Dale Gibbons

Business Breakthrough Advisors

We help experienced business advisors, consultants, and coaches systemize their business, scale income, and step back without sacrificing results.

CEO and Owner

The AI Powered Business Advisor

I write about how to build and scale a modern business consulting and coaching practice, showing you how to leverage both traditional and AI-powered strategies to acquire high-paying clients, command premium rates, and build recurring revenue streams that let you live a life of time freedom and prosperity.

Writer & Publisher

Continuous Improvement Center

We help you get things done better, faster, and cheaper by improving every process in every part of your business. We've successfully implemented Continuous Improvement programs at small companies and billion dollar behemoths.

Level 12: Software That Works

Level 12 was a client of my company, The Continuous Improvement Center. I served Level 12 as CEO, helped them realize a 100% increase in revenue, win new clients in new industries, and lay the foundation for a successful business development program.

Homeworks Properties

This real estate company renovated houses in Kentucky and Indiana way before all the cool kids were doing it, and helped many families get into their first home.

President

Farm Credit Services of Mid-America

Led the implementation of a Continuous Improvement (CI) culture. Facilitated strategic planning. Assembled and led a new department for the company focused on executing its most strategic projects. The team consists of several experts in continuous improvement, lean, six sigma and project management. Helped map the sales process and build a customer journey map to improve sales and the customer experience.

Vice President, Chief Operations Officer

Ebit Information Systems  (Now InfusionIT)

This is a company I purchased and turned around in 2005. Ebit Information Systems (Now InfusionIT) provides IT staffing and consulting services. It is now one of the top 5 IT services firms in the Greater Louisville area and has achieved the coveted Inc. Magazine list of fastest growing companies four years in a row.

Owner & CEO

EDS, an HP Company

Responsbile for marketing and selling information technology services to large corporations.

Sales Executive

Manpower

Took a new branch from start to $4M in revenue as the manager of the Louisville, KY area territory.

Director of Professional Services

GE Aviation

Helped support the Air Force and several commercial airlines in Asia, North America and South America to improve efficiency and lower their operating costs.

Field Service Representative

You’ve spent years building expertise.

Now it’s time to finally own your calendar.

I’m Dale Gibbons, and I help seasoned professionals turn their experience into high-ticket consulting businesses. 

I work with corporate escapees, exited founders and military veterans who know they’re capable of more than another 5 years in the corporate grind. 

You don’t have to be:

- At the mercy of an employer’s decisions
- Drowning in conflicting advice and tactics
- Chasing referrals that aren’t worth your expertise

You already have 90% of what it takes. My role is helping you reach that last 10%. 

Anyone who has a genius zone can build a consulting business that funds freedom and legacy.

Over the past 18 years, I’ve coached hundreds of consultants and coaches to: 

✅ Build premium consulting offers based on transformation, not time

✅ Fill workshops that generate qualified leads on autopilot

✅ Convert without pressure using my Benevolent Servant Leader™ sales framework

✅ Systematize delivery and scale through proprietary frameworks and group programs

The result: Businesses that create freedom.

I’ve built a solid, repeatable system that attracts qualified leads, clearly shows your value, and converts trust into premium, long-term engagements.  

Here’s what clients say:

- “Dale helped me replace my corporate income in 90 days.”
- “This system gave me my confidence, and pipeline, back.”
- “I finally feel like I’m running a business, not just doing client work.”

If you’re considering consulting as your next chapter and are:

❌ Unsure how to get consistent, high-value clients
❌ Struggling to explain to leads your premium pricing
❌ Drowning in tools but not seeing traction

I’d be glad to show you a better way. 

DM me if you’d like to hear more.

Or, if you’d prefer to see the system in action first, watch this quick video: 
https://bit.ly/businessbreakthroughadvisors_Video

Let’s build the consulting business that funds your freedom and gives you your life back.

We help business advisors (and those who want to be) use AI to create a reliable 6-figure+ income and leave the rat race forever.

Most consultants are treating AI like a magic button.

These prompts create results you can bill for.

AI becomes powerful when you use it to amplify your thinking and refine the core areas of your business.

I’ve been exploring how to do that inside my own consulting practice and sharing what works with my clients.

Here are some of the most effective prompts I’ve developed across each area of the business:

Strategy
"Evaluate the strategic implications of this market shift and propose three viable response options"
"Assess the attractiveness of entering [market] using a capabilities vs. opportunity fit analysis."

Marketing
"Analyze this customer data and produce insight-driven recommendations for demand generation."
"Map the customer journey and identify friction points that reduce conversion or retention."

Operations
"Design a future-state workflow that reduces cycle time and improves quality."
"Quantify the financial benefits of addressing process inefficiencies."

Finance & Analytics
"Develop a high-level financial model structure to evaluate this business opportunity."
"Perform a variance analysis and explain operational drivers behind the numbers."

People & Organization
"Create a change management plan with stakeholders, risks, and communication needs."
"Propose a succession planning approach for mission-critical roles."

I've put together 50 prompts across all five categories in the cheat sheet below.

Each one is designed to give you a structured starting point, not a finished product.

Try out a few, and save the rest for when you need a reference point.

If you're looking at how to grow your business to 7-figures,
I built a quiz that'll give you a personalized roadmap.

You can take it for free here: https://lnkd.in/gve8CjUu

📨 If you're ready to book a call, send me a DM with the word "ready."
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➕ Follow Dale Gibbons to turn your genius into a 7-figure consulting business.

Escape the rat race by turning your experience and skills into a 7-figure consulting income.

Are you willing to be seen as "too much" if it means saving someone's business?

Prospects don’t hire consultants for credentials.
They hire the person who understands their pain and cares enough to help them through it.

The problem is, many consultants focus so hard on looking polished that their real passion never shows.
They hold back to seem “professional” and end up sounding like everyone else.

Meanwhile, the consultant with less experience but more energy wins clients by making them feel understood.

That’s the difference. Clients choose the person who shows they care, not the one who’s afraid to stand out.

So instead of trying to look polished, focus on being authentic.
Here are a few actions you can do this week:

1. Find the fire.
What’s an injustice in your industry that makes your blood boil? How is it affecting the small business owners who deserve better?

2. Tell your story.
Share the real reason why you do this work. Tell the story of what you’ve been through and who you’re trying to help.

3. Light the match.
Send 10 DMs today. You don’t need a polished pitch. Tell them, “Hey, I saw your website and I think you might be leaving money on the table. Would it help to hop on a call and talk it through?”

Nobody in the world is better at being you than you.

When you stop playing it safe, you give people permission to trust you with their real problems.

That's when cold outreach becomes a public service.

If you’re struggling to pinpoint what’s holding back the next stage of your business growth, I’ve built something that could help.

My Consultant Archetype quiz gives you a detailed report on your current growth phase, your biggest blind spot, and how to fix things fast.

You can take the quiz for free here: https://lnkd.in/gve8CjUu

📨 If you're ready to book a call, send me a DM with the word "ready."
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Prospects don't care about buzzwords.

They just want their problems solved.

A common problem I see is consultants trying to be too clever with their wording.

I've been in business for 40 years. If their positioning is unclear to me, it might as well be in another language for a prospect.

I always recommend reading "Why Business People Speak Like Idiots".

Then, to go back and tighten up your messaging.

In the meantime, here are a few phrases to avoid, and what to say instead:

1. When setting the agenda:
Instead of: "Let's align on strategic priorities for this engagement."
Say: "Let's start with what's most important to you right now."

