This $150,000 Rule Fuels Her Consulting Firm with Summer Craig

How exactly does a classically trained marketer transition from big-budget ad agencies to founding a consultancy that propels private equity portfolio companies to their revenue goals? Summer Craig, founder of Craig Group, joins Michael today to share her journey from corporate roles at HomeAway.com and Gulf States Toyota to building a 23-person growth advisory firm. Along the way, Summer uncovered a critical market gap: the challenge of attributing marketing spend to revenue, especially at the board level. Leveraging her experience and a key early client, she pivoted from media buying to strategic consulting, focusing on the underserved lower middle market. If you are struggling to connect with private equity firms, Summer's insights into aligning marketing strategies with financial outcomes offer a roadmap for consultants aiming to make a significant impact in specialized markets.In this episode, you'll learn:How Summer identified a critical market need while working with major brands and agencies.The steps Summer took to transition from a corporate employee to a consultant, including securing her previous employer as her first client.How Summer expanded her client base through strategic networking, and how adding a partner with private equity expertise proved pivotal.The critical financial metrics Summer tracks to ensure sustainable growth, including customer acquisition cost and margin analysis.How Summer adapted her firm's messaging to resonate with private equity clients, moving away from marketing jargon to the language of value creation.Why proactive outbound marketing and awareness building are essential, even in a referral-driven business model.That Summer offers a free CRO dashboard designed to help calculate CAC and LTV that’s available here: Summer's FREE CRO Dashboard Download.Important Links:Summer CraigCraig GroupCraigGroup.IO on LinkedInSummer's FREE CRO Dashboard DownloadLove the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://www.consultingsuccess.com/podcastMentioned in this episode:Get Expert Insights into Your Consulting Business: Claim Your FREE Growth Session Now!Want to get personalized feedback and actionable insights on your consulting business from seasoned experts who've been in your shoes? The Consulting Success Clarity Coaching Program offers just that, and you can experience a taste of it with a FREE, no-obligation Growth Session. On this call, you'll explore how to optimize your business model, refine your messaging, and build a predictable stream of high-value clients. https://www.consultingsuccess.com/grow

Om Podcasten

The #1 podcast for consulting business owners who want to build a profitable, scalable and strategic consulting business. Over one thousands consulting business owners have applied the growth system that Consulting Success teaches here https://www.consultingsuccess.com/coaching-for-consultants Trusted by tens of thousands of consultants, the weekly conversations shine the spotlight on valuable business tips. Episodes support you in understanding how to navigate the market. This podcast is your guide to overcoming the most difficult obstacles in the consulting industry and enjoying big wins. Learn strategies for maintaining an effective team and attracting clients. Discover how to craft a clear and engaging message, and implement a marketing engine for consultants that actually works. Every conversation explores how to improve your business model to open doors to golden opportunities. This podcast features experts from various industries who share the desire to achieve success in the consulting business. They expose their well-kept secrets to get to the top. Hear the building blocks that started their careers and the most important principles they uphold to get through challenging entrepreneurial moments. Hosting the podcast is Michael Zipursky, CEO and co-founder of Consulting Success. Building businesses for more than 20 years, he has advised start-up brands, service providers, and billlion dollar corporations like Panasonic, Financial Times, Sumitomo and more. Michael is also an in-demand keynote speaker and author of five books about consulting.  He's dedicated to helping entrepreneurial consultants increase impact and earn a higher income. And on top of it all, Michael has an inspiring focus on family and community. With this extensive advisory experience, Michael understands the consequences of hyper career focus. It often means sacrificing time with loved ones, which can lead to loneliness and rejection. At some point, you may feel like an outsider in your own home. Those who prioritize the grind can neglect their health and fall prey to severe diseases. Michael believes a consulting business can only find success when it supports your dream lifestyle, not the other way around. Every podcast discussion focuses on what it really takes to get hold of genuine freedom in your career. The aim is to help you live the life you truly want while constantly growing your business. Feel excited about going to work instead of letting depressing thoughts pull you down. Enjoy the meals you want to eat, buy everything you want to own, and above all, savor time with your family and friends. Have a successful consulting business balanced with stability, well-being, and comfort. Don't sacrifice what you have for the sake of huge earnings. Achieve the revenue and profit you want and make sure it does not compromise everything you love and care about. Michael shows you how to elevate your consulting business and reach those goals with a fulfilled heart. Want to learn how we can help you grow your consulting business? Schedule your free Growth Session Call today! https://www.consultingsuccess.com/grow