When you’re a micro-consultant, someone reaches out with a specific micro-issue in their life, whether it’s work-related or personal, and you help them fix it. Defining the scope of the solution you need to offer and sticking to it strictly is so far the hardest part about being a micro-consultant.
If you’re an eye makeup specialist, for example, you’ll get asked ultra-specific things like: ‘What angle should I hold my liner pen to avoid smudging on hooded eyes?’
Or ‘What’s the best way to apply lash glue without getting it on the lashes themselves?’
Maybe even ‘Which brush shape works best for creating a seamless transition between two specific eyeshadow colors?’ You get the idea.
If you work in finance, it’s not broad tax advice they’re after. Instead, it’ll be something like: ‘Is the subscription I bought for my small business accounting software deductible under professional services?’
Or ‘Given the current inflation rate, do you think investing in short-term bonds for the next 12 months is better than holding cash in the bank?’
You might also get ‘Should I lease or buy a vehicle if I expect to write off business mileage for the next two years in Kenya?’
Being a micro-consultant means you’re not advising on the full scope of your expertise, but just a tiny, niche area of it per client..
This is why you might have been micro-consulting all along without even realizing it.
When someone asks for your advice on a tricky issue in your area of expertise, that’s what we call micro-consulting. They’ve got a problem, and since you’ve dealt with similar stuff before, you can offer them the right tips.
That make the hardest part about being a micro-consultant actually having the right answers at your fingertips at all times.
The hardest part about being a micro-consultant in marketing is choking when a clients wants to know:
- “How to increase click-through rates specifically on mobile ads targeting Gen Z”
- “The best way to optimize Instagram bio links for higher conversions”
The hardest part about being a micro-consultant in SEO is choking when a clients wants to know:
- “How to rank my local business for ‘dog grooming in Brooklyn’ without spending on ads?”
- “The best approach for optimizing voice search queries in my product descriptions?”
The hardest part about being a micro-consultant in fitness is choking when a clients wants to know:
- “What exact warm-up routine reduces hamstring injuries for sprinters?”
- “What’s the best way to build strength in the forearms to improve rock climbing grip?”
The hardest part about being a micro-consultant in fashion/beauty is choking when a clients wants to know:
- “The best way to layer fabrics for a high-fashion fall look that keeps you warm”
- “Which accessories to wear to a winter wedding without clashing with dark colors”
The hardest part about being a micro-consultant in Small Business is choking when a clients wants to know:
- “How to streamline the client booking process for a salon with under 5 staff”
- “The easiest way to track supply costs in a single-chair barbershop”
The hardest part about being a micro-consultant in haircare is choking when a clients wants to know:
- “Which styling products work best for maintaining curls in high-humidity climates?”
- “How to prevent color fading in bright pink hair during the summer”
To be a micro-consultant in Kenya, you must know your niche inside and out.
This means rigorously testing yourself across every aspect of it, multiple times, until you’ve perfected both your skills and knowledge. You need to be able to dissect an issue from every angle, working it backward and forward, to deliver a tailored solution to a specific problem.
The better you are at what you do, the more naturally solutions will come to you. However, if others can easily figure out the fine details of your expertise, your value may diminish.
First, you’ll face greater competition. Second, with the rise of DIY culture, people could learn to handle it themselves. That’s why it’s crucial to make yourself not just useful, but indispensable.
The hardest part about being a micro-consultant in Kenya
As more people gain access to global information and DIY solutions, convincing them that your tailored expertise is worth investing in can feel like the hardest part about being a micro-consultant.
You’re not just competing with local consultants but also with the vast amount of free resources and online tutorials that are increasingly accessible. Balancing the need to be indispensable while facing these hurdles is no small feat.
You’re a girl blogger, yeah? The hardest part about being a micro-consultant is when a potential client hits your DM, eager to find out how you come up with the perfect captions for your girl micro-blog, only to ghost you after you walk them step by step through your unique strategy.
