In this episode of Big Deal Energy, host Laura Khalil tackles one of the biggest challenges facing consultants and service providers: escaping the limitations of hourly billing. Learn how to transform your business model from time-based pricing to value-based productized services that create predictable income and better results for your clients.

Key Topics Covered:

• Why hourly billing is holding back your consulting business
• The real problems with custom proposals and time-based pricing
• How productizing your services leads to predictable income
• Why working more efficiently shouldn't mean earning less
• Real-world success story of a consultant who transformed their business through productization

Ready to transform your consulting business? Laura is hosting an exclusive workshop on productizing your services in March 2025. Get early bird access and pricing by joining the email list at laura-khalil.com

Follow Laura on LinkedIn and Instagram

Solo service providers can be just as profitable as million dollar businesses. You don't need more staff, more products, or a bigger audience. Join 1000+ email subscribers who are learning how to sign bigger contracts every week --> https://laurakhalil.ck.page/

💡 Want to run a thriving business without a full-time team? In this episode of Big Deal Energy, your host Laura Khalil pulls back the curtain on the exact tech stack that keeps her business running smoothly—without hiring full-time staff.

🚀 Tune in to learn:

• The must-have tools for managing operations, sales, content, and marketing.
• How Laura keeps everything organized and automated—without getting overwhelmed.
• The actual costs of her tech stack (spoiler: it's under $400/month!).
• Which tools help her stay focused and efficient, even with distractions.

📌 Plus, get links to every tool mentioned in this episode in the description below (some are affiliate links, which means you may even get a discount!).

If you’re a solo service provider looking to streamline, optimize, and scale without burnout, this episode is for you!

💼 Operations & Payments

✅ Honeybook ($40) – Handles contracts + payments, so I never chase invoices.
✅ Quickbooks ($50) – Keeps my CPA happy and my books clean.
✅ Thrivecart ($690 one-time) – I purchased it years ago and highly recommend it for those selling products online.
✅ Dex – My favorite lightweight CRM.

🎥 Content & Marketing

✅ Membership.io ($110) – Hosts Elevate’s content library, call recordings, templates, and scripts.
✅ Descript ($15) – Edits my Big Deal Energy podcast.
✅ ChatGPT ($20) – Does all my proofreading and helps me with any kind of routine task I need to do. (No affiliate link yet.)
✅ Kit ($50) – Where I write and send all my emails.

🌎 Website & Client Experience

✅ Squarespace ($23) – My website + sales pages, all in one place. (No affiliate link yet.)
✅ Zoom ($13) – Because, obviously. (No affiliate link yet.)
✅ Calendly ($10) – No more back-and-forth scheduling. (No affiliate link yet.)
✅ Flow Club ($40) – “Body doubling” magic that keeps me productive. Try for free for 14 days!

Please note that some of these are affiliate links.

Follow Laura on LinkedIn and Instagram

Solo service providers can be just as profitable as million dollar businesses. You don't need more staff, more products, or a bigger audience. Join 1000+ email subscribers who are learning how to sign bigger contracts every week --> https://laurakhalil.ck.page/

In this episode of Big Deal Energy, host Laura Khalil kicks off the new year with a powerful discussion about the difference between growing and scaling a consulting business—and why it matters.

Laura shares practical insights to help you:
 • Understand the key differences between growth and scale.
 • Identify the common income ceiling most consultants face and how to break through it.
 • Build a business model that prioritizes profitability and freedom over unnecessary complexity.

Whether you’re aiming for consistent $10K, $20K, or $30K months, or just trying to figure out your next steps, this episode will help you design a roadmap for success in 2025.

Plus, Laura invites you to her upcoming Revenue Roadmap Workshop (January 21, 2025), where she’ll help you:
 • Discover your freedom number.
 • Decide whether to grow or scale your business.
 • Map out the key steps to hit your revenue goals without burnout.

Register here: https://laura-khalil.com/revenue-roadmap/

If you’re ready to stop winging it and start building a business that works for you, this episode is for you!

Don’t miss this timely conversation. Hit play now, and let’s make 2025 your most profitable year yet!

🎧 Subscribe and share with fellow consultants and freelancers ready to scale smarter, not harder.

