Crafting a Consultant Business That Nurtures the Soft Life – Join the Conversation!

Author. Mexico City, Mexico. Photo Credit: Lauren Guiliani/@_laurengiuliani

In a world that often glorifies the hustle and bustle of constant work and ambition, the concept of the "soft life" has gained traction as a refreshing alternative. The soft life represents a balance between work and personal well-being, emphasizing the importance of relaxation, enjoyment, and quality of life. Aspiring entrepreneurs and consultants can find a unique niche by developing a consultant business that not only offers valuable expertise but also promotes the principles of the soft life. In this blog post, we will delve into the key strategies for creating a consultant business that aligns with the soft life philosophy.

Understanding the Soft Life

Before diving into the intricacies of building a consultant business around the soft life, it's essential to understand what the soft life truly encompasses. The soft life is about valuing experiences, relationships, and overall well-being over excessive materialism and stress. It encourages individuals to prioritize self-care, leisure, and personal growth. A consultant business that promotes the soft life seeks to help clients achieve their goals while maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Some might define it as an “anti-capitalist” business model as it does not seek profit and volume over value and significance. This business model can be lucrative but not as the expense of time, rest and life’s enjoyment.

Identify Your Niche

The foundation of any successful consultant business is a clear understanding of your niche and target audience. Consider your own expertise, passions, and values when choosing a niche that resonates with the principles of the soft life. This could range from life coaching and wellness consulting to travel advice and time management strategies. By focusing on areas that align with the soft life philosophy, you'll be better positioned to attract clients who share these values.

Flexible Work Arrangements

One of the cornerstones of the soft life is flexibility. Embrace this principle by offering flexible work arrangements for both yourself and your clients. Utilize remote work options, flexible scheduling, and a results-oriented approach to foster a collaborative and relaxed consulting environment. By allowing clients to engage with your services in a way that suits their lifestyle, you'll be fostering a business model that aligns with the soft life philosophy.

Emphasize Long-Term Results

A key aspect of the soft life is cultivating sustainable happiness and contentment. Rather than focusing solely on short-term gains, emphasize the importance of long-term results in your consulting approach. Help clients set realistic, achievable goals that contribute to their overall well-being over time. This approach not only aligns with the soft life philosophy but also fosters a strong reputation for your consultant business.

Promote Authenticity and Balance

When promoting your consultant business, be sure to embody the principles you espouse. Demonstrate authenticity and transparency in your marketing efforts. Highlight your own commitment to work-life balance and well-being, and share personal anecdotes that resonate with the soft life philosophy. Clients are more likely to trust and engage with a consultant who practices what they preach. I check-in with clients regarding goals. Having an honest conversation and then providing support and advise to better manage (or even deprioritizing some goals) is the way you model and support balance. 

Conclusion

In a fast-paced world that often glorifies relentless ambition, the soft life offers a refreshing perspective. Developing a consultant business that aligns with the principles of the soft life allows you to provide valuable expertise while promoting holistic well-being and work-life balance. By identifying your niche, offering holistic solutions, embracing flexibility, emphasizing long-term results, and promoting authenticity, you can create a consulting business that not only thrives but also contributes positively to the lives of your clients. Remember, the soft life isn't just a business model—it's a way of life that values the journey as much as the destination.

My next blog post I will discuss how I have personally worked to overcome burnout as a consultant and digital nomad. The journey has not been easy but I have landed in a place where my consulting business model provides a balanced work-life and creates the “softer life” I’ve dreamed of as I travel the world.

If you have a consultant business please comment below and share the ways you create a softer life for yourself and clients.

About the Author: Wanda Scott is the founder and principal consultant of Wanda Scott & Associates. Wanda has over 22 years of nonprofit and fundraising experience. Wanda has earned the Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE), the Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy (CAP®) professional designation, and a Master of Theological Studies (MTS) in Feminist Interpretations of the New Testament from Candler School of Theology at Emory University.

She is a native of Cleveland, Ohio, and is currently a digital nomad traveling the world.