Every consultant has clients who struggle with similar challenges. The magic happens when you can guide them through those challenges in a clear, repeatable way. That’s exactly what your signature framework does – it’s your unique, proven system for delivering results. Think of it like your consulting GPS: it shows clients the exact route from their current struggles to success.
Why You Need a Framework
Consider your favorite recipe. You don’t just throw random ingredients together. You follow a tested process, with specific ingredients and instructions that create the perfect dish every time. Your framework does the same thing for your consulting business. It shows clients exactly how you’ll guide them from their current challenges to the results they want.
For example: Sarah, a productivity consultant, was struggling to explain her process. She created a new signature program called “The FOCUS Framework” (Find your gaps, Organize your time, Create routines, Understand your energy, Sustain changes), her client sign-ups doubled. Why? Because clients could clearly see how she’d help them.
Building Your Framework: A Simple Roadmap
Step 1: Mine Your Success Stories
Think about your biggest client wins. What made them successful? For example, if you help businesses with marketing, maybe you notice you always start with audience research, then move to messaging, and finish with channel selection.
Success Story Example:
- Client A: Started with audience deep dive, created messaging, picked Facebook as main channel
- Client B: Similar path, different channel (LinkedIn)
- Pattern Found: Research → Message → Channel
Step 2: Name Your Stages
Give each step a name that’s easy to remember. Make it fun but professional.
Instead of “Research Phase,” try:
- “Discovery Deep Dive”
- “Truth Finding Mission”
- “Foundation Phase”
Step 3: Pick Your Magic Number
Most great frameworks use 3-7 steps:
- 3 steps: Quick and easy to remember
- 5 steps: Detailed but not overwhelming
- 7 steps: Maximum before complexity hurts understanding
Find the right mix for describing your framework. For example:
- Too Simple: “Research, Plan, Do”
- Just Right: “Discover, Define, Design, Develop, Deploy” (The 5 “D” Framework 😊)
- Too Complex: “Research, Analyze, Plan, Create, Review, Revise, Test, Launch, Monitor”
Step 4: Test Your Flow
Share your framework with:
- A fellow consultant
- A past client
- Someone outside your industry
Ask them:
- “What stands out?”
- “Which part is confusing?”
- “Can you explain it back to me?”
Step 5: Make It Sticky
Create something memorable. Acronyms are great for the memory:
- SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound)
- PATH (Plan, Act, Track, Help)
- GROWTH (Goals, Research, Opportunities, Work, Track, Harvest)
Step 6: Put It to Work
Integrate your framework everywhere:
- Website homepage
- LinkedIn profile
- Email signature
- Presentation slides
- Client proposals
- Social media posts
Common Framework Types
- Step-by-Step Process
- Example: “The 5 P’s of Productivity”
- Works best for: Linear processes
- Circular Model
- Example: “The Success Cycle”
- Works best for: Ongoing improvements
- Pyramid Structure
- Example: “The Business Growth Pyramid”
- Works best for: Foundation-based growth
Avoid Common Mistakes
- Don’t Copy Others
- Study competitors but create your own unique path
- Use your unique experiences
- Keep It Simple
- Avoid jargon
- Test with non-industry friends
- Make It Flexible
- Make sure it works for different client types
- Make it adaptable to various situations
Your Turn!
Today:
- List your last 5 client successes
- Find the common patterns
- Draft three possible framework names
This Week:
- Create first framework draft
- Test with trusted colleague
- Refine based on feedback
Next Month:
- Add to marketing materials
- Use in client meetings
- Track response and adjust as needed
Your framework isn’t set in stone. Let it evolve as you learn what resonates with your clients. The key is to start somewhere and refine as you go.
Need a quick way to start? Complete this sentence: “I help my clients go from _____ to _____ using my proven _____ step process.”
Your signature framework is what sets you apart from your competition. But it’s not just about being different – it’s about creating memorable value.
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Need help putting the pieces together? Click Here to schedule a free, 15-minute, no sales talk, chat and get some real pointers to start you on your way.
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