They clearly used your session as a free strategy call, taking notes and then disapearing off to go apply the techniques you gave them, without so much as oppefing a donation to keep your services going. You realise you trustingly gave away something invaluable for free.
Or you’re a tiktok star; over 50% of your videos have gone viral, none of which you had to resort to featuring car crashes or nudes.
The owner of a new TikTok account approaches you with a clear problem that fits your micro-niche perfectly.
They’re impressed by your videos and engagement, but the moment you mention that they’ll have to pay a small fee to get the specific help from you you know no one else can give, they dance around how they have a problem with their bank or payment platform and how they’ll pay you later after they’ve fixed the issue only for them to disappear forever once you’ve helped them overcome the issue they had.
And then there’s the client who’s willing to pay, but only for the lowest-tier service you offer because they’ve already been tinkering around with DIY options. “I’ve mostly figured it out, I just need a little tweak,” they insist.
What they don’t realize is that their DIY efforts have set them back, and now they’re asking you to undo their mistakes in half the time for an eighth of the price.
Starting your Micro-Consulting Business
The hardest part about starting a micro-consulting business in Kenya is having very limited capital
Kenyans take your business as seriosuly as you take your personal grooming or first impression.
Nothing says “I get paid to be myself” like looking as if you actually make money, enough to always have a frsh haircut if you’re a guy, or a fresh hairdo, if you’re a girl.
Obviously, in micro-consulting these days, office space is entirely optional because you’re going to meet with your clients out there in the jungle, not exactly at your office. Most of your operations run using free tools like WhatsApp or Zoom for client communication, which saves you the cost of an office.
And, coworking spaces can be rented cheaply on a daily or hourly basis when you need to meet clients in person.
So even with limited capital to start your micro-consulting business, you need to portray the amount of money you expect clients to pay you. You have to look like you’re actually worth it.
So, if you’re really an expert in what you’re about to offer clients in micro-consulting business, focus on not looking like the client can come to you for free advice.
How to invest in your looks so your clients are encouraged to pay you for your micro-consultance
You know what your skill entails; if you’re a mechanic, make sure your overall isn’t all greasy and dirty. Wear the uniform but don’t look like you actually do the dirty work yourself. Look like you train and supervise, but that you are proud of what you do and you stand for it ergo, the overall.
Clean up. Have clean manicured nails. Even if you’re a guy.
If you’re in the beauty industry, look it. Have your nails done and always look polished and your makeup done.
People put value on you based on the value you present yourself as having.
Get business cards that specifically state what area you micro-consult in. Elegant business cards.
You can’t just rely on exchanging numbers with potential clients. Do that, and still offer them a card. There’s something about a formal business card that tells people you take your work seriously. So even if they’d never need your services, whenever the need arises, they’ll consider you over everyone else who seems cheap and not as qualified.
And always make sure, in as many conversations as possible, you find a way to introduce your services casually so that it’s out there. Your word-of-mouth advertising has to start with you, and it’s way cheaper than having an influencer talk you up to her followers and audience, even on a free platform like Instagram.
Payments can be handled via mobile platforms like Coop Cash, M-Pesa and Airtel Money, so you avoid the cost of expensive financial software.
In terms of initial funds, you might need around KES 5,000 to 20,000 to cover coworking spaces, internet, and marketing expenses.
Coworking spaces are great, but it’s a lot better to just meet clients and potential partners for your micro-consulting business at expensive (looking ) cafes and restaurants.
It will cost you lunch, space and a great impression. People are cordial when there’s food, so even if you’re paying, you’ve made that cash go as far as it possibly could and high chances are, the returns will not disappoint. Even if lunch cost KES 5000.
Working from home? Mobile data plans go for KES 1,000 per month, depending on usage. So, any other services you can’t perform during the consultation at lunch (where your host will offer you their WIfI password if you ask, discreetly, will only cost you about KES 35 a day.
