Your Consulting Business Podcast

Hosted by Russell Pearson

Business Entrepreneurship

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100

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Aug 2026

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About the show

Your Consulting Business Podcast provides weekly thoughts, ideas, and insights for creating a Consulting Business that aligns with a Lifestyle you LOVE. Hosted by Business Advisor, Blacksmith, and Father of three, Russell Pearson, this podcast delivers a unique perspective on consulting. The business of running it and the practice of doing it. Whether you've been a consultant for decades or aspiring to step up into the sector, this podcast has something for you.

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September 9, 2026Episode 18834 min

Influence vs Manipulation: The Dark Side of Persuasion in Business

Get Your Tickets: https://influencers2026.com.au Discover more about Anthony Perl AND Podcasts Done For You https://podcastsdoneforyou.com.au/ Influence can win clients, open doors and create opportunities. But where does influence end and manipulation begin? In this episode, Russell Pearson and I get into the darker side of influence: how persuasion works, how other people and systems are influencing you, and how to become more influential without crossing the line into manipulation. Russell's argument is that real influence isn't about follower counts or becoming some kind of social-media "influencer". It's about being trusted, being invited into the right rooms, being considered when you're not there, and being able to help people move toward better outcomes. We get into: How influence differs from manipulation Why intention matters when you're persuading someone How advertising, social media, algorithms and AI influence your thinking Why conviction and communication matter more than tricks How influence creates access to clients, opportunities and stronger networks Why consultants shouldn't simply "do the work" for clients How to help clients build confidence and capability instead Why real influence has very little to do with audience size For consultants, advisors, founders and leaders, this is really a conversation about how you move people without becoming manipulative — and how you protect yourself from the influence being directed at you. Russell also shares the thinking behind the upcoming Influences event in Sydney and why he and Kirryn Zerna have become slightly obsessed with pulling apart communication, persuasion and influence. 00:00 — How context changes the way you position yourself 03:05 — What do you actually want influence to achieve? 04:56 — Real influence has nothing to do with TikTok followers 07:51 — How influence creates clients, opportunities and access 09:52 — Influence vs leadership 12:01 — Competition, strategy and the levers of influence 16:26 — The dark side: influence vs manipulation 20:17 — Persuasion, reciprocity and ethical influence 23:14 — Using influence with consulting clients 27:44 — Why Russell and Kieran created Influences 29:52 — How to apply influence to a specific busines More about Russell, Visit: https://russellpearson.com SUBSCRIBE for more videos like this one. ▶️ Secret Workshop: For those ready for the next step, this is the fastest way, I know, to build a highly profitable consulting business in just 4 days a week. https://youtu.be/4dUzyjkMgrw

August 26, 2026Episode 18723 min

What Consultants Actually Do (And Why Clients Pay So Much)

Free Consulting Resources available at: https://russellpearsonprograms.com Get the Book: https://businessofexpertise.com/book What does a consultant actually do, and why will clients pay significant money for their advice? If you're moving from contracting, freelancing, done-for-you services or employment into consulting, mentoring or advisory work, the blank canvas can be surprisingly difficult. You know your area of expertise. But what are you actually supposed to do with a client? In this episode of Your Consulting Business, Russell Pearson breaks down the three essential parts of a successful consulting business: getting into the right prospects' "brain space," diagnosing rather than pitching, and delivering your expertise at the moments where it creates the greatest value. You'll discover how to: Become known for a specific problem or outcome rather than chasing attention Sell consulting by diagnosing like a doctor instead of pitching a packaged solution Map the journey from where a client is today to the outcome they want Identify the "ignition points" where your expertise creates maximum value Decide which parts of the client journey you actually want to own Stop becoming the person who simply does the work inside the client's business Use workshops, conversations, reports, research and frameworks more intentionally Help clients take good advice — rather than simply giving them more information And in a world where AI can provide almost unlimited answers, that last point matters more than ever. The consultant's value isn't simply knowing more. It's helping clients diagnose what matters, make better decisions and take the actions that create an outcome. If you're building a consulting, advisory, mentoring or expertise-based business, subscribe for more practical episodes on creating a business that lets you work with better clients, create stronger outcomes and make your expertise work harder for you. More about Russell, Visit: https://russellpearson.com SUBSCRIBE for more videos like this one. ▶️ Secret Workshop: For those ready for the next step, this is the fastest way, I know, to build a highly profitable consulting business in just 4 days a week. https://youtu.be/4dUzyjkMgrw 0:00 What Consultants Actually Do 2:15 Three Steps to a Successful Business 3:14 Mastering Client Positioning 6:04 Diagnosing Like a Doctor 9:33 The Power of Ignition Points 16:41 Working Backwards from Outcomes