2. When asking a prospect about their problems:
Instead of: "Can you identify the key pain points impacting your current performance?"
Ask: "What’s getting in the way of your business running the way you want it to?"

3. When talking about growth:
Instead of: "Our objective is to design scalable systems that drive sustainable growth."
Say: "Let’s build simple systems that help you grow without adding chaos."

4. When giving feedback:
Instead of: "Your current strategy appears misaligned with established best practices."
Say: "There’s an easier way to get the results you’re after."

5. When presenting results:
Instead of: "We’ve observed measurable improvement across multiple key performance indicators."
Say: "You’re up 18%. Here’s what’s working and where we can keep improving."

6. When facing resistance:
Instead of: "While I understand your concerns, our methodology has consistently produced results across similar client engagements."
Say: "I get it. Let’s look at how this would work in your situation?"

7. When selling the next step:
Instead of: "We offer a comprehensive suite of services designed to optimize profitability and performance."
Say: "I can help you find and fix the profit that’s already in your business."

8. When following up:
Instead of: "I wanted to touch base to confirm receipt of the proposal and inquire about your decision timeline."
Say: "Just checking in. Does this still feel like the right next move for you?"

9. When wrapping up a meeting:
Instead of: "Let’s recap the key takeaways and confirm action items for next steps."
Say: "Here’s what we agreed on and what happens next."

Prospects just want things made easy.

If your message feels like work, they’ll move on.

Keep it simple. That’s what gets people on side.

If you're trying to pinpoint how to grow your consulting business, I built a quiz that'll help.

It gives you a personal report of your consultant archetype, biggest blind spot, and a roadmap of your next steps.

You can take the quiz for free here: https://lnkd.in/gve8CjUu 

📨 If you're ready to book a call send me a DM with the word "ready."
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Expertise gets you in the room.
Change management keeps you there.

One of the biggest mistakes consultants make is thinking strategy is enough.

It’s not.

Unexecuted ideas don’t drive outcomes.
Without change management, strategy stalls before it starts.

Clients don’t just need a plan. They need help getting people to follow it.

That’s where change frameworks come in.

The right one cuts through resistance, brings clarity fast, and guides people through the messy middle.

Here are 6 that work:

Kotter’s 8-Step Change Framework
From building urgency to embedding new habits, this step-by-step roadmap helps lead large-scale transformation with momentum and clarity.

Lewin’s 3-Phase Model
Unfreeze, change, refreeze. A simple way to help people let go of old ways and lock in new behaviors.

Prosci Change Triangle (PCT)
Combines leadership, project management, and change strategy to align every part of the business around a shared goal.

ADKAR Model
Focuses on individual adoption—awareness, desire, knowledge, ability, and reinforcement. A great tool for spotting what’s holding change back.

McKinsey Influence Model
Change sticks when behavior shifts. This model emphasizes leadership example, shared meaning, skill-building, and reinforcement.

BCG’s Change Delta Model
A big-picture framework that aligns leadership, governance, execution, and employee engagement to drive long-term results.

Strong consultants don’t just deliver plans.

They help teams take action—and make it stick.

Which of these frameworks do you lean on when leading change?

If you're trying to pinpoint how to grow your consulting business, I built a quiz that'll help.

It gives you a personal report of your consultant archetype, biggest blind spot, and a roadmap of your next steps.

You can take the quiz for free here: https://lnkd.in/gve8CjUu 

📨 If you're ready to book a call send me a DM with the word "ready."
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Solving the wrong problem is expensive.

Here’s how to get it right the first time.

Consulting is not about giving advice. It’s about finding what causes a client’s pain and fixing it.

Clients often struggle to explain what’s wrong. When the problem feels overwhelming, they don’t know where to start.

Your job is to help them see it clearly and move forward with confidence.

A few good frameworks can turn a client's confusion into a clear path forward.

Here are six that deliver:

The PDCA Cycle (Plan-Do-Check-Act)
Identify the issue and plan an approach. Test on a small scale. Check the results. Standardize successful methods.

The 5 Whys Technique
Define the problem clearly. Ask "Why?" and record the answer. Repeat up to five times or until the root cause becomes clear.

Value Stream Mapping
Write down each step in a process. Identify where time, effort, or resources are wasted. Streamline the process and monitor results.

Impact vs. Effort Matrix
Map tasks on a 2x2 grid by impact and effort. Highlight high-impact, low-effort tasks as quick wins. Invest heavily in high-impact, high-effort tasks. Delete low-value, high-effort tasks.

Root Cause Analysis
Identify the symptoms of a problem and their effects. Trace the cause to the source. Validate your theory with data or testing. Solve the issue.

SWOT Analysis
List your internal strengths and weaknesses. Spot external opportunities and threats. Match your strengths to opportunities, and try to minimize weaknesses and external threats.

Every consultant has their own way of uncovering the real issue behind a client’s challenges.

Experiment with these frameworks until you find the ones that fit your style and industry. Combined with your experience, they’ll help you spot patterns faster, solve deeper problems, and build more trust with every client you meet.

If you're still struggling, there might be something in your consulting business that needs more clarity.

I built a Consulting Archetype Quiz to help. In a few minutes, it'll uncover your consultant archetype, your biggest blind spot, and the next steps you need to take.

You can take the quiz here: https://lnkd.in/gve8CjUu

Which one of these frameworks do you use? Are there any I've missed?

📨 If you're ready to book a call send me a DM with the word "ready."
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Most people overthink networking.

They show up hoping to impress the right person, say the right thing, and walk away with a new opportunity.

That’s not how it works.

If you want to build real relationships, stop trying to “network” and start acting like someone who belongs in the room.

I’ve always preferred to act like the co-host.

Even if it’s not my event, I walk in like I belong there. I find the bathrooms, check out the food, and look for ways to help people feel at home.

Because when people feel at ease around you, they start opening up—and that’s when real connection happens.

Here’s how to network well in any room:

Tell Your Story
Share a short and honest story that explains why you do what you do.

Pay Attention to Body Language
Stand with confidence, stay relaxed, and make eye contact to help others feel at ease.

Act Like a Co-Host
Focus on helping others feel welcome and connected as if you were hosting the event yourself.

Ask Real Questions
Move beyond small talk by asking thoughtful questions that invite real conversation.

Stop Trying to Impress
Focus on being present and curious instead of trying to prove your value.

Lead With Generosity
Set a simple goal to connect at least one person to someone else before you leave.

You don’t need to perform.
You just need to be helpful and yourself.

That’s what builds trust.
And trust is what leads to clients, referrals, and strong relationships.

If you're trying to pinpoint how to grow your consulting business, I built a quiz that'll help.

It gives you a personal report of your consultant archetype, biggest blind spot, and a roadmap of your next steps.

You can take the quiz for free here: https://lnkd.in/gve8CjUu 

📨 If you're ready to book a call send me a DM with the word "ready."
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➕ Follow Dale Gibbons to turn your genius into a 7-figure consulting business.

Most consultants want to become the go-to expert.

But few take the time to build the skills that actually make them hard to replace.

At some point, almost every consultant hits a wall.
Things might be working, but not enough to break through.

If you want consistent, high-ticket clients, there are 9 skills that make the difference.

Take a look and see which one might be holding you back.

1. Communicate Clearly
↳ Talking more doesn’t mean saying more. Make sure your message is clear and that people actually understand what you mean.

