Hello all,
I am recently graduated and i am working as a export agent. I am helping some local businesses to export their goods. I work on commission basis, but i want to turn this into a sustainable business. Thinking to start a consultation business where i can guide new business in export, helping them in documentation, connecting with CHA and freight forwarders. What do you think about this. Any inputs are always appreciated. I have a office space as well. I will buy a domain if i decide to go ahead. But how can i find clients?
Starting a consultation agency.
byu/Low-Consequence7038 inEntrepreneur
Posted by Low-Consequence7038
9 Comments
Nice one, export consulting can be solid. Word of mouth is gonna be your best friend – those businesses you’re already helping probably know other companies looking to expand overseas
For finding clients, LinkedIn is clutch for B2B stuff. Also check out local business meetups and trade associations. Maybe offer some free workshops on export basics to get your name out there
Domain’s cheap so might as well grab it now before someone else does
Great idea, you actually have knowledge in this field so despite your lack of working experience, you can add value. You will find clients through outreach and networking. This is not a service you’re going to get clients for with fancy online campaigns or funnels.
Since your first starting out, leverage on the referrals you get from your existing clients first. It’s the easiest way! Tap into their network to get more clients. Good luck…
This can definitely work since you’re already doing the job. I’d narrow it fast though. Pick one clear outcome you help with (first export shipment, documentation setup, or CHA coordination) and turn that into a simple, clearly priced offer.
Your first clients should come from where you already are. Ask current clients for warm intros and partner with CHAs or freight forwarders who don’t want to handle onboarding.
You don’t need a website yet. You need a clear promise, proof from work you’ve already done, and direct outreach to businesses one step behind your current clients.
Your first pipeline is local manufacturers who just landed their first overseas PO and are panicking. Hit industrial parks, chamber breakfasts, SBA meetups.
I don’t know about you, but in third world countries, clients are found through those who create the main obstacles for clients – government agencies such as customs, ministries, and the like. In other words, if you operate in such a mess, you need to get to know the officials. They will do everything else in terms of providing clients.
this sounds like a pretty natural extension of what you are already doing, especially since you are close to the actual pain points. a lot of small exporters are confused by paperwork and who to trust, so clarity alone has value. before scaling it, i would test it with a few paid pilots using people you already work with and see what they are actually willing to pay for. clients usually come from trust in this space, so referrals from existing contacts and partnerships with freight forwarders or chas can matter more than a website at first. if you can clearly define who you help and what problem you remove, the rest tends to follow. i would be curious what part of the process people ask you about the most right now.
To find clients early on, start with what you already have, like referrals from businesses you’ve helped, local manufacturers or traders and networking with CHAs and freight forwarders who can send leads your way. A simple website and clear service packages will help build trust but in the beginning, direct outreach and word of mouth usually work best. Focus on solving one clear problem really well and then expand from there.
The idea is solid, but I’d avoid jumping straight into a “consulting agency” mindset.
You’re already solving real export problems so, turn that into clear, paid packages.
Your first clients won’t come from a website. They’ll come from:
– local manufacturers and traders
-referrals
-industry association/chambers of commerce
Get a few repeatable, paid engagements first. Then worry about domains, branding and scaling.