Follow Laura on LinkedIn and Instagram

Solo service providers can be just as profitable as million dollar businesses. You don't need more staff, more products, or a bigger audience. Join 1000+ email subscribers who are learning how to sign bigger contracts every week --> https://laurakhalil.ck.page/

In this episode of Big Deal Energy, host Laura Khalil dives into one of life’s universal experiences: the shitty day. 

You know, those days where everything seems to go wrong, piling up one frustration after another. Laura shares a personal story about three nightmare days in a row—from a kitchen disaster to car troubles—and how she found a way to get through it without letting the stress control her. 

This episode is a must-listen for anyone in need of a reminder that even the worst days have an end.

Follow Laura on LinkedIn and Instagram

Solo service providers can be just as profitable as million dollar businesses. You don't need more staff, more products, or a bigger audience. Join 1000+ email subscribers who are learning how to sign bigger contracts every week --> https://laurakhalil.ck.page/

In this episode of Big Deal Energy, we’re flipping the script on sales! If you’ve ever felt like you’re talking too much or coming off as salesy, this one’s for you. Laura Khalil breaks down the power of The Curiosity Conversation, a simple, three-question framework designed to help you connect on a deeper level with anyone you meet. These aren’t your typical sales tactics—they’re thoughtful, open-ended questions that build trust, uncover real needs, and position you as a trusted advisor. Whether you’re networking, meeting a prospect, or chatting with a friend, these questions will transform the way you approach every conversation. Tune in and learn how to talk less, listen more, and create lasting connections that naturally lead to business opportunities.

Get ready to ditch the pitch and bring curiosity back to the conversation!

Follow Laura on LinkedIn and Instagram

Solo service providers can be just as profitable as million dollar businesses. You don't need more staff, more products, or a bigger audience. Join 1000+ email subscribers who are learning how to sign bigger contracts every week --> https://laurakhalil.ck.page/

Can taking on larger contracts force you into work you don't enjoy? In this episode of Big Deal Energy, Laura Kalil tackles this pressing concern through a captivating story of one of her clients who transitioned from a $30,000 monthly retainer to feeling adrift. Discover how they identified what she loved versus what she dreaded, utilizing the Elevate Method to secure fulfilling work, ultimately projecting a $50,000 close in Q3. Learn how embracing discomfort and intentional business practices can transform your consulting career and turn uncertainty into a thriving, client-filled schedule.

Laura details the journey of navigating post-contract instability and the importance of leaning into discomfort to create opportunities you truly love. Through actionable advice and real-world examples, you'll uncover strategies to maintain consistency and intentionality in your business. Hear firsthand how her client went from zero clients to a packed schedule of work she’s passionate about. Tune in for an inspiring episode that promises to change how you approach large contracts and consulting work. Don't miss this chance to transform fear into a flourishing consulting career!

Follow Laura on LinkedIn and Instagram

Solo service providers can be just as profitable as million dollar businesses. You don't need more staff, more products, or a bigger audience. Join 1000+ email subscribers who are learning how to sign bigger contracts every week --> https://laurakhalil.ck.page/

Follow Laura on LinkedIn and Instagram

Solo service providers can be just as profitable as million dollar businesses. You don't need more staff, more products, or a bigger audience. Join 1000+ email subscribers who are learning how to sign bigger contracts every week --> https://laurakhalil.ck.page/

What if the only thing standing between you and securing those high-profile contracts is your own fear of reaching out? Join us in this episode of Big Deal Energy as we uncover how one of our Elevate Mastermind clients confronted and conquered her fear of connecting with high-level decision-makers. By identifying her self-limiting beliefs and turning them around, she transformed her outreach strategy and made impactful connections. We use a powerful analogy involving helping someone in pain to illustrate that titles are nothing to be intimidated by—we should, instead, focus on the value and solutions we bring to the table.

Our discussion doesn’t stop at overcoming fear; we also delve into the mindset shift needed for sincere and service-oriented business development. Learn how engaging with genuine curiosity and offering help can foster authentic relationships that lead to substantial opportunities. We'll share strategies to break down self-imposed barriers and initiate meaningful interactions. Plus, if you're keen to further hone your skills and land larger deals, don’t miss our recommendations to explore Elevate Launchpad for more comprehensive training and resources.

