Thank you Katty
This is one of the most thoughtful and complete responses I’ve seen on the topic — especially the part about showing how you think in the moment through workshops or peer communities.
I’ve seen something similar when helping first-time GMs or founders: when you stop pitching and start offering perspective in a shared space (even asynchronously), people begin to seek you out for how you think, not what you sell.
I’d add one small point from my own experience:
→ Sometimes, helping someone structure a decision (without telling them what to choose) creates an anchor they remember — and that brings them back when timing aligns.

From what I’ve seen, finding leads in strategy consulting doesn’t always follow the typical rules. Referrals and networking are helpful, but honestly, the best opportunities have often come from unexpected places. Some of the most effective methods I’ve used or seen don’t get much attention, but they work. Here are a few that have made a real difference.
1. Micro-audience Building Through Education: Instead of broadcasting to a broad market, I've seen consultants build niche credibility fast by hosting intimate, high-value workshops or cohort-based training (virtual or live) focused on particular pain points their ideal clients face. The aim here isn't to push a sale, it's to show how you think and solve problems in the moment. When done well, that kind of clarity tends to draw the right people in without a hard pitch.
2. Another approach that works well is teaming up with service providers who aren't direct competitors but already have the ear of your ideal clients. Think accountants, executive coaches, or even niche software platforms. Some of the strongest business I’ve seen has come from partnerships where a consultant is brought in as a trusted voice, not to make a pitch, but to offer real value. By helping another expert serve their clients more effectively, you give people a clear sense of how you think and what you bring to the table. That kind of contribution tends to leave an impression, and more often than not, people come back when they are ready for deeper support.
Making Content Funnels Without the Fluff:
3. Long-form posts on LinkedIn or podcast guest spots that cut through noise with innovative, opinionated thinking, especially if you challenge status quo ideas, can draw precisely the kind of clients who appreciate strategic insight. Consistency and clarity here create credibility over time.
Private Communities Over Public Noise:
4. There's also real power in creating or embedding yourself in curated peer groups or Slack communities, not for pitching, but for showing up as the person who always asks better questions or reframes problems. That reputation grows fast in small rooms.
4. Embedded IP or Frameworks:
Instead of just selling your time, package a diagnostic or framework as a front-end offer (even free or low-cost). It's an easy yes for the client and a filtered entry point for deeper engagement. These tools do the qualifying for you.
The key to scalability is having systems behind these approaches, but it starts with standing out. When your insights are sharp, your positioning is clear, and your entry point is frictionless, leads can become a natural byproduct of visibility.