay updated with the latest research, trends, and best practices. Subscribe to educational journals, attend conferences, and participate in webinars or workshops to stay current with industry advancements and refine your consulting strategies.

By obtaining the necessary qualifications and certifications, you demonstrate your commitment to professional development and highlight your expertise in the field of educational consulting. This will instill confidence in your clients and set you apart from competitors, helping you build a solid reputation in the industry.

Set Up Your Business Structure and Obtain Necessary Permits and Licenses

Setting up the appropriate business structure and obtaining the necessary permits and licenses are important steps in ensuring the legality and smooth operation of your educational consulting business. It is essential to comply with all local, state, and federal regulations. Here are some key considerations:

1. Choose a business structure: Decide on the most suitable business structure for your educational consulting business. Options include sole proprietorship, partnership, LLC (Limited Liability Company) , or corporation. Each structure has its own legal and tax implications, so it’s crucial to consult with a business attorney or tax professional to determine the best option for your circumstances.

2. Register your business: Register your business name with the appropriate government agency in your jurisdiction. This step is necessary to establish your legal identity and protect your business name from being used by others in your industry. Check with your local government or small business administration to learn about the specific registration requirements in your area.

3. Obtain necessary permits and licenses: Research and obtain any required permits and licenses to operate an educational consulting business in your area. The specific licenses and permits needed will depend on your location and the nature of your services. Common examples include business permits, educational consulting licenses, and certificates of occupancy for your office space.

4. Obtain professional liability insurance: Consider obtaining professional liability insurance to protect yourself and your business in the event of any legal claims or disputes. This type of insurance provides coverage for errors, omissions, or negligence in the services you provide as an educational consultant. Consult with an insurance agent specializing in professional liability insurance to determine the appropriate coverage for your business.

5. Set up accounting and financial systems: Establish accounting and financial systems to effectively manage your business finances. This includes opening a business bank account, setting up bookkeeping processes, and utilizing accounting software to track income, expenses, and invoices. Seek the guidance of an accountant or bookkeeper to ensure proper financial management and compliance with tax regulations.

6. Understand tax obligations: Familiarize yourself with your tax obligations as an educational consulting business. This includes knowing what taxes you need to file and pay, such as income tax, sales tax, and self-employment tax. Consider consulting with a tax professional to ensure compliance and make informed financial decisions for your business.

By setting up the appropriate business structure and obtaining the necessary permits and licenses, you demonstrate your commitment to operating ethically and legally. It also provides a solid foundation for your educational consulting business to thrive and grow in a compliant and professional manner. Be sure to consult with professionals experienced in legal and financial matters to navigate this process successfully.

Determine Your Pricing and Services

Setting the right pricing for your educational consulting services is crucial for the success of your business. It’s important to strike a balance between charging a fair price for your expertise and ensuring your services are accessible to your target audience. Here are some key steps to help you determine your pricing and define your services:

1. Assess the market: Research the market and analyze what other educational consulting businesses are charging for similar services. Consider factors such as their level of expertise, the value they provide, and the target audience they serve. This will give you an idea of the price range in your industry and help you position yourself accordingly.

2. Determine your value proposition: Identify the unique value you offer to your clients. What sets your services apart from your competitors? Do you have specialized expertise, unique methodologies, or a track record of success? Understanding your value proposition will help you justify your pricing and differentiate yourself in the market.

3. Consider your expenses and desired profit margin: Calculate your expenses, including overhead costs, marketing expenses, and any professional development or licensing fees. Determine the profit margin you want to achieve and factor it into your pricing strategy. Take into account the time and effort you will invest in each client’s project or consultation.

4. Define your service packages: Clearly define the services you will offer and create different service packages to cater to the unique needs of your clients. This can include one-time consultations, ongoing coaching, workshops, or customized programs. Consider offering different levels of service with varying prices to accommodate clients with different budgets and needs.

5. Consider pricing models: Determine the pricing model that works best for your business. This could be an hourly rate, a fixed fee per service or project, or a retainer fee for ongoing consulting relationships. Each pricing model has its own advantages and considerations, so choose one that aligns with both your business goals and your clients’ preferences.

6. Test and adjust: Start with an initial pricing structure but be open to testing and adjusting your prices based on market feedback and demand. Monitor the competitiveness of your pricing and the perceived value of your services. Regularly review and evaluate your pricing strategy to ensure it remains in line with industry standards and meets the needs of your target audience.

Remember, your pricing should reflect not only the value you provide but also the level of expertise you bring to the table. Be transparent with your clients about your pricing structure and the value they can expect to receive from your educational consulting services. Continuously assess and adapt your pricing strategy to ensure both profitability and client satisfaction.

Build Your Brand and Create Marketing Materials

Building a strong brand presence and creating effective marketing materials are essential for attracting and engaging clients for your educational consulting business. Your brand reflects your identity, values, and unique offerings, while your marketing materials serve as tools to communicate your message to your target audience. Here are key steps to help you build your brand and create impactful marketing materials:

1. Define your brand identity: Clarify your brand identity by clearly defining your mission, vision, and values. Understand what sets you apart from competitors and how you want to be perceived by your target audience. Develop a strong brand story that showcases your expertise, passion, and the benefits of working with your educational consulting services.

2. Design your logo and visual elements: Develop a professional and visually appealing logo that represents your brand. Choose colors, fonts, and imagery that align with your brand values. Consistency in your visual elements across all marketing materials will help create a cohesive and recognizable brand image.

3. Create a compelling website: Build a professional and user-friendly website that showcases your services, expertise, and unique value proposition. Make sure your website is mobile-responsive, and optimize it for search engines with relevant keywords. Include testimonials, case studies, and engaging content that provides value to your target audience.

4. Harness the power of content marketing: Produce high-quality content that demonstrates your expertise and provides valuable insights to your target audience. This can include blog posts, educational articles, white papers, or e-books. Share your content through your website, social media channels, and email newsletters to establish yourself as a thought leader in the educational consulting field.

5. Leverage social media platforms: Utilize social media platforms to amplify your brand message and connect with your target audience. Identify the platforms that your target audience frequents and create engaging and informative content that drives engagement and builds relationships. Boost your visibility by participating in educational discussions, joining relevant groups, and collaborating with other professionals in the industry.

6. Network and collaborate with others: Attend industry conferences, workshops, and local events to build relationships within the education community. Network with educators, school administrators, and other professionals who can refer clients to your services. Consider partnering with complementary businesses or professionals to offer bundled services or joint marketing initiatives.

7. Develop marketing materials: Create visually appealing marketing materials that align with your brand identity. This includes brochures, flyers, business cards, and branded stationery. Ensure that your marketing materials effectively communicate your services, expertise, and unique selling points to clients.

8. Monitor and measure the effectiveness of your marketing efforts: Regularly track and evaluate the performance of your marketing initiatives. Monitor website analytics, social media engagement, and lead conversions. Use this data to make informed decisions and refine your marketing strategies to better connect with your target audience.

By building a strong brand presence and creating impactful marketing materials, you can establish yourself as a trusted and reputable educational consultant. Consistency in branding, engaging content, and targeted marketing efforts will help you attract and retain clients who recognize the value you bring to their educational journey.

Create a Business Website

In today’s digital age, having a professional and user-friendly website is essential for the success of your educational consulting business. Your website serves as a virtual storefront, representing your brand, showcasing your services, and providing a platform for potential clients to learn more about what you have to offer. Here are key steps to help you create an effective business website:

1. Choose a domain name: Select a domain name that is easy to remember, relevant to your business, and reflects your brand identity. Consider using your business name or a relevant keyword that represents your niche. Check the availability of the domain name and register it with a reputable domain registrar.

2. Determine your website’s structure and design: Plan the structure and layout of your website based on your business needs and target audience. Consider the pages you will include, such as Home, About, Services, Testimonials, and Contact. Design a visually appealing and intuitive interface that aligns with your brand identity and grabs visitors’ attention.

3. Craft compelling content: Develop clear and concise content that effectively communicates your services, expertise, and the value you bring to clients. Use engaging language, incorporate relevant keywords for SEO purposes, and focus on addressing the pain points and needs of your target audience. Provide informative and valuable content that establishes you as an authority in the field.

4. Optimize for search engines: Implement search engine optimization (SEO) strategies to improve your website’s visibility in search results. Conduct keyword research to identify relevant keywords related to your educational consulting services. Incorporate these keywords naturally into your website’s content, meta tags, headings, and URLs to help search engines rank your website higher.

5. Ensure mobile responsiveness: With the majority of internet users accessing websites through mobile devices, it is crucial to ensure that your website is fully responsive and optimized for mobile viewing. Test your website on different devices and screen sizes to ensure a seamless and user-friendly experience for all visitors.

