222 | Lessons From a Brand Strategist: A Journey with Gabriella Cray

Welcome to the Art of Consulting, your go-to source for expert insights on mastering ERP success. Today we have a special guest with us! Together with Andy Fry, special guest Gabriella Cray, Principal and Founder of the Boss Blueprint Agency is introduced to the show. Gabby's shares her background as an event planner and her journey into brand consulting.

Knowing Your Niche:

The duo discussed the importance of understanding your niche and target audience. Gabby's focus on brand strategy and management for nonprofits and government projects and what are the advantages of clearly articulating what you do and who you do it for.

 

Building Relationships and Business Development:

Gabby shared Insights into effective business development for consultants.

They talked about the analogy of dating and finding the right clients and the significance of investing in conferences and networking to build relationships.

Timeline of Client Relationships:

Gabby then shared her experience with clients taking three to six months to close deals.

 

Transition and Evolution of the Agency:

Our guest’s initial interest in event planning and business events and they also talked about Gabby's role as a revenue manager at a manufacturing company and the pivotal shift into consulting. Recognizing her proficiency in social media and transitioning into brand consulting.

Lessons Learned:

The value of learning from different experiences, even when facing challenges.

Leveraging day-to-day job knowledge to support and advise businesses.

 

Transition from Employment to Entrepreneurship:

Gabby recounts her decision to leave her corporate job in 2020 and pursue entrepreneurship.

She highlights the excitement and challenges of leading a team of three, along with occasional partnerships. Being the youngest, often the only woman and black person in the room.

Cultural challenges in the manufacturing industry pushed her to excel, and she shares her motivation to prove herself and find champions in the workplace.

Lessons Learned in the Corporate World:

Emphasizing the importance of identifying mentors and champions in a challenging work culture. Our guest shares her mindset of focusing on excellence every day, emphasizing that consistency and dedication are irreplaceable in professional growth.

Balancing Drive and Seeking Help:

The discussion coming from the duo touches upon the mistake of not seeking help and the significance of asking questions, especially for driven individuals looking to enter consulting.

Managing up and documenting agreements were critical in Gabby's career development.

 

Adapting to Market Changes:

Recognizing signs of economic changes in 2022, Gabriella shifted her focus to recession strategies and began working with nonprofits. She shares to the audience the importance of monitoring data and making quick decisions to stay ahead in the market.

Blue Sky Consulting's Niche and Programs:

Gabriella delves into Blue Sky Consulting's current focus on supporting nonprofits that, in turn, serve entrepreneurs. The agency Blue Sky Consulting is launching programs for entrepreneurs in December and May, aiming to help them achieve work-life balance and facilitate a rapid rebranding process.

Involvement in the Community:

Gabriella discusses her involvement in various communities and the importance of community service. However, she strongly highlights the need to prioritize business stability before extensive community outreach.

Accountability and Responsibility:

Gabby encourages entrepreneurs to make decisions that ensure the success and stability of their businesses.

CONCLUSION:
From navigating challenges in the corporate world to building a thriving consulting agency, Gabby emphasizes the importance of adaptability, quick decision-making, and staying attuned to market changes. Her commitment to excellence, discipline, and community engagement highlights the key elements that contribute to sustained business success. Remember, success in consulting comes from understanding your niche, building meaningful relationships, and continuously evolving with the industry.