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# ConsultantJournal.com - Become a Consultant

Learn how to become a consultant, with articles on how to become a consultant, becoming a consultant, setting consulting fees, and more.

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## Posts

- [FullBlog](https://consultantjournal.com/fullblog) - dummy text...all content is generated by template
- [5 ways to reduce client churn and turnover](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/5-ways-to-reduce-client-churn-turnover) - Looking for a way to boost your bottom line? Taking steps to reduce client churn – account turnover – can help. Maintaining a strong relationship with existing clients and past clients offers an opportunity to improve efficiency and revenues. Client churn or loss of customers can be a critical situation for any business. When you
- [Henry Ford failed](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/henry-ford-failed) - "Failure is simply the opportunity to begin again, this time more intelligently." - Henry Ford Known today as a business magnate, philanthropist and social entrepreneur, Henry Ford actually failed several times: He burned through all the money from his first group of investors without producing a car He eventually produced a car and raised another
- [Do consultants charge for travel time?](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/do-consultants-charge-for-travel-time) - Do consultants charge for travel time? Although it depends on the individual consultant, many consultants do charge for time spent traveling to client sites. I addressed the issue of billing travel time charges a while ago and it's become one of the hottest topics on this site. However, if you're generally interested in how consultants
- [Professional email address ideas for common names](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/professional-email-address-ideas-for-common-names) - Your professional email address may be one of the first ways you make an impression upon prospective clients, employers and contacts. And it's one thing to come up with a professional-sounding email address if your name stands out. But if you have a name like Robert Smith, Jane Jones, Meiling Li, Jose Martinez or Mo
- [Consulting fee rates | Consultant fees](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/setting-consulting-fee-rates) - Consulting fees and coming up with a model for setting fees can be tricky. Use our handy guide to set your rate and charge your consulting fee with confidence.
- [5 age-old ways to grow your business](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/5-age-old-ways-to-grow-your-business) - Consultants are always thinking about growing their businesses. In fact, even when they're completely booked up, consultants still focus on generating more leads. Here are 5 age-old ways to grow your business as a consultant: 1. Networking: There's no better way to grow your business than to get out and network. Networking can be structured, attending a
- [Why procrastinate tomorrow?](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/why-procrastinate-tomorrow) - When you think of procrastination, you may think of putting off small tasks or projects. But over the years I've noticed that many people procrastinate big ideas, such as acheiving their career-related dreams. Putting off your dreams I've been a consultant for over ten years, and I've met many people who want to launch their own consulting
- [6 websites to build your business](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/6-websites-to-build-your-business) - Over the years I've come across many websites that can help build your business. Here are six websites that you may find useful when building your business. 1. Twitter - Twitter is a website that helps people communicate "through the exchange of quick, frequent answers to one simple question: What are you doing?" Twitter has become a popular way
- [8 reasons consulting rules](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/8-reasons-consulting-rules) - Although I've been a consultant for over ten years, I can still honestly say that consulting rules! Here are eight reasons why: 1. Work-Life Balance: Even before I had a family, work-life balance was important to me. I don't know of any other lifestyle other than working as a consultant that offers such flexibility with
- [Top 5 small biz opportunities in the recession](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/top-5-small-biz-opportunities-in-the-recession) - Via Anthill Magazine, here are the top 5 small business opportunities during the credit crunch: More skilled workers available Good time to cut back unnecessary expenses Cheap capital Better rates for advertising Low prices on capital For consultants, this can be a fantastic time to be in business. That's because many companies start outsourcing projects
- [How to start a consulting company](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/how-to-start-a-consulting-company) - How to start a consulting company is one of the first tasks you are faced with as a new entrepreneur. Once you've figured out how to start a consulting company, you get to focus on the fun stuff: consulting! So let's talk about how to get your consulting business off the ground. How to start
- [Start consulting](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/start-consulting) - Start consulting! Congratulations, you want to start consulting. Now that you're considering launching a consulting business, you're probably wondering where to go from here. Start consulting If you're wondering how to start consulting, you've come to the right place. My blog has over 1100 posts detailing how to start consulting. Whether you want to start your own
- [Consulting business mentor tips](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/consulting-business-mentor-tips) - Consulting business mentor tips -- for anyone starting or running a business, a mentor can be powerful. The experience of being an independent consultant may seem a bit isolating or overwhelming if you try to do everything on your own. By building a relationship with someone who's been there before, you can help to avoid common pitfalls
- [5 must-have marketing tips](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/5-must-have-marketing-tips) - Building your consulting business takes ongoing planning -- and action. If you aren't constantly working at finetuning and implementing your marketing plan, you may one day find yourself out of clients. 5 must-have marketing tips Know your market. You can't build a marketing plan if you don't know your market. Figure out who your potential customers
- [60 Minutes' Mike Wallace on coaches and mentors](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/60-minutes-mike-wallace-on-coaching-and-mentorship) - Mike Wallace has been co-editor of 60 Minutes since 1968. Early on in his career, Mike was coached and mentored by Harvard graduate, Arthur Goldsmith. Mike was working on commercials, but his dream was to work in news. Arthur saw Mike's potential and encouraged Mike to make the leap toward news. "Arthur kept on me,
- [The power of mentors](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/the-power-of-mentors-2) - The new year is an ideal time to consider career growth. Have you considered the power of mentors? Make 2010 the year you make great strides in your career. Here are five reasons why you need a mentor. I've had many mentors over the years. To my great delight, I just reconnected with a mentor
- [How do you become a consultant?](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/how-do-you-become-a-consultant) - How do you become a consultant? Once you've made the decision to run your own business, the question that invariably follows is "How do you become a consultant, anyway?" There are many ways to start running your own consulting business, but the best way to become a consultant is to start by writing a business
- [Writing off business use of your home](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/writing-off-business-use-of-your-home) - Writing off business use of your home can seem overwhelming. What's business? What's personal? Where do you draw the line when writing off business use of your home?If you run your business in the United States, there are clear regulations and rules set up by the IRS to answer these questions.Who can write off business
- [New course launches tomorrow!](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/new-course-launches-tomorrow) - Tomorrow, I'll be launching a new online course, designed to help you in your journey toward becoming a consultant. The course has been a year in the works and I'm looking forward to opening up registration to everyone tomorrow. Till now, registration has only been open by invitation. But that all changes tomorrow. I'm looking forward
- [Oldie but a goodie](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/oldie-but-a-goodie) - I'm traveling this week...and celebrating the holidays with my family. Light posting ahead! However, if you're looking for something to read, check out this post on five critical elements to include on your website. By the way, if you don't already have a website, add it to your "to do" list for the year ahead!
- [Top 7 business lessons from the Wiggles](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/top-7-business-lessons-from-the-wiggles) - This list of top seven business lessons from the Wiggles, a children's entertainment group, may strike you as a bit off the wall. But, hey, being off the wall has been the secret to the $14 million the singers make every year. I've never seen the Wiggles on TV -- this (expired) Youtube clip was my
- [Getting back to your life](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/getting-back-to-your-life) - Around the holidays, people start talking about the things that really matter to them. Fun. Friends. Family. Time. Celebration. Giving. Community. We hear less about chasing money and more about putting meaning into life. When you become a consultant, you have an incredible chance to put meaning into your life. Because consulting offers you the
- [Content Rich - a review](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/content-rich-a-review) - Looking for ways to increase your earnings? Leverage your writing skills. A few months ago, Jon Wuebben sent me a copy of Content Rich: Writing Your Way to Wealth on the Web. Since I started out as a freelance writer, I was curious to see what Jon had to say about writing. Content Rich is
- [Top 5 ways to have a greener business meeting](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/top-5-ways-to-have-a-greener-business-meeting) - The top five ways to have a greener business meeting -- great green business meeting tips from Planet Green. The point about telecommuting is powerful. Back when I worked for the federal government, I was aghast at all the one-day meetings for which top executives flew in. Going 3,000 km for a meeting you could
- [Part-time second jobs - a juggling act](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/part-time-second-jobs-a-juggling-act) - This is a guest post by Seth Holden. Part-time second jobs can seem like an overwhelming possibility. Many people are even embarrassed when looking for a part-time second job. But with 6.5 percent of the United States population unemployed and bad news seemingly coming every day, a part-time second job can help tremendously in achieving
- [Top 5 credit crisis questions](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/top-5-credit-crisis-questions) - Via Credit.com, here's a top 5 list of credit crisis questions. Although they recommend setting aside three to six months of expenses in an emergency fund, I tend to be a bit more conservative. I recommend six to nine months of expenses -- but I do emphasize that we're talking about basic expenses and not
- [Clients want work for free? Say no.](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/clients-want-work-for-free-say-no) - Clients want work for free? If you comply, you'll be working on spec. And, as I say in my guide to setting consulting fees, you don't want to be working on spec. If you've got people asking you to do work for free, ask yourself why going along with it would help your case. If
- [Second job delivers better than stock market](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/second-job-delivers-better-than-stock-market) - A second job may beat investing in the stock market. Yup, you heard me right. Let's say you pick up a side job at $8 an hour and you work eight hours a week. By the end of a year, you'll have earned $3328 from your second job. Now compare that to the stock market.
