Turn Your Experience into a Services Business
Good Morning!
This past week, we narrowly avoided a Reddit crisis — we went viral (sort of), but some didn't like it!
On the Mat
- Hand-On vs. Hands-Off Business Models
- The Professional Service Spectrum from Harvard Business Review
- Applying the Lean Startup for Service Businesses
Let's Train
Choosing the Right Service Business Model: Hands-On vs. Hands-Off
When structuring your service business, a key decision is how hands-on you want to be in delivering value. Your approach will shape your business model, operations, and client expectations.
(Of course, there's no such thing as completely hands-off; beware of the common passive income trap).
Three ways you can go about this
- Advisory (Self-Service Model):
You provide guidance, templates, or strategy, but the client executes. This model is great for those who enjoy teaching, creating scalable resources, or offering strategic direction without deep involvement. Think courses, coaching calls, or strategic audits.
- Collaborative (Hybrid Model):
A balance of coaching and implementation. You strategize, provide support, and guide execution while the client remains involved. This model works well for consultants, agencies, and fractional executives who want to offer hands-on help without taking full control.
- Full-Service (Concierge Model):
A premium, high-touch model where you handle everything from strategy to execution. Ideal for professionals who excel in managing complex projects and want to offer a seamless, done-for-you experience.
How to Choose?
- Do you prefer guiding or executing? If you enjoy advising and scaling your expertise, advisory might be the best fit.
- Do you want to build deep client relationships? Collaborative models provide hands-on impact while balancing your workload.
- Do you want to offer a premium, high-end service? Full-service models demand more time but can command higher fees.
Whichever path you take, align your business with your strengths, lifestyle goals, and how you best create value for your clients.
Different Models for Different Clients
Spoiler alert: many of the most successful consulting and service businesses meet clients where they are and offer whichever of the three models will best meet their needs.
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In other words, you need to position yourself in some way as a thought leader.
Sharpen Your Blade
From Tech Layoff to CEO (8-Figure Exit)
Layoffs, private or, nowadays, public, haven’t stopped, unfortunately.
I know it can be devastating because I was laid off in 2003 and spent a few months looking for work without luck.
In fact, that’s what propelled me to start my first business, which snowballed into an 8-figure acquisition.
In this video, I share how I turned a layoff into a thriving business and guide you to:
- Build a financial safety net
- Package your skills into a business
- Land your first paying client
Premiering Next Thursday Your Business Looks Amateur
When I started my first business, I thought my skills would speak for themselves. They didn’t…
I had no tagline. No strong presence. Just a flimsy, forgettable business card.
I realized two things early on:
- Image matters: branding isn’t just for big companies–there are basic but essential branding any small business needs
- Branding isn’t about looking good—it’s about being remembered, trusted, and chosen.
We don’t buy from businesses. We buy from people and brands we believe in.
Tune in next Thursday – let’s make your brand speak for you.
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