6. Integrate contact forms and call-to-action buttons: Include contact forms or inquiry forms on your website to make it easy for potential clients to get in touch with you. Add clear call-to-action buttons throughout your website to prompt visitors to take the desired actions, such as scheduling a consultation or signing up for your newsletter.

7. Include testimonials and success stories: Feature testimonials, case studies, or success stories from satisfied clients to build credibility and trust. These real-life examples of the positive impact you have had on clients’ lives can greatly influence potential clients in their decision-making process.

8. Continuously update and maintain your website: Regularly update your website with fresh and relevant content, such as blog posts or news articles. Conduct regular maintenance to ensure that your website is running smoothly and provide a positive user experience. Regularly check for broken links, update contact information, and keep your design and content up to date.

Your business website is an essential tool for attracting and converting potential clients. By creating a professional and informative online presence, you can establish credibility, showcase your expertise, and build trust with your target audience. Regularly assess and improve your website to stay ahead of the competition and meet the evolving needs of your clients.

Network and Build Relationships within the Education Community

In the field of educational consulting, building strong relationships within the education community is essential for establishing credibility, expanding your network, and attracting clients. By connecting with educators, administrators, and other professionals in the education industry, you can gain valuable insights, referrals, and collaborative opportunities. Here are key steps to help you effectively network and build relationships within the education community:

1. Attend conferences and events: Participate in educational conferences, seminars, workshops, and other relevant events. These gatherings provide opportunities to meet like-minded professionals, share ideas, and stay updated on the latest trends in the field. Engage in conversations, attend sessions, and actively network with attendees to build connections.

2. Join professional associations and organizations: Consider joining professional associations and organizations specific to the education industry. These membership-based groups provide access to networking events, resources, and educational opportunities. Engage in online forums and discussions to connect with professionals from different educational backgrounds and specialties.

3. Volunteer in educational initiatives: Offer your time and expertise by volunteering in educational initiatives or community programs. This allows you to contribute to the field of education while building relationships with educators, students, and other volunteers. Look for opportunities to offer workshops, tutor students, or assist in career guidance activities.

4. Connect through social media: Utilize social media platforms to expand your network and engage with the education community. Join professional groups on platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, or Facebook, where educators and professionals gather to share insights and resources. Contribute to discussions, share valuable content, and connect with individuals who align with your educational consulting goals.

5. Collaborate with educators and institutions: Seek opportunities for collaboration with educators, schools, colleges, and other educational institutions. This can involve offering guest lectures, conducting workshops, or partnering on projects. Collaborations not only broaden your reach but also enhance your credibility and open doors to new clients and opportunities.

6. Offer to speak at educational events: Share your expertise by offering to speak at educational events, conferences, or webinars. This positions you as a knowledgeable resource in your field and allows you to showcase your expertise to a wider audience. Be proactive in seeking speaking opportunities and tailor your presentations to address specific needs or challenges faced by educators.

7. Build relationships with referral sources: Cultivate relationships with individuals or organizations that can serve as referral sources for your educational consulting services. This includes school counselors, career offices, tutoring centers, or educational bloggers. Provide value to these referral sources by offering your expertise, resources, or workshops to their clients or audience.

8. Show appreciation and stay connected: Remember to express gratitude and show appreciation to individuals who have helped you along the way. Send personalized thank-you notes, provide referrals or endorsements when possible, and stay connected through regular communication. This helps to nurture long-term relationships and builds a strong network of support within the education community.

By actively networking and building relationships within the education community, you can establish yourself as a trusted and valuable resource. Take the time to engage with educators, attend events, collaborate with institutions, and contribute to discussions. These efforts will lead to meaningful connections, referrals, and opportunities to grow your educational consulting business.

Develop a Marketing Strategy and Promote Your Services

To effectively market your educational consulting services and reach your target audience, a well-developed marketing strategy is essential. By understanding your target market, identifying the most effective marketing channels, and crafting compelling messaging, you can promote your services and attract clients. Below are key steps to develop a marketing strategy and effectively promote your educational consulting business:

1. Define your target audience: Clearly identify your ideal clients and understand their needs, pain points, and goals. This will allow you to tailor your marketing efforts specifically to their requirements. Consider demographics, educational level, geographic location, and any other relevant factors that influence their decision-making process.

2. Craft a compelling value proposition: Develop a clear and compelling value proposition that communicates the unique benefits of your services. Clearly articulate how your expertise will help solve clients’ challenges, achieve their goals, or address their specific educational needs. Your value proposition should resonate with your target audience and differentiate you from your competitors.

3. Choose the right marketing channels: Identify the marketing channels that are most effective in reaching your target audience. These could include a combination of online and offline strategies. For example, consider digital marketing tactics such as social media advertising, content marketing, search engine optimization (SEO), email marketing, and targeted online advertising. Offline strategies may include attending education conferences, distributing print materials at local educational events, or partnering with schools and community organizations.

4. Develop quality content: Produce high-quality content that showcases your expertise and provides value to potential clients. This can include blog posts, educational resources , whitepapers, or informative videos. Share valuable content through your website, social media platforms, and email newsletters to attract and engage your target audience. Consistently offering valuable content establishes your authority in the field and builds trust with potential clients.

5. Utilize word-of-mouth marketing: Leverage the power of word-of-mouth marketing by encouraging satisfied clients to share their positive experiences with others. This can be achieved by requesting testimonials from happy clients, offering referral incentives, or actively engaging with your clients and their communities. A strong reputation and positive word-of-mouth can significantly increase your business’s visibility and credibility.

6. Employ strategic partnerships: Collaborate with complementary businesses or professionals in the education industry to expand your reach and tap into new client networks. For instance, partnering with tutoring centers, career counselors, or educational technology companies can be mutually beneficial. Seek out opportunities for joint ventures, co-marketing initiatives, or cross-referrals to reach a wider audience.

7. Measure and analyze your marketing efforts: Regularly track and measure the effectiveness of your marketing strategies to identify what is working and what needs adjustments. Utilize tools such as Google Analytics or social media analytics to track website traffic, engagement, and conversions. Adjust your marketing efforts as needed to optimize your results and ensure a high ROI on your marketing investments.

8. Continuously refine your marketing approach: Your marketing strategy should be dynamic and adaptable. Regularly review and refine your marketing approach based on industry trends, customer feedback, and market research. Stay up-to-date with new marketing techniques and tools to stay competitive and effectively reach your target audience.

By developing a comprehensive marketing strategy and promoting your educational consulting services through targeted channels, compelling messaging, and valuable content, you can effectively attract clients and grow your business within the education industry.

Start Booking Clients and Providing Consultations

Once you have established your educational consulting business, the next step is to start booking clients and providing consultations. This is where your marketing efforts pay off, as you begin to connect with potential clients and offer your expertise to help them achieve their educational goals. Here are key steps to successfully book clients and provide consultations:

1. Implement a streamlined booking process: Set up a streamlined booking process to make it easy for potential clients to schedule consultations with you. This can include an online booking system, a dedicated email address, or a phone number for inquiries. Clearly communicate the process and provide clear instructions on how clients can secure their consultation times.

2. Conduct thorough consultations: When meeting with clients, conduct thorough consultations to understand their needs, goals, and challenges. Take the time to actively listen and ask relevant questions to gather the necessary information. This will allow you to tailor your services and provide personalized guidance to each client.

3. Offer solution-oriented recommendations: Based on the information gathered during the consultation, offer solution-oriented recommendations and strategies to address the client’s educational needs. Provide actionable steps, resources, and guidance to help them overcome challenges or move forward towards their goals. Personalize your recommendations to meet each client’s unique circumstances.

4. Clearly communicate your services and pricing: During the consultation, clearly communicate your services and pricing structure. Clearly outline what is included in your service packages and any additional charges for specific offerings. Transparency in your pricing and services will help clients make informed decisions and eliminate any confusion or misunderstandings.

5. Provide exceptional customer service: Strive to provide exceptional customer service throughout the entire consultation process and beyond. Respond promptly to client inquiries, be attentive and respectful, and address any concerns or questions they may have. Building positive relationships and delivering exceptional service will leave a lasting impression and encourage clients to refer you to others.

6. Monitor client progress and adjust as needed: Keep a close eye on your client’s progress and adjust your strategies as necessary. Regularly check in with clients, provide ongoing support, and reassess their goals and needs. Continuously monitor their progress and adapt your approach to ensure you are meeting their expectations and helping them achieve their desired outcomes.

7. Seek client feedback and testimonials: Encourage clients to provide feedback on their experience working with your educational consulting services. This can be done through email surveys, follow-up calls, or online review platforms. Positive testimonials and reviews can serve as powerful marketing tools, building trust and credibility with potential clients.

8. Nurture client relationships for repeat business: Stay connected with your clients even after their initial consultations. Keep them updated on relevant resources, industry news, or upcoming events that might be of interest to them. By nurturing these relationships, you create opportunities for repeat business, referrals, and long-term partnerships.

