Over the past five years, I’ve worked with dozens of clients. Consulting is a rewarding path: it’s satisfying to help clients solve difficult challenges and build long-term partnerships.
Recently, the tables turned. I engaged an agency to develop a new visual identity and website for Kamrin Communications, and for the first time in years, I found myself on the opposite side of the table. The experience reminded me what creates a great consulting relationship and reinforced my commitment to creating great experiences for my own clients.
1. Invest in networks before you need them.
When I decided to rebrand Kamrin Communications, I knew I wouldn’t go it alone. Fortunately, finding an agency was easy: a chance conversation in a breakout room led me to the wonderful team at Focus Communications. But really, there was nothing accidental about that connection.
I’m a long-time IABC member, and that breakout room was part of a Special Interest Group meeting. That shared context opened the door to a trusted partnership. My takeaway: when I show up as the right consultant at the right time, it’s a win for my clients—and to make that magic happen, it’s crucial to keep showing up in professional communities and networks.
2. Appreciate the wonder of diverse talents.
While I’ve evaluated visuals for years, I’m by no means a designer. As a verbal communicator, I could craft a thoughtful, forward-thinking creative brief that expressed my vision. But seeing what the graphic and web designers created was exhilarating. They took my ideas in directions I didn’t anticipate, yet they made perfect sense for my company’s evolution.
It reminded me of how special those “wow moments” truly are—and how important it is to deliver them to my own clients through powerful strategies, compelling writing, and great service.
3. The best work comes from partnership.
Though I understand the pressures on consultants, I had forgotten the pressures clients face. Deciding between design directions can be surprisingly hard, and those choices can feel monumental.
While the final say was mine, having an agency partner made the process easier. The Focus team guided me through each step, helping me see the critical decision points and approvals. With the right consultants, everything becomes simpler; when someone else takes the wheel, you can focus on the opportunities ahead.
4. Choose consultants who invest in their own development.
Sue Heuman, the principal of Focus Communications, is a certified Strategic Communication Management Professional (SCMP). I’m less interested in degrees earned long ago than in credentials that signal a commitment to continued learning.
As a client, that gave me the best of both worlds: deep experience informed by real awareness of how the communications field continues to evolve. As an SCMP myself, it reminded me that one of the best things any consultant can offer is a genuine drive to keep learning.
I’m thrilled to share my new visual identity and website with the world. Just as much, I’m excited to return to my client work with a renewed appreciation for what great consulting relationships can achieve.
