How I Built a Sustainable Consulting Practice
A day in the life of a full-time MarCom consultant in Central Ohio.
I get asked often from fellow MarCom contractors how I built my consulting practice and how I balance multiple clients, family life, and community work without burning out.
The short answer: I prioritize relationships, networking, fueling my passions, and working really friggin’ hard.
But let me show you what that looks like in real life.
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Morning: Foundation and Focus
The day starts off with coffee first. Always. One day, when the girls are grown and out of the house, I will lighten the caffeine intake. But for now, it’s imperative to my productivity, and I’m not looking to slow down any time soon.
Then it’s breakfast for the kids, a few minutes of chaos, feed and love on the pups, and get everyone out the door on time for the bus.
Once the house quiets, I check in with clients, clear the inbox, and plan the day ahead. I am the most productive in the morning. Perhaps it’s due to the coffee, or years of conditioning as a collegiate swimmer.
Midday: Time for Community and Connection
The workday often moves quickly from one context to another. On this day, I started at IMPACT Community Action’s Ripple of Hope event, celebrating the organizations and leaders who lift up our neighbors in Central Ohio.
Then, a stop by the offices of UpRys and PSI (Proteam Solutions) to move a few projects forward. I have been supporting these two clients since I moved to Columbus back in 2020 and they are wonderful partners and mentors.
Later, the Columbus Business First Fast 50 celebration where I had the joy of cheering on my incredible clients and their well-earned recognition.
Somewhere in there inevitably is more caffeine, and a car jam session to keep me centered. It can’t be all business after all.
Lessons from the Field
There’s no secret formula to sustainable consulting. But over time, I’ve learned a few things that make all the difference:
Structure beats hustle. Systems and routines create the space for creativity and focused client work.
Curiosity builds trust. The best consultants don’t pretend to know everything, they ask better questions and continue to learn and evolve with their clients.
Clients are partners, not projects. When you serve with stewardship instead of urgency, you create lasting relationships. Several of my long-time clients have become mentors and friends.
Rest is strategic. When I’m on, I’m all in. When I’m off, I rest. This keeps me sharp, grounded, and grateful. This is the person I want my kids to see, rather than an overworked, stressed-out version of their mom who can’t keep it together.
What Sustainable Success Looks Like
Real success doesn’t come from doing more, it comes from doing what matters, with the right people, for the right reasons.
Have systems that work for you.
Use tools that make you effective.
Find mentors who care about your growth.
And always, always keep your values and relationships at the center.
That’s what makes this work not only possible, but impactful.
Congratulations to my incredible partners whose impact and recognition this week remind me why I do what I do.
Here’s to good work, good people, and the rhythm that makes it all sustainable.
Erin Gregory Creative is the studio of Erin Gregory, a writer, marketing strategist, and full-time communications and branding consultant for mission-driven organizations.
She’s also the host of Notes from the Messy Middle, a podcast on Substack exploring creativity, communication, and intentional living. Her work connects personal growth with strategic storytelling, helping people and brands speak with more clarity and purpose.