Do not print out cheap posters and have them displayed everywhere like you’re offering some free to dirt-cheap service. If you must, save up and have a local TV station mention you. Or, hey, even a local social media influencer with a decent following.
Again, perception is everything.
Overall, besides about KES 10,000 for wardrobe, licensing, internet and a lunch or two later on, you’ve essentially already got your business up and running with very limited capital.
Money you can get from personal savings, small loans, or micro-financing options from local institutions like Faulu, Kiva, or even SACCOs (Savings and Credit Cooperative Organizations). Some entrepreneurs even use funds from family or friends to get started.
What’s the quickest way to legally register a micro-consulting business in Kenya?
I know you’ve heard of the online government portal, eCitizen.
Getting your dream consultancy registered used to be the hardest part about being a micro-consultant in Kenya.
Now, you simply create an account and follow the easy step-by-step business registration process on there and then pay via M-Pesa or your debit card to get your paperwork done for under KES 1,000.
All the entrepreneurs in Kenya, financially well or otherwise, use eCitizen to get their businesses registered unless the business needs extra legal work.
Hiring a lawyer can be overkill when your business is still in this early, informal stage. The legal aspects of registering a business for consulting, especially when you’re mainly working online or on a small scale, are straightforward enough to handle on your own.
Using eCitizen means you can focus your small budget on marketing or networking instead of hefty legal fees.
As your micro-consulting business grows and you handle more clients, larger contracts, or even corporate deals, legal issues might come up.
You might need a lawyer to help draft consulting agreements, handle disputes, or even navigate tax issues.
But, for now, when you’re likely providing services to small businesses or individuals and handling payment through simple means like Coop Cash and M-Pesa, the risk of legal complications is low.
Getting registered quickly and cheaply through eCitizen is a smart move while you build your consulting reputation.
How to navigate the different types of business licenses required for micro-consultants in Kenya
Consult your local county office for a Business Permit based on your service type, and if you plan to deal with intellectual property, get a Copyright License to safeguard your consulting tools and templates.
To navigate the different types of business licenses needed for a micro-consulting business in Kenya, it helps to first understand the general landscape of licensing and then focus on what’s specifically relevant for micro-consultants.
In Kenya, every business—big or small—needs a Business Permit to operate legally.
This is issued by your local county government and is a basic requirement for all businesses, whether you’re running a small retail shop or providing professional services.
The fee for the permit depends on your business type, location, and size. For a micro-consulting business, which is considered a professional service, the cost is typically lower than for more complex businesses.
The county office will guide you on the exact permit you need based on the nature of your consulting work.
Next, some businesses need additional licenses based on the industry they operate in. For example, health and safety permits are required for businesses like restaurants or salons to ensure they meet regulatory standards, but this isn’t relevant to consulting.
Likewise, certain industries like tourism or manufacturing have their own specific licenses.
While these are important in general, they don’t apply to micro-consulting unless you’re offering specialized advice in those sectors.
The most relevant license for a micro-consultant, besides the Business Permit, could be a Copyright License.
Since consultants often create unique tools, strategies, or materials to offer their clients, protecting that intellectual property can be important.
If you’ve developed a specialized framework, template, or set of documents as part of your consulting services, applying for a copyright through the Kenya Copyright Board (KECOBO) ensures that your original work is legally protected.
This can be useful down the line if you find that others are copying or using your materials without permission.
Though a Copyright License isn’t mandatory, it’s a smart move if you’re producing original work that gives your consulting business its edge.
How to Establish a Niche in Kenya’s Competitive Consulting Market
Let as many people as possible see you do what you do.
That’s the key.
You can start by offering your services for free. If you’ve already settled on your micro-niche, this shouldn’t be difficult. If not, ask yourself: What do people often come to you for advice on?
That’s your micro-niche.
Are people coming to you for dating advice? Do they ask you how to choose nail colors and designs? Or maybe they seek your help with a specific parenting challenge?
