PICA Member Spotlights

Q&A with independent consultants who successfully “made the leap” and created the consulting career of their dreams

 

Q: Who are you and what’s your business?

A: Hello, my name is Kim Wilson, Founder and Principal Consultant at Curated Solutions. I help Technical Operations leaders and their teams in biotech companies to efficiently and effectively bring new products from the lab to the clinic, making the most of their time, budget, and resources. This includes both Chemistry, Manufacturing, and Controls (CMC) strategy and implementation.

 

Q: How long have you been independent?

A: Since 2017.

 

Q: Why did you become an independent consultant? 

A: It was a little of the stars aligning by accident to give it a trial run and my desire to have the control and flexibility over my time to live the lifestyle that suits me (including working remotely). I have attended meetings via Zoom from the climbing crag, and even did a call hanging on belay once, although I do try to keep my non-work time purely non-work so I can reset and recharge. Additionally, I wanted to be free of the trappings of being a full-time employee such as administrative and management activities, politics, direct reports, going to an office, etc.

Q: How did you “make the leap”?

A: I simultaneously had an opportunity to leave a role that was not my bliss and a former colleague of mine who was already consulting asked if I wanted to partner for an engagement. I joined her and I LOVED it. I’ve been independent ever since.

Q: How did you get your first client? 

A: My first client came with the leap moment. My second client was a referral from a former colleague.

Q: What’s one thing you know now that you wish you’d known before you started?

A: You have to be a marketer. Establish a real marketing strategy and implementation now for a robust pipeline that provides client and engagement diversity – and niche down/specialize. Be proactive about your brand and what you are known for. I have had a “successful” independent consulting career so far by many measures, but not as satisfying as I would like, in part because it’s from a limited pool of referrals. If the referrals were to dry up, I don’t have a pipeline or established marketing program to keep the funnel full. I’m back-tracking in this regard right now to set myself up for future success and in the process may have uncovered a pivot for my practice. Stay tuned.

Q: What’s surprised you the most about being self-employed? 

A: That it is a legitimate option to make good living. I really wasn’t sure when I started out.

Q: What’s been your biggest challenge? How did you figure it out?

A: Definitely the marketing piece as mentioned in the “wish I’d known then” question. I’ve made many failed attempts over the years but never made any real traction in defining my niche, settling on a target market, developing good messaging, and implementing solid marketing tactics. I’m currently in a program that provides everything start to finish – training, hands-on coaching, and all the nuts and bolts to develop a marketing strategy, implement it, and optimize it. It has not been easy! Every single one of my peers and I in the program has been challenged by the work itself, the emotional components, and for most of us, a dramatic change in the way we think about our consulting practices, our clients, and how we engage with our clients through marketing. But I’m also finding that I love it. My thinking has really expanded. Plus, how else would I get to write a LinkedIn post one day about how rock climbing and biotech manufacturing have a lot in common and a post the next day on the investment landscape in biotech?

Q: What does the word “solopreneur” mean to you?

A: Freedom and master of your days and destiny. Someone who isn’t employed by anyone but themselves and doesn’t have employees (I do use sub-contractors for specific expertise).

Q: What is something that many aspiring solopreneurs think they need that they really don’t? 

A: To have everything in place before they pursue engagements. Things like a business entity and operations, contracts, robust website, a business plan that hasn’t been researched or tested with the target market, etc. It’s more important to take action, try things, iterate as you receive feedback, and learn. The most important thing is to listen to your target customers and really hear them. Then make sure what you offer/provide is aligned with their needs and provides real value in solving their problems. Everything else can easily be put in place as needed.

Q: Is there a particular quote or saying that you use as personal motivation?

A: So many! Right now, because this marketing program is so challenging, my daily mantra is essentially “you have to change what you are doing if you want a different result”…and “small steps lead to big results so just take that one additional small step today.”

Q: What’s next for you and your consulting business?

A: While I continue to ramp up my marketing efforts for my existing practice and offering, I’m starting informational interviews and primary customer research on my new service.

Q: How can people find out more about you or your business?

A: You can email me at kim@curatedsolutions.net or visit my LinkedIn page.

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