In this episode, host AJ Riedel talks to Frank Keck, CEO and founder of CoreBuild. We talk about how Frank built a thriving consulting business with 95% repeat clients by discovering his unique value proposition and having the confidence to charge what he's worth. Learn his practical strategy for building relationships through free workshops that convert to paying clients, and how he adapted his marketing approach after the pandemic changed everything. (9:40 Finding your value proposition, 19:34 Doubling your fees, 34:53 Morning routine for success)

Connect with Frank

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/frankkeck/

Website: corebuild.solutions

Show Notes:

Are you undercharging for your consulting services, and as a result, working with clients who don't value your expertise?

In this episode, host AJ Riedel talks to Frank Keck, CEO and founder of CoreBuild, a company that helps develop confident leaders, collaborative teams, and profitable organizations where people can thrive.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• How Frank built a consulting business with an exceptional 95% client retention rate over 24 years
• Why being able to clearly articulate what you do is crucial for effective marketing
• The power of "test drive" marketing through free workshops that convert to paying clients
• How to overcome the fear of charging what you're really worth
• Strategies for building relationships with organizations that lead to long-term business
• How to use targeted data tools like Seamless.ai to identify and reach your ideal clients
• The importance of delegating tasks you're not good at to focus on your strengths
• How implementing a structured morning routine can transform your mindset and business

Why You Should Listen to (or Watch) This Episode

If you've ever struggled with defining your value as a consultant or lacked confidence in your pricing, Frank's journey provides a roadmap to building both inner confidence and external success. His practical approach to marketing, relationship-building, and personal development offers actionable insights that can help you differentiate yourself in today's competitive consulting landscape.

Listen to These Key Moments:

3:18 Getting Your Name Out There - Frank shares how his biggest initial challenge was defining what he actually does and communicating it effectively to potential clients. (03:18)

12:43 Finding What Works in Marketing - Learn how Frank built his business by speaking at professional organization chapters, giving potential clients a "test drive" of his services. (12:43)

19:34 Doubling Your Fees - Frank reveals how a business coach pushed him to double his fees, and how this not only increased his revenue but improved how he felt about himself. (19:34)

27:15 Building a Board of Directors - Discover how Frank created a personal "board of directors" with mentors in different areas of his life and business. (27:15)

34:53 Morning Routine for Success - Frank details his transformative morning routine that helped him shift from a victim mindset to a creative mindset. (34:53)

Resources and Links Mentioned:

• CoreBuild: Frank's leadership and team development company
• Seamless.ai: Tool Frank uses for targeted prospecting
• "Embrace Your Freakness": Frank's first book
• "Key Person of Influence" by Daniel Priestley
• SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management) and PMI (Project Management Institute): Organizations where Frank spoke to build his business

If you liked today's episode, do these three things: 1) click subscribe on whatever podcast platform you use to make sure you don't miss future episodes, 2) leave me a review in your podcast app or YouTube so other self-employed consultants can learn about the podcast, 3) head over to https://www.ajriedel.com for show notes and other resources to help you grow your consulting practice.

Connect with Frank

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/frankkeck/

Website: corebuild.solutions

Connect with me

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ajriedel/

Website: https://www.ajriedel.com/

Email: ajr@4rmg.com

Until next time, keep thriving through!