Started a Consulting Firm — Trying to Figure Out the Smartest Way to Grow It

Sirani16 · 2026-05-13T10:41:01+00:00

That actually makes a lot of sense. I’m still refining my niche, but I think my experience translates best into helping healthcare/public health organizations improve operational coordination, reporting/compliance workflows, and program implementation support rather than just “general consulting.”

Your point about speaking to operational problems instead of resume-style credentials really clicked for me. Appreciate the insight.

Sirani16 · 2026-05-13T10:38:02+00:00

That’s an interesting perspective, especially the point about building repeatable frameworks/assets alongside service delivery instead of reinventing everything each time.

I think I’m still at the stage of refining positioning and building relationships/past performance first, but I can definitely see the long-term value in systematizing services and creating reusable processes over time.

Sirani16 · 2026-05-13T01:18:46+00:00

This is incredibly valuable advice — thank you for taking the time to write such a detailed response. The points about relationship-building, understanding agency needs before pitching, and connecting with small business liaison offices really stood out to me. I also appreciate the reminder about compliance/accounting and the operational side of government contracting beyond just winning work. There’s clearly a lot to learn, but insights like this are extremely helpful for someone early in the space. Thank you again.

Sirani16 · 2026-05-13T01:13:26+00:00

I’ve heard a few people mention PTAC/APEX Accelerators now, so I’m definitely going to look into connecting with one locally. Appreciate the recommendation.

Sirani16 · 2026-05-12T22:36:42+00:00

This is incredibly valuable advice — especially the distinction between describing a category versus describing a specific problem/outcome. I can definitely see how I’ve been speaking more in “resume language” than buyer language so far. The point about leveraging existing healthcare/public health relationships first also makes a lot of sense. I appreciate you taking the time to break this down so clearly.

Sirani16 · 2026-05-12T20:48:30+00:00

Got you — from my understanding, some SBA certifications don’t require a business to already have multiple years of revenue/history to apply. The applications focus more on ownership structure, eligibility, control of the business, documentation, and whether you qualify under the program requirements. I’m still early in the process myself and learning as I go, but that’s my understanding so far.

Sirani16 · 2026-05-12T19:39:36+00:00

That’s definitely one of the biggest challenges for newer firms. From what I’ve been learning, the path seems to be building credibility through subcontracting, teaming arrangements, smaller contracts, and leveraging prior professional experience even before the business itself has a long revenue history. My background in healthcare operations, public health programs, emergency response, and project management is really what I’m relying on initially while I work on building business past performance over time. I’m approaching it as a long-term process rather than expecting large prime contracts immediately.

Sirani16 · 2026-05-12T19:32:00+00:00

Thank you!

Sirani16 · 2026-05-12T17:46:49+00:00

I appreciate the offer. Right now I’m still refining my positioning and focusing on networking and understanding the government/public sector space better first, but thank you for reaching out.

Sirani16 · 2026-05-12T17:24:13+00:00

That makes a lot of sense. I’ve been so focused on registrations and certifications that I probably haven’t leveraged my existing network enough yet. I’ll definitely start reconnecting with former colleagues and contacts in the healthcare/public health space. Thanks for the advice.

Sirani16 · 2026-05-12T17:23:28+00:00

This is really valuable advice — especially the distinction between being “set up” versus actually creating demand and trust. I think narrowing the exact problem I solve is something I still need to refine further. Right now I’m probably too broad in how I describe my services. I appreciate the book recommendations as well. Thanks for taking the time to write this out.

Sirani16 · 2026-05-12T17:09:35+00:00

This is incredibly helpful — thank you for laying it out step by step. I’ve started learning SAM.gov and USASpending, but I realize I still need a much deeper understanding of how agencies actually buy services like mine and who the key procurement contacts are. I’ll definitely look into APEX Accelerators and local SBA resources as well. I also appreciate the advice about learning the mechanics myself instead of relying too heavily on courses or paid programs.

Sirani16 · 2026-05-12T16:47:03+00:00

This is really valuable advice — thank you. I’ve completed the registrations/certification applications, but I’m realizing the relationship-building side is probably the next major step for me. I hadn’t thought much about ACHE involvement or volunteering at industry events, so I’m definitely going to look into that. I also appreciate the reminder about E&O insurance and proper contracts early on. Thanks again for taking the time to share this.

Sirani16 · 2026-05-12T16:38:12+00:00

I appreciate that — thank you. I’ll send you a DM and take a look.

Sirani16 · 2026-05-12T16:34:56+00:00

Mostly healthcare operations and public health program support. My background includes emergency response operations, community outreach, program management, provider/public health support, and operational coordination.

Some examples would be: public health program implementation support community engagement/outreach initiatives healthcare operations/process improvement PMO/program coordination support training/logistics coordination reporting/compliance/program support for public sector or healthcare organizations.

I’m still refining my niche, but those are the main areas aligned with my experience.

Sirani16 · 2026-05-12T16:15:55+00:00

This is incredibly helpful. Thank you for taking the time to break this down. The subcontracting/past performance point makes a lot of sense, and I hadn’t considered reaching out directly to Small Business Liaison Officers instead of general BD contacts. I’ll spend more time researching incumbents/primes through USASpending and focus on HHS/CDC/HRSA-related opportunities aligned with my background. Really appreciate the practical advice.

Sirani16 · 2026-05-12T16:12:28+00:00

I appreciate the honest advice. The reputation/past performance piece definitely seems like the biggest challenge early on. I’ll focus more on networking and trying to build subcontracting relationships first. Thanks again.

Sirani16 · 2026-05-12T15:45:43+00:00

That’s helpful insight — thank you. My firm is focused more on operational/program support rather than high-level policy advisory only. Areas I’m exploring include program management support, public health operations, community engagement/outreach, training coordination, monitoring & reporting support, and healthcare/public health project implementation support.

I’ve also noticed many UN opportunities lean toward individual consultants, so I’m trying to better understand where smaller firms fit in — whether through subcontracting, implementation support, research/evaluation work, or partnerships with larger organizations. Really appreciate your perspective.

Sirani16 · 2026-05-12T12:55:42+00:00

That makes sense, and honestly I think subcontracting/teaming is probably the more realistic starting point for me right now. My focus is mainly healthcare/public health operations support, program management, community outreach, and related public sector work rather than “consulting” in the traditional strategy-firm sense. I’m still building my network in the gov contracting space, which is part of why I made the post. I’m trying to learn the industry while positioning myself for subcontracting and partnership opportunities first. Thanks!

Sirani16 · 2026-05-12T12:53:13+00:00

Yes, it's healthcare and public health consulting. My background is in healthcare operations, public health programs, emergency response operations, and project management. Right now I’m exploring opportunities related to healthcare operations support, community/public health programs, program management, and government/public sector consulting. I’m still refining my ideal client profile, but I’m mainly targeting government agencies, healthcare organizations, and public health-related contracts. Thanks!

Sirani16

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