🪧 Sounding like a “walking billboard” isn’t your only option — being clear and real works better.

🙊 Not everyone will applaud your honesty — and that’s exactly the point.

🚫 Repelling the wrong clients isn’t a drawback — it’s a time-saving filter.

🔁 Hype doesn’t build trust — consistency and honesty do.

🤝 You don’t need everyone to like you — just the people who actually need you.

How do I attract work without sounding like a walking billboard? Who will actually message me if I speak my truth? If these questions have ever kept you up at night, you’re not alone. If you’re a seasoned consultant or freelancer with an independent streak, and the whole “personal branding” game makes you feel fake, this conversation is for you. It’s for the experienced pros who are done with cookie-cutter self-promotion and want to build a reputation on their own terms. We know that double-edged feeling: you want to attract great projects, but you refuse to turn into a human ad campaign. And guess what? You don’t have to sell your soul (or pretend to be someone you’re not) to get noticed by the right people.

Why read on? Because in the dialogue that follows between Isard (a seasoned SAP consultant-turned-aspiring entrepreneur with a no-nonsense streak) and his AI sidekick Wiz (dry as a good martini and twice as sharp), we tackle those very doubts. By the end, you’ll walk away with:

• A filter, not a flop: clarity on why some project managers won’t respond to your bold posts – and why that’s actually a win.
• A map of the managers: an inside look at four kinds of project managers (The Traditionalist, The Frustrated Firefighter, The Curious Challenger, The Skeptical Gatekeeper) and how each reacts when you “speak your truth” online.
• A follow-up game plan: specific ideas for what to post next on LinkedIn to build trust with the right people – without dumbing down your message or turning into a sales robot.

Sound good? Excellent. Pour yourself a coffee (or a whiskey, it’s 5 p.m. somewhere), and listen in on this candid, strategic, and slightly rebellious conversation. It might just show you that attracting work can be about being more of who you are, not less.

(Early morning. Isard has just hit “Post” on a gutsy LinkedIn update and now sits at his kitchen table, the sunrise spilling over his laptop. Wiz, an AI mentor visible only to Isard, is perched in the glow of the screen with a knowing smirk. The air is thick with that mix of excitement and dread you get after putting your true self out there. It’s a quiet moment of truth-telling and waiting.)

The Bold Post Hits the Feed

Isard: refreshes LinkedIn for the tenth time in five minutes Well, Wiz… I did it. I finally posted my unvarnished take on who I am and how I work. No corporate buzzwords, no polished PR spin. Just… me. Now I’m sitting here watching the feed like a hawk.

Wiz: In the wild now, is it? grins I have to say, I’m proud of you. How does it feel?

Isard: Terrifying and liberating at the same time. I keep wondering if I went too far. What if it sounds arrogant? What if nobody responds at all? I basically called out a lot of the BS in how we present ourselves.

Wiz: Let’s recap. What exactly did you say in this bold, no-fluff post of yours? For the sake of drama, read it back to me.

Isard: Alright. clears throat and reads his LinkedIn post aloud:

Your ECC system keeps eating support hours.
Nobody knows how the custom code works.
I fix weird SAP stuff. Fast. Properly. Documented.

Still on ECC?
Then you’ll know exactly the sort of mess I mean:
⚠️ A Z-report that works beautifully… unless it’s Friday
🧩 Logic someone “whacked in quickly” ten years ago
❌ An enhancement so delicate no one’s dared touch it since go-live

You’ve tried logging tickets.
Tried internal fixes.
Tried hoping it’ll last until the S/4 migration.

It won’t.
And it’s bleeding time, money, and patience.

⸻

That’s the kind of SAP contract I’m looking for.
Short-term. High-impact. Full access. Creative control.

You’ve already tried the standard route.
It didn’t work.

Now you need a hybrid consultant who can:
🔍 Spot what’s broken
⚡ Learn fast
🛠️ Build the fix
🤝 Get buy-in
📄 Document it
🚪 And get the hell out of the way

That’s what I do.