Follow Laura on LinkedIn and Instagram

Solo service providers can be just as profitable as million dollar businesses. You don't need more staff, more products, or a bigger audience. Join 1000+ email subscribers who are learning how to sign bigger contracts every week --> https://laurakhalil.ck.page/

Can AI really transform your business? Discover how with Krista Grasso, business strategist and creator of the Lean Out Method and Lean Scaling System, as we unravel the overwhelming array of AI tools available for service-based businesses. Krista shares valuable insights on cutting through the clutter to find the tools that truly enhance rather than replace the human element in your operations. Expect a few laughs along the way as we experiment with AI-generated content in the voices of famous personalities to make this complex technology more approachable.

Ready to revolutionize your content and marketing strategies? We dive into the last pillar of business scaling: creating and refining Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) using AI. Krista reveals how tools like ChatGPT, Cast Magic, and Searchy Wisdom can be tailored to reflect your unique brand voice, making your content stand out in a crowded online space. Learn practical tips on building custom GPTs to support your team’s efficiency, streamline your operations, save time, and cut costs—all while maintaining consistent, personalized communication with your audience.

Imagine AI not just as a tool, but as an invaluable business coach. Krista and I explore how customizing GPTs can lead to better client understanding and engagement, ultimately boosting your business efficiency and client satisfaction. We discuss the strategic importance of creating effective SOPs and role success kits with AI, backed by a compelling case study. Tune in to discover how AI tools like ChatGPT, Claude, and CastMagic can transform client engagement and conversion processes, setting your new hires up for success and empowering your clients to solve their problems independently.

Follow Laura on LinkedIn and Instagram

Solo service providers can be just as profitable as million dollar businesses. You don't need more staff, more products, or a bigger audience. Join 1000+ email subscribers who are learning how to sign bigger contracts every week --> https://laurakhalil.ck.page/

How do you go from 0 to $40,000 sale in 24 hours? Molly Beran and I break it down in this episode of Big Deal Energy, as we teardown my recent experience buying a car. 

Follow Laura on LinkedIn and Instagram

Solo service providers can be just as profitable as million dollar businesses. You don't need more staff, more products, or a bigger audience. Join 1000+ email subscribers who are learning how to sign bigger contracts every week --> https://laurakhalil.ck.page/

In this episode of Big Deal Energy, host Laura Khalil offers invaluable advice on optimizing your approach to meetings.

Ever felt like just another item on someone's overloaded meeting schedule? Laura shares powerful insights on how to stand out and make your meetings unforgettable. She unveils the secrets to building genuine connections and leaving a lasting impression.

Follow Laura on LinkedIn and Instagram

Solo service providers can be just as profitable as million dollar businesses. You don't need more staff, more products, or a bigger audience. Join 1000+ email subscribers who are learning how to sign bigger contracts every week --> https://laurakhalil.ck.page/

In this episode of Big Deal Energy, business advisor Laura Khalil delves into the nuances of cold outreach in business growth. She explores the benefits, drawbacks, and when to use cold outreach versus relying on existing networks.

Products Discussed: Cold Outreach Cure

Follow Laura on LinkedIn and Instagram

Solo service providers can be just as profitable as million dollar businesses. You don't need more staff, more products, or a bigger audience. Join 1000+ email subscribers who are learning how to sign bigger contracts every week --> https://laurakhalil.ck.page/

Ever wondered why your meticulously crafted social media strategy isn't landing you clients while others seem to be breezing through business growth? Join us as we unravel the secrets to authentic business development that eschews spammy tactics and connects genuinely with your target audience. 

Follow Laura on LinkedIn and Instagram

Solo service providers can be just as profitable as million dollar businesses. You don't need more staff, more products, or a bigger audience. Join 1000+ email subscribers who are learning how to sign bigger contracts every week --> https://laurakhalil.ck.page/

Ever felt like you're on the brink of a business breakthrough but just can't seem to push through? That's where the magic of the right coach or advisor comes in.

In our latest episode, Laura Khalil, share's 10 questions to ask yourself when evaluating who you want to work with. 