2. Assess Before You Act
↳ Slow down and really look at what needs fixing. The answer is often right in front of you.

3. Build Practical Strategy
↳ You don’t need something flashy. A good strategy is clear, practical, and tied to real results.

4. Understand The Clients World
↳ Do the work to learn about the person, the business, and the problems they face. That’s where real solutions come from.

5. Lead by Example
↳ Be prepared, follow through, and do what you said you would do.

6. Earn Trust Through Results
↳ Earn trust quickly with a small win, then keep it by doing consistent, valuable work.

7. Stay Flexible with Purpose
↳ Stay flexible when things change, but never lose your standards or sense of direction.

8. Negotiate Fairly
↳ Good negotiation isn’t about winning. It’s about finding a fair deal everyone can respect.

9. Create Meaningful Change
↳ It’s not about sounding smart. It’s about doing work that leaves the business better than you found it.

Mastering these skills is what changes your business from 6-figures to 7-figures.

If you're trying to break the ceiling in your consulting business, I created a resource to help.

My free Consultant Growth Archetype quiz gives you a detailed report on your growth phase and what to do next to make a breakthrough.

You can take it here: https://lnkd.in/gve8CjUu

Which skill do you think is most important?

📨 If you're ready to book a call, send me a DM and let's chat.
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We’re living in a trust recession.

And the only antidote is being authentic.

We’ve been in it for a while, but these days technology is moving faster than ever.

We’re using AI in more and more of our work, and people’s antennas are up (as they should be).

It’s getting harder to tell what’s real and what’s not.

I’ve seen this with my own friends and family. There have been times I’ve had to tell them that a video they were watching was AI-generated.

Look, I think AI is as exciting as it is concerning.

It’s here to stay, but it can strip the humanity out of what it creates.

(I’m still a bit sad about the poor em dash. It never stood a chance.)

The erosion of trust, both personally and professionally, is one of the biggest challenges we’re facing right now.

But I think we can close that gap the same way we always have.

Spend time talking with people face to face and have real conversations. Show up as yourself, not the version you think they expect to see.

AI might make the work faster or more efficient, but it can’t replace experience, empathy, or judgment. It can’t replace the human part of what we do.

We’ve gone through the struggles, and we have the human experience to say, “I know what you’re going through. Here’s how I can help.”

People are hungry for someone who actually understands their problems.

AI can help you find them faster, but it’s your personality, experience, and judgment that provide the real value.

📨 If you're ready to book a call send me a DM with the word "ready."
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I used to lose clients I should have kept.

Then I realized I was wearing the wrong hat.

I believe that every consultant has three different hats they need to use.

Coach: Where you help clients see things clearly and make strategic moves.

Consultant: Where you help clients with hands-on implementation.

Mentor: Where you help clients grow as leaders.

I've lost clients becuase at times, I was trying to solve problems while wearing the wong hat.
I'd consult when someone needed a coach, or coach when they needed mentoring.

But over time, I began to figure how where and when my expertise was needed.

Picture an NFL football team.

When you're the coach, you stand on the sidelines. 
↳ You spot what the players can't see and give a clear strategy, but you're not on the field with them.

When you're the consultant, you're in the huddle with the team.
↳ You've got the systems and the elbow grease to deliver.

When you're the mentor, you're not at the game.
↳ But you're a phone call away when a player needs guidance.

The best consultants master all three of these roles. But most never learn when to switch.

Typically, they build their identity around one particular role that they're comfortable with and try to solve the wrong problems.

When you're able to adapt and put on the right hat at the right time, you maintain the skills that solve high-ticket problems.

If a client can't see their blind spots, you put on the coaching hat.
If they're drowning in execution, you put on the consulting hat.
And if they're wondering if they're in the right game, you put on the mentoring hat.

If you can master that, you can accept any high-ticket client that comes your way.

The magic is knowing which hat to wear when.

Think about your current clients. Which hat are you wearing with each of them?

I've also created a quiz that helps uncover what other skills you might be weaker on and how you can move forward.

In a few minutes, you'll get a detailed report on what your consultant archetype is and a roadmap of what to do next.

You can find the quiz here: https://lnkd.in/gve8CjUu

📨 If you're ready to book a call, send me a DM and let's chat.
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Presenting is one of those skills that catches a lot of consultants off guard.

They know their material and have years of real experience behind them. But the moment they step into a room, the dynamics change.

I see the same issues show up again and again:
The equipment isn’t set up the way it should be.
The lighting makes it hard to see the slides.
The room layout works against the message.
And once the presentation starts, filler words, dense slides, or unclear transitions make it difficult for clients to stay with them.

None of this means they aren’t capable.
It simply means the presentation wasn’t set up for success.

Over the years, I’ve developed a set of principles I teach my consultants to help them avoid these pitfalls.

Here are eight of them:

Own Your Equipment and Environment
Don't rely on anyone else for equipment or supplies. Arrive early to test and confirm everything is working.

Tell a Client-Relevant Story
Use a short story that mirrors your audience's challenges. Problem, solution, impact.

Ditch Dense Slides
Have one concept per slide. Minimal text. If people are reading, they're not listening.

Make Numbers Meaningful
Translate data into something real. Don't say "12% attrition." Say "1 in 8 team members is leaving each year."

Use the Rule of Three
Structure your message around three key points. Our brains love patterns.

Rehearse Like a pro
Great presenters look spontaneous, but every word and beat is rehearsed. Practice your timing, pauses, and transitions.

Strengthen Delivery and Clarity
Be intentional with your language and avoid filler words that weaken your credibility.

Create a “Wait for It…” Moment
Save one insight, reveal, or recommendation for near the end. Pause before delivering it. Make it unforgettable.

Strong presenters don't wing it. They prepare, simplify, and deliver intentionally.

If your presenting skills are already strong, and you're figuring out your next step to grow, I built a quiz to help.

It gives you a personal report of your consulting archetype and a roadmap of what to do next.

You can take the quiz for free here: https://lnkd.in/gve8CjUu

What would you add to this list?

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Top consulting firms don’t win projects because their slides look better.

They win because their message is easier to follow.

There is a structure behind it.

One that’s been proven in thousands of boardroom decisions.
And one that every independent consultant can learn to use.

It looks like this:

Front Page
Introduces the work, sets the tone, and makes it clear who it’s for.

Executive Summary
Tells the story in one slide so the decision-maker doesn’t need to dig for the point.

Body of Slides
Walks through the analysis one insight at a time, with only the information needed to back it up.

Recommendations
Lays out what needs to happen next in simple, actionable terms.

Appendix
Holds the detail for anyone who needs to see the work behind the work.

Each section has a purpose.
Each slide has a point.
Each title tells you what matters.

You don’t need a team of analysts or a big logo behind you to create high-trust presentations.

But the structure has to do the work.

Clear thinking, laid out the right way, earns attention.
It shows clients you’re serious, prepared, and ready to lead.

That’s how you compete.

Not by trying to match the big firms slide for slide, but by making it easier to say yes to your ideas.

If you want to break through your ceiling, I built the Consulting Archetype Quiz to help.

It'll show you your current growth phase and give you a personalized roadmap.

You can take the quiz here: https://lnkd.in/gve8CjUu

📨 If you're ready to book a call, send me a DM and let's chat.
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 How To Structure A Consulting Presentation

Decades of expertise don't guarantee job security.

I found that out after getting laid off.

For years, I stayed in corporate, climbed to the top, and believed my results spoke for themselves.