By implementing an efficient booking process, conducting thorough consultations, and providing exceptional customer service, you can effectively book clients and begin offering valuable educational consultations. Building strong client relationships and continually adjusting your strategies will ensure client satisfaction and long-term success for your educational consulting business.

Evaluate and Adjust Your Business Strategy

Evaluating and adjusting your business strategy is a crucial aspect of running a successful educational consulting business. It allows you to stay agile, adapt to changes in the market, and identify opportunities for growth and improvement. Here are key steps to help you evaluate and adjust your business strategy:

1. Monitor and analyze key performance indicators (KPIs): Regularly review and analyze your business’s key performance indicators. This may include metrics such as revenue growth, client satisfaction, lead conversion rates, or website traffic. By tracking these KPIs, you can identify areas of strength and areas that may require improvement.

2. Seek feedback from clients: Actively seek feedback from your clients to gain insights into their experience with your services. Ask for suggestions on how you can better meet their needs or improve your offerings. This feedback can help you identify opportunities to enhance your services and strengthen client relationships.

3. Evaluate market trends: Stay informed about market trends and changes in the education industry. This includes keeping up with new technologies, emerging educational practices, and shifts in student needs and preferences. Understanding these trends will help you identify potential opportunities or challenges that may require adjustments in your business strategy.

4. Assess your competition: Continuously monitor and assess your competition. Analyze their services, pricing, marketing strategies, and customer reviews. Identify any areas where you can differentiate yourself or areas where you may need to match or improve upon competitor offerings. Use this information to refine and strengthen your business strategy.

5. Review and update your marketing approach: Regularly evaluate the effectiveness of your marketing efforts. Assess the return on investment for each marketing channel, review your messaging and targeting strategies, and keep an eye on industry best practices. Make adjustments to your marketing approach based on this evaluation to ensure you are reaching and engaging your target audience effectively.

6. Stay up-to-date with industry knowledge: Continued professional development is essential in the field of education. Stay up-to-date with the latest research, technological advancements, and best practices in your niche. Attend conferences, workshops, and webinars, participate in online educational forums, and engage in ongoing learning to ensure you are providing the most relevant and effective services to your clients.

7. Consider feedback from your team: If you have a team working with you, seek feedback from them as well. They may have valuable insights and suggestions for improving the business strategy. Encourage open communication and collaboration to tap into the knowledge and expertise of your team members.

8. Adapt and innovate: Embrace a mindset of adaptability and innovation. Be open to implementing changes and exploring new ideas to improve your business strategy. This may involve launching new services, exploring different client segments, adopting new technologies, or forming strategic partnerships. Continual adaptation and innovation will help you stay ahead of the curve and maintain a competitive edge.

Evaluating and adjusting your business strategy is an ongoing process. By continuously reviewing your performance, seeking feedback from clients and team members, staying informed about market trends, and embracing flexibility, you can ensure that your educational consulting business is well-positioned for long-term success.

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Here's How to Optimize an Independent Educational Consulting Practice

Becoming an educational consultant can be a financially rewarding and emotionally fulfilling profession.

Independent educational consultants empower students to make life-changing decisions about their future. They leverage their own personal development and understanding of the college application process and their knowledge of financial aid resources to guide families to make informed decisions about higher education.

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If you are interested in becoming an independent educational consultant , then you must learn how to launch, build, maintain, and optimize an independent consulting practice.

Once you’ve started your business, you'll be able to advise parents on many aspects of college planning, such as deciding how to choose an educational program that correlates with their child’s academic progress and social development.

Utilizing tools such as personality-based questionnaires and assessment tests , you can help students identify their own core strengths. Based on this understanding of your client, you can match their interests and aptitudes with educational programs that will foster their academic, athletic, and social skills.

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Although you may be good at helping students make sound decisions because you understand their unique qualities and you may also be good at researching the best opportunities for them in the educational system, this is not enough to flourish as a good independent educational consultant. You need something else, too: You need to be good at business.

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To get good at business, you must know yourself well enough to learn what you need to learn.

Here is a short quiz to identify your weaknesses in business building:

1. Do you know how to design a viable business plan? Can you describe your business clearly and identify its objectives, strategies, and tactics? The purpose of a good business plan goes far beyond getting financing. It’s a living document that will guide your business. If business planning is not one of your skill sets, it’s not enough to get business planning software and try to figure things out. You will also need to take formal online or offline classes to learn exactly what you need to do create a realistic business concept.

2. Do you know how to market to attract clients? Do you know how to create appealing services, identify your ideal customers, understand how to price your work, and advertise in a way that makes people immediately appreciate your offer?

3. Do you know how to sell? Can you turn prospects into customers because you know what to say, when to say it, and how to say it?

4. Do you know how to manage your money? Do you know how to raise capital and control costs?

5. Do you know how to manage your team? Can you lead, delegate, and motivate the people who work for you?

6. Do you know to provide excellent customer service? Do clients feel that you helped them achieve their goals or do they feel they paid too much and received too little? Do they recommend your services to others?

7. Do you know how to leverage professional services to manage your business? Are you open-minded enough to get professional legal, accounting, or financial advice when you need it?

If you can’t say yes to one or more of these questions, it doesn’t mean that your consulting business will fail before you start. After you’ve identified your weaknesses, the next logical step is to get the mentoring and classes you need to manage your own consulting business.

You’ll find helpful tips in the content below discussing how to start, grow, and optimize your independent educational consulting practice.

Understanding Who Your Potential Clients Are

Unless you identify your potential clients, you won’t be able to effectively advertise or promote your business. You’ll also struggle to design the right services to meet their needs.

Here is a shortlist of the types of parents who will appreciate your services:

• Parents of high school students who don’t know how to research the right college choices for their children. They understand that the college admissions landscape has become more competitive and want and informed expert to help them make the right decisions.
• Parents of high school students who want their children to have more guidance than available from overworked school counselors.
• Parents of high school students that feel overwhelmed or anxious about paying for college. They will desperately need your help to make wise decisions about college financial aid.

More specifically, you’ll want to decide what type of specialized services you want to provide your clients. Do you want to be an educational consultant who helps at-risk children or children with learning differences get into a college that will transform their lives? Do you want to help music virtuosos, performing arts students, and gifted artists find schools that will nourish their talents? Do you want to help athletes find a college that will turn raw kinesthetic talents into a world-class performance?

When you are clear on your vision of what type of young people you want to help, you will have better success in establishing a specific brand and standing out among other IECs.

Defining a Business Plan for Your Educational Consulting Practice

Because an educational consulting practice is a full-time small business, your success will depend on creating a comprehensive business plan.

Besides considering financing, location, legal issues, and including best business practices, your business plan should also include strategies for creating a symbiotic network, establishing a working relationship with universities, building a business team, and choosing the right software platforms to run your business efficiently.

Consulting Fees & Rates: How Much Should I Charge?

All consulting services, including services by college counselors, have a wide range of prices because many factors determine the fees. These include the type of professional degrees the consultant has, the number of years of counseling experience, and the scope of client services offered.

If you are just starting out or located in a region with a more modest cost of living, then a reasonable rate might be somewhere between $50-$100 per hour. However, if you are a veteran educational counselor, someone with considerable knowledge, skills, and expertise in your field, then clients may not hesitate to pay you $250+ an hour.

However, you don’t have to work for hourly rates. You could also package your services for a flat fee. In that case, you could earn between $750 on the low end or $5,000+ on the high end for each client.

If you are relatively new to consulting, then it’s advisable to start at a lower rate and progressively increase your fees. However, if you’ve acquired considerable experience over the years in guiding families through the college application process and have a prodigious number of industry contacts, then you’ll do yourself a disservice by charging too little.

Reading top resources for pricing your IEC services will also help you identify your sweet spot for consulting fees and rates.

Advertising Your Services as an Independent Educational Consultant

Number one rule: advertise both online and offline. Seasoned marketers refer to this as integrated marketing. Some clients will find you online, others will discover you through more traditional media.

Online Marketing

Start by creating an online presence.

Here are three steps to take to build a classic and respectable online presence:

Step #1: Build a website. Describe your services so that people can find out more about you and your business. Give them the information they need and a reason to contact you. Then don't forget to give them the ability to make that contact. Go the extra mile to create a well-designed website with a professional look and feel.

Step #2: Start a blog. Share your ideas and build an email list. Post regular advice for your target audience. These are people who will become clients or who will recommend you to families that need guidance on college admissions. Write about things that interest your target audience — for instance, different ways of getting financial aid or tips for writing compelling essays. These should be part of your website as well. If writing isn't your strong suit, consider hiring someone to write blog posts for you. They can take your ideas and turn them into engaging copy people will enjoy reading.