Follow Laura on LinkedIn and Instagram

Solo service providers can be just as profitable as million dollar businesses. You don't need more staff, more products, or a bigger audience. Join 1000+ email subscribers who are learning how to sign bigger contracts every week --> https://laurakhalil.ck.page/

In this episode of Big Deal Energy, I dive into strategies for supercharging your business growth with what I call "quantum leap multipliers." Drawing from my own experiences, I share how committing just one hour a day to tackling challenging areas can lead to significant breakthroughs. Forget the myth of relentless hustle – I'm all about consistent, purposeful action and creating environments that nurture growth. Join me as I debunk the hustle culture and explore how small, consistent steps can propel your business forward. Tune in to discover how to leverage these quantum leap multipliers and achieve remarkable growth without burning out.

Referenced in this episode:

Cold Outreach Cure: https://grow.bravebydesign.net/cold-outreach-cure
Elevate Mastermind: https://www.bravebydesign.net/mastermind

Follow Laura on LinkedIn and Instagram

Solo service providers can be just as profitable as million dollar businesses. You don't need more staff, more products, or a bigger audience. Join 1000+ email subscribers who are learning how to sign bigger contracts every week --> https://laurakhalil.ck.page/

Say goodbye to the constraints of hourly pricing! This episode is packed with insights on why hourly rates might be holding you back and how pivoting to retainer and project models could revolutionize your freelance, consultant, or agency business. 

This episode is not just about innovative pricing models; it's also about attracting higher-paying B2B clients. I'll let you in on some strategies that have worked wonders for me and my clients.

Follow Laura on LinkedIn and Instagram

Solo service providers can be just as profitable as million dollar businesses. You don't need more staff, more products, or a bigger audience. Join 1000+ email subscribers who are learning how to sign bigger contracts every week --> https://laurakhalil.ck.page/

Ever wondered how to navigate through those tricky objections during sales calls without sounding pushy or desperate?

Join me, as I arm you with the smartest techniques to sail smoothly through such situations and turn them into golden opportunities.

Hear about the inspiring journeys of Elevate Mastermind members  who have taken their businesses to the next level, transitioning from subcontracting to scoring $14,000 a month contracts.

We also shed light on the power of social proof and hype in boosting your professional image.

So, gear up and get ready to land those big, lucrative deals!

Want to find Higher-Paying Clients? Watch the masterclass: bigdealenergy.net

Follow Laura on LinkedIn and Instagram

Solo service providers can be just as profitable as million dollar businesses. You don't need more staff, more products, or a bigger audience. Join 1000+ email subscribers who are learning how to sign bigger contracts every week --> https://laurakhalil.ck.page/

Picture yourself at the helm of a thriving business. You're connected with business leaders and decision makers worldwide; you're considered a trusted ally, a savvy strategist. Sounds like a dream? 

LinkedIn coach Michelle J Raymond wants to make it your reality.

In this episode we discuss:

• how to build business relationships on LinkedIn
• who to connect with on LinkedIn, if you're not sure who to talk to
• signs you might be sales avoidant
• how to over with your fear of sales

But it doesn't stop there. We examine strategies to revitalize your LinkedIn profile, reflecting your growth and invigorating your presence on the platform.

Whether you're a LinkedIn novice or a seasoned user, this episode promises a treasure trove of actionable insights. So, are you ready to make LinkedIn work for your business? Tune in and let's get started.

Follow Michelle J Raymond on LinkedIn
LinkedIn for B2B Growth Podcast
LinkedIn for B2B Growth YouTube

Follow Laura on LinkedIn and Instagram

Solo service providers can be just as profitable as million dollar businesses. You don't need more staff, more products, or a bigger audience. Join 1000+ email subscribers who are learning how to sign bigger contracts every week --> https://laurakhalil.ck.page/

Ever wondered why big corporations would hire a consultant when they have staff

In this episode, you'll get a comprehensive understanding from your business mentor, Laura Khalil, who unpacks this notion, providing 13 illuminating reasons. Laura goes beyond the obvious, exploring the complex factors that often make consultants a more cost-effective and valuable proposition than full-time employees.

Follow Laura on LinkedIn and Instagram

Solo service providers can be just as profitable as million dollar businesses. You don't need more staff, more products, or a bigger audience. Join 1000+ email subscribers who are learning how to sign bigger contracts every week --> https://laurakhalil.ck.page/

Can you work with larger companies without any experience working with them?