August 18, 2026Episode 18619 min

How to Become the Obvious Choice for Consulting Clients

Free Consulting Resources available at: https://russellpearsonprograms.com Get the Book: https://businessofexpertise.com/book Discover more about the FORGE: https://forgebusinessprogram.com Sick of endless proposals, pitches, coffee chats and waiting around for referrals? The better consulting business is one where the right clients already know who you are, and think of you first when the problem you solve shows up. In this episode, Russell Pearson breaks down how to become the obvious choice in your area of expertise and position yourself as the go-to consultant rather than another service provider trying to win a pitch. You'll discover how to: - Choose the specific audience whose "brain space" you want to own - Connect your expertise to a clear problem and valuable outcome - Stop leading with your process or solution - Find the places your ideal clients already spend their time - Build enough visibility and familiarity to become memorable - Use repeated experiences, including content, podcasts, video and conversations, to strengthen recall - Move from chasing opportunities to becoming more selective about the clients you take on. The goal isn't simply to get more attention. It's to create a clear association between you, the problem you solve, and the outcome your ideal client wants. That's how you move from pitching for work to becoming the consultant people think of first. Learn more about Russell's Select Consulting approach and the Forge Business Program at Forge Business Programs. Subscribe for more practical strategies to start, build and grow a successful consulting business. More about Russell, Visit: https://russellpearson.com ▶️ Secret Workshop: For those ready for the next step, this is the fastest way, I know, to build a highly profitable consulting business in just 4 days a week. https://youtu.be/4dUzyjkMgrw

August 11, 2026Episode 18514 min

How to Sell Consulting Services, Fast

How to Build a $300K Consulting Business, Fast: https://forgebusinessprograms.com Free Consulting Resources available at: https://russellpearsonprograms.com Get the Book: https://businessofexpertise.com/book Want to improve your consulting sales? Learn the difference between the slow and fast ways to grow your consulting business today. In this episode of the podcast, we break down the specific differences between standard service-based sales and the consulting sales approach. Whether you are just starting out or looking to refine your current process, understanding these two distinct paths is essential for anyone serious about building a sustainable practice. We examine the methods that lead to client acquisition so you can choose the strategy that aligns best with your goals. By the end of this video, you will have a clear understanding of how to approach your consulting business sales more effectively. We move beyond generic service professional advice to focus on the nuances of selling expertise. Implementing these consulting tips can help you shift your focus from simply finding leads to closing deals that matter for your long-term success. Choosing the right sales strategy is the primary factor in how quickly you can scale your operations and start seeing consistent revenue. Subscribe for weekly consulting business breakdowns, and let me know in the comments: are you currently focused on fast sales or building long-term relationships? 0:00 Fast vs Slow Consulting Sales 1:23 Selling Like a Doctor 5:26 The Dangers of the Pitching Process 7:00 Managing False Positives in Your Pipeline 9:00 Navigating the Pain of Change More about Russell, Visit: https://russellpearson.com SUBSCRIBE for more videos like this one. ▶️ Secret Workshop: For those ready for the next step, this is the fastest way, I know, to build a highly profitable consulting business in just 4 days a week. https://youtu.be/4dUzyjkMgrw

August 5, 2026Episode 18434 min

Turn your Expertise into Advisory Income

Free Consulting Resources available at: https://russellpearsonprograms.com Get the Book: https://businessofexpertise.com/book Learn how to build an advisory business that pays you for your guidance instead of trading time for direct implementation work. This session breaks down how to package your expertise into a high-value offer that accelerates client results. If you are currently selling services or labor, shifting toward an advisory business model allows you to scale your impact while reducing your operational burden. I cover how to identify market opportunities and structure your advice to ensure clients get faster, measurable outcomes. We look at the exact frameworks for creating an offer that commands premium pricing. By focusing on consulting business model principles, you can stop focusing on the "how" of execution and start focusing on the "what" of strategy. This approach is designed for experts who want to leverage their knowledge to command higher fees for less direct labor. Whether you are transitioning from freelancing or looking to refine your current consulting business model, these strategies provide a clear path forward. You will see how to use visual aids and structured bullet points to communicate the value of your high ticket consulting services effectively. Subscribe for weekly advisory business breakdowns, and comment below with the biggest challenge you face when pricing your guidance. More about Russell, Visit: https://russellpearson.com SUBSCRIBE for more videos like this one. ▶️ Secret Workshop: For those ready for the next step, this is the fastest way, I know, to build a highly profitable consulting business in just 4 days a week. https://youtu.be/4dUzyjkMgrw

July 28, 2026Episode 18322 min

The Business Strategy Most Consultants Never Figure Out

Free Consulting Resources available at: https://russellpearsonprograms.com Get the Book: https://businessofexpertise.com/book There are many ways to win in the consulting business race. Yet, few consultants ever get real clarity on those winning conditions. In this episode, Russell Pearson shows you a faster way to sprint to success while ensuring you have the enthusiasm and energy to run your next race. You'll learn: - The strategic options to choose from when planning for success. - The process for repositioning fast when changing business lanes. - How to assess your business to create a more effective strategic plan. More about Russell Pearson: https://russellpearson.com SUBSCRIBE for more videos like this one. ▶️ Secret Workshop: For those ready for the next step, this is the fastest way, I know, to build a highly profitable consulting business in just 4 days a week. https://youtu.be/4dUzyjkMgrw