- [One in three New Yorkers has a second job](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/one-in-three-new-yorkers-has-a-second-job) - New Yorkers depend on second jobs to help them pay the bills, according to research from Siena College. About 34% of NYC residents rely on second jobs and overtime.New Yorkers aren't alone. Here in Vancouver -- one of the most expensive cities in the world -- most of the people I know have held second
- [Barack Obama's top 5 tech promises](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/barack-obamas-top-5-tech-promises) - Via TGDaily, here's a list of Barack Obama's top five technology promises. Throughout the campaign, I was intrigued by how the Obama team used the ideals of Facebook technology to rally the troops. Or, rather, Obama's team delegated the power to the troops, enabling the troops to build the cause. Many people have talked about
- [How to set fees for independent contract work](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/how-to-set-fees-for-independent-contract-work) - How to set fees for independent contract work -- I've had a flurry of requests for information on this topic. With the way the economy is right now, many people are interested in figuring out how to price their contract work. If you're one of them, take a look at my post on setting consulting
- [5 tips for digital holiday cards](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/5-tips-for-digital-holiday-cards) - Holiday cards can help market your business. But they involve a lot of paper and postage. Many small businesses have turned to digital options to help cut costs and waste. Still, an email may not have the same impact as a paper card. Here's how some businesses mitigate the effects of boring email greetings: Hire
- [What spooks you in your business?](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/what-spooks-you-in-your-business) - Well, it's just about Hallowe'en...a time for spooky things, tricks, ghost, goblins and all that jazz. What spooky things could happen in the world of independent consulting?For me, the scariest thing would be having no network. Consulting is very much a people business and it really helps to have a strong network of friends, colleagues
- [5 tips for choosing a mentor](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/5-tips-for-choosing-a-mentor) - Working with a mentor can help you move ahead in your business and personal lives. Via Enrichr, here are five tips for choosing a mentor.* I thought it was gutsy to say that sometimes you need to pay for access to a mentor: Pay for your mentors. If you have the resources there are many
- [Christmas jobs - starting looking now](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/christmas-jobs-starting-looking-now) - Christmas jobs -- whether you're self-employed or working for someone else, it's not unusual to pick up a seasonal job over the holidays. But, if a "Christmas job" is on your holiday wishlist, start looking now. The best jobs go fast and, with the current economy, employers may be a bit choosier than we've seen
- [Easy, sure-fire way to meet 400 people](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/easy-sure-fire-way-to-meet-400-people) - Succeeding as a consultant becomes easier when you know a lot of people. Those people can become clients, provide testimonials and references, and give referrals. But how do you build up a strong network? Here's an easy, sure-fire way to meet 400 people a year.Go to one event per week. Spend two hours at the
- [Top 5 big hairy mistakes](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/top-5-big-hairy-mistakes) - Via Youtube, I found this quirky (and now gone) video on the top 5 big hairy mistakes in online, home-based business. Note the comment about the mistake of being trapped in "getting ready to get ready". Although I believe that, if you fail to plan, you plan to fail, there comes a point where you
- [People listen to higher fee advice](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/people-listen-to-higher-fee-advice) - People are more likely to follow advice from expensive consultants, according to a post forwarded to me by Tony. It makes sense. People who charge higher fees are simply perceived as "better". When I was starting out, I thought it made sense to charge the bargain rate of $35 an hour for my consulting. I
- [Postcard giveaway winner](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/postcard-giveaway-winner) - Congratulations to Callie, who won the postcard printing giveaway. Hope you have a good time using up your 500 postcards!I wish I had the opportunity to give postcards to everyone who entered. It sounds like many of you have some great ideas for promoting your businesses. If you need more ideas, see my past articles
- [Postcard giveaway ends tonight](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/postcard-giveaway-ends-tonight) - My postcard giveaway ends tonight at 10 pm Pacific. You've still got a few hours to enter. Via Uprinting.com, I'll be awarding one lucky person 500 self-printed postcards. It's pretty simple -- just post a comment explaining how you would use the postcards. I'll be making a random draw and announcing the winner later tonight.
- [When you can't close deals](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/when-you-cant-close-deals) - Closing deals is a basic sales skill. If you are having problems closing a deal you need to figure out why. Then you need to pinpoint the problem and fix it.For example, if you have a tendency to speak in a monotone or speak too fast, you may be undermining your own effectiveness. So, practicing
- [How to close a deal](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/how-to-close-a-deal) - Closing a deal is critical to success in sales and business. If you are not closing deals then you will not be generating revenue! So take a little time to learn the basic sales skill of closing a deal.First, make sure the person who is being pitched clearly understands your service. If the client is
- [Give me one good reason](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/give-me-one-good-reason) - On Fridays, I usually offer up a top five list. Well, today I'd just like to give you one thing: one good reason for becoming a consultant.This afternoon, I'm taking my kids to a neighbour's birthday party. Yup. It's Friday and I'm going to be eating cake, wearing a party hat and playing games with
- [5 reasons to create a startup](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/5-reasons-to-create-a-startup) - Startups...consulting tends to be a fairly low risk business endeavour, but sometimes it paves the way for other opportunities. According to this list of five reasons to create your own start up, an article from the Social Science Research Network says that:...entrepreneurs who succeeded in a prior venture (i.e., started a company that went public)
- [Should you charge PayPal fees?](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/should-you-charge-paypal-fees) - I recently got bids from subcontractors. One of the subcontractors noted that, if I wanted to use PayPal for payments, I'd need to pay an additional five percent. Five percent of the contract! Yikes!For a $100 contract, that would be $5. For a $500 contract, that's $25. You get the idea. Ouch. But that's not
- [Becoming a freelance writer - part 3](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/becoming-a-freelance-writer-part-3) - This is a guest post by Laura-Jane Koers, who recently leaped into the world of freelance writing. See her series on becoming a freelance writer. Once I confessed to the world that I wanted to become a freelance writer, the world responded. (Well, my world responded, anyway!) My family and friends helped connect me with
- [Sponsor me in Run for the Cure](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/sponsor-me-in-run-for-the-cure) - Those of you who've been following my newsletter (subscribe above right) know that 2008 has been all about expanding my comfort zone. I'm doing all sorts of things that I wouldn't normally do. Well, as part of that, I'm taking part in the Run for the Cure on October 5th. Proceeds go to the breast
- [Laura-Jane becomes a freelance radio columnist](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/laura-jane-becomes-a-freelance-radio-columnist) - I've featured three pieces by Laura-Jane Koers, the young woman who's taken a huge leap into the world of freelance writing and rural home renovation. She's working hard at expanding her comfort zone and she recently landed a one-time spot on CBC Radio's Definitely Not the Opera. Hurrah for Laura-Jane! You can listen to her
- [Becoming a freelance writer - part 2](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/becoming-a-freelance-writer-part-2) - Becoming a freelance writer -- here's part 2 in a series on becoming a freelance writer by Laura-Jane Koers. My hard drive failure delayed publication. Since we last heard from Laura-Jane, she's been in the recording studio for CBC Radio! That's Canada's public broadcaster. Laura-Jane will appear on Definitely Not the Opera this Saturday at
- [When to terminate a contract](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/when-to-terminate-a-contract) - Perhaps you avoid using a contract because you believe that a person's word is more valuable than any piece of paper. Well, perhaps that works for you. But what if you want to get out of a deal and you've only got a verbal contract? How would you defend yourself, if the client sued to
- [What you need to know about contracts](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/what-you-need-to-know-about-contracts) - If you consult, freelance, do work for hire or otherwise provide services, you should be using a contract. Why use a contract There are many reasons for two parties to enter into a professional services contract. The main reason would be to establish rules and parameters. Without a professional services contract, a venture might descend
- [Five reasons to back up your hard drive](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/five-reasons-to-back-up-your-hard-drive) - I usually post a top five list on Fridays. Well, I've been very busy with a hard drive crash that took place last weekend. My poor Acer laptop finally kicked it. The hard drive died. And it took a little piece of me with it!Well, it's not so bad. I back up my hard drive
- [Check your email less often](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/check-your-email-less-often) - How often do you check your email? A lot? Stop checking your email every time a message comes in. Start scheduling time to read and respond to email.Frittering away 15 or 30 minutes several times a day can put you behind schedule. And, most of the time, reading and writing email is non-billable work. So
- [Becoming a freelance writer](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/becoming-a-freelance-writer) - Becoming a freelance writer -- I'm sharing this guest post by Laura-Jane Koers, who previously wrote about leaping out of your comfort zone. In addition to leaving the West Coast to remodel a house on Prince Edward Island, Laura-Jane has decided to become a consultant and freelance writer. Here's part one of her story about
- [How increasing your rates affects earnings](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/how-increasing-your-rates-affects-earnings) - Have you ever stopped to think about how your consulting fees affect your earnings? A while ago, I asked "How often do you increase your rates?" I mentioned that, if you increased your fees by 5% a year for 10 years, you could go from $50 an hour to $81. How does that affect your annual
- [New Consultant Journal store at Cafepress](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/new-consultant-journal-store-at-cafepress) - By request, I've created a Consultant Journal store at Cafepress. I've started off with a simple consulting joke and the Consultant Journal logo. If you have other ideas, let me know. I try to respond to readers whenever possible. (That's where the idea for the store came from.)
- [More ways to find new clients](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/more-ways-to-find-new-clients) - As much as you enjoy the business of your regular clients you still need to pick up new clients in order for your business to grow and remain stable. But, acquiring new customers can sometimes prove difficult. This is why a few deliberate steps need to be taken in order to boost new clientele. Use
- [Categories - take 'em or leave 'em?](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/categories-take-em-or-leave-em) - The new website for Consultant Journal is *almost* here. We're still tweaking the design. I wasn't happy with what we had. Once I realized the design was a sunk cost, it was easier to let it go. So I'll be keeping some elements of the original mock up, but also bringing in some of the
- [Top 5 reasons consulting resembles back to school](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/top-5-reasons-consulting-resembles-back-to-school) - In my part of the world, it's back to school time. Next week, school starts up and I'll breathe a sigh of relief as the streets of my beloved downtown empty of tourists. Finally, I'll be able to easily wander Robson Street (which has the 5th most expensive retail rents in the world) and the
- [Out with Bootstrapper's; in with...](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/out-with-bootstrappers-in-with) - I'm no longer giving away The Bootstrapper's Bible with newsletter subscriptions. As of right now, you'll receive Six Tips for Jumpstarting Your Expert Status when you sign up for the Consultant Journal newsletter. (See top right.)Why the change? I really believe that most of you will see more value from help with growing your reputation
- [What Julia Child can teach you about business](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/what-julia-child-can-teach-you-about-business) - Famous cook, author and TV host Julia Child introduced millions of people to the art of French cooking. But would you believe she didn't learn to cook till she was in her late 30s?Julia Child had a wide variety of interests. She played basketball in college, then worked as an advertising copywriter and freelance writer.
