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From Corporate Consulting to Online Training: Jeff Skipper's Journey with Forento

Jeff Skipper is a successful consultant specializing in strategy, leading change, and executive coaching, he has spent decades refining his craft. But his journey didn’t start as an independent consultant—it began at IBM’s Global Business Services, where he received top-tier consulting training. At IBM, Jeff learned how to engage clients effectively, craft compelling proposals, and position his work in a way that delivered real value. Over time, he developed instincts and strategies that helped him build a thriving consulting career. The Shift to Teaching Consulting Skills In recent years, Jeff noticed a growing trend: more professionals were transitioning into consulting, often after leaving corporate roles due to layoffs or career changes. However, many lacked the structured training he had received at the start of his career. Recognizing this gap, Jeff began mentoring individuals one-on-one, answering their questions about consulting. While rewarding, it quickly became clear that this approach wasn’t scalable. To reach more people without sacrificing quality, he decided to create a comprehensive online course, distilling decades of consulting expertise into a structured, accessible learning experience. From One-on-One to a Scalable Model Jeff’s journey from one-on-one consulting to creating a scalable business model began with the need to find a platform that could streamline his process. After using multiple learning management systems, Jeff quickly realized that most were complex, offering features he didn’t need. "Having used other learning management systems in the past, I found that most were overly complex and included features I didn’t need. Forento, on the other hand, was just right for a solo entrepreneur like me—streamlined and easy to manage," Jeff says. With Forento, Jeff was able to simplify his course creation and delivery while focusing on what truly mattered: building value for his clients. Jeff’s Training Initiative with Forento One of the biggest game-changers Jeff discovered was Forento’s ability to host both paid courses and free events. This feature became a key part of his marketing strategy. By offering free live events, Jeff gives attendees valuable insights while introducing them to his training. Many who join his free sessions go on to purchase his in-depth consulting course, creating a natural funnel for growth. Jeff’s training academy, Advisory Masters , can be found at app.jeffskipperconsulting.com . His flagship course, Consulting Fundamentals , teaches the essential skills every consultant needs to succeed—building strong value propositions, structuring effective proposals, creating a steady flow of clients, and delivering standout results efficiently. With 22 in-depth videos and 14 tools and templates , the course provides practical strategies to help consultants confidently grow their business. With unlimited lifetime access , Jeff’s course serves as an ongoing resource for consultants looking to refine their approach and maximize their impact. What sets Jeff’s training apart is that it’s rooted in experience . Every lesson comes from real-world consulting—both his successes and the mistakes he’s learned along the way. His course helps aspiring consultants avoid common pitfalls, saving them years of trial and error. Ready to Share Your Expertise? If you’re a coach, consultant, or expert in your field, now is the time to turn your knowledge into an online course. With Forento, you can build, market, and scale your training effortlessly—just like Jeff did. Jeff’s advice for new course creators: Start with a free or discounted version : Experiment with your course by offering a free or heavily discounted version to generate interest. This gives you a chance to gather feedback and refine your content. Test it with trusted peers : Get honest critiques from friends or colleagues you trust. Their feedback can help you improve your course before you fully launch it. Leverage real-world experience : The most valuable thing you can share is your own story. Use the lessons you’ve learned and the mistakes you’ve made to create content that speaks directly to the challenges your audience is facing. Refine as you go : Your course is never truly finished. Continuously rework and improve it based on the feedback you get. It’s an ongoing journey of learning and growth. With these tips, you’re not just sharing knowledge; you're building a powerful tool that will help others succeed. Ready to create your own course? Sign up for Forento today and start building your academy!