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Breadcrumbs

Running an IT consulting firm is as exciting as it is challenging. It’s not just about being a tech wizard; it’s about balancing leadership, adaptability, and business savvy. While every journey is unique, some lessons just keep popping up. Here’s what I’ve learned from my time in the trenches.

  1. Tech Skills Are Just the Start

When you start out, your tech chops are your biggest asset. Clients hire you to solve problems, build systems, and make their tech dreams come true. But as your business grows, it’s not enough to just be the “go-to tech guru.”

At some point, you’ve got to step back from the code and focus on the big stuff—strategy, client relationships, and running the business. Hiring great developers and letting them take the wheel is a game-changer. It’s tempting to micromanage, but trust me, being the leader who builds the dream team is way more impactful.

Lesson: Shift from doing all the work to leading the people who do it best.

  1. Clients Are Your MVPs

In consulting, happy clients = survival. Repeat business and referrals are the bread and butter. Building trust isn’t just about meeting deadlines and budgets; it’s about understanding what your client really needs and staying in sync.

Be transparent. Share updates, fix problems fast, and keep expectations realistic. When clients know they can count on you, they’ll come back and bring others with them.

Lesson: Build trust by delivering value and communicating openly.

  1. Stay Relevant or Get Left Behind

The tech world moves fast. Your clients expect you to keep up with trends like cloud computing, AI, or whatever buzzword’s hot this month. Staying relevant means you and your team need to keep learning.

At my firm, we set aside time for R&D to experiment with new tech. It’s paid off big time—for example, automating workflows with Azure Logic Apps has transformed the way we deliver value to clients.

Lesson: Keep learning and adapting to stay ahead of the game.

  1. Processes Keep the Chaos in Check

When you’re starting out, you might wing it on processes—and that’s fine. But as your team and projects grow, a lack of structure can cause chaos. Setting up solid processes for project management, quality checks, and communication makes everything smoother.

We use Azure DevOps for managing workflows and Slack for team communication. These tools keep everyone on the same page without killing creativity.

Lesson: Get your processes in order early to save yourself headaches later.

  1. Remote Work Takes Effort

Running a remote firm isn’t just about logging in from home; it’s about keeping everyone connected and motivated. Weekly stand-ups, one-on-one check-ins, and casual “show-and-tell” sessions on Slack have made a huge difference for us.

Clear communication and accountability are non-negotiable. Tools like Trello and Azure Boards help keep progress visible. And don’t forget the informal stuff—virtual coffee chats go a long way in building team camaraderie.

Lesson: Put effort into team culture and communication to make remote work really work.

  1. Cash Flow Is King

In consulting, income can be unpredictable. You need a plan to handle lean months and surprise expenses. For us, that means clear pricing models, reserves for rainy days, and keeping overhead low.

We’ve also diversified our income streams by offering training and working on SaaS products. This helps smooth out the revenue rollercoaster.

Lesson: Manage your cash flow like a pro and look for ways to diversify.

  1. Your Reputation Is Everything

Your reputation can make or break your consulting firm. A happy client will open doors, but a bad experience can close them just as fast. Prioritising quality and keeping your promises is non-negotiable.

We actively seek client feedback and use it to improve. This shows clients we care and builds trust.

Lesson: Protect your reputation by delivering on your promises.

  1. Growth Should Be Sustainable

It’s easy to want to grow fast, but scaling too quickly can backfire. We’ve learned to focus on steady, sustainable growth. That means working with the right clients, saying no to the wrong projects, and keeping workloads manageable for the team.

This approach has kept us from burning out and ensured we deliver top-notch work.

Lesson: Grow at a pace that works for you and your team.

Running an IT consulting firm isn’t a walk in the park, but it’s incredibly rewarding. From building client trust to managing finances and creating a strong team culture, every step is a chance to learn and grow.

The trenches might be tough, but that’s where the best lessons are learned.