How to break into consultancy Dr Caezar Al-Jassar Alley Cat Games Ltd

Topics Quick overview Who I am My business How I got into consultancy How to break into consultancy Approaching / Meeting clients Contracts Working with clients and Do’s and Don’ts Completing the job

Alleycatgames.com, @alleycatgames and info@lab-wars.com Hello! I am Caezar I am here because I’m a Birmingham University alumnus and I’m passionate about business! . You can find me at: Alleycatgames.com, @alleycatgames and info@lab-wars.com

My business Alley Cat Games

Go big or go home

$309,000 raised 3900 1 happy client + return business! On kickstarter 3900 backers 1 happy client + return business! Woot!

£63,000 raised 2100 3000 mailing list subscribers 3 board game related projects 2100 Backers 3000 mailing list subscribers Woot! 1 year (operation)

What is consultancy?

Part of a bigger picture

How I (you can) got into consultancy Network, Network, Network

Was consultancy right for me personally? My skillsets? Marketing Board game audience Board gamer Sales Logistics Project management

How to get into consultancy and find potential clients Who is in your network? Facebook groups in your industry Go to business meetup events Meetup.com Talk to your friends and family Website

Smile, listen, analyse, approach Approaching clients Smile, listen, analyse, approach

Approaching a client Businesses always face challenges What are the challenges a potential client? Analyse that challenge, is it something that you can solve? How are you adding VALUE to their business? Gently asking questions Show your capabilities without being overbearing They are the one holding the cards, not you Show your personality to show who you really are This isn’t a 1980’s sales pitch

Contracts “Show me the money”

Contracts Shows the client what you are capable of A professional contract looks like you know what you are doing Templates available online, or seek a business solicitor Set boundaries Be flexible A clear guideline of how you want to be paid, is it a % of sales, is it an upfront fee, is it a monthly wage? Penalties clearly written if either party has not stuck to the contract

”Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much” Working with clients ”Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much”

Working with clients They are the boss You are also a partner Stand firm if you have objective evidence to suggest their direction is wrong Be clear Stay calm at all times Suggest ideas that make it sound like you both came to the same conclusion Compliment your client

“Starting strong is good, finishing strong is epic” Completing projects “Starting strong is good, finishing strong is epic”

Completing projects Set a clear agenda What is “finished” ? Gauge throughout your relationship where you are adding value Do a job you’re proud of

Alleycatgames.com, @alleycatgames and info@lab-wars.com Thank you! Any questions? . You can find me at: Alleycatgames.com, @alleycatgames and info@lab-wars.com