Step #3: Become a social media guru. Find the best social media platforms and use them to promote your business. Build your company’s social media presence by identifying your target audience, creating relevant content, and mapping out a posting timeline. Some of the most popular sites are Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Start with one platform and familiarize yourself with it before moving on to another. College planners who prefer focused marketing strategies flourish on just one social media site, others who prefer broader marketing strategies post on several social media sites.

Offline Marketing

It is often advisable to wait until you build a solid revenue stream before using paid advertising in newspapers, magazines, radio, or television. However, there are some low-cost, sustainable ways of advertising offline. These include creating a brochure and business cards as collateral marketing materials, contacting professionals who might refer clients, and advertising in high school playbills and yearbooks.

Here is how to use these guerilla marketing advertising methods:

● Brochures and business cards: Hire a copywriter and designer to make your brochures and business cards. While you could do this yourself, you want your collateral marketing materials to impress people. So, it’s worth paying professionals to create them for you. While it's tempting to skimp on these to save money, you will use these collateral marketing materials repeatedly, making the expense well worth it. Hand out business cards and brochures to clients who visit your office, pass your marketing materials on to industry professionals who could recommend you, and give away your marketing materials at network meetings.

● Contacts potential referring partners: Contact professionals interested in helping teenagers flourish, such as coaches, teachers, doctors, psychologists. Your letters will update these professionals on what is happening in the field of higher education and give them another option to influence teens.

● Place ads in high school playbills and yearbooks: High schools have playbills for graduation, homecoming, theatrical shows, and other events. Yearbooks are sold not only to seniors but younger classes as well. For $100 or less, you can use these options to directly reach your target audience. Since student writers and designers prefer to create ads to practice their skills, you just need to explain to the person in charge of advertising how your business can help high school students.

Finally, never discount the power of word-of-mouth referrals. In the early stages of your business, most clients will find you through a simple referral from a friend or family member. As your look grow your business, there are a number of proactive things that you can do to increase the word-of-mouth referrals you receive. It is worth investing the time to nurture this referral stream.

Knowing How to Work with Your Clients

How to assist students with college admissions depends on your niche. You will work with different populations in different ways. For instance, although the application process of students with special needs may be similar to the admissions process for international students, you will need to work with each population according to their needs.

Still, regardless of your types of clients, your fundamental value will be the same. You must establish trust by communicating in an easy-going way, in a way that establishes instant rapport. For instance, you must anticipate a client's needs, solve their problems, and collaborate with students, families, and college administrators.

Steps to Take Before Starting an Educational Consulting Business of Your Own

If you've read the above and are wondering "so just how do I start an educational consultancy business?" Here are some ideas to get you started.

The first step is to start with introspection. The better you understand your own background and experiences, the easier it will be to select your niche and serve clients. Without self-awareness, you will not be able to make wise decisions.

Do you have years of experience in guiding students and parents that you can turn into a college consulting business?

If you have the knowledge, skills, and ability to guide young people to advance in life, then review your business building skills. Prepare yourself to become an entrepreneur and embrace all the learning opportunities you need to explore to serve your industry.

By identifying your strengths and weaknesses, you’ll be able to play to your strengths and either bypass your weaknesses or find the resources that you need to grow. However, you cannot ignore some weaknesses. For instance, you can’t ignore a lack of business knowledge and experience. Learning to manage your business well is essential. Fortunately, both government and private resources are available to teach you everything you need to know about small business management.

Education Consultant Resources

Many resources are available to support you in your quest to become a college planner. You could, for example, become a member of a professional organization, get certified, complete a college certificate course, access online resources, and sign up for journals.

Professional Organizations for Educational Consultants

1. Higher Education Consultants Association will help you network with other independent educational consultants who focus on helping high school students find the best colleges. Once you join, you’ll be able to attend professional conferences and watch webinars on how to advance in your profession

2. Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA) will instantly identify you as an expert in your field because they have strict membership criteria. For instance, you need to have worked as an independent educational consultant for at least a year before you’re eligible for membership.

Certification for Certified Educational Planners

The American Institute of Certified Educational Planners (AICEP) will provide CEP credentials for professionals who either work, are in school for, or have their own educational consulting business.

College Counseling Certificate Programs

There are a handful of universities that offer online college counseling certificate programs. These programs offer courses geared to learning all aspects of the profession and are taught by current independent college counselors. The most popular programs include:

University of California, Irvine University of California, Los Angeles University of California, Berkeley University of California, Riverside University of California, San Diego

Trade Publications for Certified Educational Planners

Besides organizations and online resources, you can also stay abreast of changes in the education consultancy field through journals such as Next STEP Magazine, CollegeBound Teen Magazine, Journal of Learning Disabilities, Attitude, and College News Online.

These, of course, are just a few sample resources to give you an idea of what’s available. A plethora of resources are available to help you flourish as an educational consultant, and you’ll find thousands of resources with a simple internet search.

IECA Professional Member Retreat Takeaways

A letter to members regarding covid-19 and its impact on our community.

Disruptions in education are creating opportunities for educational systems—from K-12 through higher education—to innovate. BCG’s education consulting experts work with clients to transform how people learn and educational systems thrive.

Educational institutions face strong headwinds, and must overcome a deepening racial and socioeconomic achievement gap and disrupted learning experience for nearly 1.6 billion pandemic-affected students globally. With the right strategic focus—coupled with powerful human and digital capabilities and a willingness to innovate—educational institutions can transform their cultures and educational models to enable 21st century learning.

Our Services for Education

K-12 Education

Higher Education

RELATED SERVICES: Social Impact , Talent and Skills

How BCG Unlocks Opportunities for Education Innovation

At BCG, our education strategy consulting work sits at the intersection of education, employment, and welfare. Our experts deliver learning and training experiences that promote workplace readiness and success—and ensure that policies and funding support the well-being of disadvantaged children and students. Our education experts help organizations and institutions set a bold ambition, cultivate talent, and deliver proven technology and innovation initiatives, all while managing costs.

Our Areas of Focus

At BCG, we have deep expertise in supporting transformative education initiatives at the local, national, and global levels. The heart of our education consulting practice serves traditional educational institutions, for learners from early-childhood education all the way through to lifelong learning. Beyond traditional education, we also help governments and businesses provide opportunities for lifelong learning so that people can gain the skills and capabilities that future workforces will require.

BCG serves as a thought leader and collaborator for prominent global education partners, delivering results including:

• Improving student-learning outcomes for 2.2 million students in India.
• Partnering with not-for-profit foundations—such as the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the Walton Family Foundation —to strengthen education in the US.
• Hosting conventions on  early-childhood education and preschool,  bringing together key providers, funders, and experts.
• Developing a  multisector strategy together with UNICEF’s Generation Unlimited,  ensuring every young person worldwide has access to education, training, and age-appropriate employment by 2030.
• Serving as a strategic partner for the  World Economic Forum’s Global Future Councils,  defining a new agenda for education, skills, technology, and the future of work.
• Supporting millions of children whose education has been disrupted by conflicts and natural disasters through UNICEF’s Education Cannot Wait nonprofit.

Our Client Success in Education

Lessons from Fulbright on Developing the University of the Future . A new liberal arts institution in Vietnam found that including students and faculty in the school’s development was a major driver of success.

Stemming Youth Violence with Data, Coordination, and Community. BCG partnered with a team in Miami, Florida, to create a unique initiative that combats youth violence and helps at-risk children perform better in school.

Reinventing Education in Saudi Arabia. BCG helped restructure the K—12 and higher-education ministries in Saudi Arabia to improve learning and teacher development.

Rebuilding and Transforming New Orleans Public Schools. BCG helped the city of New Orleans reorganize, reopen, and revitalize schools after Hurricane Katrina, all while positively impacting student performance.

Pivoting in the Pandemic . BCG’s digital and data strategy enabled AVID, an education nonprofit, to pivot very quickly during the pandemic, supporting 111,780 educators—a record number—from more than 4,200 schools.

BCG at the 2024 ASU+GSV Summit

BCG is committed to improving equal access to education and preparing the workforce for the future. Explore highlights from our ASU+GSV Summit programming.

Meet Our Education Consulting Experts

Explore our insights on education.

Childcare Benefits More Than Pay for Themselves at US Companies

Costly or cost-effective? Recent BCG research finds that childcare benefits deliver returns of up to 425% of their cost for companies across the US.

The Next 50 Years of Work

Experts anticipate that jobs will blossom over the next 50 years—even as technology becomes more prevalent and climate challenges persist.

BUSINESS STRATEGIES

How to create a consultant business plan

• Nirit Braun
• Oct 30, 2023
• 12 min read

When launching your consulting business, one of the essential first steps is crafting a well-structured and detailed business plan. Your consulting business plan is like a strategic playbook that lays out your goals, tactics and financial projections. It not only steers you toward success but also equips you to adapt and thrive in the dynamic world of consulting.

