How to Consult Someone More Successful Than You

You don't necessarily need to know more than someone, or be more experienced, or be more successful than them to be a good consultant. 

You just need to see the world differently. And you need to be honest. 

I have a few clients I consult on social strategy and business who have grown their audiences 100x the size of mine. They still ask for my advice. It's not because I have a Harvard degree (I definitely don't). It's because I bring a different, objective perspective to their business and tell them candidly how I see things. For a top-tier creator, that's worth paying for (especially with all the clout-chasers out there).

At first, I was afraid to be honest. I thought that sharing a contrary opinion to the person in charge was a one-way ticket off the team. But as long as the organizational hierarchy is kept in tact, you can be as contrarian as you like! 

Here’s what I mean: Whenever I share advice, I make it clear that my clients are in charge, and they can do whatever they want with their business. This is obvious, but making things feel that way before I share an opposing opinion makes all the difference. I’ll say things like “However you want to design your business is up to you. But if they goal is X, then I highly suggest Y.” 

In most cases, successful people became successful because they listened to good advice and put it into practice. So with this in mind, the more information they have, and the more advice they get, the more tools they have at their disposal to be more successful. 

All this to say, you can do the same. You can consult successful clients and bosses. You just need to candidly present a new perspective while keeping the hierarchy in place. Give your imposter syndrome a kick in the seat of the pants, and offer your help and advice to someone who needs it.