⸻

If your ECC system is costing more than it should — or your support team’s stuck fighting the same fires on repeat — it’s time to sort it properly.

I specialise in “no one really knows how this works anymore” problems.

UK-based. Outside IR35. Hybrid only — a mix of on-site and remote.
I work best when I’ve seen how things actually run… and then go fix them in peace.

✂️ DM me with the words: Cut the Tie
— and I’ll know you’re serious about getting it fixed with clarity, speed, and just enough creative freedom to get results without the drama.

I don’t wear ties.
I fix things.

hashtag#SAP hashtag#ECCSupport hashtag#SAPConsulting hashtag#S4HANA hashtag#DataMigration hashtag#CustomSolutions hashtag#SAPFixer hashtag#SAPWithoutDrama hashtag#NoTieGeneration hashtag#BurnTheBoats hashtag#AvailableNow

Wiz: lets out a low whistle That’s one way to have your morning coffee without sugar. Bold, clear, and no room for misinterpretation – just like we planned.

Isard: No fluff, just me. As I was typing, it felt good. But now that it’s out there, I’m second-guessing every sentence. I mean, who is actually going to respond to that?

Wiz: The right people, if we did this right. And if some people don’t respond, that’s… kind of the point, remember? You wanted to filter out the tire-kickers and bad fits.

Isard: True. I did literally say I’m okay if it scares some folks off. nervous chuckle Well, now we get to see if I really meant it.

Wiz: Let’s talk about those folks – the ones reading this post right now. Who are they? What’s going through their minds as they scroll past your declaration of independence? Not every project manager or client is going to see those words the same way. In fact, I’d wager they fall into a few distinct camps.

Isard: You mean some kind of project manager personality test? I’m listening.

Wiz: Think of it like this: Four project managers walk into your LinkedIn post. One loves it, one hates it, one is intrigued but cautious, and one probably doesn’t even notice it because they’re too busy. Let’s call them: The Traditionalist, The Frustrated Firefighter, The Curious Challenger, and The Skeptical Gatekeeper. Each one will read your manifesto very differently.

Isard: Four PM archetypes… grins This already sounds more fun than the Myers-Briggs. Alright, break it down for me.

Four Project Managers (and Four Reactions)

Wiz: First up, The Traditionalist. Picture the classic project manager who’s been doing things “by the book” for 20 years. They love process, hierarchy, and proven methods. To them, a consultant should be professional, seen-but-not-heard too much, a team player who follows the project plan. When a Traditionalist sees your post, their reaction might be a raised eyebrow. “Who does this guy think he is?” they wonder. You’re essentially waving a flag that says “I won’t be your obedient widget.” That’s unsettling to them. They might think you sound arrogant or not a “team player” because you openly challenge the status quo.

Isard: I can almost see them clutching their beloved project methodology binder in horror. This is the PM who prefers the consultant that blends in, not one who stands out.

Wiz: Exactly. So the Traditionalist likely scrolls right past your post. Or they read it and choose to ignore it. They certainly won’t “Like” it – too risky to publicly endorse such a rabble-rousing message. And they’re not going to be sliding into your DMs. In their mind, you just disqualified yourself. But here’s the thing: that’s a feature, not a bug. You want the Traditionalists to self-select out, because if one hired you, both of you would probably regret it. You’d clash with their style, and they’d be frustrated that you won’t just play along.

Isard: Right. If my post makes a Traditionalist think “not my kind of consultant,” that’s actually saving me from a bad gig where I’d feel like a caged animal. Still, it’s a bit hard to swallow that some people might be turned off.

Wiz: Hey, you can’t be authentic and be universally adored. Not in this universe. Which brings us to archetype number two: The Frustrated Firefighter. This is the project manager who’s always neck-deep in chaos. Projects behind schedule, surprise issues every week, putting out one fire after another. They are tired. They’ve seen smooth-talking consultants come and go, and they’re skeptical – because fancy talk has never solved their 2 a.m. go-live crises. When they see your post, two things cross their mind. First: “Hah, bold words. But can he actually deliver?” (They’ve earned their skepticism the hard way.) Second, maybe deeper down: “Man, I wish more people on my team would be this straight with me.” Because secretly, the Frustrated Firefighter is sick of BS too. They don’t have time for it. If your post convinces them you’re the real deal, you might be exactly the help they’ve been praying for between dousing flames.