Keep reading for tips on how to build a strong business plan for your business. Use the template provided at the end to get started on your own plan.

Looking to kick off your consultancy business? Create a business website today with Wix.

Why create a consultant business plan? Top benefits to consider

A business plan forces entrepreneurs to thoroughly evaluate their business idea, target audience and competitive landscape. This process clarifies their vision and mission, ensuring that they have a clear understanding of how their consultancy will provide value to clients. A business plan helps you in the following ways:

Create a business blueprint : With a business plan in place, entrepreneurs looking to start a business can make informed decisions based on a solid foundation of research and analysis. They can choose the most effective strategies for marketing, pricing and service delivery, enhancing their chances of success. Your business plan can also be used to explain what type of business you'll start - whether that's an LLC, Corporation or something else. Learn more about how to start an LLC .

Secure funding : The cost to start a consultancy business can range from around $60 to several thousand dollars . For those seeking external funding, a well-developed business plan demonstrates credibility and professionalism. Investors and lenders are more likely to support a venture with a thought-out plan that showcases its potential for growth and profitability.

Set measurable goals : A business plan sets measurable goals and performance metrics, which is vital with this type of business . This allows entrepreneurs to track their progress, adapt strategies as needed and celebrate milestones along the way.

Want to remind yourself of the basics? Learn more about how to start a service business .

How to create a successful consultant business plan in 6 steps

In this section, we'll break down the key components involved in crafting a successful consultant business plan in six steps.

Executive summary

Business and domain names

Market analysis and research

Operations plan

Marketing and advertising plan

Financial plan

01. Executive summary

An executive summary serves as a concise overview of the consultant's business plan, providing a snapshot of the key components and the business' essence. It's usually the first section investors, lenders and stakeholders read, so it must encapsulate the business' value proposition, objectives, strategies and projected growth. To write a clear executive summary for a consultant business make sure to keep it succinct yet informative. Clearly state the purpose of the business, the services offered, the target market and the unique value proposition. Avoid technical jargon that may confuse readers.

Then you can mention the business' strengths, such as the expertise of the consultants, unique methodologies or specialized services. Emphasize factors that set your consultancy apart from competitors.

Briefly discuss the market need for your services and how your consultancy plans to fulfill it. It’s worth noting that strategy and management consulting, as well as technology consulting, financial consulting and HR consulting are in high demand . Highlight any trends or changes in the industry that your business can capitalize on.

Remember to include a snapshot of your financial projections, indicating expected revenue, costs and profitability. This provides a glimpse into the business' potential financial success.

Example of an executive summary for a consultant business

"XYZ Consulting is a boutique consultancy firm specializing in digital transformation for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). With a team of seasoned professionals, we offer tailored solutions to help businesses harness the power of technology for growth. Our unique approach blends strategic consulting with hands-on implementation, ensuring tangible results. In a rapidly evolving tech landscape, XYZ Consulting is poised to be the partner SMEs need to thrive. Our financial projections forecast a steady growth trajectory, with a focus on achieving profitability within the first two years. With a proven track record and a finger on the pulse of industry trends, XYZ Consulting is well-equipped to guide businesses toward digital success."

02. Business and domain names

Knowing how to name a business is crucial for a consultancy venture and a key step before you register your business . It's the foundation of your brand and influences how clients perceive your services. With Wix , you can use a free business name generator or consulting company name generator as helpful tools for brainstorming unique and memorable names. Ensure the name reflects your expertise and the services you offer.

Similarly, the domain name for your business website is vital. It should be easy to remember, relevant to your services and ideally, match your company name. Check the domain's availability using domain registration platforms. Ensure the domain name aligns with your consultancy's focus and services. Generally, this means keeping it short and easy to spell and pronounce.

Learn more: How to make a consulting website

03. Market analysis and research

Incorporating a thorough market analysis within your consultant business plan is essential. Understand the competitive landscape, target audience and market trends. Research your competitors' strengths and weaknesses, pricing strategies and client base. This information will shape your business strategies and help you identify gaps in the market that your consultancy can fill.

04. Operations plan

The operations plan outlines the logistical aspects of your consultancy. It covers location, premises, equipment and staffing requirements. Determine whether your consultancy will be home-based, have a physical office or operate virtually. Define the equipment and software needed to deliver services effectively. Outline your staffing needs, including the roles and expertise required.

05. Marketing and advertising plan

Your marketing and advertising plan outlines how you will promote your consultant business. Identify the most effective strategies to reach your target audience. Consider content marketing, social media campaigns, networking events and speaking engagements to showcase your expertise. Emphasize how your marketing efforts will build brand awareness and attract clients.

You’ll need to develop a suite of brand assets to use in your marketing as well, starting with a company logo. You can use a free logo maker to get a professional logo in minutes.

06. Financial plan

The financial plan is a critical component of any business plan. It outlines how you will raise money for your business initially and provides a timeline for reaching profitability. Detail your startup costs, including equipment, marketing expenses and personnel. Present your revenue projections, taking into account different pricing models and growth scenarios. Highlight your break-even point and the strategies you'll employ to achieve profitability.

By addressing each part of their plan, entrepreneurs can create a robust business plan that guides them toward achieving their business goals and building a reputable consulting brand.

Consultant business plan examples

These templates illustrate two hypothetical consultant business plans, each tailored to a specific niche. These are just templates and should be adapted to your specific business goals and industry dynamics.

Consultant business plan template 1: XYZ Digital Consultants

XYZ Digital Consultants is a pioneering consultancy firm focused on digital transformation for businesses seeking to thrive in the digital age. Our team of experienced professionals offers strategic guidance and hands-on implementation to drive growth through technology adoption. With projected profitability within two years and a commitment to excellence, XYZ Digital Consultants is poised to lead businesses into a successful digital future.

Company and domain name

Company name: XYZ Digital Consultants

Domain name: xyzdigitalconsultants.com

Market opportunity: The rapid shift toward digital operations has created a substantial demand for expert guidance. Our analysis reveals a gap in the market for holistic digital transformation solutions tailored to the needs of SMEs.

Competitor research: We've identified key competitors and their strengths, which informs our strategy to emphasize personalized service and comprehensive implementation.

Location: Primarily virtual, with occasional in-person consultations as needed.

Premises: Home-based setup with access to modern communication tools.

Equipment: High-speed internet, latest software tools and virtual meeting platforms.

Staffing: Founder and lead consultant, supported by contract specialists as projects demand.

Content marketing: Regular blog posts on digital transformation trends, case studies and client success stories.

Social media campaigns: Active presence on LinkedIn and X to engage with potential clients and share valuable insights.

Networking events: Participation in industry webinars, seminars and local business events to showcase expertise.

Speaking engagements: Leveraging speaking opportunities at conferences and workshops to establish authority in the field.

Startup costs (equipment, website development, marketing materials): $15,000

Revenue projections (year one): $150,000

Revenue projections (year two) : $300,000

Break-even point: Achieved by the end of year one

Funding: Initial investment and savings from the founder

Consultant business plan template 2: LeadersEdge Consultants

LeadersEdge Consultants is a dynamic consultancy dedicated to leadership development and organizational excellence. Our experienced team offers customized programs that empower leaders to drive positive change. With a projected growth trajectory and a commitment to fostering impactful leadership, LeadersEdge Consultants is poised to transform organizations and elevate their success.

Company name: LeadersEdge Consultants

Domain name: leadersedgeconsultants.com

Market opportunity: Our analysis reveals a growing need for leadership development programs in diverse industries.

Competitor research: We've identified competitors' offerings and recognized an opportunity to provide a unique blend of coaching, training and strategy implementation.

Location: Virtual consultations, with the option for on-site workshops

Premises: Virtual office setup with video conferencing capabilities

Equipment: High-quality audiovisual tools, assessment software and learning platforms

Staffing : Founder will serve as the lead consultant, supported by certified leadership coaches

Customized workshops: Designing tailored leadership development programs for individual organizations.

Webinars: Hosting webinars on leadership best practices to showcase expertise and engage potential clients.

Thought leadership content: Publishing whitepapers, eBooks and video content on leadership topics.

Collaborations: Partnering with HR and talent development professionals to expand reach.

Startup costs ( making a website , training materials) : $10,000

Revenue projections (year one): $120,000

Revenue projections (year two): $250,000

Break-even point: Achieved within the first six months

Funding: Initial investment from the founder.

How much should you be charging as a consultant?

The amount you charge as a consultant will depend on a number of factors, including:

Your experience and expertise

The type of consulting services you offer

The value you provide to your clients

The market rate for consulting services in your field

In general, consultants charge between $100 and $500 per hour. However, some experienced and highly specialized consultants can charge upwards of $1,000 per hour.