Dive headfirst into the world of Fortune 500 consulting with me as I break down the journey from micro-startups to the corporate world. I'll be peeling back the layers on the hiring process of big companies, debunking common misconceptions, and discussing why credentials aren't the be-all and end-all. I'll also be sharing my personal journey, providing tips on how one can present their value proposition, and advising on how to navigate this seemingly daunting field.

Now, imagine having fair pay, reasonable work hours and even scoring bigger contracts. Too good to be true? Well, think again. 

I'll be discussing the rewards of consulting for large companies, sharing tips on pricing oneself appropriately and making your services irresistible to large organizations. Whether you're just starting out or looking to scale up, this episode is a gold mine of encouragement and advice, aimed at empowering you to reach higher. So, strap in and join me as we explore the thrill of winning over the big leagues!

Follow Laura on LinkedIn and Instagram

Solo service providers can be just as profitable as million dollar businesses. You don't need more staff, more products, or a bigger audience. Join 1000+ email subscribers who are learning how to sign bigger contracts every week --> https://laurakhalil.ck.page/

Have you ever found yourself stuck at life's crossroads, questioning your purpose? We're all familiar with that age-old question we first encountered as children: 'What do you want to be when you grow up?' But today, I challenge you to shift your focus from the future to the present. Let's replace that question with 'What do you want to do today?' As adults, we write our own life map, and it’s time we shift our perspective on what it truly means to be alive.

Join me as I share some personal insights from my journey of self-discovery. We'll explore the concept of a 'yes day' – a day dedicated to saying yes to what brings joy into our lives. Through these experiences, I've realized that what we're truly seeking is not a specific purpose or meaning in life, but the vibrant feeling of being fully alive. Is it really necessary for our purpose to be linked to our profession? Let's rethink the paradigms and reshape our lives to find what truly makes us feel alive. Our true purpose might just be the exhilaration of living in the present. So why wait for tomorrow? Let's seize today and live it on our own terms.

Follow Laura on LinkedIn and Instagram

Solo service providers can be just as profitable as million dollar businesses. You don't need more staff, more products, or a bigger audience. Join 1000+ email subscribers who are learning how to sign bigger contracts every week --> https://laurakhalil.ck.page/

Diann Wingert helps female coaches, consultants, and independent professionals who have made the leap to self-employment but are not standing out and being paid as the expert they are. She helps her clients package their genius and stand out in a crowded marketplace.

Connect with Diann on LinkedIn
Listen to The Driven Woman Podcast

Follow Laura on LinkedIn and Instagram

Solo service providers can be just as profitable as million dollar businesses. You don't need more staff, more products, or a bigger audience. Join 1000+ email subscribers who are learning how to sign bigger contracts every week --> https://laurakhalil.ck.page/

Join me and Elevate Mastermind member, Stacey Levine, to discuss how she's grown her business as a brand beauty consultant. You'll also hear Stacey's advice for sustainable beauty brands looking to stand out in a crowded marketplace.

Connect with Stacey at https://www.staceyalevine.co/

Follow Laura on LinkedIn and Instagram

Solo service providers can be just as profitable as million dollar businesses. You don't need more staff, more products, or a bigger audience. Join 1000+ email subscribers who are learning how to sign bigger contracts every week --> https://laurakhalil.ck.page/

What you can learn from the incredible rise of Justin Welsh, who has growing his solopreneur business to over $3 million in just 3.5 years.

Follow Laura on LinkedIn and Instagram

Solo service providers can be just as profitable as million dollar businesses. You don't need more staff, more products, or a bigger audience. Join 1000+ email subscribers who are learning how to sign bigger contracts every week --> https://laurakhalil.ck.page/

Is your current business model set up to help you scale? If you're feeling overwhelmed, overworked and financially strapped, the answer is NO. 

In this episode, Laura shares three different business models for B2B businesses that are primarily run my solopreneurs, to help you make this your $250,000 year (or beyond) in business. 

Follow Laura on LinkedIn and Instagram

Solo service providers can be just as profitable as million dollar businesses. You don't need more staff, more products, or a bigger audience. Join 1000+ email subscribers who are learning how to sign bigger contracts every week --> https://laurakhalil.ck.page/