Isard: But will they reach out? Or are they too busy wrestling the next crisis to even notice my little beacon?

Wiz: Good question. The Frustrated Firefighter might not publicly engage – they’re not the type to comment “Amen!” on LinkedIn. It might feel risky to endorse such a strong stance if their own higher-ups are Traditionalists. But keep an eye out: maybe they drop a like. Or they do nothing now, but bookmark your post mentally. When the smoke gets really thick on their project, they could remember “There was that no-nonsense SAP guy on LinkedIn… maybe I should talk to him.” In terms of receptiveness, I’d rank the Firefighter second most likely to resonate with your message. They won’t gush over it, but they will quietly appreciate the substance. If they contact you, it might come weeks later, out of the blue, when a particular fire has gotten out of hand. And your straightforward approach could be exactly the extinguisher they need.

Isard: So I have to be patient with that type. They’re not instant responders, but they might be the ones who call at midnight when things fall apart. I’m okay with that. Those tend to be the projects where I can really shine, anyway – I’ve seen my share of war rooms.

Wiz: Precisely. Now, archetype number three: The Curious Challenger. These are the project managers we had in mind when you wrote that post. They’re the mavericks, the forward-thinkers. Maybe a bit younger, or just young in spirit. They’ve been frustrated by corporate politics and “the way things are done,” and they actively seek better ways. They’re the ones reading business books, experimenting with agile methods in a waterfall world, or quietly following thought leaders who challenge the norm. When a Curious Challenger sees your post, they light up. “Finally, someone saying what I’ve been thinking!” To them, your boldness is a breath of fresh air. They respect honesty and courage. They’re not turned off by your confidence; they’re intrigued. This is the project manager who will likely like your post, maybe even leave a comment like, “Couldn’t agree more” or “Love this approach.” And if they have a project that’s a bit stuck or a role that fits your profile, they won’t hesitate to reach out or connect.

Isard: That sounds dreamy — like meeting a long-lost ally through the internet. I half-wrote it for that person, to be honest, without knowing if they existed. It’d be great if someone like that actually shows up.

Wiz: They do exist, trust me. Curious Challengers are out there, albeit not as loud as the Traditionalists. In terms of receptiveness, they’re the most likely to respond positively. They might even share your post with their network, with a comment like “This! 👇” because your message validates their outlook. When you speak your truth, they feel seen too. These are ideal potential clients or collaborators for you — you’ll get along, you’ll have mutual respect, and they’ll give you the space to do what you do best.

Isard: Sign me up for a dozen of those. laughs Okay, now hit me with the ugly one. The fourth archetype.

Wiz: Ah yes. The Skeptical Gatekeeper. Picture a hardened PMO director or a procurement manager who’s seen it all, twice. Their job is to guard the gate – to keep out anyone who might rock the boat or fail the project. They often hide behind strict vendor policies and a lot of “we’ve always done it this way.” Skeptical Gatekeepers read your post with arms firmly crossed. Every sentence you wrote, they mentally counter: “Done playing the game? Well, we have rules for a reason.” “No buzzwords? We’ll see about that.” “Won’t sugarcoat? Sounds like a troublemaker.” This is the person who might actually feel a bit offended by your tone. They might think you’re naive or too brash. To be frank, they’re the least likely to respond in a friendly way. If a Gatekeeper says anything at all, it might be a passive-aggressive comment like, “Strong words. Hope you can back them up.” But more likely, they’ll just move on and mentally put a red flag on your name.

Isard: Ouch. I can almost feel the disdain. I’ve met a few Gatekeepers in interviews – the ones who grill you with trick questions to test if you’re “disciplined” enough. They probably prefer the consultant who dutifully submits a 50-page resume and never utters a controversial word.

