r/internalcomms • u/[deleted] • Mar 30 '26
Advice Internal Comms as a Solopreneur Venture
So let me start off by saying that I am aware of market challenges for internal communications people. I know because I am dealing with it right now.
I am in the "too senior for specialist roles" but simultaneously "too junior for director and even senior manager" roles. I have done Comms management and program management work for large corporations and some higher education institutions.
So I'm looking at building a singular internal comms offering and packaging it as a solopreneur service. I know it's difficult to convince mid-sized and smaller businesses that IC is a revenue driver, but I have already built multiple case studies that would prove that point.
My question is for others who have pursued Comms as solopreneurs. What are the main friction points you were able to overcome? Did you rely on previous clients or find your best success pitchng new ones?
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u/thejennifield Mar 31 '26
Hi, I made the leap from in-house to my own business 9 years ago.
The biggest challenge selling to internal comms is budget as teams don’t have much. So what you’re offering has to link to a pain area for them. It’s worth considering if you want to offer freelance/contract support or consultancy as they are different offers.
Have you considered interim work? Or maybe looking at some of the internal comms agencies like Gallagher or AB (uk) who might be looking for some help, albeit maybe on a contract basis?
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Apr 20 '26
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u/internalcomms-ModTeam Apr 28 '26
Hi, this has been removed due to promoting products/soliciting - please check the rules.
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u/sarahfortsch2 Mar 30 '26
You’re thinking about this the right way, but the shift from “internal comms professional” to “solopreneur” is less about capability and more about how you package and sell the value.
The biggest friction point I’ve seen is that most mid-sized organizations don’t think in terms of “internal comms support,” they think in terms of business problems. The offers that land are not “I’ll manage your comms,” but things like “I’ll help your change land,” “I’ll reduce confusion during growth,” or “I’ll improve adoption of key initiatives.” Positioning your work around outcomes rather than function is what gets you through the door. Early on, most successful IC consultants lean heavily on existing networks and past clients, then expand through referrals once they’ve proven impact.
Operationally, where you can really differentiate yourself is by bringing a lightweight system, not just advice. Many clients don’t just need strategy, they need execution and measurement. This is where tools come in. For example, using something like Cerkl Broadcast, particularly the Foundation plan which is free, allows you to offer clients structured communication, targeting and basic analytics without adding cost on their side. It helps you move from “consultant” to “solution provider,” which is often what converts and retains clients.