- [Dealing with work you dislike](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/dealing-with-work-you-dislike) - In my post on fear of the phone, I brought up the fact that a phobia can affect your business. Well, it isn't just a fear that can affect your business. A mere dislike of something can affect it too!How many times have you put off doing something, simply because you don't like it? I
- [Changing the world through consulting](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/changing-the-world-through-consulting) - I'm changing the world. Really. I absolutely believe that. My consulting business is changing the world.How so? I focus on helping high tech companies ready their products for the marketplace. In doing so, I help my region move away from its primary resource economy and toward a knowledge economy. My marketing plans make businesses money,
- [5 ways to make money from web data](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/5-ways-to-make-money-from-web-data) - Via CP Development, here's a list of five ways to make money using data extracted from the web. I'm not entirely convinced by #1: Extract a list of your prospective customers (from a business directory, professional association website, competitor's reference list ...) and employ sales force to offer your products&services via email, telephone or postal
- [When you don't know enough](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/when-you-dont-know-enough) - Over the past couple of weeks, I watched as a good friend -- a consultant -- struggled with delivering her latest project, a new course. I'd seen her go through this before. I'd always come forward to give suggestions and to offer my moral support. But she still felt overwhelmed and uneasy...even when she finally
- [Robin Williams on getting paid](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/robin-williams-on-getting-paid) - I just heard this Robin Williams line: Carpe per diem - seize the check. Once you've set your consulting fees, make sure you have a good contract to help you collect them. Establish some basic business policies, so that you don't turn into a line of credit for your clients. Follow steps to collect on
- [Do you need to like public speaking to sell?](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/do-you-need-to-like-public-speaking-to-sell) - After my post on public speaking, some of you naturally wondered if there was a connection to selling, especially since I linked to a post on sales skills. Well, yes and no.Yes, it helps if you can speak in public. You can speak at tradeshows, conferences, seminars, meetings, teleseminars and so on. You can teach
- [The joy of the experience](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/the-joy-of-the-experience) - One of my closest friends took me to task recently. She said I'd got too wrapped up in my earnings and measurable results and that I was losing sight of the big picture.And she was right.See, I've been having a great year, earnings-wise. But I kept pushing that bar higher and higher. And so I
- [Bootstrapper's Bible giveaway ends soon](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/bootstrappers-bible-giveaway-ends-soon) - For the past year or two, I've been giving away a free copy of Seth Godin's Bootstrapper's Bible to everyone who signs up for the Consultant Journal newsletter.This offer expires soon.So, if you want the Bootstrapper's Bible, sign up right now using the form at the top right. BUT...Stay tuned. In a short time, I'm
- [Dealing with clients who want a million changes](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/dealing-with-clients-who-want-a-million-changes) - Have you ever run into a client who wants a million changes to every project you deliver? You know the type...nothing is ever quite good enough. You could go through rounds and rounds of revisions and still never be quite good enough.If you're working on a quoted project or flat rate basis, revisions may eat
- [Are you confident enough to consult?](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/are-you-confident-enough-to-consult) - Working in consulting requires a certain degree of confidence. After all, if you're not confident in your abilities, you'll have a hard time persuading clients that you know your stuff.But what if you're not a particularly confident person? What can you do to become more confident?Tips for increasing your confidence Prepare. Remember the Boy Scout
- [5 things not to do in a downturn](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/5-things-not-to-do-in-a-downturn) - It's Friday 5 time -- a top 5 list to kickstart the weekend. Via Business Week, here's a list of the top 5 don'ts for a downturn (expired link). Those of you who know how I feel about consulting fees won't be surprised that I agree with #4: 4. Don't discount. Cutting your rate just
- [What Michael Jordan can teach you about business](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/what-michael-jordan-can-teach-you-about-business) - I recently wrote about what Steve Nash can teach you about business. Justin Beller commented that greats like Churchill and Michael Jordan can also offer wisdom. Curious, I decided to check out Jordan. I love this Michael Jordan quote I found on ESPN:I've missed more than 9,000 shots in my career. I've lost almost 300
- [Steve Jobs on following your heart](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/steve-jobs-on-following-your-heart) - Almost everything--all external expectations, all pride, all fear of embarrassment or failure--these things just fall away in the face of death, leaving only what is truly important. Remembering that you are going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose. You are already naked.
- [Managing payment delays](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/managing-payment-delays) - Sometimes, despite your best efforts, you may run into a period where clients are late in paying. Perhaps it's not your fault that clients have paid late and you've been good at giving clients a short credit window. So what do you do when you're faced with a delay in payment? Take steps to collect
- [How long do you give clients to pay?](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/how-long-do-you-give-clients-to-pay) - How long do you give clients to pay? When I set up my consulting contracts, I specify that payment is due at key milestones. I take a certain amount upfront and, depending on the size of the contract, I invoice about every two weeks or at key delivery points. However, I don't give clients 30
- [Do you work weekends?](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/do-you-work-weekends) - It's the weekend...are you working? Do you want to be working?When you're an independent consultant, time should be your own. You can determine when you want to work -- and if.But I know many consultants who work weekends because their clients call them with rush jobs. When the phone rings at 4 pm on a
- [Friday 5: making more money](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/friday-5-making-more-money) - Via Flying Solo, I found a list of ways to set business goals. I loved their example list for making more money: Charge a lot more; Speak for money; Create a high-end product to sell (or multiple products); Work with different clients who expect you to charge a lot more; Sell someone else’s related product
- [Should you drop your rate to build a client list?](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/should-you-drop-your-rate-to-build-your-client-lis) - You quote on a project, but the prospective clients says you're too high. You were really hoping to land this client and now the money seems less important than the prestige. You're just starting out and your client list is pretty slim. Should you drop your rate?No way. If you discount your rate to get
- [5 steps to a wonderful life](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/5-steps-to-a-wonderful-life) - This week's Friday 5 comes from John Wesley -- the top 5 ways to build a wonderful life.#5 was especially meaningful for me: Work Towards a Dream You’re Passionate About Even if your life isn’t perfect, you can always build towards a goal you’re passionate about. If you aren’t building towards something, you’re probably stagnating.
- [Convincing clients to buy again](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/convincing-clients-to-buy-again) - You may have heard of the Pareto principle, where 80% of your revenues will come from 20% of your clients. I'm not sure how true that holds for consultants, but it's always seemed pretty likely to me. While it's good to find new customers, it's a lot easier to build strong relationships with current clients
- [What a greasy spoon can teach you about business](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/what-a-greasy-spoon-can-teach-you-about-business) - Once in a while, I have lunch at a market near my home. There's a struggling greasy spoon that has changed owners several times. I've never ordered from the greasy spoon because their menu looks like this:spaghettichicken burgers sushi potstickers meatloaf pasta with your choice of 10 sauces and three meats teriyaki with your choice
- [Independence Day](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/independence-day) - Happy Fourth of July to my US readers! While you're celebrating Independence Day, I'm thinking about my time as an independent consultant. I've talked about Independence Day before, but let me emphasize this year's reasons that I love consulting. 5 Reasons I'm Happy to be an Independent Consultant Consulting brings work-life balance It allows me
- [Do you do windows?](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/do-you-do-x) - You open an email and it's a forwarded message from a trusted colleague:Bob's a long time friend of mine and his business is looking for someone who can do "windows". I know you usually do consulting, but they're desperate to get going and they can pay handsomely, if you can start right away. They value
- [Friday 5: top 5 uses for extra income](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/friday-5-top-5-uses-for-extra-income) - Although my consulting income tends to be pretty stable, I sometimes have months where I earn more than I expected. I have an emergency fund and enough cash flow that I don't need to bank all the extra money. I recognize that some people have feast or famine cycles, but I've been working long enough
- [Side jobs - 10 ways to get ahead](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/side-jobs-10-ways-to-get-ahead) - Want to get ahead? Consider taking on a side job. Working at a second job is often a great way to: Pay down credit card debt Save for a downpayment Build up an emergency fund Top up your retirement fund Get your consulting business or other small business off the ground Eliminate your student loans
- [Next newsletter appears this week](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/next-newsletter-appears-this-week) - The next issue of the Consultant Journal newsletter goes out this week. I'll be talking about breaking free from your comfort zone and sharing some of my own recent attempts to shake things up. If you'd like to get on the list, sign up today with the subscribe form at the top right of this
- [Fit 4 Two partnership - Mompreneur workbook](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/fit-4-two-partnership-mompreneur-workbook) - I'm pleased to announce that I've partnered with Fit 4 Two to offer Discover Your Inner Mompreneur to thousands of new parents. Headed by Melanie Osmack, Fit 4 Two is a leading chain of stroller fitness, prenatal fitness and postnatal fitness providers. I first learned the word "mompreneur" from Fit 4 Two owner Melanie Osmack.
- [Magazines West readers: welcome!](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/magazines-west-readers-welcome) - Magazines West readers -- thanks for stopping by. Consultant Journal was mentioned during Magazines West yesterday -- in the Best Business Practices for Freelancers session.If this is your first time here, welcome! Here are some of the most popular articles on the site: How to become a consultant Why become a consultant? Setting consulting fees
- [Discover Your Inner Mompreneur: choosing a mom biz](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/how-moms-can-choose-a-business) - Consultant Journal focuses on the wonderful world of independent consulting, freelancing and contract work. Given the success of Discover Your Inner Consultant, I'm pleased to announce the soft launch of...Discover Your Inner MompreneurDesigned for moms who want to run businesses -- for a few hours a week or for a full-time, full-scale endeavor -- the
- [See how easily you can make more](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/see-how-easily-you-can-make-more) - As I noted last time, lazy consultants can make more, simply by changing the words they use to describe their work. You might be thinking that some clients are sure to walk away if you raise your fees. Well, some clients may be put off by your higher fees. But even if some of your
- [The lazy consultant's way to make more money](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/the-lazy-consultants-way-to-make-more-money) - Making money -- that's a key reason you're a consultant, right? You're not doing this for free, are you? So what if there was a way for you to make more money for doing the same work, without any added effort? Well, there's a simple way to do that. Here's how to make more money
- [Top 5 mistakes that will ruin your efforts](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/top-5-mistakes-that-will-ruin-your-efforts) - It's time for the Friday 5 list. Via Softopedia, I found a top 5 list of mistakes that will ruin your efforts. The list is aimed at personal fitness, but it's extremely relevant to the health and fitness of your business, too!The top 5 mistakes: Fail to plan Set unrealistic goals Do too little Do
- [Business opportunities from home](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/business-opportunities-from-home) - Business opportunities from home can make a real difference in your life. Working from home offers the chance to make money, keep costs low and achieve work-life balance. But how do you separate business opportunities from home business and work from home scams? Take a look at my post on how to identify work from
- [Are you ready to rumble?](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/are-you-ready-to-rumble) - When you leave the world of paid employment and become a consultant, you need to change the way you think. That means no more Mr. Yes Man. (Or Ms. Yes Woman, as the case may be.) Upon becoming a paid expert -- a consultant -- you need to start standing up for your own beliefs.
