Let’s talk facts.

In times of economic stress, contractors and consultants are often the first to go.

It’s unfortunate—but not surprising.

When companies are tightening their belts, the line item labeled “outside services” gets circled in red.

As a fractional CFO, I see the behind-the-scenes reality of businesses trying to navigate uncertainty, especially in light of the new 2025 tariffs and shifting federal policies.

I work directly with CEOs making tough calls.

Sometimes that means brainstorming new revenue streams or leveraging assets to generate quick cash.

Other times, it’s about delaying investments and preserving working capital.

But the fastest way to cut costs? Overhead. And yes, consultants—you know this—it often means us.

So if you’re in IT consulting, marketing, outsourced HR, architecture, coaching, or any service-based role like I am, here are some ways to become invaluable to your clients right now, so you don’t end up on the chopping block.

1. Stay in Communication

✅ Check in with every client. Ask them: What’s urgent for you right now?

✅ Share what you’re seeing in the market—and how it affects them. Be a thought partner, not just a vendor.

2. Repackage and Reframe Your Offerings

✅ Break big projects into bite-sized engagements—charge a bit more per piece, while keeping it digestible for the client.

✅ Focus on outcomes, not hours. What transformation can you deliver in 30 days?

✅ Bundle services around current pain points: cash flow, retention, risk management.

3. Shift from “Nice to Have” to “Need to Have”

✅ Tie your value to revenue growth, risk reduction, or compliance.

✅ Stop selling features—start selling survival strategies.

✅ Lead with business acumen, not just technical skill.

4. Offer Strategic Flexibility

✅ Be open to temporary re-scoping or pause-and-revisit plans.

✅ Offer short-term pricing incentives that build long-term trust.

✅ Adjust payment terms strategically if cash flow is tight—but don’t under price your expertise.

✨ Industry By Industry Strategies ✨

1. IT Services → Clients may pause digital upgrades. Push cloud migration, automation, and cybersecurity—non-negotiables in this climate.

2. HR Services →Position as essential to workforce stability. Help them navigate compliance, immigration, and multi-state hiring laws.

3. Marketing → ROI is everything. Emphasize lead gen, conversions, and trackable campaigns—not vanity metrics.

4. Architects →Rising material costs stall projects. Lean into cost-conscious design and show how you maximize value per dollar.

5. Executive Coaches → Focus on resilience, leadership, and decision-making. Pitch group coaching or industry-specific programs.

6. Commercial Cleaning→ Shift to local/green suppliers. Add value through sanitation and specialized cleanings to justify any pricing adjustments.

7. Operations Managers→ Help them streamline. Offer efficiencies that cut costs and weather labor/supply disruptions.

You don’t have to panic—but you do need a plan.The good news? You’re not alone. And you absolutely can stay in the game if you position yourself correctly.

>>>>> If you’re a growth-oriented business owner in one of these industries and want to talk through how to tailor this to your business, book a complimentary financial consult with me. Let’s choreograph your next financial move together. 💃🏽📊 Schedule a Financial Strategy Session.

Tricia Taitt is the CEO and Chief Financial Choreographer of FinCore. She holds an M.B.A from The Fuqua School of Business of Duke University, and a BS in Economics with a Finance concentration from The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. For over 20 years, she’s been a finance professional. Half of the time was spent working on Wall Street while the other half was spent in the trenches side by side with small business owners. As a result of working with FinCore, clients have been able to take control of their numbers and feel more confident in their ability to make decisions, while increasing profits by 10% and building a cash stash to invest in growth. Follow Tricia on LinkedIn and Instagram.

If you’re ready to see what our team of CFOs can do for your small business, Schedule a Financial Strategy Session.