How To Talk About My Job When I Can't Really Talk About It
Or: How Industry Professionals Find My History Consulting Services
Why The Secrecy?
As a historical consultant, I’m passionate about helping filmmakers, authors and other creatives weave authentic stories that resonate with audiences.
My expertise lies in making complex historical narratives accessible, ensuring that projects are not only engaging but also rooted in accuracy. My clients love our creative collaborations…
However, most of my clients ask me to not mention their names publicly. Often, I need to sign an NDA before we start working. And that’s totally fine with me.
As the creative world is wildly competitive, I understand that creatives want to protect their ideas.
That’s why I rarely name names, when I write for this Substack.
So How Do Clients Find Me?
Much of my work comes through word of mouth, a testament to the trust my clients place in me. I value the relationships I’ve built with those I’ve worked with, and their referrals have played a crucial role in my growth.
Coincidences also play a part…
I recall a chance encounter with a literary agent at the Frankfurt Book Fair while we were waiting in line for the restroom. After chatting about our work, she assumed I was a fellow agent. When I clarified that I’m, in fact, a researcher who collaborates with writers and other creatives to create more authentic historical novels and scripts, she was intrigued. That brief conversation turned into an ongoing relationship with two of her clients who were under immense time pressure.
It’s moments like these that remind me how important it is to be open to connections wherever they may arise.
Networking Events and Industry Conferences
Before the lockdown, I actively seeked out industry events and conferences, as they offer invaluable opportunities to connect with filmmakers, authors and producers. Each event offers a platform for sharing my work and passion for historical accuracy. However, today, I don’t travel that much any more. Instead, I strive to follow important conversations that happen during industry events. I aim to watch conference livestreams, recordings or roundups in podcasts, and I read what other people who attended wrote on their blogs.
But whenever I travel to a conference, I try to make it count.
This means: I look up the speakers and the people on a panel. I try to see if I find who else travels there. Then I try to connect beforehand.
Twitter was fabulous for this as you could just look up the hashtag for that particular event and find the other participants. (I’m still sad that Old Twitter isn’t around any more :(
When on location, I often find that engaging in genuine conversations leads to exciting projects. I’ve formed lasting connections through live events, even if the details remain under wraps due to NDAs. I’ve embraced the elusive nature of this work; the results make me really happy, and I’m perfectly content to work in the background.
Online Presence and Content Marketing
Maintaining an online presence has been pivotal in helping industry professionals find my services. My Substack here serves as a platform for sharing insights and experiences related to historical research, allowing me to showcase my expertise while respecting client confidentiality.
I’ve also used Twitter to connect with industry professionals and share valuable content, and to read about brand new books and publications by fellow historians.
However, since I left Twitter (and Instagram), I haven’t found another platform yet that excites me. At the moment, I really enjoy posting long-form content here on Substack, and I’ve dipped a toe into connecting with people over on Notes.
Collaborations with Industry Peers
Collaboration is at the heart of my work. I’ve partnered with agents, editors from publishing houses, producers and fellow consultants. These partnerships have allowed me to exchange ideas and insights, so that the clients can get better results and feel more confident about their work.
This autumn, I am testing our special group workshops. Directors, producers and agents can book these for their talent. Again, everything we speak about is confidential.
While I may not always be in the spotlight, I absolutely enjoy in the results we achieve together.
Website and SEO Strategies
Having a professional website has been essential in attracting clients and showcasing my services. It’s a place where potential collaborators can learn more about my expertise, even if I’m often a ghost in the projects I work on. I’ve invested time in optimising my content for SEO, ensuring that industry professionals can easily find me when they search for historical consulting services.
Engagement in Historical and Creative Communities
I’ve actively engaged in forums, groups and organisations related to history and the arts, where I can share my knowledge while building my authority in the field. This involvement allows me to establish connections with like-minded individuals and organisations, enhancing my reputation while keeping my work discreet. It’s this community that often leads to new opportunities, as we support each other in our creative journeys.
Conclusion
In summary, a combination of word-of-mouth referrals, networking, an engaging online presence, collaborations and community involvement has helped connect me with industry professionals.
So I encourage anyone interested in enhancing their projects with authentic historical perspectives to reach out for consultations or collaborations. DM me here on Substack, or via the orange button.
I’m here to help craft narratives that not only entertain but also educate and inspire—no matter the level of recognition involved. 😊
Here’s to turning research into remarkable stories,
Barbara
Historical Consultant For Films and Scripts | withdrbarbara.com