We live in the age of infinite information. If you want to learn how to bake sourdough, run Facebook ads, or negotiate a salary, the answer is a Google search away. But there is a distinct problem with this abundance: generic advice doesn’t solve specific problems.
You don’t just need to know how to run ads; you need to know how to run ads for your specific B2B SaaS product with a limited budget.
This is where the rising trend of 1:1 expert bookings (often called “micro-consulting”) comes in. Instead of buying a $500 course that takes weeks to complete, people are increasingly booking 30 minutes with a world-class expert to solve a single, burning problem.
Here is how you can leverage direct expert access to fast-track your career or business.
Why the “Micro-Consulting” Model Works
Booking an expert isn’t just for executives with massive budgets anymore. The “Expert Economy” has democratized access to top-tier talent. Here is why you should consider a 1:1 session over a course or endless research:
- Hyper-Specific Context: An expert can look at your data, your resume, or your code and tell you exactly what is wrong.
- Speed to Implementation: You are paying for the 10 years of experience that allows them to answer your question in 10 minutes.
- Networking on Steroids: A booked call is a guaranteed way to build a relationship with someone you admire without the awkwardness of “picking their brain” for free.
- Accountability: Paying for advice psychologically commits you to taking action on it.
The Golden Rule: Use courses to learn the basics of a subject. Use 1:1 expert sessions to overcome specific roadblocks.
How to Get the Maximum ROI From Your Call
Experts charge anywhere from $50 to $1,000+ per hour. To ensure you don’t waste your money (and their time), preparation is non-negotiable.
Step 1: Send Context Ahead of Time
Do not spend the first 15 minutes of a 30-minute call explaining who you are. When you book the slot, send a “Briefing Document” containing:
- Your current situation (2-3 sentences).
- The specific problem you are facing.
- Links to relevant assets (website, portfolio, pitch deck).
Step 2: The “One-Thing” Strategy
Don’t try to fix your entire life in one call. Pick one specific outcome.
- Bad Goal: “Tell me how to improve my marketing.”
- Good Goal: “Audit my current landing page and tell me why my conversion rate is stuck at 1%.”
Step 3: Record and Transcribe
Always ask for permission to record the call (Zoom/Google Meet makes this easy). You want to be present in the conversation, not frantically scribbling notes. Later, use an AI tool like Otter.ai or Grain to summarize the key action items.
The Etiquette of Expert Bookings
Remember that you are renting someone’s mental energy. Being a “good client” often leads to experts giving you extra time or opening doors for you later.
- Show Up Early: Log in 5 minutes before. Tech issues on your end are on your dime.
- Respect the Hard Stop: If you booked 30 minutes, begin wrapping up at the 28-minute mark. If they choose to go over, let them lead that.
- The “Thank You” Loop: Send a follow-up email 2 weeks later telling them exactly how you applied their advice and the results you got. Experts love knowing they made an impact.
Final Thoughts
Access to knowledge is no longer the bottleneck; access to insight is. By strategically using 1:1 bookings, you can bypass weeks of trial and error. The next time you feel stuck, stop searching for a generic answer and start looking for the person who has already solved your problem.
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