Comments on: First steps in consulting: now what?

By: admin

admin — Sat, 10 Mar 2012 21:15:28 +0000

Hi Victor,
Those are good questions. It really depends on how your relationship is set up with the agency. Honestly, a really good (free) way to find out is to call the IRS and ask them what the status of a hypethetical situation would be. Just say you’re thinking of starting a business and you wonder how they’d handle a situation such as ______.

Your questions are not remotely silly or ignorant. Navigating the financial part of consulting is often what brings people to this site!

By: Victor

Victor — Sat, 25 Feb 2012 05:42:26 +0000

Thank you for all this information. It’s been very helpful. However, I’m still confused on how to become a “legal” independent consultant.

For example, I was laid off 2 years ago and was just hired as a consultant via an agency for a client of theirs. The hours aren’t bad but not exactly what I was looking for, which is why I’m considering becoming an independent consultant. In my field I have a good track record and over 10 year experience. But is working through an agency the same as an “independent consultant”? Maybe it is and I’m just confused. If its not, then am I considered an “external consultant”? If I am, then how can I become recognized as a legal independent consultant? What specific legal paperwork, if any, do I need to fill out? Are state laws different in each state for independent consultants? If I am working as an “external consultant” do I get tax write-off privileges like imdependent ones? If so, on what?

The agency I now working for asked me two days ago if I was a W-2 or Corp, is that the difference between an extermal and independent consultant?

I apologize if my questions sound silly and very ignorant. Any help or guidance would be very much appreciated. Thank you!

By: Paul

Paul — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 22:33:47 +0000

I have been employed in management for manufacturing companies for 16 years. Today, a company with an open position decided to hire me as a consultant or independent contractor (I haven’t yet received their proposal). I have no clue what legal requirements exist for me in this capacity, and must prepare for working in two business days. I do not mind purchasing a course, but I can’t dedicate the time over the next two days to just reading that course. I need two recommendations: (1) is the ‘Become A Consultant Course’ a good option – or is their a better course? and (2) is their an abbreviated (purchasable is OK) option that would sum up the raw requirements and things to look out for initially? Probably outside your normal questions, but this is where the stars shine – correct?!
P.S. I do not agree that my contact info or last name be displayed on your website

By: Kevin

Kevin — Tue, 12 Jul 2011 14:39:43 +0000

Hi Everyone,

I have been doing sales for quite some time, and I am now looking into becoming an IT consultant. I dont necessary want to start my own firm, but can anyone please offer some guidance of how I could go from sales into consultancy?

By: Tom

Tom — Thu, 16 Jun 2011 11:34:20 +0000

Relevant information and simplified. I now what kind of a consultant I want to be. How and where do I register and kick this off?

By: Carlos

Carlos — Wed, 15 Jun 2011 22:50:45 +0000

1st: thank you for the great article. I’ve been in the Energy industry / supply chain for 5 years, previously in back-office sales and supply chain for a large computer corporation. One of my 1st projects, when I started my current job, was to renew a contract for one of our consultants… Once I completed the task I asked the consultant about his experience as a consultant and how to get started… To make the story short… I’ve been asking questions to such individuals throughout my time at the company. I am very familiar with the requirements and risks involved, being that I am the one negotiating and carrying out the contract process. Although I do not have my BA… I’ve developed various skills throughout my professional career. My main doubt is going into business for myself without a degree… (Obtaining it is in my near-future plans but believe I have the experience to work for myself already) I’m fluent in two other languages (other than English), have a good eye for business, project – deadline oriented, negotiations, contract writing and above average computer skills (i.e. presentations, charts, reports, etc) I am often told I am very creative (maybe a good or bad thing…) I’m not shy at all and the only step I’ve taken towards starting on my own is network, network, network… {Sorry if this portion of my post seems like a resume…} I’ve had my eye on offering contract management / project management services, for myself, within the energy industry. Would really appreciate some feedback / advice. Thank you

By: Greg

Greg — Tue, 19 Apr 2011 20:43:38 +0000

Great site and article. One thing I found that sidetracks a lot of aspiring consultants (myself included, when I first started my consulting business) is fear–of failing, of the unknown, of not knowing where to start, etc. The best thing to do is to start somewhere, and do something each day. Your momentum and motivation will snowball as you see your progress.

By: yoyo

yoyo — Mon, 10 Jan 2011 13:03:36 +0000

hello,thank you for sharing this.my passion is customer service.please what are the steps i need to take to build myself as a consultant in that field.
thank you and looking forward to your reply.

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