Content with Consulting: Meet Moira Alexander
Moira’s Keys to Success
- Building upon all of her experiences and understanding the value she brings to companies
- Personally crafting unique content while embracing and integrating the power of AI as opportunities exist
- Cultivating positive relationships to foster word-of-mouth referrals and repeat business
What type of work do you do?
I work on content strategy and writing for B2B companies and digital publications, including CIO, TechRepublic, Tech Research, CMSWire, and my own digital project management and leadership publication, PMWorld360 Magazine. I also work with Black & White Zebra, which expands further into project management, HR, accounting, and finance, all of which are in my wheelhouse.
Have you been using generative AI in any of your projects?
I’m using it right now with a few clients who want to pilot AI for creating initial drafts. There are a lot of tools out there that create content, but with limitations. I think it’s fantastic because it has a purpose – to help us do what we do better and faster, to remove some of the heavy lifting. This allows us to inject our own creativity and experience.
A year ago, the AI output was pretty robotic. The language has since improved but lacks originality and the human experience element. I wouldn’t just throw it on a website and call it a day. It’s getting better, but there is no substitute for being able to embed real-life experiences and views. You want to be able to get across that human component. That personal connection and feel you get when someone is explaining a topic to you face-to-face. That’s what’s missing.
What path did you take to become a consultant?
I started out in accounting and financial reporting for about 12 years. Then, I earned an associate degree in information systems and transitioned into business and systems analysis. Later, I obtained my project management certification (PMP) and started managing projects involving implementing financial systems.
Why did you decide to become a consultant?
Consulting has been a part of my career for about 20 years, starting with a gig where I helped a former employer with a systems implementation. I went into consulting because our youngest daughter became seriously ill. She had complex health issues and an ultra-rare illness. At the time, she was one of only 10 people in the world with this condition. That really prompted me to take a step back and ask, how can I reimagine my career — rather than give it up but still provide the care that she needs? Consulting held the answer, and I haven’t looked back since.
What has been your biggest challenge about being a consultant?
First of all, you have to find the work. Then, you have to find the right projects. You can really fill your day with work, but you have to enjoy the projects, and like the companies and people you’re working with. The challenge is knowing your value and advocating for yourself. It can be really difficult, but sometimes you have to turn work away if it’s not the right opportunity for you.
What do you love about consulting?
The freedom to pick projects and clients that I think I’m going to enjoy. Then there’s flexibility – I can choose how many hours I put in and when I’m going to work. For instance, I’m a morning person, so I can work all of my hours then and take time off in the afternoon. That said, I’ve had clients across the globe and have successfully accommodated their schedules and still worked around my daughter and everything else. All while still being committed to delivering high-quality work with exceptional results.
How do you market yourself?
I keep my LinkedIn up-to-date with my projects, skill sets, awards or achievements, and any updates as I want potential clients to know about. That’s one way of putting my best foot forward. I also work with agencies like EM Marketing, which are fantastic because they make finding engaging and quality projects easier.
Word of mouth and repeat business is big. I make sure I meet the client’s needs. It’s important to maintain great relationships and not damage them. Always be professional. Be positive and go for a win-win situation. It’s a cliché, but it truly does work.
What are the things you like to do when the work slows down?
When I was younger, I used to love sketching, drawing, and other art-related things. A lot of that has fallen by the wayside and has been replaced with my love for cooking and experimenting with different recipes. My biggest hobby now is my family. I never tire of spending time with them. With my first grandchild just born, I am beyond excited about my home and professional future.
What tips would you give to new consultants?
Know why you’re getting into consulting. It’s not always perfect, but it can be truly rewarding. Take stock of what you have to offer because you’re going to have to explain it to a company at some point. Make sure the work is something you enjoy doing. There’s nothing worse than doing work and feeling bitter — it doesn’t benefit you or the company.
Give it your all. Don’t do it halfway. Even if it’s not your ideal project, the minute you commit to a client, you owe them that. It’s about developing the right mindset as a professional. Whatever service you are offering companies, you should give them your best every time.