I thought my expertise mattered, but I was still fired for being "too entrepreneurial."

That's when I realized even great performance doesn't protect you from budget cuts, restructures, or a manager who doesn't see your value.

But all of that knowledge under your belt is still valuable. That realization led me to start consulting.

If you're thinking about making a similar change, here's what I suggest:

1. Start with what people turn to you for.
At this point in life, people are probably asking you for advice in one certain area. Focus on that. 

2. Start sharing what you know in public. 
You can do that through social media, speaking, or even a newsletter. The important thing is that you stay consistent.

3. Attract people who have expensive problems and the money to solve them.
Identify your ideal client avatar and talk to as many people as possible with no intent to sell (yet.)

4. Create an irresistible offer.
Make your solution easy to understand and the transformational journey clear. 

5. Think of sales as leadership.
It clears out the head trash you might have about your own offering, and makes it easier for clients to trust you.

6. Create a transformational experience.
Prospects want a solution to their pain. Show them how your work creates that change.

7. Share stories of how your clients' lives improved after working with you. 
Social proof is powerful. Show your prospects what they can expect from working with you.

8. Ask for referrals.
When a client is happy, tell them about your referral program and make it easy for them to share your name. 

9. Repeat steps 1 through 8
Refine the process as you go along. Focus on the 20% of work that creates 80% of results.

10. Live your life
Life isn't just all work. Build relationships that allow you to maximize the time you have with people in your inner circle.

You don't have to change everything at once. You build those consulting skills one step at a time.

There are people who'll pay for your insight because they need experience and perspective to solve their problems.

Don't wait for a round of layoffs to force you to bet on yourself.

Give yourself permission to try.

If you're ready to explore if consulting is the right step for you, I built a free Consulting Readiness Quiz.

You'll get a personalized readiness score across the 7 critical areas that determine consulting success.

You can take the quiz here for free: bit.ly/ConsultingQuiz 

📨 If you're ready to book a call send me a DM with the word "ready."
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10Steps To Turn Your Skills Into A 6Figure+ Income

Some everyday phrases can do real damage.

Start speaking like the expert you are.

How we speak to clients either builds trust or weakens it before we’ve had a chance to help.

I've made the mistake of saying the wrong thing before.

Some of it was leftover habits from corporate. Some of it was insecurity I hadn't fully shaken off.

But I learned that either way, it was fixable.

If you've ever self-edited when talking to a client, this post is for you.

Here are the phrases you ought to avoid, and what to say instead:

Instead of: “I think this might work…”
Say: “Here’s what I recommend based on similar situations.”

Instead of: “Just my two cents…”
Say: “From my experience, here’s what I’d suggest.”

Instead of: “Let me know what you’d like me to do.”
Say: “Here’s the next step I suggest we take.”

Instead of: “I’m probably wrong, but…”
Say: “This may challenge the current approach, but it’s worth considering.”

Instead of: “This might be a dumb question, but…”
Say: “I have a clarifying question.”

Instead of: “Sorry if this doesn’t make sense.”
Say: “Let me know if I should explain that differently.”

Instead of: “That’s not really my area.”
Say: “That’s outside my scope, but I can recommend someone who handles that.”

Instead of: “Hopefully this works.”
Say: “Let’s test this and adjust as needed.”

Instead of: “I’m just a solo consultant.”
Say: “You’ll be working directly with me. No delays or middlemen.”

Instead of: “Everyone’s doing it this way.”
Say: “That’s the common approach, but let’s decide what fits your situation best.”

The right language positions you as a guide, not just another vendor.

If your messaging already feels solid but you're not sure where the gaps are, I built a quiz that can help.

It shows you your consulting archetype, biggest blind spot, 
and gives you a roadmap for your next growth stage.

Take it for free here: https://lnkd.in/gve8CjUu

📨 If you're ready to book a call, send me a DM with the word "ready."
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If you're competing on price, you've already lost.

Here's how to fix it before 2026.

This is the season where consultants finish strong and set the tone for the year ahead.

And funny enough, a conversation with my nephew got me thinking about what it really means to start the new year right.

He’s been staying at my place, getting used to farm life.
One morning, he cracked an egg into the skillet and asked:

"Uncle Dale, why is the yolk so orange?"

I told him those eggs came from our friends who raise free-range chickens, not factory-farmed ones.

We had a whole conversation about the difference before he hit me with the big question:

"So why doesn't everyone just do free-range?"

The answer to that is the same reason most consultants are broke.

Everyone's trying to scale, productize, and compete on price.
That's factory-farmed thinking.

But the best consultants are free-range.
They've positioned themselves as a category of one.

If you're ready to do the same for 2026,
here are the steps to follow:

1. Identify Your Uncopyable Elements
Write down what makes you fundamentally different: Your lived experience, the patterns you see, and the lessons you've learned. 

2. Raise Your Prices Dramatically
Premium positioning requires premium pricing. Stop charging like a commodity. $10k-30k monthly retainers position you as an irreplaceable strategic partner.

3. Get Ruthlessly Selective
Fire your commodity clients. Keep and attract the ones who value wisdom over price.

4. Shift to Partnership Model
Stop selling projects. Start building strategic partnerships with your clients.

5. Use AI to Amplify Speed, Not Replace Value
AI compresses research from weeks to days, but that's not what clients pay for. They pay you to see opportunities they don't see yet.

2026 is coming fast, and the path you choose now will shape your pipeline for next year.

You can either keep competing as a commodity consultant,
or become a category of one and attract premium clients.

If you're serious about attracting premium clients in 2026 i'm hosting a free webinar on Thursday 👇

Secure your spot: https://lnkd.in/g-jEGn6S

Which one will you be choosing?

📨 If you're ready to book a call, send me a DM with the word "ready."
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Being a good communicator is table stakes.

Being a structured communicator is what makes you valuable.

Consultants often communicate from their own perspective instead of aligning with what the client actually cares about.

But as marketing copywriter Robert Collier once said, the key to influence is to "enter the conversation already going on in your prospect's mind."

That means getting out of your own head and focusing on what they care about.

Here are 7 communication frameworks to help you do that:

MOCAA Method
Shift focus from yourself to the prospect. Turns casual chats into lead-generating conversations.

Pyramid Principle
Start with the answer, then back it with logic and data. A go-to for clear, structured recommendations.

SCQA Framework
Frame problems the way clients experience them. Builds tension, then resolves it with your solution.

PREP Method
Stay calm and clear under pressure. Great for making your point when challenged on the spot.

COIN Model
Feedback without the awkwardness. Keeps it objective, actionable, and easy to hear.

What? So What? Now What?
Simplify complex data into insight and action. Keeps clients focused on what matters most.

RACI Matrix
Clarifies roles on messy projects. Everyone knows who’s doing what and who needs to be looped in.

Strong consultants don’t just share ideas.
They communicate them in ways that move people to act.

That’s what builds trust.
That’s what earns buy-in.
And that’s what gets you invited back into the room.

If you want to grow your consulting business, sharpening how you communicate is one of the highest-leverage places to start.

And if you're trying to pinpoint what phase of growth you're in and where to focus next, I built a quiz that will help.

Take the quiz here: https://lnkd.in/gve8CjUu

📨 If you're ready to book a call send me a DM with the word "ready."
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It's hard to keep going when nothing seems to move.

That's when daily 1% improvements make a difference. 

