Become an independent consultant

Become an independent consultant – Think being an independent consultant is just a pipe dream? Think twice. You can become an independent consultant. Yes, even you.

Here at Consultant Journal, we have over 800 free articles that explain every aspect of how to become an independent consultant, from choosing a consulting specialty and setting consulting fees to marketing your business.

Become an independent consultant in seven steps:

1. Do your research

In order to become an independent consultant you’ve got to do your research. What is a consultant? How do consultants make money? What are the risks of being a consultant? What are the benefits? Learn the ins and outs of becoming a consultant by reading, researching and meeting working consultants.

2. Get your financial house in order

Becoming an independent consultant may mean giving up a steady paycheck, and many consultants go through the feast or famine cycle. Get your finances in order before becoming a consultant. Amass a minimum cushion of savings, get your debts in order, get a business credit card for operating costs, open up a business bank account and consider applying for a low-interest line of credit. These financial products are easier to obtain before you make the leap to consulting so, if possible, plan before you leap.

3. Choose a consulting specialty

Independent consultants are experts who sell their knowledge. Experts are specialists in a very focused niche. Check out this list of ideas or cut to the chase and purchase the Discover Your Inner Consultant guidebook.

4. Understand the value that you provide to clients

When you become an independent consultant you are providing crucial advice and services that will invariably help your clients improve their interests. In order to become a financially successful independent consultant you must understand what you’re selling.

5. Set your consulting rates

After you become an independent consultant you will quickly learn that there is nothing more important than how you set your rates. Further details on how to set your rates are here or, for the full discussion, purchase our guidebook: Consulting Fees : A Guide for Independent Consultants.

6. Build your expert status

As a consultant, you’re billing yourself as an expert. Subscribe to Consultant Journal’s newsletter and receive Six Tips for Jumpstarting Your Expert Status when you sign up.

7. Make the leap to consulting

Be it full-time or part-time, you are ready to become an independent consultant!

Still wondering how to truly become an independent consultant? In addition to the over 800 free articles here on Consultant Journal, we offer a few products to help you when ready to seriously take the leap.

Course and mentorship package:

Become a Consultant: How to Make the Leap – With audio and written lessons, 25 exercises, discussion forums and more, you’ll have mentorship in your journey to consulting.

Guidebooks for independent learners:

Discover Your Inner Consultant: A Guide for Discovering What Consulting Business You Could Start – You’ve started thinking about becoming a consultant. Maybe you’ve mulled over a few ideas or maybe you’re stumped. But how do you choose a consulting business? How do you figure out what business would work best for you?

Consulting Fees: A Guide for Independent Consultants – Learn a system for setting consulting fees and maximize your earning potential. Set your rate and ask for it with confidence.

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