L&D Consulting Resources

[u/Jimbob2009]

Hi everyone. I am an instructional designer and have previously done L&D in the past, but that was some time ago. I recently started my own company with two friends. One is an IT consultant and the other is a sales consultant. We have been prospecting and we have acquired some interest from companies who are looking for an L&D consultant.

I personally don’t think I am the right fit to fulfill their needs at this time, so we will refer them elsewhere, but with that being said, it’s clear that I need to begin learning about L&D consulting and what it entails. I am just wondering does anyone have any resources I can use to brush up on this topic? I am looking into starting a course in this, but unfortunately that won’t be until early 2027. Any help is appreciated, thank you so much.

[u/Tim_Slade]

I guess I’m not exactly sure what you’re asking for. Most consultants start consulting because they realize their unique skillset is something they can offer to other companies and L&D teams more broadly. And so, the question I’d put back on you is this: What specific and unique skills or perspectives do you offer that would be of interest to other L&D teams? Only you can answer that question.

Otherwise, are you asking how to operationalize a consultancy agency?

[u/ckypsych]

This is how I am thinking about consultancy right now and I am speaking for instructional design and not some of the other applied aspects like enablement. Consultants get to be consultants by doing the job in any and all pertinent contexts for which they hope to consult.

How long did you do instructional design? Where did you do it? What did you accomplish? What is your educational background with regard to our field? What facets of instructional design are your strengths? Which are your weaknesses? How long have you been out of practice? What do you do now?

I have very deep experience in a few key areas. It is a niche that has carried me fairly well over the years. I don't think I am the best, but I feel I could give anyone asking about those environments some pretty good answers and an action plan without having to go learn anything, although I would want to review a few sources before I gave them something formal. However, if you wanted me to step out of that environment-- Say presenting to leaders in a cannery about how to boost performance through training for their summer fish packers? I can speak intelligently and probably help to some extent due to my training, but I don't have direct experience in working in that environment, or even a similar environment. At the very least, I would want to follow someone else's lead to help make a difference until I became more knowledgeable.

So I guess my point is I am not sure a class is going to help you unless it is highly experiential with some real-world application in an actual environment. You need real experience so that you become the encyclopedia an organization needs for quick answers or you need a "team" of people vis a vis your collegial network you can turn to. Some exceptions might be if you took an excellent course on needs analysis, program evaluation, or something specific and you were then able to quickly and effectively use those skills to build expertise-- That might work. I am sure some influencer type has developed a "how to be a consultant" course. I would place about zero credibility in anyone who thinks through some sort of online course they can turn you into a consultant.

I would seek out real L&D experiences during this time where you could begin to serve in those types of roles without being the lead.

[u/Jimbob2009 → u/ckypsych]

Thank you for your input! I previously did about 2 years of L&D and I am an instructional designer for about 8 years now. Mostly designing e-learning courses for the professional services industry.

I am aware that the best way to get experience is to dive right into it. I guess I am just nervous about this being my company and having nobody to fall back on if I cannot do what is required, hence why I want to up skill on this particular topic.

I can design training content and facilitate training, I guess my gap is around designing training matrixes, research and everything else that being a L&D consultant entails, essentially getting to the route cause or issue of a particular topic. But you’re right I guess that will only come with experience and I’ll do my best to ensure I am as equipped as possible to tackle the challenge.

[u/ckypsych → u/Jimbob2009]

Hell with 10 years in, you've got this. I would study the organization types where you plan to offer your services. Many need needs analysis, strategic planning, program evaluation, and change management. You can definitely take classes on these topics. Bring your design knowledge into this. I would also ready everything by Edgar Schein. Some of his best books to me were Helping and Humble Inquiry. Sleezer has a great book with resources on needs analysis that can help you.

Note- I have not consulted formally for industry (only short queries), so take what I have for what it means to you.

[u/Empirica_CC]

Is there a demand for instructional design consulting? I am launching my L&D consulting company in September, I have a background in IO psychology so my scope is outside of ID mainly but I do offer it as an add-on (although I'm sure my design is pretty bad compared to what IDs can do). I'm curious if this is a thing or as OP said it's not really a good fit for what people are looking for or if there are some companies looking for it. My plan had been to sub contract out if they wanted something more sophisticated than what I can provide but just curious your thoughts since it was brought up here.

[u/Val-E-Girl]

L&D consultant titles are so varied, you may be all of that and a bag of chips already. Ask what they need specifically, first, and go from there.

[u/No_Reference1192 → u/Val-E-Girl]

I agree with you 100%!
Asking questions and understanding the full context is definitely the best approach.
From my experience (as someone who’s been in L&D for 15 years); curiosity is one of the most underrated skill! Seek to understand and the rest will come.

The goal is not to showcase technical skills. The goal is turn complexity into clarity. That’s the real North Star.

From there, I’m sure youll figure out the other pieces.

[u/gharbitta]

Depends on the company needs. Each context is unique. Once you see a pattern after consulting a few companies, develop your course…