2009 was a tough time for many consultants. Though I’m no economist, it looks to me that the economy is on the upturn as we head into 2010. Why not start positioning your consulting practice now to get a strong start in the new year? Here are some tactics you can consider using.

Update your brand. Are you still using a logo and tag line from the 1990s? Now is the time to give your practice a new image and carry it through all your marketing materials, including your website. It will signal to clients and prospects that you aren’t resting on your laurels and will continue to offer them value in the new year. If you are a Certified Management Consultant (CMC), take advantage of the CMC Toolkit (available to CMCs at IMCUSA.org) to help you market your practice and the value of your certification.

Brush up. We consultants are supposed to be the experts in our fields, but when was the last time you read up on the advancements in your area of expertise, took a class or an online seminar? As a marketing consultant, I need to track social media trends to advise my clients. This month I’ve registered for social media webinars from the American Marketing Association. You can also improve your consulting skills with free or low cost webinars, webcasts, and more from IMC USA. These webinars are available to both members and nonmembers.

Court newness. Many of us do the same things every day and interact the same ways with our clients. While there’s nothing wrong with routine, getting a fresh perspective can benefit both our clients and ourselves. January is a good time to get out of this rut. Go someplace new. Work on your hobby or do something that isn’t related to your business, just for the fun of it. You’ll come back to the office refreshed and with new ideas.

Launch a new service. As the economy emerges from recession, there are growth areas that present opportunities for you to expand your service offerings. Don McDermott, for example, is launching a new executive compensation survey tailored for companies with revenues under $200 million, an underserved market.

Mend fences. Think back over the last year. Were there clients who defected, or who expressed displeasure with your service? Make an effort to reconnect with them and fix whatever went wrong. You’ll be saving and strengthening customer relationships, which can help build 2010 revenues.

Develop content.   Articles, white papers, case studies and blogs help position you as the expert. While it’s difficult to find the time to create this content during client engagements, invest time now to work on one or two thought leadership pieces. Both D. Kevin Berchelmann and Davis Woodruff, CMC, are ramping up their book-writing efforts. Both consultants plan to publish their books in 2010.

Focus on spirituality. We all know life is not just about work. Start 2010 by focusing on what spirituality means to you and how you can more deeply experience it. For Judith Light, CMC, FIMC, this means continuing the study of Chi Gong, an ancient energy healing practice, which she began with a 21-day retreat in China. She will also take the time to attend ordinations for friends who are becoming Buddhist monks and interfaith ministers.

Advantage Marketing Consulting Services (www.advantage-marketing.com) works with large and up-and-coming companies that lack focus in their marketing and are struggling to reach their target markets. AM clients get creative and practical marketing solutions that build awareness, attract prospects and turn them into customers.

Interested in republishing The Marketing Advantage?