35 – The Truth About Consulting Firms: Perks, Pitfalls, and What They Don't Tell You

Thinking about joining a consulting firm in education to get your start as a consultant? Before you commit, this episode breaks down what it's really like to work with these organizations, and what every teacher entrepreneur should know first. In this episode of Unleash YES, Tom Schimmer and Natalie Vardabasso unpack the truth about consulting firms in education: how they actually work, the perks that seem appealing, and the trade-offs no one talks about. You'll learn: How consulting firms really "hire" educators (and what that means for your income and autonomy) Why being on a firm's roster doesn't guarantee consistent work or recognition The hidden costs and tactical perks of credibility by association How to tell if joining a firm is a helpful stepping stone or a long-term distraction from building your own education consulting business If you've ever wondered whether partnering with a big name like Solution Tree or another professional-learning company will launch your career, or just keep you thinking like an employee, this episode will give you the clarity you need. 🎧 Listen now to make an informed decision about whether to be a "borrowed brand" or to start building your own.   💼 Ready to build your own consulting business? If you're tired of waiting for someone else's brand to validate you, it's time to create one of your own. Inside the Unleash YES Bootcamp, Tom and Nat walk educators step-by-step through launching a profitable K–12 consulting business without a website, a big following, or waiting to be "picked." 👉 Book a free call to see if the Bootcamp is the right fit and start building a business where you call the shots.   Connect with Tom & Nat: >> Follow Tom on Linkedin >> Follow Nat on Linkedin >> Follow @unleashyes on Instagram >> email [email protected] >> Book a call.