The Triple-A Attraction Method: Getting Clients as a Freelance Political Consultant

Political Consulting: Going it on your own!

Making the decision to offer your political consulting services on a freelance basis can be an extremely exciting and liberating career move.  At the same time, however, you are now driving down a solitary road that can be stressful enough to turn your hair prematurely grey.

If you’ve already worked as a consultant for a firm, then you may have an edge.  However, because political consultants are in high demand, you can still do great even if this is your first consulting gig.

Client Base Building: Your number one priority!

Consulting services have really taken off in recent decades. The risk you are taking can definitely be worth the rewards that you will reap.  To maximize your chance for success in this line of work, you need to focus on the one crucial component of your business (aside from your own expertise, of course): your client base.

Without a solid list of clients, as a consultant, (no matter which line of consulting you are in) you are doomed.  That is why your primary focus, as a political consultant who is just starting out, should be building up your client base.  There is a simple yet fantastic way to push yourself to the top of the heap!  You can stand out among the droves of undifferentiated masses scrambling for the best clients!

This nifty little technique for getting, and keeping, clients is so fundamental that it is little more than common sense.  Yet, surprisingly, many political consultants fall short of recognizing this powerful formula that can make or break their career.

So, pay attention… because, by following what is called “The Triple-A Attraction Method”, you can be headed for a lucrative profession as a freelance political consultant!

The Triple-A Method of Attracting Clients.

“Simplicity is the key to brilliance” – Bruce Lee

The Triple-A Method is a prime example of this timeless quote.  It matter-of-factly asserts that in order to attract and keep clients, you need to possess and perfect the “triple-A’s” of accessibility, approachability, and adeptness.

In general terms:

Accessibility is making sure potential clients are aware of your existence- getting your name and/or company profile “out there”.

Approachability is making sure that clients view you favorably.  You must be the wearer of many hats and have political savvy to accomplish this.

Adeptness is making sure that your ability and expertise is in line with the services you are offering.

Order is everything!

Now that you see the Triple-A Method laid out before you, it seems fairly logical, doesn’t it?  It isn’t difficult at all to grasp or follow, but you must take it absolutely as the holy grail of attracting clients.  Those who don’t, well, just don’t get the opportunities that those who get it do.

And that’s not all.  Read carefully: order is everything.  This Triple-A Method of attracting clients works very well, but only works if you attack the three A’s in sequence.

Think about it.  There are a lot of top notch experts in the field of political consulting, offering high-end services backed by their ivy league diplomas in political science.  But, if their bedside manner isn’t up to par, or they just can’t seem to fit in with a given client’s company culture, they are going to get the boot.  Likewise, if you are a reputable political consultant in your own circle, but you are branching out to an area where you have not made yourself or your services known (in other words, you are not accessible as a consultant), then it doesn’t matter how good you are. You aren’t going to get offers in that market.

Of course, conversely, if you do everything right in promoting your accessibility and you are extremely approachable, flexible and possess the social and professional skills to succeed, none of that matters if you just don’t have the political chops.  You will eventually be found out.

The final lesson on this, however, is that the most successful political consultants have all three of these attributes and the best ones place their importance in the proper order.

Practice the Triple-A Method!

If you want to be one of the top political consultants in your field, you can do it!  Just remember, that your priorities need to be straight and unfaltering right from the start.

Your clients are what make your business- they are your most precious asset.  Make the most of your client base building ability by employing the simple and effectively synergistic “Triple-A Method”.  Remember that the order of the Triple-A’s is of utmost importance!

First, make yourself accessible and visible as a consultant.  You must promote yourself in every way possible and get the word out about your services.  If clients aren’t aware that you even exist as a consultant, it is all a moot point.

Next, be approachable!  Use your best diplomatic manners, your professional demeanor, and your social skills combined with political savvy to schmooze and impress your clients while making them feel at ease.  You must come across as confident, not arrogant.  You must be completely in tune with the changing needs and personalities of different clients and be flexible enough to respond to multiple environments.

Finally, you need to be sure you are adept at your job!  You must show you have the expertise in the field to provide advice as a political consultant.  Keep on top of your game by continuing your education and reading up on the latest trends in the industry.

By using this Triple-A Method for attracting clients, you are sure to surpass many consultants in the political arena, who may have the talent, but just don’t have the whole package put together like you do.  Your success as a political consultant is just three steps away, by following through, and working on the right goals, in the right order!