July 15, 2026Episode 18219 min

Million Dollar Consultants vs $300K Consultants | The Real Difference

Free Consulting Resources available at: https://russellpearsonprograms.com Get the Book: https://businessofexpertise.com/book Why do some consultants earn over a million dollars while others stay under 300k? Learn the operational habits separating top earners. This video breaks down the specific operational differences between consultants running a million-dollar consulting business and those plateauing at lower revenue levels. If you are a specialist looking to scale consulting revenue, these insights provide a clear roadmap for adjusting your daily approach. After 30 years of helping experts build their firms, I have identified the exact patterns that successful owners use to manage their time, clients, and internal systems. By comparing high income consulting earners against those struggling to grow, you will see exactly where your current business operations might be holding you back. We cover the shift in mindset and strategy required to break past the 300k barrier. This breakdown is designed for specialists who want to stop trading time for money and start building a more profitable, sustainable consulting business. Subscribe for weekly consulting strategy breakdowns, and comment below with the biggest obstacle you face in scaling your current revenue. More about Russell, Visit: https://russellpearson.com ▶️ Secret Workshop: For those ready for the next step, this is the fastest way, I know, to build a highly profitable consulting business in just 4 days a week. https://youtu.be/4dUzyjkMgrw

July 9, 2026Episode 18118 min

How to Speak So Executives Pay Attention

Free Consulting Resources available at: https://russellpearsonprograms.com Get the Book: https://businessofexpertise.com/book Master executive communication with these five proven rules. Learn how to adjust your style when presenting to C-suite leaders effectively. Communicating with executives requires a specific approach that often differs from standard professional interactions. This video breaks down the core principles of effective executive communication based on over 30 years of experience with senior leadership. Whether you are preparing for a board meeting or a quick update, understanding how to talk to executives helps you get your point across efficiently and clearly. We cover practical C-suite communication tips to help you navigate high-stakes conversations. By applying these professional communication skills, you can ensure your message resonates with decision-makers and aligns with their expectations. Adopting the right framework for speaking with leadership transforms how you present data, strategy, and requests. Subscribe for weekly business communication advice to sharpen your professional impact. Which executive communication challenge do you find most difficult to navigate? More about Russell, Visit: https://russellpearson.com SUBSCRIBE for more episodes like this one. ▶️ Secret Workshop: For those ready for the next step, this is the fastest way, I know, to build a highly profitable consulting business in just 4 days a week. https://youtu.be/4dUzyjkMgrw

July 8, 2026Episode 18015 min

Persuasion Skills for Consultants

Free Consulting Resources available at: https://russellpearsonprograms.com Get the Book: https://businessofexpertise.com/book Learn how to build credibility using an ancient ethos persuasion model to grow your consulting business. Master the art of trust. This breakdown focuses on the concept of Ethos and why it is the most critical element for anyone working as a consultant, mentor, or coach. If you struggle to win clients, this method offers a structured way to demonstrate authority and establish immediate rapport with your target audience. We examine how to implement these ancient persuasion techniques to effectively position yourself as an expert. By shifting your approach to emphasize credibility, you can better attract high-value clients and sustain long-term growth in your consulting business. You will learn how to align your professional presentation with what your clients actually need to hear to say yes. Subscribe for weekly consulting business breakdowns, and comment below with which specific persuasion challenge you want me to cover next. More about Russell, Visit: https://russellpearson.com SUBSCRIBE for more episodes like this one. ▶️ Secret Workshop: For those ready for the next step, this is the fastest way, I know, to build a highly profitable consulting business in just 4 days a week. https://youtu.be/4dUzyjkMgrw

June 23, 2026Episode 17917 min

Consultant, Coach, Mentor or Advisor? How to Choose Your 7‑Figure Expertise Model

Free Consulting Resources available at: https://russellpearsonprograms.com Get the Book: https://businessofexpertise.com/book There are people building businesses around their expertise that generate more than $500K a year, with profit margins as high as 90%. Not because they are working harder. Because they have chosen the right delivery model. For someone who has spent decades inside a professional role, this creates a powerful opportunity. You don't have to keep selling your time the way you always have. You can turn your knowledge, experience and judgement into a business that is more profitable, more flexible and more aligned with the professional lifestyle you actually want. In this episode, I explore how to choose the right mode of delivery for your expertise, so building the business feels easier, more fulfilling and far more valuable. More about Russell, Visit: https://russellpearson.com SUBSCRIBE for more videos like this one. ▶️ Secret Workshop: For those ready for the next step, this is the fastest way, I know, to build a highly profitable consulting business in just 4 days a week. https://youtu.be/4dUzyjkMgrw