When you're starting out as a consultant, there are times when it feels like you're bumping your head against a glass ceiling.
And sometimes it doesn’t feel like glass at all. It feels like solid concrete. 

I've been there. And I've got the calloused forehead to prove it.
But there's a way to break through whatever obstacle you're facing. 

Let me tell you about Dave Brailsford.

He took the British cycling team, who'd never won the Tour de France, and turned them into world champions.

He didn't have some grand strategy. He focused on 1% improvements.

His team chose the best pillows and brought them to every hotel stop.
They identified the most effective massage gel.
And he instructed cyclists on the best hand-washing techniques to prevent infections. 

He called it the aggregation of marginal gains.

I call it the compounding of marginal gains.

The compound effect of those improvements turned the British cycling team into a force to be reckoned with.

In consulting, it's the same story.

You don't need to burn everything down and rebuild. 
You need to focus on what you can improve by 1% each day.

There are four clear steps to this:

Plan
Use what you know to map out your approach. Decide what steps you'll take and what a successful outcome should look like.

Do
Put your plan into motion on a small scale. This stage is about trial and learning, not launching something big, so keep it simple and controlled.

Check
Pause to review what happened. Did things turn out the way you expected? What worked, what didn’t, and what caught you off guard?

Adjust
If the test went well, build on it and start rolling it out more widely. If not, use what you learned to fine-tune your approach. Then run the cycle again with those improvements in mind.

Your time, multiplied by effort, creates big results. 

If you're looking for the next step of your plan,
I built a quiz that'll give you a personalized roadmap.

You can take it for free here: https://lnkd.in/gve8CjUu

📨 If you're ready to book a call, send me a DM with the word "ready."
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No one asks me, "How much does this cost?" anymore.

Here’s what changed.

When I meet a business owner for the first time, maybe at a networking event, the conversation always gets to the same question:

"So Dale, what do you do?"

Most consultants see that as a cue to start selling.
I see it as a chance to anchor value.

I use something I call the MOCAA Talk Track.

Whenever someone asks what I do, I'll say something like this:
"I'm just out here turning nickels into quarters."

There's a specific reason I say that.

It anchors value before we ever talk about price. And you have to do this early on in conversations.

By the time money comes up, I’ve probably used that nickels-to-quarters line two or three times.
So when pricing does come up, they already understand what it means.

I’ll ask, “If you give me a nickel and I give you a quarter, is that a fair exchange?”
The answer is yes.

Then I’ll ask, “If you give me a nickel and I keep giving you a quarter, do you ever want to stop doing that?”
The answer is no.

So later, when I find $500,000 in untapped profit in their business, that’s the quarter.
I only need the nickel.

By that point, it’s simple math.

But your words matter too.
Never say, “I take 20% of profit.”

Nobody wants to give anything away.
But if they give me a nickel and I hand them back a quarter, they’re fine with that every time.

And if someone pushes back, which doesn’t happen often, I’ll say, “I get it. $25,000 is a lot. It’s just not as much as $500,000.”

So when it comes to pricing, the work isn’t in the numbers.
It’s in how early you frame the value.

Do it before the question ever comes up.
If you wait until someone asks, you’re already too late.

That’s why I use the nickels-to-quarters line right from the start.
It keeps me out of price conversations and inside value conversations.

That’s where you want to be.

📨 If you're ready to book a call send me a DM with the word "ready."
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How To Talk About Price As A Consultant

The most successful consultants aren’t extraordinary.

They do ordinary things with relentless consistency while everyone else is busy getting distracted.

They’re not bouncing around.
They just keep doing the fundamentals again and again with discipline.

They know results take time.
Sometimes weeks.
But when you’re in a place of scarcity, those weeks feel like forever.

That’s where most people stop.
Not because they’re not capable.
But because they haven’t built the resilience to push through that gap.

Especially if they’ve come from a job where the paycheck just shows up.
They’ve never had to think about cash flow.
They’ve never had to manage the mental pressure of building something on their own.

But that’s what this work demands.
The ability to stay focused, keep moving, and let the results catch up.

And through it all, remember:

Nobody can do what you do the way you do it.
That’s what makes you valuable. Don’t forget it.

If you're trying to pinpoint how to grow your consulting business, I built a quiz that'll help.

It gives you a personal report of your consultant archetype, biggest blind spot, and a roadmap of your next steps.

You can take the quiz for free here: https://lnkd.in/gve8CjUu 

📨 If you're ready to book a call send me a DM with the word "ready."
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My webinar blueprint has generated $50M+ in sales.

Here's the step-by-step breakdown:

Webinars and workshops can be tricky for many consultants to get right.

On one end of the spectrum, some people spend the whole session pushing their services.
On the other hand, some give away so much value that prospects think they can do it on their own.

But when you get it right, webinars are teaching sessions that naturally lead to your offer.

I've used this exact framework and shared it with other consultants because it gets results without the sleazy feeling.

Here's how it works:

1. Start with a Magnetic Hook & Bold Claim:
In the first few minutes, establish a time frame, state what you're going to teach, and present the ideal outcome for your audience.

2. Present Inclusive Authority & Who This is For:
Establish your credibility through results, experience, and social proof.

3. Share the Agenda & The Single Most Important Thing:
Give your audience clear expectations of what you'll cover. Share the single most important idea that makes your solution clear.

4. Challenge Identification via The Shift Method:
Call out the biggest false assumptions your audience has and show them a better way to think about their situations.

5. Share the Solution Framework via The Bridge Method:
Present your core process or system. Keep it simple. Name each step, explain why it matters, and how it connects to their desired outcome.

6. Present the Proof & Case Study Sandwich:
Share up to three case studies that tap into different audience segments. Tell them the setup, how you applied your framework, and specific results.

7. Natural Bridge Transition:
Present two paths. The audience applies the knowledge they've gained by themselves, or they receive your personal guidance and services.

8. Share Your Value Stack Offer:
Present your core services as an appealing offer. Let them know what support they have, exclusive bonuses, the total value, and the total investment.

9. Bring in Logical Urgency & Close:
Give people a real reason to act now. It could be limited spaces, bonus support, or a clear guarantee of work.

This method has proven to work for me. That's why I teach consultants to use it themselves.

When you lead with your expertise and a clear offering, the sale becomes a natural next step instead of an uncomfortable pitch.

I've built a quiz to help more consultants reach their next growth phase of their business.

In a few minutes, it tells you your consultant archetype, your number one blind spot, and the next steps you need to take.

You can take the quiz for free here: https://lnkd.in/gve8CjUu

📨 If you're ready to book a call send me a DM with the word "ready."
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You can say all the right things in all the wrong places.

That's where most consultants fail in lead gen.

Years ago, marketing legend Gary Halbert asked his students a simple question:
"If you could have any advantage when opening a restaurant, what would it be?"

Better food? A great location? A killer ad campaign?

Halbert's answer: A starving crowd.

Food, location, and marketing won't matter if there's no hungry audience to buy.

The same's true in consulting. 

A clear strategy and message won't matter if it's shown to the wrong people.

Choosing the best way to get your message across comes down to three things:

1. Your ideal clients actively engage with that media.
Find where your clients are already spending their time.

2. It allows for a direct response.
Look for platforms where people can comment on posts, send you a DM, or take a direct action.

3. It aligns with your strengths.
The media you choose to engage with should feel natural to you. It'll either be writing, speaking, or networking (or a mix).

To refine things more, here are the best media channels for consultants to generate quality leads.