- [Friday 5: ways bad reviews help](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/friday-5-5-ways-bad-review-help) - This week's Friday 5 comes from Marketing Pilgrim: 5 ways negative reviews can actually help you.I can't say enough about tip #3:Fix the problem. Research suggests that a customer will tell ten people about a negative experience with a business. However, if you fix the problem to their satisfaction, they’ll tell twenty people how happy
- [Could you be making more doing something else?](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/could-you-be-making-more-doing-something-else) - If you've been working at your consulting business for a while, you may want to take another look at the business you're in. It's possible to get so wrapped up in what you've always done that you forget to take a look at the broader field. Sometimes, you can earn money from adjacent markets or
- [Second anniversary of Consultant Journal](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/second-anniversary-of-consultant-journal) - I'm all for celebrations. So here's to the second anniversary of Consultant Journal! I started this blog on May 19, 2006. Since then, I've written hundreds of posts on everything from sales skills to consulting fees. I've added a couple of products -- a consulting fees guide and a workbook to help you discover your
- [Top 5 ways to mean business](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/top-5-ways-to-mean-business) - Tax time isn't that far behind us and, well, you just know it's going to be sneaking up again. Via the IRS website, I found a guide to telling whether your business is a hobby or not.But, let's look at things another way. What are five things you can do so that you run your
- [10-minute strategy for making money](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/10-minute-strategy-for-making-money) - This year, I've tried to maximize my earnings while minimizing the time involved. This is because of injuries from a car accident and the time crunch involved in raising a young family. I'm happy to say that I'm getting more bang from my time than ever before. Since the New Year, I've been focusing on
- [My top 5 business interests](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/my-top-5-business-interests) - Via Trevor Speirs of MyTechnologyCompany.com, I found a top five list of business interests. And that got me thinking about my own interests.I've got a list of my passions on the website of my marketing company, but what about right this very minute? So, off the top of my head: Improving productivity Social proof in
- [Top 5 business trends](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/top-5-business-trends) - Via Nuwire, here's a list of the top five business trends: Outsourcing Exporting Senior living Global tourism Internet-related business Add those to your list of ideas for consulting businesses, whether you're trying to Discover Your Inner Consultant or simply reposition your existing business. As a consultant, I am certainly taking advantage of the trend in
- [More on staying true to the cause](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/more-on-staying-true-to-the-cause) - In Stay true to the cause, I talked about meeting the goals you set when you started your business. In the past few years, I've found a great way to stay true to my goals. I outsource -- to other consultants. Yep. I focus on what I do best and try to hire other people
- [Stay true to the cause](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/stay-true-to-the-cause) - Consulting can give you the freedom to do anything you want. Take Fridays off. Be home for your kids. See matinees. Take your aging parent to the doctor's office. Semi-retire. Travel the world. But are you really staying true to the cause?IT consultant Alex Williams notes that he originally aimed to take Fridays off (original
- [Top 5 ways to hide ugly Google results](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/top-5-ways-to-hide-ugly-google-results) - Have you ever looked yourself up in Google? More importantly, have your clients ever looked you up in Google? Would they be happy with what they find?If you've got a common name, like Tony Wong or Joe Smith, you may not be worried about Google results for your name. However, what if you have a
- [Top 5 reasons to join LinkedIn](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/top-5-reasons-to-join-linkedin) - Do you use LinkedIn, the social networking site for business? If you don't, you may be missing a valuable opportunity to make connections and increase your visibility. 5 reasons I use LinkedIn: I've made a lot of connections -- ranging from new clients to people with whom I wanted to do business. The site's features
- [It's tax day in the US](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/its-tax-day-in-the-us) - It's tax day today in the US. If that's a surprise to you, you should look at hiring a bookkeeper or accountant next year -- or call the tax office and file for an extension!Related: Tax write off list Finance for consultants
- [Top 5 ways to thank your customers](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/top-5-ways-to-thank-your-customers) - Via Fast Company's Innovation blog, I found the top 5 ways to thank your customers.* I'd like to draw your attention to #3: 3. Use your data base for them, not against them. Select a loyal customer at random and surprise them with a free gift or a discount. Refrain from congratulating your customers for
- [Where's Waldo? Creative thinking.](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/wheres-waldo-creative-thinking) - Where's Waldo? On a Vancouver roof! You may have run across Waldo, the bespectacled, stripe-shirted guy, at some point in the 80s or 90s. Well, a Vancouver art school student has constructed a giant Where's Waldo character on a Vancouver roof to make her own Google Earth game.What's this got to do with business or
- [A little mistake that cost a consultant $2875](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/a-little-mistake-that-cost-a-consultant-2875) - Excited about closing a new consulting deal, Edward rushed to start the job. Mary, a VP at a local software company, had agreed to hire him to develop several sales tools to help sell software to call centers. He worked furiously on the new project for several days and fired off a draft and a
- [Top 5 ways to thank your partners](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/top-5-ways-to-thank-your-partners) - In running a business, I run into numerous situations where I owe a thank you to someone. More often than not, that person is a vendor -- such as a graphic designer, printer, paper supplier, accountant, coach, advertising rep or web developer. The reasons to thank them can range from receiving a referral to a
- [Should you break an NDA to woo a client?](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/should-you-break-an-nda-to-woo-a-client) - You're in the middle of a meeting with a prospective client. You want this client's business so bad it hurts. But the prospect has asked the million dollar question: "Who are your clients and what have you done for them?"It's tempting to rattle off the names of your clients, the problems they faced and the
- [Friday 5: Top 5 reasons marketing drives you crazy](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/friday-5-top-5-reasons-marketing-drives-you-crazy) - This week's Friday 5 comes from Lauren Tarne at the Go Big Network: Does Marketing Make You Mental? The Top 5 Reasons That Might Be the Case.As a marketer, I love reason #1:Collateral Confidence -- You depend on your business cards, letterhead, tri-fold brochure and basic website to do the marketing for you.Business cards, letterhead,
- [Multiple streams of income -- why strive for it?](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/multiple-streams-of-income-why-strive-for-it) - Passive income is one of those concepts that eluded me until I was in my mid- to late-20s. I grew up in a family of modest means. I figured that, if I went to university and worked hard, I'd be able to get ahead in life. Along the way, I realized that taking control of
- [Guest post: Finance, Exercise & Consulting](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/guest-post-finance-exercise-consulting) - A Rather Obvious Metaphor for Personal Finance Couched in a True Story About Physical Fitness This is a guest post from J.D. Roth. J.D. writes about smart personal finance at Get Rich Slowly. In the past he’s done both blog- and computer-consulting. Exercise is a funny thing. When you start a fitness regimen, you feel
- [Passive income idea | Idea of the week](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/passive-income-idea-idea-of-the-week) - Passive income idea of the week -- here's a great idea for generating passive income (money that comes through the door without requiring you to lift a finger). If you often find yourself recommending services to your clients and colleagues, check into referral fees. For example, marketing consultants often recommend copywriters, graphic designers, web developers
- [Friday 5: Top 5 reasons to work from home](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/friday-5-top-5-reasons-to-work-from-home) - Happy Friday! It's time for the Friday Five. Via One Healthy Sucker, here are the top 5 reasons to work from home. For #5:"Work in your pajamas/don't have to get dressed"Even if you do get dressed, you can save a lot of money on clothing by working from home. You can make do with more
- [When a client doesn't pay](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/when-a-client-doesnt-pay) - Consultants rarely get paid 100% upfront. In most cases, consultants take a small deposit, then invoice at key milestones. But what do you do if a client doesn't pay? Tips for managing deadbeat clients Send the invoice again with a reminder. It's possible someone lost track of it. Charge interest on overdue accounts -- for
- [Friday 5: top 5 ways to spark new marketing ideas](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/friday-5-top-5-ways-to-spark-new-marketing-ideas) - Welcome to this week's Friday 5! Here's a list of the top 5 ways to spark new marketing ideas, via Matt J. McDonald. Check out this question: Is it better to be the first or be the best? We hear a lot about "first mover advantage". That's the idea that the first business to enter
- [Friday 5: Top 5 business start-up myths](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/friday-5-top-5-business-start-up-myths) - This week's Friday 5 comes from Business Opportunities and Ideas. Check out the top 5 business start-up myths. Myth #2 says: Myth No. 2: It takes years to start a business from scratch. Fact: Most businesses are established within six months, but those thinking about or avoiding starting a business tend to assume that it
- [Conclusion: Interview with Mary Kastle](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/conclusion-interview-with-mary-kastle) - When you think consulting, you might be tempted to think of business consulting or IT consulting -- or, if you're a bit more fanciful, you might let your mind wander to freelance work, such as writing and graphic design. But the world offers a host of business ideas that share kinship with consulting. That's why,
- [Friday 5: Top 5 tips for using universities](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/friday-5-top-5-tips-for-using-universities) - This week's Friday 5 comes from SCORE's list of the top 5 tips for using colleges and universities to promote your business. SCORE concentrates on the many programs available from colleges and universities. But some other options: hire a student to help with lead generation, administrative tasks or direct marketing gain free business advice from
- [Watch out for SEO scams](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/watch-out-for-seo-scams) - If you've got a website or you're thinking about building one, watch out for SEO scam artists. Search engine optimization -- a process of building your website to do well for certain search engine searches -- is a business fraught with scams and half-truths. There are plenty of people willing to take your money and
- [Interview with musician Mary Kastle, part 2](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/interview-with-musician-mary-kastle-part-2) - If you're trying to reinvent your consulting business or start a new one, it's important to realize the wide variety of consulting business ideas available. Open your mind, if you want to Discover Your Inner Consultant.In part one of my interview with musician Mary Kastle, we discussed how she got into the music business and
- [It's Labour Day: take a break](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/its-labour-day-take-a-break) - Happy Labour Day! Well, Happy Labour Day to those in Canada and the US (okay, Happy Labor Day to you). If you're from another country, you're probably wondering what I'm talking about, since most of the world celebrates Labour Day in May.Canada has celebrated Labour Day on the first day of Monday since the late
- [Friday 5: Top 5 business lies](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/friday-5-top-5-business-lies) - Our weekly Friday 5 list comes from Fast Company's top 5 business lies.* This one rings especially true: Lie: "This is business, it isn't personal." The last time I heard that lie, I was in the middle of suing a deadbeat client. For some reason, people seem to think they can act like jerks, as
- [Read your email](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/read-your-email) - Once or twice a month, I use email to interact with a customer service rep or technical support rep from a company. I've sent emails about everything from my tax return software to business insurance. In about half of all cases, the email I receive from the customer service team blatantly ignores the email I
- [From one client to many](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/from-one-client-to-many) - Any established client will tell you that it's important to have more than one client. But how do you go from one client to many? Douglas Welch of Friends in Tech explains how one client's referrals and contacts can help you build a full business: Be aware of the possibilities when dealing with your clients
- [Friday 5: top 5 biz travel nightmares](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/friday-5-top-5-biz-travel-nightmares) - Time for the Friday 5. American Chronicle shares the top 5 business travel nightmares. Number 3 was good for a chuckle:You are receiving the cold shoulder because you used the 6 words that every ticket or gate agent despises. “Do you know who I am” are the six most lethal words any passenger can use.One
- [Friday 5: new top 5 series](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/friday-5-new-top-5-series) - Welcome to the Friday 5. I've decided to introduce a weekly top 5 list, as a way of lightening up Consultant Journal and introducing readers to other blogs. For the next few weeks, I'll be running a Friday 5 -- a top 5 list that I've discovered. I invite readers to submit their own top
- [Emergency fund - how big an emergency fund?](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/emergency-fund-how-big-should-your-emergency-fund) - How big should your emergency fund be? Get tips.
- [Bunny slippers and the home office](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/bunny-slippers-and-the-home-office) - Ah, the lifestyle of the self-employed. Pajamas till noon, bunny slippers all day, soft jazz playing in the background....Self-employed realtor, Teresa Boardman, shares the truth about bunny slippers, the badge of the home business owner. I don't own a pair of bunny slippers and I don't know any home-based business owners who do. I do
- [Writing a sales proposal - structure](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/writing-a-sales-proposal-structure) - Writing a sales proposal to win the hearts and minds of those evaluating it can be tricky. A key part of writing a winning sales proposal involves following the structure set out in the request for proposals (RFP).Pay careful attention to the details required for your proposal. Many RFPs specify the structure of your proposal.