To determine your consulting rate, you can use the following formula:

Consulting rate = Hourly rate * Value multiplier

Your hourly rate should reflect your experience and expertise, as well as the type of consulting services you offer. For example, if you have 10 years of experience and you offer specialized consulting services, you can charge a higher hourly rate than a consultant with less experience and who offers more general consulting services.

Your value multiplier should reflect the value you provide to your clients. For example, if you can help your clients to achieve significant results, you can charge a higher value multiplier.

Here is an example of how to use the formula:

Consultant: Experienced consultant with 10 years of experience offering specialized consulting services

Hourly rate: $200 per hour

Value multiplier: 2

Consulting rate: $200 per hour * 2 = $400 per hour

Can a consulting business be profitable?

Yes, a consulting business can be profitable. In fact, consulting is one of the most profitable industries in the world. According to a report by IBISWorld, the average profit margin for consulting businesses is 20%. This means that for every $100 in revenue, consulting businesses generate $20 in profit.

There are a number of factors that contribute to the profitability of consulting businesses. First, consultants are able to charge high fees for their services. Second, consulting businesses have relatively low overhead costs. Third, the demand for consulting services is high, and it's only expected to grow in the coming years.

Of course, not all consulting businesses are successful. Some consultants struggle to find clients or to charge high enough fees. Others may not be able to deliver the results that their clients expect. However, for consultants who are able to overcome these challenges, the potential rewards are great.

Here are some tips for increasing your chances of success as a consultant:

Specialize in a high-demand area of consulting. This will allow you to charge higher fees and attract more clients.

Build a strong reputation and network of clients. This will help you to generate word-of-mouth referrals and land new clients.

Market your services effectively. Make sure that potential clients know about your services and how you can help them.

Deliver high-quality results. This is the most important thing you can do to ensure that your clients are satisfied and that they continue to use your services in the future.

How much does it cost to start a consulting business?

The cost to start a consulting business can vary depending on a number of factors, such as the type of consulting services you offer, the size of your business and your location. However, in general, you can expect to spend between $10,000 and $50,000 to start a consulting business.

Here is a breakdown of some of the typical start-up costs for a consulting business:

Business formation: $100 to $1,000

Website and domain name: $100 to $2,500

Marketing and advertising: $500 to $5,000

Office equipment and supplies: $500 to $5,000

Professional liability insurance: $500 to $1,000

Other miscellaneous expenses: $500 to $5,000

Total start-up costs: $10,000 to $50,000

You can reduce your start-up costs by working from home, using free or low-cost marketing tools and purchasing used equipment. You can also start your consulting business part-time while you continue to work your full-time job. This will give you a chance to generate revenue and build a client base before you leave your full-time job.

If you need financial assistance to start your consulting business, you may be able to qualify for a loan from a bank or credit union. You may also be able to find investors who are willing to invest in your business.

Which clients to avoid and which to take on?

Here are some tips on which clients to avoid and which to take on in a consulting business:

Clients to avoid

Clients who aren't willing to pay your rates. If a client isn't willing to pay your rates, it's a sign that they don't value your services.

Clients who are unrealistic about their expectations. If a client has unrealistic expectations about what you can achieve, you're likely to set yourself up for failure.

Clients who are difficult to work with. If a client is demanding, rude or disrespectful, it's best to avoid them.

Clients who aren't a good fit for your business. If a client isn't in your target market or if their business isn't aligned with your values, it's best to decline working with them.

Clients to take on

Clients who are willing to pay your rates. This shows that they value your services and are committed to working with you.

Clients who have realistic expectations. This makes it more likely that you will be able to meet their needs and exceed their expectations.

Clients who are easy to work with. This will make the consulting process more enjoyable and productive for both of you.

Clients who are a good fit for your business. This means that they're in your target market and that their business is aligned with your values.

In addition to the above, here are some other factors to consider when deciding which clients to take on:

Your own skills and experience. Make sure that you have the skills and experience to help the client achieve their goals.

The client's budget. Make sure that the client has a budget that's sufficient to cover your fees.

The client's timeline. Make sure that you have the time and resources to meet the client's timeline.

Your gut feeling. If you have a bad feeling about a client, it's best to trust your gut and decline working with them.

It's important to be selective about the clients you take on. By avoiding difficult clients and focusing on good-fit clients, you can set yourself up for success in your consulting business.

Consultant business plan FAQ

What qualifies you as a consultant.

To qualify as a consultant, you need to have the expertise and experience in the area that you're consulting in. You also need to be able to communicate your ideas effectively and build relationships with clients.

How do you start off as a consultant?

How to make 6 figures as a consultant, how do you pay yourself as a consultant, do consultants pay their own taxes, want to create another business plan.

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Did you find what you are looking for.

Thinking of starting a school or a coaching business? Or is it about vocational school?

Well, no matter what’s your business segment in the education and training sector—you need a solid business plan to turn it into a long-term success.

This library of education and training business plan samples here can inspire and guide you as you begin to plan your business. So, don’t worry; we got you covered on that part.

Let’s learn more about these sample training and education plans, starting with their benefits.

Benefits of using an industry-specific business plan example

Believe it or not, using an industry-specific business plan example is the best and probably the quickest way of writing a business plan.

Doubt it? Hold, this may change your perception; an extended list of the benefits of using an industry-specific business plan template.

• Inspiration : Reading a business-specific template can be incredibly helpful in getting content inspiration. Furthermore, it helps you gain insights into how to present your business idea, products, vision, and mission.
• Risk-free method : You are taking a reference from a real-life, let’s say, After-school program business plan—so you know this plan has worked in the past or uses a method subscribed by experts.
• Deep market understanding : Analyzing and reading such examples can provide clarity and develop a deeper market understanding of complex industry trends and issues you may not know but relate directly to the realities of your business landscape.
• Increased credibility : A business plan developed using an example follows a standard business plan format, wisely presents your business, and provides invaluable insights into your business. There’s no question it establishes you as a credible business owner, demonstrating your deep business and market understanding.
• Realistic financial projections : Financial forecasting being a critical aspect of your plan, this real-life example can help you better understand how they project their financials—ultimately helping you set realistic projections for your business.

These were the benefits; let’s briefly discuss choosing an education or training business plan template that best suits your business niche.

Choosing an Education or Training Business Plan

This category has business plan templates for various education or tutoring businesses. With many similar business types and templates, you may not find the most suitable one through manual scrolling.

Here are the steps to consider while choosing the most suitable business plan template.

Identify your business type

Are you going to be an online coaching platform? Or a traditional school? Or a general daycare center?

Asking yourself these questions will help you identify your business type, which will help in choosing a niche-specific business plan template.

Once you identify your business type, you can choose between templates for different business segments.

Search for the template

We have an in-built search feature, so you can easily search for a business-specific template using your business name as a key term(e.g., summer camp business plan). Once you have the search results, choose the most suitable one. Simple as that.

Review the example

Look closely at the content of the sample business plan you are considering. Analyze its sections and components to identify relevant as well as unnecessary areas.

Since all the Upmetrics templates are tailored to specific business needs, there won’t be many fundamental customizations. However, a hybrid business model targeting multiple customer segments may require adjustments.

No big deal—you can view and copy sections from other business plan examples or write using AI while customizing a template.

That’s how you find and select the most suitable business plan for educational services. Still haven’t found the perfect business plan example? Here’s the next step for you.

Explore 400+ business plan examples

Discover Upmetrics’ library of 400+ sample business plans to help you write your business plan. Upmetrics is a modern and intuitive business planning app that streamlines business planning with its free templates and AI-powered features. So what are you waiting for? Download your example and draft a perfect business plan.

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The Business of Educational Consulting

Discover how to create a successful educational consulting practice using basic business principles and entrepreneurship skills.

What you can learn.

• Create a business plan for your practice
• Research business structures that work for you
• Prepare a marketing plan
• Create a schedule of services and fees
• Articulate a vision for your consulting practice
• Use social media for marketing

About this course:

Summer 2024 schedule.

Internet access required. Materials required.

HECA and IECA members, email [email protected] to receive a discount code.

This course applies towards the following certificates & specializations…

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The Show Notes

In this episode, I’m chatting with our first repeat guest, Bonnie Moore. Bonnie is an entrepreneur and educational consultant. Every day she uses her classroom and administrative experience to sharpen the skills of educators and leaders in a variety of different companies. She will share how a classroom teacher like you can build your own educational consulting business too. 

Discover how you could easily step into a job where your whole job is to help other teachers make a bigger impact!

• Download on iTunes
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Understanding the Job Description

An educational consultant may sound like someone who has a lot of experience and a specialized skill set, but the truth is you are already qualified with a teaching background. 

What Bonnie noted is that trainers, consultants, and facilitators are all job titles that are very interchangeable. Simply put, educational consultants get up in front of a group of people to present in an interactive and creative way. Sound familiar at all? 