LinkedIn & Email
These are the best routes for direct outreach, nurturing leads, and establishing authority. Personalize outreach messages and post useful content your ICP can take away. Use email to stay top-of-mind.

Webinars & Workshops 
These are opportunities to position yourself as an expert. Teach others what you do, have a clear call-to-action, and follow up with any attendees who might need more nurturing.

Podcasts & Guest Features
Use these as opportunities for long-term trust-building. Be a guest on industry podcasts to borrow credibility. Share your personal stories so your audience can connect with you.

Paid Ads 
Great for when you've got a clear offer and message. Test things on a small scale first and remember that ads only amplify success. They don't create it.

Cold Calls & Direct Mail
These are old-school and need persistence, but they can still be effective for certain markets. Send personalized direct mail to stand out from digital. Follow up any cold calls with useful emails.

In the carousel below, I've put in the most common mistakes consultants and coaches make with each media outreach. Take a look so you know what to avoid.

You don't have to be juggling every single platform out there. You'll land quality leads by being in the right place, at the right time, with the right message.

If you need more support in knowing how to reach your target clients, this Thursday i'm hosting a free webinar to help.

Secure your spot 👉🏻 https://lnkd.in/g-jEGn6S

Which method do you prefer for generating leads: writing, speaking, or networking? 

📨 If you're ready to book a call send me a DM with the word "ready."
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How To Choose The Best Marketing Channels

The Blue Collar Wave

Revenue feeds your ego - PROFIT feeds your family. My goal is straightforward – to help serious home service business owners operate more efficiently, maximize every opportunity, close more sales and generate more profits quickly.

Business Consultant, Coach, Trainer, Profit Specialist

Founder & CEO

Snowball Industries

Vice President Operations

Director of Education And Training

Home Service Business Coaching, Training, Acquisitions

The Blue Collar Success Group

Coach

Jasper Contractors, Inc.

Actively seeking to identify potential acquisition opportunities of HVAC, Plumbing and Electrical companies throughout the country.

Mechanical Division Manager

I’m Jim Cosmas, and I help home service contractors cut through the noise and build businesses that actually make money today. With more than four decades of experience in the trades, starting as an apprentice and working my way up to owner of several services businesses, I know the fundamentals that never go out of style. Financial discipline, operational efficiency, and leading your team with clarity. Those principles are timeless, and I’ll never hand you some trendy flavor-of-the-month tactic that doesn’t work in the real world.

But the reality is, today’s challenges aren’t the same as when I was crawling through attics with a tool bag. Customers buy differently, employees think differently, and technology is changing how business gets done. Contractors who keep clinging to “the way it’s always been” are falling behind. That’s why I bring both sides to the table: the proven methods that always work, combined with modern strategies and AI-powered tools that keep you ahead of the curve.

My philosophy is simple: “Revenue feeds your ego. PROFIT feeds your family.” Every decision we make together runs through that filter. I’ll help you align your pricing, your people, and your processes with the times we live in so you can stop putting out fires and start building a business that is profitable, sustainable, can run without you, and ready for the future.

Jim Cosmas

"Do you have a service manager that... well, sucks?" @JimCosmas from The Blue Collar Wave tackles a common, uncomfortable truth in home service businesses: the struggle of a good technician turned bad manager.

Often, a high-producing, top-performing service technician is promoted into a management role, only to "suck" at it. Why? Jim explains it's usually not their fault. Being great in the field (HVAC, plumbing, electrical, etc.) doesn't automatically equip someone with the entirely different skill set needed for leadership:

	• Managing people
	• Managing processes
	• Strategic oversight

If new managers are not given clear responsibilities, proper training, and elevated skill sets for their new role, they are set up to fail. This leads to frustration for everyone and a decline in overall team performance.

As leaders, it's our responsibility to provide the right training and clear expectations to help our managers succeed.

Have you seen this challenge in your business? How do you prepare your top performers for leadership roles?

Develop your leaders and elevate your entire team:
🔗 Visit our website: https://lnkd.in/eWmHpB-b
🗓️ Book a Free Intro Call with Coach Jim: https://lnkd.in/e7DnxBnV

#LeadershipDevelopment #ServiceManager #PromoteFromWithin #TrainingGaps #HomeServices #BusinessChallenges #TheBlueCollarWave #ManagementSkills #EmployeeGrowth

Service Business Strategist - Growth Expert | Consulting, Coaching, & Profit Maximization Specialist | Scaling Strategies for Sustainable Success

𝗣𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗹 𝗢𝘄𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀: 𝗗𝗲𝗰𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝗜𝘀𝗻’𝘁 𝗗𝗼𝘄𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲 , 𝗜𝘁’𝘀 𝗣𝗿𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝗧𝗶𝗺𝗲.

Right now:
✅ Rodents are moving indoors
✅ Wasps are nesting in attics
✅ Your clients are hosting holiday guests

This is 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘮𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵 to:
✅ Sell holiday readiness inspections
✅ Book annual contracts
✅ Lock in 2026 revenue

Learn the system in Part 1 of the 𝘏𝘰𝘭𝘪𝘥𝘢𝘺 𝘗𝘳𝘰𝘧𝘪𝘵 𝘉𝘭𝘶𝘦𝘱𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘵 → https://lnkd.in/e-9Hz7Eg

Then take control of your business trajectory:
📘 Why Private Equity Wants Your Business And How to Keep the Profits for Yourself
👉 https://lnkd.in/eztbZKSH

#pestcontrolbusiness #Q4Strategy #slowseason #rodentcontrol #recurringrevenue #profitability

No alternative text description for this image

You’re not crazy.
You’re just ahead of your environment.

They think you’re “doing great” because you’re booked out and bought a new truck.

But 𝘺𝘰𝘶 see what’s missing:

➡️ Systems that scale
➡️ Leadership that runs without you
➡️ Strategy that builds long-term value, not just daily chaos

And when you bring that up?
Your circle looks at you sideways.

That’s because you’ve outgrown your circle.

It’s time to sit at a new table, one built for growth, scale, and legacy.

That’s exactly what the 𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗮𝗿 𝗠𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗱 is.

Not fluff. Not theory. Not “hustle culture.”
Just smart, experienced operators building each other up, and their businesses way past industry average.

If that’s the energy you’ve been starving for:
👉 https://lnkd.in/eKwtxutd

#growthmindset #mastermind #scaleup #leadership #legacy #thetrades #bluecollarmastermind

Are you inadvertently "diminishing your own value" as a manager? @JimCosmas from The Blue Collar Wave calls out a common pitfall for leaders in home service businesses: personally handling every field problem.

If you, as a manager, consistently find yourself:

	• Going out on repeat calls
	• Solving every technical issue yourself
	• Thinking, "I can just do it faster/cheaper myself"

...you are devaluing your time and, by extension, your critical role. While it might seem efficient in the short term, this "doer" mindset:

	• Prevents you from focusing on higher-level strategic tasks that 𝘵𝘳𝘶𝘭𝘺 move the needle for the organization (e.g., training, process improvement).
	• Robs your team members of valuable learning and growth opportunities.

Your time is far more valuable spent in a leadership position, coaching and empowering your team to handle challenges. Stop diminishing your worth and step fully into your leadership role.

What's one task you've recently delegated to empower your team and free up your valuable time? Share your experience!