- [Free selling skill course | Selling skills](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/free-selling-skill-course-selling-skills) - Free selling skill course -- that's what the ads say. But just how good can a free selling skill course be? In most cases, if you sign up for a free selling skill course, you're just going to be taking in a sales pitch for something else. Sure, the speakers or writers may talk about
- [Best business bank account - personal account okay](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/best-business-bank-account-use-your-personal-accou) - Looking for the best business bank account? If you're a sole proprietor, you can simply open a personal bank account at a new bank or your existing financial institution. If you use it for depositing business cheques made out in your own name, you won't need to have an official bank account. You can probably
- [Keep your name out there: finding new clients](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/keep-your-name-out-there-finding-new-clients) - As a consultant, it's easy to fall into the trap of focusing only on finding new clients. But, sometimes, the easiest clients to find are those you already have. Do you float from project to project? What do you do to keep your name in front of past clients? Roberto Alamos notes the value of
- [Second job tax deductions](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/second-job-tax-deductions) - Second jobs can lead to tax deductions. Actually, in some cases, you can claim expenses on your US income tax for first or second jobs. Via TaxMama, here's a great post about tax deductions for second jobs. In Canada, some people are entitled to deduct employment expenses, too. This is possibly the case in other
- [Why one consultant chose to specialize](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/why-one-consultant-chose-to-specialize) - In my post on Discovering your niche, I extolled the virtues of specializing. I wanted to pass along a great article by web development consultant Jonathan Snook -- "How I found my niche". Jonathan notes:When I first went freelance, I tried to market myself as a man of many talents. "Everything you need in one
- [Happy Independence Day!](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/happy-independence-day) - Happy Independence Day to our American readers! We already celebrated Canada Day this week, so we're on a roll with a theme of independence. And, when you're a consultant, independence is pretty darn important.When you work for yourself, you have both the risks and rewards of being independent. When you break free from your employer
- [Writing proposals - evaluating your audience](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/writing-proposals-evaluating-your-audience) - Writing a proposal is something you'll be called on to do many times in your consulting career. Once you're established your proposal goal, you need to consider your audience.The audience for your proposal is the organization that called for the proposal. It's important to consider the needs and requirements established in the request for proposals.
- [Happy Canada Day!](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/happy-canada-day) - It's Canada Day here in, well, Canada and I'm enjoying a long weekend with friends and family. For those of you who live elsewhere, I'll explain -- Canada Day is our national holiday. So, instead of working on Consultant Journal, I thought I'd highlight a past article: donating a car for start-up cash (although it
- [Freelance consultant? Indie consultants freelance](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/freelance-consultant-all-indie-consultants-freelan) - Freelance consultants and independent consultants are the same thing. If you're self-employed as a consultant, then you're freelance. It's redundant to put "freelance consultant" on your business cards, unless you're deliberately looking to set yourself apart from consultants who work for larger consulting firms. However, if you're looking to market yourself to a company, emphasizing
- [Independent consultant? Determining an independent](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/independent-consultant-determining-an-independent) - Independent consultant -- it's an important term to understand. Are you an independent consultant or are you actually an employee of your supposed client? If you're working full-time for a client, working their hours and using their offices and tools, there's a good chance you're actually an employee, not an independent consultant.The IRS has a
- [Does it cost more to work in a regular office job?](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/does-it-cost-more-to-work-in-a-regular-office-job) - Sometimes, people ask me if it's expensive to work from home. They point out all the home office supplies I need. However, by factoring those items and overhead into my consulting fees, I offset those costs. In comparison, have you ever considered the cost of an office job? One Families.com writer summarizes expenses you have
- [Consulting for a four-day work week](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/consulting-for-a-four-day-work-week) - As a consultant, you can enjoy a more flexible lifestyle than people stuck in regular jobs. But could you have a four-day work week? Business technology consultant Mark Shead suggests consulting can lead to a shorter work week.Although I haven't had a compressed work week for a while, I definitely worked a shorter week for
- [Field report: what one consultant has learned](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/field-report-what-one-consultant-has-learned) - For all the tips on how to become a consultant, there's nothing,quite like a story from someone who's actually made the leap. Dan Lockton has a field report from his recent time in the trenches as a consultant in industrial design. In his report, he notes a key reason that many clients turn to
- [Writing proposals -- determining your goal](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/writing-proposals-determining-your-goal) - Writing solid proposals is vital to winning clients. If you create even short proposals for clients, you'll look more professional than someone who patches together a quick quote. No matter how elaborate your proposal, be sure to be clear on the proposal goal.In defining your goal, you need to think about both the client's needs
- [Joys of going solo](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/joys-of-going-solo) - Ah, the sweet joys of going solo. Breaking free from the corporate world and becoming a consultant is a dream for many. I've previously extolled the reasons to become a consultant. Now, content consultant Meryl K. Evans chimes in with a post on the pros and cons of freelancing. She emphasizes a valuable point: “My
- [Successful freelancing and consulting | Successful](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/successful-freelancing-and-consulting-successful-f) - Successful freelancing need not be a secret. It comes down to five basic building blocks for successful freelancing and consulting: planning credit marketing accounting selling If you put each of those blocks in place, you'll breeze through finding new clients, setting consulting fees, and managing client behaviour. Related to successful freelancing and consulting Basic building
- [Freelancing | Getting started in freelancing](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/freelancing-getting-started-in-freelancing) - Freelancing -- once a description of the work of medieval mercenaries, freelancing no longer requires freelancers to go from kingdom to kingdom, offering their jousting abilities for hire. No, these days, you don't need a lance. And, despite the popularity of freelancing among writers, artists and designers, you don't need a pen either. Freelancing includes
- [Consulting haiku](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/consulting-haiku) - One of my good friends recently saw her poetry magazine get turned down for a grant. She suggeted I write about why people should read poetry. I joked that I'd do a haiku for the blog. Here's what I came up with:Consulting rebel musterscourage, nay groupthink.Stagnation chortles elsewhere.I think I was about 13 the last
- [Surviving without a computer](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/surviving-without-a-computer) - Surviving without a computer -- the newest and greatest from your local reality show line-up? No, but it's something that may happen to you, without notice. Surviving without a computer is possible, as I can attest. I'm one of those people who's attached at the hip to their computer. I'm shocked when people say they
- [Do you want to consult long-term?](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/do-you-want-to-consult-long-term) - Is consulting a long- or short-term goal for you? We often hear about business failures, but the truth is that many businesses close up shop because the owners have moved on to other goals. For example, some people take up consulting: to pay the bills between full-time jobs to spend a year pursuing their own
- [Consultant's professional fee setting guide](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/consultants-professional-fee-setting-guide) - A consultant's professional fee setting guide should start with a worksheet model. You can better set professional fees as a consultant if you have a model to guide you through the process. However, as I mention in Consulting Fees, there are many models to consider. Just how do you determine which model to use? Well,
- [Demand letter | Enforce contract via demand letter](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/demand-letter-enforce-contract-via-demand-letter) - A demand letter is a letter you use to state a legal claim and demand restitution for a breach of contract or legal wrong. If you've had a client fail to pay your contracted fees, you might want to consider sending a demand letter.I'm not a lawyer and I can't give legal advice. However, I've
- [Feel more organized - clean your inbox](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/feel-more-organized-clean-your-inbox) - Want to feel more organized? Try cleaning out your inbox. Sometimes, just opening a messy list of emails can make your stress levels rise. Over at Zen Habits, there's a great post on how to clean out your inbox.I clean out my inbox a few times each year. I try to file and flag messages
- [Give clients deadlines,even when you don't need to](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/give-clients-deadlines-even-when-you-dont-need-to) - Yesterday, I mentioned that keeping on task is easier when you have something to motivate you. Another trick you can use is artificial deadlines. Even when you have your month stretching out before you, put deadlines in your proposals. Tell clients when they can expect work from you. This helps in two ways. First, it
- [Keeping on task](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/keeping-on-task) - People often ask me how I can stay motivated and actually get work done. "I couldn't possibly work without a boss chasing after me," they say. "I'd be watching movies, shopping, going to restaurants, sleeping in -- I'd never work." Well, I'll let you in on a little secret...If you stop working and don't keep
- [Cost-obsessed clients](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/cost-obsessed-clients) - Clients who want free work make up just one piece of the fee negotiation dance. FreelanceSwitch* notes that cost-obsessed clients can also make you do the Twist -- and that it's important to educate the client. Cost-obsessed clients are often new to hiring consultants -- but not always. Sometimes, you run into a small business
- [Have you sent me email?](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/have-you-sent-me-email) - If you've sent me an email and not received a reply, please contact me using the contact page. For some reason, Hotmail is blocking messages from my account. I believe this is because of email spoofing. If you have contacted me and not received a reply, please use the contact form and leave a non-Hotmail
- [When clients want free work](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/when-clients-want-free-work-2) - Sometimes, you run into a client who follows up after every project with an endless stream of questions. They haven't paid for your extra time, yet they keep coming to you with questions, like: But how do I choose stamps for the direct mail campaign? Uh, this website...I want to change the graphics. Can you
- [When clients want free work](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/when-clients-want-free-work) - Sometimes, you run into a client who follows up after every project with an endless stream of questions. They haven't paid for your extra time, yet they keep coming to you with questions, like: But how do I choose stamps for the direct mail campaign? Uh, this website...I want to change the graphics. Can you
- [New categories section](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/new-categories-section) - I'm currently beta-testing categories for Consultant Journal. These should appear at the right side of your page. If you have any problems using them, please let me know. I've already indexed many articles but it will take some time before they're all classified. I hope this new feature will help readers find the hundreds on
- [Salt Lake City consultant packs it in](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/salt-lake-city-consultant-packs-it-in) - Consultant Cameron Moll has decided to hang up his consulting hat and take on a a full-time job. But his summary of lessons learned from freelancing make for great reading.I know some of you may be wondering why I'm pointing you to someone who has closed up shop. But I've said it before and I'll
- [What you can learn from salary negotiation](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/what-you-can-learn-from-salary-negotiation) - ComputerWorld's write up on negotiation offers some pointers that can help consultants, not just IT jobseekers. The main ideas I gained from the piece include: Preconditioning the client Strategically selecting target clients Doing a self-assessment and filling in the gaps Learning the client's industry Creating a great set of marketing tools As I've said before,
- [Negotiating vs. giving up](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/negotiating-vs-giving-up) - Negotiating makes up one of the most essential skills in consulting. If you hone your negotiation skills, you may actually wind up with a more successful practice than someone who's brilliant in their work. Consulting fee negotiation may be the most obvious (and financially rewarding) skill to pick up, but it's far from the only
- [Your website can be a lifeline](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/your-website-can-be-a-lifeline) - If you've run your business so far without needing a website, you may not see the point. After all, you haven't had trouble finding new clients, nurturing old ones or growing your business. So why bother with a website?If nothing else, your website is one more place for clients to find you. If they've lost
- [Site devoted to increasing web traffic](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/site-devoted-to-increasing-web-traffic) - Adam Henningsen sent me an email about his new project, BlogBait. Adam, a mechanical engineering student, decided to start his own business as a way of working toward independent wealth. He thought the Internet could use a directory of blogs offering opportunities to receive links back to their own sites. (He's added me to the
- [Acting "as if" in consulting"](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/acting-as-if-in-consulting) - Over at Famlies.com, Kori Rodley Irons champions the idea of "acting as if" with your home business. Also known as "fake it till you make it", this strategy involves acting as if you're successful. I've heard this advice time and time again in career management circles. Kori suggests: Celebrate all the little achievements and start
- [Adventure tourism meets doggy daycare](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/adventure-tourism-meets-doggy-daycare) - Adventure tourism meets dog walking and doggy daycare -- while surfing Craigslist.org today, I stumbled across a job posting for Paws in the Woods. According to their (now defunct) website, "Paws in the Woods Adventures takes you ripping up mountains, splashing in water, and roaring through forests all on our action-packed fun-filled adventures." The catch?
