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

2. 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

3. 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:
and

4. My business
Alley Cat Games

5. Go big or go home

6. $309,000 raised 3900 1 happy client + return business!
On kickstarter
3900
backers
1 happy client + return business!
Woot!

7. £63,000 raised 2100 3000 mailing list subscribers
3 board game related projects
2100
Backers
3000 mailing list subscribers
Woot!
1 year (operation)

8. What is consultancy?

9. Part of a bigger picture

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

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

12. 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

13. Smile, listen, analyse, approach
Approaching clients
Smile, listen, analyse, approach

14. 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

15. Contracts
“Show me the money”

16. 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

17. ”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”

18. 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

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

20. 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

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