Maximize your impact by focusing on your leadership value:
🔗 𝗩𝗶𝘀𝗶𝘁 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘄𝗲𝗯𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗲: https://lnkd.in/eWmHpB-b
🗓️ 𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗮 𝗙𝗿𝗲𝗲 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗼 𝗖𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗖𝗼𝗮𝗰𝗵 𝗝𝗶𝗺: https://lnkd.in/e7DnxBnV

#leadershipdevelopment #timemanagement #delegation #managerialskills #homeservices #valuecreation #thebluecollarwave #businesscoach #empowerment

⚰️ 𝘈𝘯𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘋𝘦𝘤𝘦𝘮𝘣𝘦𝘳 𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘥 𝘧𝘭𝘰𝘸, 𝘥𝘦𝘢𝘥 𝘰𝘯 𝘢𝘳𝘳𝘪𝘷𝘢𝘭.

You can dress it up.
Call it “normal.”
Say “everyone’s slow.”

But let’s be real…
If your pipeline dies every winter, it’s not the market.
It’s your marketing.

🔓 Unlock the 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗼 𝗦𝘂𝗺𝗺𝗶𝘁 and learn how to stay booked without spending a cent on ads:
👉 https://lnkd.in/eFdBS9Hv

#contractormarketing #slowseason #noexcuses #zeroadspend #LeadGen #thetrades #MarketingHeroSummit

Let me tell you a painful truth.

Most home service businesses start the new year behind.

📉 Empty pipelines
📉 Cold leads
📉 A bank account that’s been drained by gift cards and downtime

Why?

Because they let Q4 die quietly.

They bought the lie:
“𝘕𝘰 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘴 𝘴𝘦𝘳𝘷𝘪𝘤𝘦 𝘥𝘶𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘩𝘰𝘭𝘪𝘥𝘢𝘺𝘴.”
What they missed is that 𝘄𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗶𝘀 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝘀𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗼𝘂𝘀 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘆𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗧𝗔𝗞𝗘 𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆.

While the rest of the industry is “winding down,” real killers are:

✅ Stacking booked jobs
✅ Gathering reviews
✅ Reclaiming customer attention
✅ Building Q1 demand early

Want in?

We built the 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗼 𝗦𝘂𝗺𝗺𝗶𝘁 to hand you the exact strategy.

No ad budget needed. No fluff. Just lead-gen tactics that cut through the holiday noise.

🎯 This is how you dominate December—and start Q1 in attack mode.

👉 Reserve your free seat now: https://lnkd.in/eFdBS9Hv

#contractormarketing #slowseason #noexcuses #LeadGen #zeroadspend #Q1Prep #MarketingHeroSummit

Are your sales conversations truly hitting the mark? @JimCosmas from The Blue Collar Wave challenges home service salespeople to rethink their approach: "𝗦𝗲𝗹𝗹 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗼𝗹𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗼 𝗮 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗯𝗹𝗲𝗺, 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗱𝘂𝗰𝘁."

Most customers aren't interested in the intricate details of an HVAC unit, plumbing fixture, or garage door opener. They're looking for relief from a specific pain point or a way to fulfill a particular need. By shifting your focus to the problem you solve, you will:

	• 𝗘𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗶𝘀𝗵 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗿 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀: Show empathy and understanding of their situation.
	• 𝗕𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱 𝗚𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗧𝗿𝘂𝘀𝘁: Position yourself as a trusted advisor, not just a salesperson.
	• 𝗜𝗻𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝗖𝗹𝗼𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀: Customers buy solutions, not just products.

For HVAC, plumbing, electrical, roofing, or any home service business, this paradigm shift is crucial for meaningful sales interactions and lasting client relationships.

What problem do you most enjoy solving for your clients? Share your insights!

Transform your sales approach and build deeper client relationships:

🔗 𝗩𝗶𝘀𝗶𝘁 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘄𝗲𝗯𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗲: https://lnkd.in/eWmHpB-b

🗓️ 𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗮 𝗙𝗿𝗲𝗲 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗼 𝗖𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗖𝗼𝗮𝗰𝗵 𝗝𝗶𝗺:
https://lnkd.in/e7DnxBnV

#salesstrategy #solutionselling #customercentric #homeservices #salestips #trustbuilding #TheBlueCollarWave #salestraining #problemsolving

The next wave of AI won’t replace people.
It’ll scale them.

The trades world is about to learn what that really means.

Quietly raising our pre-seed round.
No public info.
Just conversations with investors who understand asymmetric opportunity.

DM me if you invest in SaaS, AI, or vertical tech

You could do $5M a year and still be 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘩𝘭𝘦𝘴𝘴 to buyers.

Why?
Because they’re not buying revenue.

They’re buying freedom FROM you.

You’re not selling a brand. You’re selling a system, or a mess.

👉 Know the difference. Download the PE Guide:
https://lnkd.in/eztbZKSH

#PrivateEquity #businessvaluation #exitstrategy #transferablevalue #ownertrap #businesssystems #thetrades #TheBlueCollarWave

View newsletter: The Blue Collar Wave News

3 Ways to Turn a Dead HVAC Season Into a Goldmine HVAC Profit Accelerator Series – Week 1 Remember When… Your calendar hit November, the phone stopped

Open article: 3 Ways to Turn a Dead HVAC Season Into a Goldmine by Jim Cosmas • 4 min read

3 Ways to Turn a Dead HVAC Season Into a Goldmine

"How often should I train my team?" @JimCosmas from The Blue Collar Wave has a clear answer for home service companies (HVAC, plumbing, electrical, roofing, garage door): "𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆 𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗹𝗲 𝗱𝗮𝘆!"

This isn't about long, drawn-out sessions, but rather consistent, short-spurt daily training. Jim suggests methods like:

	• Morning huddles
	• Quick one-on-ones
	• Brief video calls (even before staff leave their homes!)

The benefits of this continuous learning approach are immense:

	• 𝗕𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗳𝗳: Sharpened skills and increased confidence.
	• 𝗕𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗬𝗼𝘂: Stronger leadership and more effective management.
	• 𝗕𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗻𝘆: Improved efficiency and higher quality service.
	• 𝗕𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗖𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗿𝘀: They receive far better service from a highly trained team.

Consistent, daily training isn't just a best practice; it's a pathway to sustained excellence and superior customer satisfaction.

What's one small way you could implement daily training for your team? Share your ideas!

Elevate your team's performance with consistent, daily training:
🔗 𝗩𝗶𝘀𝗶𝘁 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘄𝗲𝗯𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗲: https://lnkd.in/eWmHpB-b
🗓️ 𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗮 𝗙𝗿𝗲𝗲 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗼 𝗖𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗖𝗼𝗮𝗰𝗵 𝗝𝗶𝗺:
https://lnkd.in/e7DnxBnV

#dailytraining #continuouslearning #homeservices #staffdevelopment #teamexcellence #thebluecollarwave #businesscoach #skillbuilding #serviceindustry

Real talk:
If your business is stuck…
It’s because 𝘺𝘰𝘶’𝘳𝘦 𝘴𝘵𝘶𝘤𝘬.

Every bottleneck is a leadership problem in disguise.

You don’t need to hustle harder.
You need to think differently.

The fastest way to change your business?
👉 Change your circle.

Apply to the Blue Collar Mastermind:
https://lnkd.in/eKwtxutd

#leadership #growthmindset #mastermind #peergroup #thetrades #getunstuck #bluecollarmastermind

"What makes you so special?" @JimCosmas from The Blue Collar Wave asks a fundamental question that challenges every home service business: 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗹𝘆 𝗱𝗶𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗲𝗹𝘀𝗲?

