Case Study
The Get Real Project
A decade of trust and business-building content
Andrea P. Howe is founder of The Get Real Project – a US-based learning organisation delivering deep dive programmes to develop mastery in trust, influence and relationship building.
This case study explores our long-term partnership. We have collaborated for over a decade, clarifying Andrea’s message, building her brand, and creating a website and consistent content marketing strategy for her business that’s stood the test of time. The Get Real Project’s journey highlights the importance of a long supportive partnership to motivate consistent content excellence and business success.
Andrea’s challenge: Finding her own voice and building a platform to develop and express her ideas.
My services: Research and insight, website content consultancy, content coaching, Content Writing Club
Results: A thriving internationally sought-after business. Andrea has become a recognised thought leader in her own right. Her reputation and content are drawing in a consistent pipeline of great clients from major consultancy firms around the world.
New proposition, new website
“I hired Sonja to advise me on the new proposition and website for The Get Real Project - one of the best decisions I’ve ever made."
— Andrea P Howe, The Get Real Project thegetrealproject.com
Andrea’s challenge
Andrea, a co-author of an internationally recognised business book, wanted to define her unique brand and voice. She sought to clarify her own message and perspective in a way that felt bold and authentic to her.
"I had recently published a business book – The Trusted Advisor Fieldbook – and I was exploring how to find my own distinct voice and further define my individual thought leadership.
I had my own brand and website for years (BossaNova Consulting Group at the time) but I knew the proposition could be better articulated. I had lots of ideas churning around, with multiple iterations of my message and services. When there’s churn there’s something that needs to be clarified but it’s so hard to get to clarity on your own! I needed an outside view and both strategic and practical help.”
Our work together
Drawing on insight and feedback from Andrea’s clients and contacts, I helped to crystallise The Get Real Project proposition and message, and devise her content strategy. The work then shifted from strategic to tactical to implement the plan.
Our collaboration continues to this day. Andrea attends my regular monthly Content Writing Club, which provides space and motivation for her to write her regular email tips.
"In a big picture way, you’ve helped me crystallise things for myself and communicate why all of this matters. Why does trust building matter? Why is it so important to get and be real in the business realm?
Trying to do this for yourself is like trying to see your hand when it's within a centimeter of your face. You’ve help pull me back so that I could actually see and articulate the value in what I do. The client feedback you gathered was incredibly helpful here.
What I appreciated is that it wasn't just strategic discussions – you got down and edited content, you helped me hire a web person, we got a graphics person. It was the nuts and bolts of it - what's this thing that we're creating? And then how are we going to assemble it and hold it together? Together we executed the strategy. I ended with a website and a start of the Get Real Tips I send out by email and publish on LinkedIn: the next one I write will be tip number 320!”
Project delivery partners:
The results
The outcome of this long-standing partnership is a robust website and a clear, resonant voice that Andrea has carried forward into regular communications, such as her ongoing tips by email (over 319 and counting).
This consistency has brought long-lasting connections with clients, some returning years later due to the value they derive from her content. The website remains relevant to this day - a timeless communications platform that continues to deliver real results.
“I’ve found my voice as a thought leader and also as a business owner. The benefits have been huge - not just in terms of my business, but also in terms of my own sense of self, my identity and confidence.
The regular content I write for my monthly-ish tips has become a way for me to shape and evolve my thinking, and to stay connected to people over years. This continues to draw in good business from major consulting firms around the world.”
The partnership with Andrea has been transformative, helping her establish her brand and attract and sustain meaningful client relationships and opportunities.
Moving forward, Andrea continues to inspire trust-building. Her future goals include publishing a solo-authored book based on her Get Real Manifesto, reinforcing her mission to create positive change through authenticity.
Andrea’s advice for others
Our collaboration demonstrates the power of long term strategic partnerships in establishing a sustainable, impactful brand.
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“Get help - it’s very hard to look at your own business. And get the right help - help that feels clarifying and supportive and encouraging. There are lots of people out there who do message development, content creation and websites, but a true partner is far more rare.
This work is emotionally tough, it's not just a tactical, logical challenge. A supportive partner is key.”
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Andrea's website has lasted over a decade with minimal changes, showing the value of taking the time to get your foundations right, rather than constantly reinventing.
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Andrea's Get Real Manifesto communicates her beliefs about business and serves as a core element - a strong foundation that underpins her training and helps build trust with clients. It hangs on a wall in her office that’s intentionally visible during her Zoom meetings and workshops, and it regularly draws interest and commentary.
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Andrea's experience shows how regular content, like her monthly-ish tips by email, can help shape and solidify your thinking over time, while maintaining connection with clients and contacts, connection that can lead to more business.
“Writing the tips keeps me thinking, and keeps me sharp.”
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“I remember how nervous I was when the Get Real Project website went live and when my first tip went out. It’s obviously irrational fear - there’s nothing life threatening about doing what I was doing, but it still felt daunting.
My advice would be, don't try to make that go away, because the fear is a sign that you're on the right track. Do what you can to embrace it and tell the little voices in your head ‘thank you for sharing’. Then take action anyway.“
“Get help that feels clarifying, encouraging and supportive. Finding the right partner is key—this isn’t just a logical challenge but an emotional one too.”
“Sharing generously is the best marketing strategy.”