The training you present must also be sustainable in the sense that people understand why they are learning what they’re learning and can see the value in putting it to use. While your audience would be older than the students in your classroom, the game is still the same!

But Where Are All the Clients Hiding?

You might be sold on the idea of becoming a freelance educational consultant, but where would you find clients? Clients are everywhere! If you want to build your own educational consulting business, start with your personal network. Bonnie mentioned that the parents of the students in your classroom are an awesome place to start. Where do they work and what do and how might your business be able to serve someone like them? 

Additionally, you have to be willing to let people know that you’re building a business. Let your friends and family know. Connect with people in your church or civic organizations. Ask them if they know anyone who might benefit from working with you. 

In the beginning, you can offer to do small projects for experience to build a portfolio. Building this kind of relationship often leads to paid work.

Working With Only the Best

Bonnie has a variety of clients because the truth is every type of business needs to create training to develop their employees. In the beginning, Bonnie did a lot of one-time projects. Now, she signs retainer contracts that last anywhere between two and five years.

This type of commitment obviously requires a lot of relationship building and research. Bonnie does this by creating a needs analysis that helps determine how she can support her clients. Bonnie is very careful to only work with clients where she is confident she is valued and she is also providing solutions that are valuable.

A Not-So-Typical Schedule for an Educational Consultant

Nothing about Bonnie’s schedule from day to day is “normal” these days, but the variety is something that she looks forward to. Some days she is delivering content, leading team-building exercises, or just connecting with potential clients on LinkedIn.

Other days she is doing research on a company, putting together a contract, or developing the actual training she was hired to make. The beauty of building your own educational consulting business is that you can work as little or as much as you want!

Want to learn more from Bonnie about how to build your own educational consulting business? Click here to learn from her at the Next Jobs for Teachers: Teacher Transition Summit!

Could you use the extra support in taking the next step after the classroom? Join the membership!

If you enjoyed this episode I invite you to take a screenshot and tag me on your Instagram stories  @teachertransition  and tell me your biggest takeaway!

Did someone say GIVEAWAY?

Are you loving the podcast? Leave a review on iTunes and tell us what you’re learning! Already left a review? Review a resource you’ve used and share how it’s helped you in YOUR teacher transition. 

Anyone who enters will be eligible to win support like coaching calls with Ali or course access! Stay tuned for details!

Resources Mentioned in the Show

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Connect with Bonnie

Bonnie Moore is a former teacher and administrator who is   passionate about leading and learning. She has extensive experience in leadership development, executive coaching, instructional design and team dynamics in a diverse set of industries including: corporate, non- profit and education. 

She is a certified master executive coach and has certifications in more than twelve assessment tools and organizational systems. Bonnie belongs a number of professional organizations and has served in leadership capacities for many of them.   She currently is a National Advisor for Chapters for the Association of Talent Development and Delta Kappa Gamma Society International Texas 2nd Vice President. Bonnie serves as a Child Advocate for Harris County, a Big Sister and on several non-profit boards in the Houston area making a positive impact for individuals, families and the community. When not working and volunteering, she and her husband Greg like to travel, watch college sports and enjoy the fine arts.

Ali Parrish

Educator Opportunities Expert

Ali went from teaching to ed-tech training, instructional design, learning strategy, project management and more. She now directs a learning resources and materials production agency.

She created Teacher Transition in an effort to help other teachers navigate their path confidently from the classroom to their next dream job. Ali cheers on educators for the amazing gifts they develop and contribute in the classroom and in the world far beyond the classroom.

What’s your superpower? Teaching.

Let her show you how you can put your skills to work in so many settings beyond the classroom.

Want to Be a Guest?

If you or someone you know is a teacher who has made the leap from the classroom to something beyond, we would love to hear your inspiring story.

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360 Consulting Projects Make Students Job-Ready

• In Deakin’s Business Development Clinic, students don’t take on an SME’s pre-defined problems; instead, they perform “health checks” to uncover growth gaps and challenges.
• Students employ a tool called the 7 Levers Framework to help businesses craft a practical strategic plan for increasing profit.
• Sixty-two percent of client companies have implemented the strategic recommendations provided by Deakin’s student consultants.

  How can business schools respond when employers call for work-ready graduates? At Deakin University’s Deakin Business School (DBS) in Victoria, Australia, we give all students the opportunity to undertake live consulting projects with real businesses.

DBS students are presented with a diverse array of consulting experiences tailored to match their interests and aspirations. Potential clients include:

• Organizations focused on societal impact, including not-for-profits and Indigenous enterprises.
• Australian small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that have unique problems and challenges.
• International organizations running global projects.
• SMEs that are looking for growth, innovation, and strategic direction and that choose to engage through our Business Development Clinic (BDC).

For the past five years, students who decided to work with SMEs seeking growth have done so through the BDC. During this eight-week for-credit program, students learn to analyze operations, devise strategies, and recommend tactical solutions to various business challenges faced by SMEs. Through the program’s holistic approach, students gain industry experience by applying theory to practice, which progresses their development into agile, strategic thinkers who are ready to operate in the real world.

A Full-Circle Analysis

The BDC’s distinctive methodology begins with a 360-degree review that we call the Business Health Check. Students are not presented with a pre-scoped problem to solve. Instead, each four- or five-person team conducts an in-depth analysis of an SME’s operational, financial, and strategic health. Working directly with business owners and managers, each team identifies growth gaps and other challenges and develops a practical, ready-to-implement roadmap for increasing profit.

Because students begin with a blank canvas and take a full-circle approach, they engage in the entire consulting project, from problem identification to strategy implementation. They form a genuine understanding of the business’s core challenges and opportunities.

The BDC curriculum combines program-tailored content, hands-on project work, independent work, team meetings, and mentoring sessions with experienced entrepreneurs and marketers. The program also involves regular presentations from industry professionals who share their business experience and insights with the students.

In addition, the curriculum is supported by a range of innovative pedagogical tools and methods. One is Team Management Systems’ psychometric profiling tool for personal, team, and leadership development. The tool enhances the group work component of the program by helping students recognize their own preferred work styles as well as the styles of their teammates. It provides students with a practical toolkit for understanding and navigating team dynamics.

Because students in the Business Development Clinic begin with a blank canvas and take a full-circle approach, they engage in the entire consulting project, from problem identification to strategy implementation.

Students also employ the 7 Levers Framework as they work with business owners. This growth development tool was created by one of the authors of this article, Pete Williams, who is a professor of practice at DBS as well as a small-business entrepreneur, advisor, and marketer. Designed specifically for SMEs, the framework outlines a concise and effective method for strategic planning.

The seven levers consist of suspects (anyone who visits a store or website); prospects (people who take some micro-commitment action, such as trying on clothes, getting a quote, or signing up for emails); conversions (prospects who buy something); average item prices and average items per sale (both calculated across a specific period); transactions per customers (the number of times customers make repeat purchases); and profit margin (calculated as a percentage of sales).

As students use such tools and methods in their consulting projects, they develop analytical and problem-solving skills and improve their ability to think strategically and act decisively. Through coaching, students also practice incorporating ethical considerations into their recommendations.

Assessments and Adjustments

The BDC recently added an advanced section aimed at undergraduate and postgraduate students who have considerable work experience and want to change careers or enhance their current knowledge.

In the advanced clinic, students must prospect for and recruit their own SME clients. Some international students have brought in businesses from their home countries, and the participation of these businesses has enriched classes by adding elements of multicultural learning. It also has enabled us to expand the connections we have with international practitioners.

The BDC is offered to students on all of the many DBS campuses located within the state of Victoria, as well as the school’s online campus. This means the program is available to students who don’t live close to a campus or find it difficult to travel because they are employed or have disabilities. For students who need assisted learning support tools, Deakin University provides resources such as learning and language advisors, writing mentors, and 24-hour online study support. The school also provides free assistive technology and academic support as required to individual students.

Once students complete the BDC program, we evaluate them on several measures:

• Their in-depth project reports, which offer participating SMEs practical strategic planning advice designed to increase profits.
• Their live pitch presentations to clients.
• The comments of their supervisors and mentors.
• The quality of their reflection pieces on the development of their personal skills.

Through these assessments, we see how well students have delivered on the desired Unit Learning Outcomes. We evaluate how well students interpreted the client’s needs, devised strategies for addressing those needs, justified solutions and contingencies, communicated and worked with others in professional settings, and planned for and monitored their learning and skill development.

The Client Connection

Because the program relies on live case studies, the school is continually on the lookout for small-business clients who would like to participate. We maintain an “Expression of Interest from SMEs” form on the university website to invite business owners to join. We also rely on strong word-of-mouth recruitment efforts from staff, students, and past clinic clients.