- [Small business advertising idea | Advertising idea](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/small-business-advertising-idea-advertising) - Small business advertising idea #1 - looking at advertising your small business? Here's a great small business advertising idea. Try printing up bookmarks that advertise your company, services, products and contact information. Go to your local library and leave the bookmarks in books related to what you do. Small business advertising idea in the real
- [Make money with sewing | Money making hobby](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/make-money-with-sewing) - Make money with sewing -- as I said in my post, Money Making Hobby, many people make money doing what they love. My doctor tells me that her friend makes money with sewing. She's a sewing consultant, if you will.A sewing consultant? You bet! She runs seminars at community centers, where she educates other people
- [Money making hobby - making hobby money](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/money-making-hobby-making-hobby-money) - Money making hobby -- it may sound like a new idea, but making money from a hobby has helped people for generations. With the advent of the Internet, the money making hobby has shot to the forefront -- but it's hardly new.For example, people like the Bronte sisters made money from writing, one of the
- [Men want more time with family](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/men-want-more-time-with-family) - Men want more family time, according to an article on working parents in the Guardian. A survey quoted in the article suggests 70 percent of men want a 50/50 partnership. I've previously noted that consulting can bring work-life balance. During the course of my consulting career, I've run into many parents who got into freelancing
- [Offending your clients](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/offending-your-clients) - Via Daniel Miessler's blog, I found this humorous story about how he once offended a client (link expired): I was at a client recently who’s (sic) business is providing electricity to a local city. We were trying to figure out what caused a piece of hardware to fail and as I was going over options in
- [15 ways to quit your job](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/15-ways-to-quit-your-job) - 15 ways to quit your job -- looking to make the jump to full-time consulting? Take a look at 15 Ways to Quit Your Job. No matter what your reasons for quitting, I strongly recommend trying to preserve the relationship with your old employer. You never know when you may run into them again.For example,
- [Second jobs: why have a second job?](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/second-jobs-why-have-a-second-job) - Second job on your mind? Consider these five reasons to pick up a second job. Top 5 reasons to get a second job Turn your money-making hobby into a second career – try setting yourself up as an expert in social media, cosmetics, fitness, online research, weddings or anything else that intrigues you. Diversify your
- [How to live on $12,000 a year (yes, $12,000!)](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/how-to-live-on-12000-a-year-yes-12000) - How to live on $12,000 a year -- that's an article I found via StumbleUpon. The writer claims to live in the US on a budget of just $12,000 a year. Yikes! But it makes for interesting reading. It's possible that the writer's income is more than that, but her or she chooses to live
- [Work focus: how to focus on work](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/work-focus-how-to-focus-on-work) - Work focus -- that concentration you need to stay on task - remains vital to those working from home. To focus on your work, you need to minimize distractions. But how do you focus on work when you're at home, with the kitchen, TV, radio, children, family, hobbies, and other important life influences around you?Lillian
- [Gruesome retirement ahead? Try consulting](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/gruesome-retirement-ahead-try-consulting) - Gruesome retirement ahead? The Motley Fool says that's the kind of retirement for which many people are headed. About one in three people would rather scrub a bathroom than plan for retirement! And about 2 in 5 people aged 55 and over have less than $25,000 saved. Yikes!If you're looking to step up your retirement
- [Top 10 keys to work at home success](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/top-10-keys-to-work-at-home-success) - Working at home brings both rewards and obstacles. Via eMoms at Home comes a list of the top 10 keys to work at home success. Tip #10 rings true for me:In order to become successful in your chosen field, it is important to study the people who are already successful, especially if you don’t have
- [Consultant Journal brag: Lifehacker mention](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/consultant-journal-brag-lifehacker-mention) - I'm not sure how many of you read Lifehacker -- it's one of the top 1000 websites -- but my article on home office isolation was just featured on the front page of Lifehacker. Check out Lifehacker's discussion of home office isolation.
- [Work-life balance? A Canadian term?](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/work-life-balance-a-canadian-term) - I just Googled for work-life balance. Is this a Canadian term? Almost all the top results are from Canadian websites. Do only Canadians have work-life balance? Or does the rest of the world use a different term?
- [Consulting as retirement income | Retirement](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/consulting-as-retirement-income-retirement) - While surfing, I bumped into My Retirement Project (dead link), the website of a 30-year-old consultant named Corey. Although his retirement is still 35 years away, Corey has his eyes on the prize. He wants to accumulate $1 million, so that he can retire -- and he's doing it through consulting and various other service
- [Noise cancelling ear plugs | Ear plugs](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/noise-cancelling-ear-plugs-ear-plugs) - Noise cancelling ear plugs - via Slate, here's a clever story about one worker's use of noise cancelling ear plugs to block out construction noise. (I especially like the discussion on the history of ear plugs.)I've only ever used ear plugs once. I was living in a busy urban area, where road crews were using
- [Can you afford to start a home business?](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/can-you-afford-to-start-a-home-business) - Can you afford to start a home business? Barbara from HomeBusinessWiz explores the affordability of a home business. She boils it down to three questions: What do you own already? How can you use your existing assets? What will your start-up costs be? As I've mentioned before, starting a consulting business is cheap. It's an
- [Balancing sales and work](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/balancing-sales-and-work) - On any given day, most established consultants are in a position of balancing sales and work. When you look at the day ahead, how much time should you spend on finding new clients vs. doing work for the clients you already have?When you're starting out, it makes sense to spend a lot of time on
- [Do I feel isolated in my home office?](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/do-i-feel-isolated-in-my-home-office) - Following yesterday's post on home office isolation, a few readers wondered if I feel isolated in my home office. I don't. At least, I don't right now. When I first started out in consulting, I did feel isolated from time to time. However, over the years, I've learned to balance my week with meetings, telephone
- [Corporate social responsibility (CSR)](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/corporate-social-responsibility-csr) - Corporate social responsibility (CSR) describes a company's obligation to all of its stakeholders. Corporate social responsibility entails sustainability of financial, economic, social and environmental elements. Companies use corporate social responsibility as part of their business management strategies. Stakeholders include any parties that are influenced by or who can influence a company's decisions. Although we usually
- [House flipping horror story](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/house-flipping-horror-story) - When I wrote about becoming a house flipper a few months ago, I mentioned that, "[I]n bubbly markets, amateurs often get into flipping houses and may have no expertise at all. So I wouldn't consider most house flippers to be consultants."Today, I stumbled across I am Facing Foreclosure, a blog by wannabe real estate mogul
- [Is it time to leave your home office?](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/is-it-time-to-leave-your-home-office) - Working from a home office can be a great setup. But, for many people, there comes a time when external office space makes more sense. Here's how to tell if it's time for you: Isolation is getting to you. In spite of pursuing activities outside your home, going to business events, meeting with clients and
- [Basic sales skills: Could you be earning more?](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/could-you-be-earning-more) - Several years ago, I worked in marketing for a mid-sized software company. Around the holidays, I was treated to lunch by my "photocopy guy" -- the lead salesperson for the company we used to print up handouts and other inexpensive materials. Over Thai food, we talked about a million things. He started asking me questions
- [What is an RSSfeed and why should you care?](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/what-is-an-rssfeed-and-why-should-you-care) - If you're a regular reader of Consultant Journal or any other blog, you might want to consider using an RSS feed aggregator. RSS -- Really Simple Syndication -- is a format used to distribute updates of blogs and other online content. An aggregator or reader lets you check the feed for updates without actually visiting
- [Another way to fight the bull](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/another-way-to-fight-the-bull) - I recently mentioned that Fight the Bull can help you check the accessibility of your written communication. Did you know you can use Microsoft Word to do something similar?In Word, turn on Readability statistics. (You should only need to do this once.) Go to Tools Select Options Click the Spelling & Grammar tab. Check the
- [Guest post on marketing a small business](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/guest-post-on-marketing-a-small-business) - Linda Morton, a PR consultant, offers today's guest post. While in public relations, Linda designed newspapers, advertisements and a full range of branding and marketing publications. She also had an academic career -- she taught publication design for 15 years and researched publication design, publishing articles and presenting research papers on the topic. I'm pleased
- [Soapopular does want me to buy Soapopular](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/soapopular-does-want-me-to-buy-soapopular-soapopul) - Regular readers may recall my Soapopular customer service saga. I sent that blog post to the PR team. I received a reply almost immediately. A few weeks later, I received a letter of apology and a case of Soapopular (great stuff, so far). The company also offered to check stock so that I could be
- [How can I improve Consultant Journal for you?](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/how-can-i-improve-consultant-journal-for-you) - As part of my "Review my site" group project, I received this advice from Tony of Support Analytics. The blog page could be organized more efficiently so that readers could see the different subjects easier. I agree with Tony. This site has grown so quickly that it's no longer just a few articles on how
- [Last minute tax tips from Get Rich Slowly](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/last-minute-tax-tips-from-get-rich-slowly) - Over at Get Rich Slowly, JD has some last minute tax tips. I'm in Canada and self-employed, so I still have lots of time to finish my return. However, you might be interested in: tax write-off list more tax write-offs how to start a sole proprietorship finance for consultants Happy filing!
