Transform technical expertise into confidence, influence, and results.
The Smart Consultant exists to help technical professionals turn deep expertise into a successful consulting position, a reliable delivery system, persuasive communication, and a steady pipeline of opportunities.
This site is curated by Phil Charles: a consultant, author, and technical professional with 25+ years of hands-on consulting experience. Phil understands the “What should I do next?” moments, the feast-or-famine cycle, and the challenge of translating expertise into paid work: because he’s lived it.
His mission is simple: help you avoid costly mistakes and build a successful consulting practice, with clarity and confidence.
What you’ll find here
Everything on The Smart Consultant is built to be practical, actionable, and grounded in real consulting work. You’ll find:
- Positioning and niche guidance to help you define what you do, who you help, and why you’re the right choice
- Delivery systems and templates to create consistent outcomes, client confidence, and repeat business
- Influence and persuasion tools to win buy-in, write stronger proposals, and lead better sales conversations
- Growth strategies to build a steady pipeline, premium positioning, and leverage beyond trading hours for dollars
Built for solo and boutique practices
While Phil began in solo consulting, The Smart Consultant supports both independent consultants and small boutique practices, because the fundamentals of positioning, delivery, influence, and growth matter at every stage.
If you’re ready…
If you’re ready to take control of your career, earn more on your terms, and build a consulting business you’re proud of, The Smart Consultant will help you build the confidence, influence, and systems to make it real.