Wiz: Exactly. And you, my friend, are not that consultant – and you don’t want to be. So the Skeptical Gatekeeper’s likely rejection of your message? Also a win. Consider it an early-warning system. Better to know now than waste time later. In our ranking of receptiveness, the Gatekeeper is rock bottom. And that’s fine. You’re not writing for them.

Isard: So if we rank them from most receptive to least: Curious Challenger at the top, definitely. Then Frustrated Firefighter – a quiet second. Next Traditionalist – pretty unreceptive, likely to ignore me. And Skeptical Gatekeeper – actively unreceptive, likely to dismiss or dislike my approach.

Wiz: That sums it up. And notice something important: the two groups who won’t respond (Traditionalists and Gatekeepers) are exactly the ones you don’t need or want to. They’re the offers that lead to soul-sucking gigs or endless friction. Their silence or disinterest is good. It’s like your post is a lighthouse: it shines a light that attracts certain ships and warns others away from the rocks.

Isard: I like that analogy – a lighthouse doesn’t chase boats, it just shines. The right captains navigate toward it, the others steer clear.

Wiz: And by being so clear about who you are, you’ve saved yourself from the wrong captains. No more wasting time trying to fit with a manager who was never going to “get” you. Instead, you can put that energy into the ones who do.

Isard: Assuming any of those actually show up… Still no messages, by the way.

Wiz: Patience, my eager friend. This isn’t a Hollywood montage where the moment after you bare your soul, the phone rings off the hook. Building the right connections takes time. Which brings us to your next move. You’ve sent up a flare – now you need to keep the flame burning.

Isard: You mean… keep posting, keep engaging, right? I can’t just drop one truth bomb and then go silent for six months. The Curious Challengers and even the Firefighters might need more signals before they trust that I’m the real deal.

Wiz: Spot on. One post, no matter how good, is just the beginning. Think of those who saw it and thought, “Hmm, interesting guy,” but aren’t ready to act. For them, you’re now on the radar. What you do next will either reel them in or let them drift away. So let’s talk follow-up content – how you build trust over time with the folks you’ve attracted.

Keeping the Beacon Bright – Follow-Up Content

Isard: Alright, so what do I do? More of the same? Different angle? I’m a bit wary of repeating myself or, worse, coming across like I’m suddenly posting a lot to get attention.

Wiz: Think of your LinkedIn presence as a slow-burning fire. You’ve just lit the match. Now you need to add kindling regularly to keep it going. The key is to stay consistent and stay you. No pivoting to become a clickbait motivational guru next week. You stick to your voice, your themes. But you can vary the format and focus to keep it interesting. Here are a few ideas, and we’ll keep them specific:

1. War Stories with a Twist: Remember that chaotic go-live you saved at the 11th hour? Or the time you spoke up about a data issue everyone else overlooked and it spared the project from disaster? Pick one story and share it as a LinkedIn post. Title it something like: “The Day I Almost Got Fired for Telling the Truth (and Why I’d Do It Again).” In the post, briefly set the scene, highlight the moment you chose candor over comfort, and explain the outcome. This does two things: it proves you’ve walked the walk (not just talk), and it resonates with those Frustrated Firefighters (who will nod vigorously because they’ve been there) and Curious Challengers (who appreciate the courage). It’s value-packed and authentic, without a hint of bragging — because the story itself carries the message.
2. Practical Wisdom: Make a post that is straight-up useful to the kind of project managers you want to serve. For example: “3 Signs Your SAP Project Needs an Independent Eye” or “Why Your Team Won’t Tell You the Truth (and How an Outside Consultant Can).” In that post, list a few honest insights – like warning signs of groupthink, or how having an outsider (like you) saved a previous client money by pointing out a flawed process. You’re teaching them something they care about. The Traditionalist won’t love this (they might feel called out), but the Challenger and even the Firefighter will find it useful. You’re giving away a bit of your expertise, which builds trust. They see, “Okay, he doesn’t just spout values – he knows his stuff and he’s helpful.” Crucially, you do this without it turning into a pitch. It’s sharing, not selling.
3. Engage and Discuss: Remember, LinkedIn is social. If a Curious Challenger type leaves a thoughtful comment on your bold post, jump in and reply. Start a conversation right there in the comments. Validate their point or add a bit more of your perspective. This isn’t just about that one person – others see those comments. They see you’re responsive, humble enough to engage, and interesting enough to continue the dialogue. Over time, those comment threads can be just as important as your posts. They show you in action, collaborating and thinking out loud. And if you want to proactively engage your target audience, comment on their posts. Find a PM who’s talking about a project challenge and share a quick thought or solution (with zero sales pitch). That’s like a micro-post in itself, demonstrating your approachability and expertise in someone else’s arena.