If no one is coming to you for something obvious, think about what you’d like people to consult you for. The hardest part about being a micro-consultant is identifying that niche. Once you figure it out, you’re set to start your micro-consulting business.
But be realistic. The hardest part about being a micro-consultant is staying within your expertise—don’t aim to offer dermatological advice if you’re not a licensed medical professional.
What’s the best way to choose the right industries to micro-consult for in Kenya’s growing economy?
Money, for one.
Figure out how much you want to make from your micro-consulting business, then pick a few areas within your favorite industries.
This is where passion meets pricing.
For example, if you’re into the catering industry, you could focus on helping businesses improve their menus, streamline kitchen operations, or even consult on food presentation.
If you know what you need, what you’re good at, and what you enjoy doing most about the thing you’re goot at, you can find the right industry for your micro-consulting hustle.
Kenya’s economy is always on the move. People are resilient, always finding new ways to make money. If you’ve got even a little creativity, you can turn whatever field excites you into your own goldmine.
The hardest part about being a micro-consultant is choosing the perfect niche to micro-consult for that fits your skills and that people will pay for.
But in Kenya, there’s always a way to tweak what’s already working and earn extra cash. The hardest part about being a micro-consultant is making sure your skills are legit in whatever industry you choose. Once you’ve nailed that, you’re set.
How to test your consulting services before committing fully to this business model
Try it on for size.
Committing to a single business model is honestly the hardest part about being a micro-consultant in Kenya.
Talk about your micro-consultancy like it’s always been there when you meet someone new. Pretend you’re already a seasoned pro in your niche.
You can even offer them a free consultation on the spot, then set up a lunch or Zoom call later when you’re less busy.
Just make sure you’re ready with something insightful that blows their minds, because this person is your first word-of-mouth advertiser (besides yourself).
Make it count.
Don’t give away all your secrets, though. Tell them just enough to leave them wanting more, to have them asking themselves questions they’ve never thought to ask before. Make them feel like what you offer is priceless compared to what you actually charge.
If you do this enough, you’ll not only build the confidence to hit the ground running, but also get the clients you need to get started. And it won’t take much effort.
How to create a sustainable pricing model for your micro-consultancy that Kenyan clients can afford while ensuring profitability
Well, we’ve already talked about the free-of-charge session with people you want singing your praises all over town.
Now, let me tell you about how you can get people to pay for your services and not feel like they’ve paid enough. Not knowing how to create a sustainable pricing model for your micro-consultancy is the hardest part about being a micro-consultant.
Always give more than you receive—or make it appear that way.
Of course, you already know more about the subject than your client or any potential client. You want to give them exactly what they’ve paid for, plus a bonus. Whether it’s a free session for whoever they refer back to you or a discounted session if they bring someone new, make your services feel like a steal.
Everyone loves a good deal, walking away with more than they expected. Your clients will love coming to you if they’re sure to leave with a “bag of goodies” every time they visit. Why else do you think pediatricians are the most beloved of all the doctors?
You could offer subscriptions where you’re retained, like a lawyer, for as long as the client needs you. That way, you know your client is with you for the entire duration of their problem.
Even better, have a flexible payment system so your clients feel like you “get them.” People hate the pressure that comes with payment.
They love it when they can have an extension without having to ask for one. Allowing clients to pay you when they can, under a guided timetable, helps them stick around long enough to start feeling at home with the services you offer.
That structured familiarity makes them more likely to mention you to their friends. Not pressuring them to pay immediately gives them a sense of obligation, like you’ve done them a huge favor they want to repay.
Tiered service packages with incremental value work too, but people don’t like feeling cheap for choosing the lowest option.
Boost their ego a little. Let them know you see them just like your upfront-paying, premium clients—just that, secretly, it takes them a bit longer to pay off their balance, and you’re fine with that (of course, because they know there’ll be serious repercussions if they fail to pay in the end, in full).
You’ll need secrets and tips like these if you hope to tackle the hardest part about being a micro-consultant.