- [What I use to manage contacts](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/what-i-use-to-manage-contacts) - After my post on choosing a CRM, Tony asked what I use to manage my contacts. To be honest, I'm not using a formal CRM system. I actually use a combination of Outlook, Excel and Campaign Monitor (an online subscription tool). I use those tools, even though I've worked with really expensive CRM packages and
- [Exceedingly geeky ConsultantJournal.com note](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/exceedingly-geeky-consultantjournalcom-note) - While poking around this site, I discovered that my "test post" has a Google PageRank of 3. That's higher than my posts on the top 10 consulting myths, "Do I need a lawyer?", and 1099 workers. Google seems to think my test post has great importance. The web works in mysterious ways.
- [Can't afford MS Office? Get OpenOffice](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/cant-afford-ms-office-get-openoffice) - If you're just in the process of becoming a consultant, you may be looking to bootstrap your business. However, to get going, you'll probably need some sort of office productivity suite, like Microsoft Office. Despite what you might think, you don't need to shell out hundreds of dollars for a package. You can use OpenOffice.OpenOffice
- [Smarts vs persistence, according to Einstein](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/smarts-vs-persistence-according-to-einstein) - Via Canadian Entrepreneur blog, I discovered this fabulous Albert Einstein quote:"It's not that I'm so smart, it's just that I stay with problems longer." That reminds me of a quote I recently read about gifted children. A study found that, if you simply tell kids they're smart, they'll usually seek easy tasks, so that they
- [Moving from worker to entrepreneur](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/moving-from-being-a-worker-to-being-an-entrepreneu) - Over at UserScape, Ian Landsman has a post about moving from being a worker to being an entrepreneur. He specifically deals with his experience as a programmer, but some of the lessons are worth hearing, no matter what your background: ...the best code in the world is meaningless if nobody knows about your product. Code
- [Become a better negotiator](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/become-a-better-negotiator) - I recently stumbled on a guide to becoming a better negotiator. Although it's actually targeted at people seeking financial capital, it's got some interesting information about conflict, conflict resolution, negotiation styles and negotiation goals. I can see that it would help with negotiating consulting fees. Posts related to negotiation: Consulting Fee Guide.
- [How to send email without spamming](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/how-to-send-email-without-spamming) - Thinking of sending newsletters or other direct email to your contacts? Check the law before you click "send". If your email turns out to be spam, you can face significant risks and penalties. By sending unwanted commercial email, you may annoy potential customers, losing sales and relationship opportunities. Email providers, such as AOL, Gmail or
- [Best ways to pay off debt - more on consulting](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/best-ways-to-pay-off-debt-more-on-consulting) - Best ways to pay off debt -- last week, I emphasized how consulting can help you get out of debt. At this time of year, as credit card bills roll in, people often start wondering how they're going to manage. I've previously explained how my friend used consulting to get out of debt. It's a good way
- [Free Bootstrapper's Bible | Bootstrapper's Bible](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/free-bootstrappers-bible-bootstrappers-bible-free) - Free Bootstrapper's Bible by Seth Godin. Want a free copy of Seth Godin's Bootstrapper's Bible? I've got permission to distribute this great ebook on How to Start and Build a Business With a Great Idea and (Almost) No Money. If you'd like a copy, sign up for my newsletter -- see the form in the
- [Using your spare time to make money](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/using-your-spare-time-to-make-money) - Regular readers know I often mention how consulting makes a great side job. I recently overheard someone saying that it's wrong to use your spare time to make money. This person said that spare time is meant for spending time with friends, family, hobbies and other noble pursuits. And, on the whole, I agree.But what
- [Another get out of debt story](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/another-get-out-of-debt-story) - After my post on house flippers, Maddie wrote to say that consulting helped her increase her home's value by $30,000. Maddie and her husband used consulting as a way to pay off $12,000 in home renovation costs in two years. The improvements they made to their home increased the property's value by $30,000 -- on
- [Paying off debt - Gary's story](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/paying-off-debt-garys-story) - Paying off debt is a great way to use the money you make as a consultant. Gary (who asked that I not reveal his last name or location) wrote to say that he paid off $34,000 in credit card debt via consulting. It took him almost five years, but he was able to dig out
- [Consulting as a side job](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/consulting-as-a-side-job) - Side jobs are increasingly popular as a means to pay down debt, top up retirement plans, pay for trips, put kids through college and achieve other financial goals. Many people choose consulting as a side job because they can set their consulting fees at $75 or $150 or even $300 an hour. If you compare
- [What kind of consulting business should you start?](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/what-kind-of-consulting-business-should-you-start) - Wondering what kind of consulting business to start? Check my list of consulting business ideas. I add to it every week or so, so it's far from complete. But just seeing a few ideas may give you some inspiration. You may also want to read How to Become a Consultant and the Why become a consultant? series.
- [Subscribe to the Consultant Journal newsletter](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/subscribe-to-the-consultant-journal-newsletter) - This weekend, I added a new service to Consultant Journal. At the top right of the page, there's now a newsletter sign-up form. If you'd like to receive the newsletter, simply fill out the form. I'm using a third-party "Safe Subscribe" tool and I will not be sharing your contact information with anyone. My privacy
- [Best ways to pay off debt | Pay off debt](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/best-ways-to-pay-off-debt-try-consulting) - Best ways to pay off debt -- people have long turned to consulting as a way to pay off debt. If you're looking for a list of the best ways to pay off debt, whether from student loans, credit cards, holiday overindulgences, life events or a job loss, consulting can help you make money so
- [Choosing a consulting business](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/choosing-a-consulting-business) - Choosing a consulting business may seem like a big challenge. There are hundreds or thousands of service-based businesses out there. And it can be a challenge to figure out what sort of consulting business would suit you. Once you've decided that you have an interest in starting a consulting business, you should take a look
- [Become a copywriting consultant](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/become-a-copywriting-consultant) - Become a copywriting consultant -- do you love to write? Want to get paid for it? Become a professional freelance copywriter. As a freelance writer, you can develop content for websites, blogs, brochures, fact sheets, articles, annual reports and other media. Before I became a marketing consultant, I was a freelance writer for several years.
- [Litebook trial begins | Light therapy](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/litebook-trial-begins-light-therapy) - A courier just dropped off my Litebook Elite, a light therapy box that the Litebook Company asked me to try out. Although light therapy is often promoted for people with SAD (seasonal affective disorder), I'm trying out the Litebook as a way of resetting my internal clock. As a consultant and the parent of a
- [New Year's challenge: cold call five people](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/new-years-challenge-cold-call-five-people) - Happy New Year! To help you get the New Year off to a great start, I'm issuing a challenge. This quarter, try cold calling five potential clients. Write up a simple pitch, actively listen to the responses you get and aim to have a natural conversation -- don't try to stick to the script when you could be
- [Become an art consultant](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/become-an-art-consultant) - Become an art consultant -- do you like choosing and buying beautiful art? If you become an art consultant, you could make money by creating art programs for companies, hotels, office buildings, medical centers and upper income professionals. Whereas art reps promote works sold by galleries or artists, art consultants consider each client's unique needs and
- [Improving your consulting skills: pausing](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/improving-your-consulting-skills-pausing) - Improving your consulting skills is a lifelong endeavor. Over the years, one of the most important things I've learned is the value of pausing during discussions with clients. If you do all the talking in a phone call or meeting, your client will never have the opportunity to give you more information or ask questions.
- [Goths most likely to become consultants](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/goths-most-likely-to-become-consultants) - Goths grow up to become consultants -- lawyers, architects and doctors, to be precise. See #87 on the BBC's 100 Things We Didn't Know Last Year.At a party last night, I was stunned to find out that my friend's husband, a commercial real estate developer, was a one-time hardcore skaterboy punk. He looks so different
- [Happy New Year - 2007 rolls in](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/happy-new-year-2007-rolls-in) - Happy 2007! I'm back from a much-needed vacation. I had a super New Year's. My husband and I went to a party held by some friends. It was a great opportunity to get together with everyone and catch up as the holidays draw to a close. Afterwards, we zipped home to watch fireworks from the
- [Featured article: setting consulting fee rates](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/featured-article-setting-consulting-fee-rates) - Happy New Year! Woo-hoo! I'm still on vacation. Back tomorrow! But make sure you get the New Year off to a great start by taking the time to read my past post on setting consulting fee rates. It's absolutely a pillar post on this site. If you haven't taken the time to read it before,
- [Featured article: government small business loans](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/featured-article-government-small-business-loans) - Hurray for the long weekend! Hurray for a long weekend that has been going on all week and still has miles to go! I'm still on vacation, so here's another featured article. Looking for extra cash to start your small business? Read about government small business loans on one of my past posts. Of course, regular
- [Featured article: entry-level consulting job](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/featured-article-entry-level-consulting-job) - My vacation continues...but if you're still thinking of work, take a look at my post on entry-level consulting jobs. I know most readers are interested in making money as independent consultants, but, if you have gone through the "Should I become a consultant?" checklist and determined that self-employment isn't for you, you might want to
- [Featured article: managing client behavior](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/featured-article-managing-client-behavior) - Ready for New Year's Eve yet? I'm still taking a break. To help next year get off to the right start, take a look at my post on managing client behavior. Also check out my posts on starting your own consulting business and why you should become a consultant. "Featured article: managing client behavior" from Become
- [Featured article: small business cell phone plans](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/featured-article-small-business-cell-phone-plans) - Despite protests from some clients, I'm taking this week off to spend time with friends and family over the holidays. So I'm featuring past articles. As part of planning for the New Year, take a look at small business cell phone plans. I can't believe how much some of you are spending on your cell phones! Please
- [Featured article: discount multifunction printers](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/featured-article-discount-multifunction-printers) - I'm still maxing and relaxing for the holidays...till I get back, here's a blast from the archives. See my post on discount multifunction printers. I recently got rid of my Brother MFC and bought an HP all-in-one instead. I'll do a review in the next few weeks -- suffice it to say that I'm much
- [Featured article: I've decided; now what?](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/featured-article-ive-decided-now-what) - Happy holidays! I'm taking a little breather this week, so I'll be featuring past articles. See you in the New Year! Check out First Steps in Consulting -- I've decided! Now what? for my thoughts on how to move from identifying your desire to consult to actually becoming a consultant. You may also want to consider posts
- [Featured article: second jobs](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/featured-article-second-jobs) - Happy holidays! I'm still enjoying the holidays, so I'll be featuring past articles. See you next week! Have a look at Second Jobs for some ideas on how to make money on the side. Of course, as I've said time and time again, consulting makes an ideal second job. Also check out my posts on starting your
- [Starting your own consulting business](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/starting-your-own-consulting-business) - Starting your own consulting business doesn't have to be a dream. In fact, starting your own consulting business is something real people do everyday. "Consulting business" sounds pretty sophisticated, but, on its most basic level, starting a consulting business means you sell your expertise and knowledge to other people. Starting a consulting business when
- [Too shy to try?](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/too-shy-to-try) - Do you think of yourself as shy? Too shy to be a consultant? Don't be so hard on yourself! As I mentioned in networking for introverts, there are ways to deal with social anxiety. Although you might think you have to be a really outgoing person to be a consultant, I assure you that there
- [Home business license | License for home business](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/home-business-license-license-for-home-business) - Home business license -- do you need one or not? The anwer depends on where you live. You'll need a home business license if your jurisdiction requires one. In many cases, your municipality or state makes the call. And some cities and states are more welcoming to home businesses than others. Home business license A
- [Test post](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/test-post) - This is just a test of the non-emergency broadcast system. Please disregard. Do not standby.