Isard: These are good. I can already imagine writing that war story – I have a specific incident in mind where I clashed with a very by-the-book PM (a Traditionalist, now that I think of it) by telling the steering committee the real status of the project. I thought I’d burned that bridge… but a year later, that same PM actually referred me to another client. He told me, “We needed your honesty, even if it stung.” That could be a powerful story to share.

Wiz: Perfect. That one story contains a lesson and subtly shows that even a Traditionalist came around to appreciating your style in hindsight. Gold.

Isard: What about frequency? Do I start posting every day now? I don’t want to overwhelm myself or my network.

Wiz: No need to spam the feed. Quality over quantity. Aim for maybe once or twice a week to start, whatever you can sustain. The worst thing would be to sprint for a month and then vanish. Far better to post thoughtfully on a regular schedule. You’re building a reputation here, brick by brick. Consistency is itself a trust signal – it shows you’re committed, not just on a one-off rant.

Isard: And I should keep the tone similar, I guess. Honest, conversational, maybe a bit provocative when fitting.

Wiz: Exactly. Think of your posts as chapters in the same book. The voice remains the same, the overarching theme (authentic consulting, no-nonsense problem solving) stays consistent. But each chapter covers a different facet: one is a personal story, one is practical advice, another could even be a question to your audience like, “What’s one corporate cliché you wish consultants would stop using?” – something to spark engagement and show you’re not afraid to poke fun at the usual way of doing things. That kind of post invites the Challengers (and even some Firefighters) to chime in, and it’s light-hearted while reinforcing your brand.

Isard: I like that. Make them part of the conversation. It shows I’m listening, not just broadcasting.

Wiz: Yes. You’re fostering a little community around these ideas. Over time, that’s how you build real trust. Some folks will just lurk, consuming everything you say silently. Don’t underestimate them. A Skeptical Gatekeeper might never come around – forget them – but a cautious Challenger or a busy Firefighter might be silently vetting you through your content. Then one day, when a big need arises, ping – they reach out via direct message, referencing something you wrote that convinced them you’re the one to call.

Isard: This is basically content marketing, isn’t it? But it doesn’t feel dirty when you describe it. It feels like… just sharing what I care about.

Wiz: Funny how that works. “Content marketing” is the buzzword, but at heart it’s simply teaching and storytelling in public. You’re giving anyone who’s interested a chance to get to know how you think. No one’s forced to read it, but those who do will gradually form an opinion of you. Our goal is for that opinion to be, “This guy is the real deal, and if I ever need help on a project, I want him on my side.” You don’t have to say those words yourself – your posts and interactions will say it for you over time.

Isard: You know, I used to cringe at the idea of “building a personal brand.” It sounded like becoming a walking advertisement or an influencer (said with all the disdain I can muster). But what we’re talking about is different. It’s actually… fun? I’m basically getting to talk about the work life lessons I’ve accumulated, the quirky observations I have about our industry, even the gripes I usually only share with close colleagues.

