If you're already an expert in some field, you risk getting stuck there.
You'll probably want to broaden your field of work as a consultant or mentor at a certain level: discover new niches, attract new audiences, or explore a new area of knowledge.
However, once you begin, some potential clients will definitely want to see your portfolio.
What will they find? Right, your previous experience in the specific field that you wish to expand.
And then they'll fairly ask you why you're selling something new now when your entire past was built on a different expertise scope.
What can you do in such a situation? How to avoid being a hostage to your past experiences?
Start selling the right questions instead of your prior knowledge.
In fact, that's what's being purchased.
As a growth coach, I sell a good question.
The one where the client says, "Mmm… It's a good question to think about!”.
That's exactly what I sell.
How will the client get an answer to this question?
There are many options.
Maybe they already have the answer, or maybe they'll think about it and come up with a solution.
They might even know where to find the answer but never thought to ask the question.
When they do it, they will also have a set of hypotheses to help them find the answer.
So, if you're selling questions, then it's all about helping the client come up with the answer themselves through hypotheses, results, and asking new questions.
The consultant doesn't solve the client's problems for them, but guides them to make their own decisions.
This way, your client will gain more value from your teamwork, and you yourself won't be locked into your expert field. It’s a win-win strategy.
Don't be afraid to step outside the box.
Ask good questions and help your clients grow faster!