Many businesses offer similar answers: years in business, great warranties, drug-tested employees, uniforms, carpet protectors. While these are good attributes, Jim points out they are often boilerplate on every competitor's website. They don't make you 𝘶𝘯𝘪𝘲𝘶𝘦𝘭𝘺 different.

The challenge: Discover that "one unique thing" that truly makes your organization (and even individual staff members like technicians, salespeople, and CSRs) undeniably better and helps customers choose you. This is not an easy question to answer.

This exercise is vital for both company-level strategy and individual staff members, as customers decide based on both company reputation and the person they're dealing with. It's about clearly articulating your unique value beyond basic expectations.

What's that one unique thing that sets your company or your personal service apart? Let's brainstorm in the comments!

Define your unique value and stand out in the crowded market:
🔗 Visit our website: https://lnkd.in/eWmHpB-b
🗓️ Book a Free Intro Call with Coach Jim: https://lnkd.in/e7DnxBnV

#differentiation #uniquesellingproposition #usp #homeservices #brandidentity #competitiveadvantage #thebluecollarwave #businessstrategy #valueproposition

Relying on your CPA to build your budget...
 ...is like relying on your dentist to plan your meals.

Sure, they know numbers.
But they’re not building your financial game plan.
They’re reacting to history - not creating your future.

That’s why most home service owners (doing $1M–$5M) hit tax season with the same look:
➡️ “Wait… where’d the money go?”
➡️ “How did I make $1.4M and have nothing to show for it?”
➡️ “Why does this feel like guessing… again?”

Here’s the reality:

You don’t need a CPA brain.
You just need a real process built for how contractors actually operate.

That’s what we’re doing live on Dec 4th at the:

🛠️ 2026 Budget Builder Workshop
🎯 Done-with-you - LIVE!
⏱️ 90 minutes to a full budget
💸 Just $29 - You spent more than that at Chipotle last week.

✅ Build your 2026 budget
✅ Set profit + margin targets
✅ Find where the cash is leaking
✅ Walk away with clarity you’ve never had

You’ll finally know where your numbers stand without confusing spreadsheets, guesswork, or begging your CPA.

It will be the most profitable investment you make all year.
Gain clarity. Take control. Build your budget.

👉 Reserve your seat:

Open article: Home Service Budget Builder Workshop by homeservicecoachingpros.com

You’ve already 𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘯𝘦𝘥 the money.

You just don’t know where it’s hiding.

The 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗳𝗶𝘁 𝗦𝗶𝗺𝘂𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗿 helps you unlock it — in 5 minutes.
	• More margin
	• Better pricing
	• Tighter ops

Run it once. See how much cash is buried in your business.
👉 https://lnkd.in/d7jQif_Z

#profitmargins #businessfinance #knowyournumbers #smallbusinesstips #businessefficiency #profitfirst

🚨 𝗛𝗩𝗔𝗖 𝗢𝘄𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀: November is NOT your off-season, it’s your opportunity season.

If your trucks are sitting idle and you’re “waiting for spring,” you’re already behind.

✅ Your clients want peace of mind before winter.
✅ Your techs could be selling 2026 right now.
✅ And your team should be turning one job into ten, without more ad spend.

I just wrote a new resource letter that shows:
⚙️ How to run a System Rescue campaign this month
🧠 How to sell service plans before January even hits
💰 How to unlock hidden profits using zero new marketing dollars

Drop “𝗛𝗩𝗔𝗖” and I’ll DM you the link.

Or grab it here: https://lnkd.in/e-8wEQyN

#HVACbusiness #Q4Strategy #slowseason #serviceagreements #profitability #worksmarter #TheBlueCollarWave

Time to debunk some sales myths! @JimCosmas from The Blue Collar Wave tackles two pervasive misconceptions that can hold salespeople back:

	1. 𝗠𝘆𝘁𝗵: 𝗧𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲'𝘀 𝗮 "𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗽𝗶𝘁𝗰𝗵".
	2. 𝗠𝘆𝘁𝗵: 𝗙𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮 𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗰 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗴𝘂𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗲𝘀 𝟭𝟬𝟬% 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘀.

Jim firmly states: there is no perfect pitch because every customer and situation is unique. While following a structured sales process is vital (there IS an anatomy to a sale), it will 𝗻𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿 guarantee 100% results. Why? Because some people simply aren't going to buy, and that's okay.

This isn't an excuse for poor performance. You should still strive to perform your best, follow an ethical process, and present options that are in the client's best interest. But understanding that you won't close every deal helps manage expectations and maintain morale.

Embrace the reality: focus on consistent, ethical effort, not elusive perfection.

What's a sales myth you wish more people would let go of? Share your thoughts!

Build a resilient and realistic sales strategy:

🔗 𝗩𝗶𝘀𝗶𝘁 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘄𝗲𝗯𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗲: https://lnkd.in/eWmHpB-b

🗓️ 𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗮 𝗙𝗿𝗲𝗲 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗼 𝗖𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗖𝗼𝗮𝗰𝗵 𝗝𝗶𝗺:
https://lnkd.in/e7DnxBnV

#salesmyths #salestraining #realisticexpectations #salesprocess #homeservices #salesmindset #TheBlueCollarWave #salesleadership #ethicalselling

If you died tomorrow…

Would your business still be here in 6 months?

Would it keep running?

Would your family get a check?

If the answer’s no, then you’re not running a business.

You’re stuck in a cage you built yourself.

This isn’t about ego.
This is about legacy.

Real businesses survive the owner.
They scale past the founder.
They SELL because they work 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶.

And right now, yours doesn’t.

Fix it.

👉 Download the 𝗣𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗘𝗾𝘂𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗚𝘂𝗶𝗱𝗲 and get the roadmap to building a business buyers actually want.
https://lnkd.in/eztbZKSH

Your exit shouldn’t be a Hail Mary.
It should be the plan.

#PrivateEquity #exitstrategy #legacy #businessvaluation #ownertrap #transferablevalue #thetrades #servicebusiness #TheBlueCollarWave

A 3% boost in close rate.
A 5% lift in average ticket.
A 7% bump in field efficiency.

Tiny changes = $100K+ in hidden profit.

You don’t need a new offer.
You need a better 𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸 of your business.

👉 Try the Profit Simulator.
See what you’re leaving on the table:
https://lnkd.in/d7jQif_Z

#marginalgains #hiddenprofit #knowyournumbers #operationalefficiency #servicebusiness #profitability #TheProfitSimulator

Most owners have it backward.

They think more leads = more profit.
But that only works if your systems are airtight.

If your close rate is off by 5%…
If your margins are miscalculated…
If your crews are burning hours…

Then all more leads do is scale the chaos.

Before you throw more money into ads or agencies…
Run your numbers through the 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗳𝗶𝘁 𝗦𝗶𝗺𝘂𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗿.

This tool shows you exactly how much hidden profit is already sitting in your business — and how to unlock it with minor, high-impact tweaks.

Lead flow isn’t the problem.
𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗳𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗶𝘀.

And you’re one simulation away from finally seeing it clearly:
👉 https://lnkd.in/d7jQif_Z

#marginalgains #hiddenprofit #knowyournumbers #operationalefficiency #servicebusiness #profitability #theprofitsimulator

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The Battle

Dale Gibbons

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Performance Score.css-goub6s{font-size:var(--chakra-fontSizes-md);font-weight:500;color:var(--chakra-colors-gray-600);display:block;margin-top:var(--chakra-space-1);}Dale Gibbons's LinkedIn Performance

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