We find additional clients through people who attend our regularly scheduled webinars and events aimed at local business associations and chambers. Through these activities, we provide educational training on the 7 Levers Framework, demonstrate its impact on SME growth, and explain that students in the BDC will provide free consulting to help business leaders implement it.

Surveys of our participating SMEs show that more than 62 percent of client companies have implemented the strategic recommendations provided by our student consultants.

To ensure that we attract and can support a broad range of businesses, we try to minimize how much time SMEs must spend with the program. Even so, clients must agree to:

• Attend a pre-set 90-minute session to meet their student consultants.
• Be available over a four- or five-week period to take mutually beneficial calls and respond to emails from the students.
• Attend a 30-minute final pitch presentation.

While businesses aren’t required to provide profit-and-loss statements, we let them know that such statements may help student teams provide more detailed and effective briefs.

Measurable Results

Surveys of our participating SMEs show that more than 62 percent of client companies have implemented the strategic recommendations provided by our student consultants. We see this as a testament to the quality of the students’ work and the practical value of the program.

Several former clients have attributed at least some of their ongoing success to the BDC. One of these is Oh Crap , which provides compostable bags for collecting dog waste. The year after the company participated in the program, it made the Fast Starters List put out by the Australian Financial Review .

Another success story comes from a company working in the software-as-a-service industry, which implemented the students’ comprehensive plan to enhance the value of individual customer sales.

A third one involves a project from The Hope Factory, a digital web development agency. The initial Health Check revealed that the client’s wage bill was too high relative to sales. BDC students recommended a multifaceted strategy aimed at increasing sales and enhancing profitability without changing wage costs.

Some BDC clients have been so impressed with the outcome of their participation in the clinic that they have subsequently employed one of their student consultants. It is common for SME clients to give students excellent evaluations and provide five-star feedback to the school.

Leaders of the Future

The Business Development Clinic is a scaffolded and structured component of a broader “ work integrated learning ” (WIL) suite of programs at DBS. Each WIL program gives students an edge in the employment market by developing their work-ready leadership skills. Students who participate in the BDC will have an advantage in job interviews because they can make statements such as this:

“I worked on a student consulting team, mentored by an experienced entrepreneur, to assist an SME looking to rapidly build profitability. Using a unique framework, my team utilized primary and secondary data sources to develop and present a strategic plan to drive profit in seven interrelated steps. The plan was implemented by the business, which achieved a significant growth in profit as a result.”

The need for innovative, adaptable, and ethically minded leaders has never been greater than it is now. At DBS, we believe our 360-degree consulting approach will prepare students to be problem-solvers and strategic thinkers capable of leading in a dynamic and uncertain business world.

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Moscow major projects

Since launching modern Russia’s largest construction program in 2011, Moscow has more than doubled its territory. To catalyze the full potential of this rapidly-growing metropolitan area of 19.5 million people, the City of Moscow’s government pays significant attention to infrastructure as one of the key pillars of urban development—with a current focus on projects that create livable and comfortable urban spaces for both citizens and tourists.

Following its first five years of projects, Moscow was given special recognition for “demonstrating outstanding strategic commitment and ambition” by the International Association of Public Transport (UITP). That period saw 50 million square meters of real estate developed, 370 social infrastructure objects built, and the metro expanded by 30 percent—including 101 kilometers of metro lines and 55 new stations. Innovative finance solutions, necessitated by the city government’s debt-free approach to development, enabled all this whilst maintaining a budget surplus and remaining a net donor region within Russia.

On 30-31 May 2018, the City of Moscow and Mosinzhproekt—a large Russian engineering, construction and project management company—hosted an Innovation Site Visit to showcase Moscow’s major projects to the Global Infrastructure Initiative (GII) community. Through roundtable discussions and site visits with project executives, participants explored where innovation and technology have enabled the step-changes that have allowed Moscow to deliver major projects on a short timeline—and how to apply these lessons to other cities and major projects.

The following insights emerged during GII’s Innovation Site Visit in Moscow:

• Establish a structure for citizen involvement. Major urban infrastructure projects are an extremely visible expenditure of taxpayer funds while also often being large disruptors of daily life. A foundation of citizen support is essential for success and requires a thoughtful engagement program. In Moscow, citizens are encouraged to participate in the planning process by steering major initiatives through the “Active Citizen” application—a portal for online referendums on topics appropriate for democratic decision-making. To date, almost 2 million citizens have cast more than 90 million votes on over 3,000 issues through the platform. The purpose of this structure is to increase the opportunity for citizen engagement and involvement with their city’s major investments.
• Manage the disruption ‘cost’. Major urban projects cannot be delivered without disrupting daily life. While citizens can be enrolled to accept the disruption as a necessary investment for a better outcome, equal attention needs to be given to managing the disruption ‘cost’ as to managing real expenditures. For example, MyStreets, a project to upgrade and enhance Moscow’s urban environment through reconstruction of streets and building façades, was disruptive to many citizens and commuters. However, through staging and swift execution, the disruption was minimized and the intended lifestyle improvements were quickly delivered to Muscovites and tourists who traverse newly styled pedestrian streets every day.
• Invest in technology to optimize sequencing. Moscow’s cohesive vision for urban transformation has allowed early investments in technology to assist future delivery. One of the first projects completed was the centrally-controlled traffic management system which can monitor traffic conditions and urban movement through more than 2,000 traffic cameras and 160,000 CCTV cameras installed across the city. Data collected on current conditions, and knowledge of planned activities, allows real-time rerouting of traffic through the city’s dynamic signage. It also allowed identification and analysis of permanent traffic flow changes that could further ease disruptions like those created by the major construction projects.

Moscow traffic speed increased over 13% in 201.

• Maximize utility of brownfield sites. A key reason the Moscow Central Circle (MCC), a new light-rail system integrated into the Moscow Metro, was completed in a record four-year period was the repurposing of existing brownfield networks which allowed the installation of modern technology on existing rail transport routes. The MCC’s 31 new stations will revitalize formerly abandoned industrial areas when its next stage of development builds an expected 300,000+ square meters of hotels, 250,000+ square meters of retail, and 200,000+ square meters of offices. This will give districts with historically poor infrastructure access a chance to develop at the same pace as the rest of the city.
• Leverage PPPs to enhance basic services. To manage public cost and investment while delivering world-class infrastructure, municipalities need access to additional financing tools. Based on a structure that took an act of federal legislation, the MCC is an example of enhancing publicly developed foundations with private services. The tracks and land are owned by the Moscow Metro, with the rolling stock subcontracted to Russian Railways under a life cycle contract with a guaranteed buyback. The innovation is that Moscow Metro is licensing the development rights of its individual stations to private investors. Though all stations will exist under the same covenants, individual investors will assume their station’s construction cost and operational risk and rewards.
• Create citizen-centric spaces. In addition to serving as open spaces, today’s city residents expect their parks to provide for entertainment and consumer services too. Many modern parks offer architectural features, charismatic vistas, and social, educational, and artistic spaces for all ages. When Zaryadye Park, an area of prime real estate next to the Kremlin was converted to parkland, an international contest resulted in 10 hectares being densely designed for this multi-function purpose. The outcome was two concert venues, restaurants, a parking garage, an entertainment complex, and a biological education center, all neatly camouflaged into a natural landscape that represents Russia’s ecological diversity.
• Innovate where needed but not excessively. Moscow’s planners and builders did not shy away from technological innovation. The MCC used weldless joint rails to create a smoother and quieter system that is easier on riders and less disruptive to residents living near the railway tracks. The retrofit designs for Luzhniki Stadium were fully modeled in building information management (BIM)—a step which identified more than 100,000 conflict points before they could escalate into project delays. However, the project teams were also careful not to force innovation where it could create unnecessary risk and complications. Instead, they delivered the massive project portfolio by tactically melding innovations with highly-proficient execution of well-known and proven methods.

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Moscow International Business Center: The Latest Architecture and News

Moscow's high rise bohemia: the international business district with no business.

The Moscow International Business Center (Also known as Moskva-City ) was meant to be Russia ’s ticket into the Western world. First conceived in 1992, the district at the edge of Moscow’s city center is intended to contain up to 300,000 inhabitants, employees and visitors at any given moment and, when completed, will house over 4 million square meters of prime retail, hotel and office space to create what the Russian government desired most from this project: an enormous financial district that could dwarf London’s Canary Wharf and challenge Manhattan . Twenty three years later though, Moscow-based real estate company Blackwood estimates that as much as 45% of this new space is entirely vacant and rents have plummeted far below the average for the rest of Moscow. The only press Moskva-City is attracting is for tenants like the High Level Hostel , a hostel catering to backpackers and other asset-poor tourists on the 43rd floor of the Imperia Tower , with prices starting at $25.50 for a bed in a six-person room. This is not the glittering world of western high finance that was envisioned back in the post-Soviet 90s; but what has it become instead?

• Read more »