Wiz: And by doing so, you attract like-minded professionals and repel the ones who’d never appreciate you. It’s branding without the phony part. Think of it as building your reputation at scale. Back in the day, it was all word-of-mouth over years. Now, a LinkedIn post can accelerate that – your “word-of-mouth” spreads via the feed. But it only works if it’s genuinely you. Otherwise, you’re just another noise-maker out there.

Isard: No desire to become that. I’d rather have 5 people read my stuff and get something from it, than 5,000 who forget it in a second.

Wiz: And that right there – that mindset – is going to serve you well. Because you’ll focus on depth, not vanity metrics. Ironically, the less you chase approval, the more impactful your presence will be.

Isard: This requires trust in myself, huh? Trust that being myself is enough. That I have something worth saying without dressing it up to please everyone.

Wiz: A wise rebel once said, “Better to be loved by a few for who you truly are, than tolerated by many for a watered-down version.” Okay, fine, I just made that up. But it’s true. You’re not aiming for viral fame or mass appeal. You’re aiming for meaningful connections – the kind that lead to contracts with the right clients, and maybe even a bit of a movement among other misfits.

Isard: Other misfits… you know, the response to that misfit post (and presumably this one, fingers crossed) makes me think there are a lot of folks like me, hiding in plain sight in the corporate world. Maybe my posting openly could encourage them, or at least let them know they’re not alone.

Wiz: Indeed. You’re not just attracting clients, you might also be rallying a tribe. Remember what we talked about last time – an “unseen army of round pegs” out there. When you speak up, you give them permission to do the same, or at least to acknowledge their own thoughts. There’s a quiet leadership in that. It’s not the goal you set out for, but it’s a positive side effect.

Isard: This has turned out to be bigger than just “landing a gig.” I feel like I’m rediscovering why I care about this work and the people who do it. That energy will come through, won’t it?

Wiz: Oh, absolutely. Passion tempered with experience is a magnetic combination. When a project manager spots someone who clearly gives a damn about the work and can deliver, that’s compelling. And when they see you are consistently that person – post after post, comment after comment – the trust builds naturally. Eventually, someone in your orbit will have the thought: “We need an expert for this project… what about that guy who always writes those insightful posts? He seems to get it.” That’s the moment all this groundwork pays off.

Isard: It might take weeks, months… but I’m in this for the long haul. Better late than never, after 25 years of hiding behind agencies and anonymity. It’s time I step out front. And do it my way.

Wiz: Hear, hear. No tie, no facade, just you – as you said. Keep that mantra. And keep the conversation going. The LinkedIn posts, the interactions, they’re all just a extension of real conversations you’d have with colleagues or clients. You’re just having them in public now. And the right people will start to join in.

Isard: smiles, closing his laptop a bit I feel strangely calm now. My little “beacon” post might not blow up the internet, but it doesn’t need to. It just needs to reach the right eyes. And I have a plan to keep signaling for them.

Wiz: Exactly. You’ve shifted from hoping someone calls, to giving them reasons to call. That’s a huge change. You’re in the driver’s seat of your reputation now.

Isard: Thanks, Wiz. I was bracing for crickets – or critics – but you’ve helped me see even the quiet response in a positive light. Silence from some quarters means I’ve said something real. And interest from others means it’s hitting the mark.

Wiz: Any time. That’s what I’m here for: a dry wit and a flashlight for this foggy path. Now, keep going. The journey of building your brand in public has just started. There’s a whole road ahead – more posts to write, more connections to make. We’ll strategize again, I’m sure.

Isard: We will. I have a feeling I’ll be back at this table with you after I see what this week brings. Maybe next time we’ll be talking about how to handle the responses I do get, or how to turn a friendly chat into a signed contract without becoming “salesy.” But one step at a time.

Wiz: One authentic step at a time. You’ve got this. And remember: beacon, not billboard. That light of yours – keep it shining. The right people will find their way to it, and the wrong ones will just fade into the dark where they belong.

Isard: raises his coffee mug in a toast, smiling To the beacons – may we shine bright enough for the right ships to see us.

Wiz: raises an invisible glass To attracting exactly who we need, and repelling who we don’t. Onwards.