- [Consultant job | Jobs for consultants](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/consultant-job-jobs-for-consultants) - Consultant job listings tend not to show up in traditional job posting media. In fact, you'll usually find a consultant job through informal means. For example, you'll find a consultant job via word of mouth, Craigslist advertising, networking or referral. You'll rarely see a consultant job advertised in the newspaper -- unless it's a job
- [Office gadgets | Gadget gifts for office workers](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/office-gadgets-gadget-gifts-for-office-workers) - Office gadgets on your holiday shopping list? Office gadgets can be a source of amusement, distraction, and convenience. My list of Office Gadgets I Can't Live Without provides some ideas for office gadgets. However, this year, I think my favourite new office gadget has got to be the digital photo frame. The prices on these
- [Make more money from every client](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/make-more-money-from-every-client) - Make more money from every client -- sounds like a dream, doesn't it? It doesn't have to be. You can make more money from every client if you take a professional approach to client management. How's that?Track every second you spend on your projects and with every client. Keep notes and use this information in
- [Consulting Fees - a Guide for Consultants](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/consulting-fees-a-guide-for-independent-consultant) - I'm pleased to announce the launch of "Consulting Fees: A Guide for Independent Consultants". I wrote this informational guide in response to the demand from visitors who want more information on figuring out their consulting fees and making more money. It goes into far more detail than my post on setting consulting fee rates, giving
- [Covering a job gap with consulting](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/covering-a-job-gap-with-consulting) - If you have ever been out of work for an extended period, you may have a job gap on your resume. A job gap sometimes results in a red flag when recruiters screen your resume. Recruiters may wonder if you were in jail, working at a job from which you have since been fired, or
- [Christmas and its influence on work](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/christmas-and-its-influence-on-work) - In the past few weeks, I've talked about Christmas from a few angles. I've mentioned discount Christmas cards, personalized Christmas cards, and Christmas jobs. But, today, I'd like to mention how the Christmas season affects the work of a consultant.I'm a marketing consultant. As companies lead up to the holidays, I typically find myself extremely
- [No fee home business ideas](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/no-fee-home-business-ideas) - No fee home business ideas fall into a wide range. With so many work from home scams out there, it's important to know which home businesses can be started with no fees. By finding work from home jobs and home businesses that don't require you to buy anything upfront, you can avoid some of the
- [All you need is love](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/all-you-need-is-love) - Valeria Maltoni at ConversationAgent.com has a great post on how love affects your work projects -- and how the Beatles works were labours of love. Valeria writes:In the same way a musician finds satisfaction in the composition of sounds, a chef thrills in his guests polishing off the results of hours of planning and an
- [Call for guest posts](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/call-for-guest-posts) - Would you like to make a guest post on ConsultantJournal.com? I'm going to be taking some vacation time in December and I'd be pleased to feature selected volunteer submissions from my readers. I'm willing to consider a range of topics -- everything from making money from home to dealing with unusual aspects of consulting. Contact
- [Business consulting fee: $30k](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/business-consulting-fee-30k) - "Business consulting fee: $30,000 a month" -- at least, that's what it sounds like the brother of Philadelphia's mayor got paid to do nothing. Heck, even work from home scams don't promise that much! Milton Street, a long-time hot dog seller, was paid $30,000 a month for no reason, suggests a (defunct) article on his
- [Being a consultant](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/being-a-consultant) - Being a consultant -- I've said a lot about becoming a consultant, but what about just being a consultant? What's it like to be a consultant? Well, I've been a consultant for 10 years. During that time, I've reflected on my role. And it's not quite the same as having a regular job. Obviously, I
- [What's with Denver?](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/whats-with-denver) - My site stats show I'm getting an inordinate amount of traffic from Denver. If you're from Denver, let me know why I've suddenly earned a fan club in your great city! I must admit I've only ever been to Denver's airport runway. My plane was forced to make an emergency landing when it ran out
- [Cheap Christmas cards](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/cheap-christmas-cards-2) - Cheap Christmas cards can be a big help when you're on a limited budget. But you don't want people to think you send out cheap Christmas cards, so take some care and choose wisely. My post on discount Christmas cards provides some tips for choosing great holiday cards. And, remember, if you're sending out cards,
- [The power of mentors](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/the-power-of-mentors) - While I'm on holidays, I thought I'd remind you that the new year is a great time to consider career growth. Have you considered the power of mentors? Make 2010 the year you take great strides in your career. Here are five reasons why you need a mentor.
- [More consulting myths about spec work](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/more-consulting-myths-about-spec-work) - Following my post on the top 10 consulting myths and working on spec, here are some bonus myths that deal with spec work: Consultants should make presentations about more than just their backgrounds and experience before they are hired. Nope. I'm a business. I can't afford to do work for free. Consultants should trade their
- [Spec work aka speculative work](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/spec-work-aka-speculative-work) - Spec work is better known in the graphic design world, but many consultants are asked to work on spec at some point in their careers. Spec work (short for speculative work) involves doing work without a contract or even promise of pay. For example, a prospective client may ask you to put together a marketing
- [Top 10 consulting myths](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/top-10-consulting-myths) - I've been consulting for several years and it recently occurred to me that there are a lot of myths about consulting. Here are my top 10 consulting myths: You need to be a long-in-the-tooth expert. Nope. You just need to have knowledge that will help a customer. And there are lots of entry-level consulting jobs,
- [7 reasons to back up your data](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/7-reasons-to-back-up-your-data) - As a consultant, you'll live and die by your documents. What more reason do you need to back up your data? If you don't back up your data, you're putting yourself -- and your clients -- at risk. Isn't the risk of losing business enoug reason to back up your data? Well, here are even
- [Take a consultant to lunch](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/take-a-consultant-to-lunch) - I'm taking part in a group project for home-based businesses. As part of that, I'm responding to:If you could take an expert in the field of internet marketing or home based business to lunch what would you ask them? As a consultant, I've taken many business people to lunch over the years. So I've had
- [Donate a car for start-up cash](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/donate-a-car-for-start-up-cash) - Donate a car to charity and you may unlock cash to start up your consulting business. When you donate a car to a registered charity, you may qualify for an IRS tax deduction -- when you get your taxes back, you can use the money to launch your business. Donating a vehicle has become a
- [Reason for becoming a consultant #3](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/reason-for-becoming-a-consultant-3) - As part of my Reasons for Becoming a Consultant series, I'm looking at, well, the reasons people become consultants. In the past, I mentioned you might want to become a consultant to make extra money or to maintain a work/life balance. And that work/life balance leads to reason #3. By starting a consulting business, you can
- [Reason for becoming a consultant #2](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/reason-for-becoming-a-consultant-2) - Another reason for becoming a consultant is to make extra money. Many people get into consulting by moonlighting on top of their regular job. By pulling together a few consulting projects, they save up money for a vacation, flat screen TV, education or other indulgence. By becoming a consultant, you can generate extra money without
- [Reason for becoming a consultant #1](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/reason-for-becoming-a-consultant-1) - Reasons for becoming a consultant aren't hard to find. In fact, the more most people learn about becoming a consultant, the more reasons they uncover. My #1 reason for becoming a consultant is the opportunity for work/life balance. In the past, I've mentioned that consulting can mean work/life balance for stay/work at home parents, reduced
- [Clear clutter and become a clutter consultant](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/clear-clutter-and-become-a-clutter-consultant) - Clear clutter for a living -- become a clutter consultant. Clutter consultants help people clear out their home and work spaces. Part home staging consultant, part therapist, part project manager, clutter consultants combine a variety of skills to help people better manage their lives. They analyze the reasons people end up with clutter, often uncovering
- [Become a sports nutrition consultant - quirky idea](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/become-a-sports-nutrition-consultant-quirky-idea) - Here's a quirky idea: become a sports nutrition consultant. A sports nutrition consultant helps athletes compete in sports by coming up with special recommendations for nutrition and diet. This consultant helps finetune health with a diet plan customized for the athlete's specific needs. When you consider that food fuels the body, it's easy to see
- [Becoming a consultant FAQ](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/becoming-a-consultant-faq) - As you may have noticed, this site includes a "Becoming a Consultant FAQ", as well as a series on becoming a consultant. However, although the FAQ covers the frequently asked questions about becoming a consultant, I'm interested in answering more. Please feel free to email your questions. I'm happy to answer *in*frequently asked questions about
- [Freelancing saved his sight](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/freelancing-saved-his-sight) - Freelancing saved the sight of David Berger, reports The Detroit News (expired link). Berger chose to become a consultant after doctors told him that a stress-induced rupture in his eye could render him blind. To escape stress --and blindness from what doctors call "executive eye syndrome" -- Berger became an executive for hire. In return, his
- [RSS subscriptions - Consultant Blog | Consultant J](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/rss-subscriptions-consultant-blog) - Just a quick note to say that we've added an RSS feed to this blog. We'll be posting a proper RSS subscription button shortly, but, in the meantime, you can subscribe using the link below. If you don't know what an RSS feed is, check out this Wikipedia article. Comments coming soon! This site is
- [Consulting Reboot](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/consulting-reboot) - If you're at this stage of your consulting business journey, you're ready for a change. In the Reboot stage, you give your existing business processes, branding and offer a shake, so that you can get back on track. If this is you, you're probably experiencing the following: You've had some initial successes, but you've hit
- [Find consultants | Finding a consultant](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/find-consultants) - Companies looking to hire consultants use several tactics to find them. Most find consultants through referrals. That's because hiring a consultant requires a leap of faith. As a prospective client, you need to be sure that the candidate has the necessary skills and expertise, a proven track record, integrity and follow-through. By turning to the
- [Consultant blogging, networking, and business](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/blogging-networking-and-business) - Why do I have a consultant blog? I started blogging about consulting about two years ago and, in doing so, I've met clients and business contacts I probably wouldn't have otherwise known. Australian blogger Will Swain mentions that blogging has turned into a great business tool for him. His post, blogging as a networking tool,
- [Brady Bunch Wal-Mart Time to Change ad song](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/brady-bunch-time-to-change-and-wal-mart) - On using a Brady Bunch song to market Wal-Mart.
- [Consulting Magazines | Consultant Journal](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/consulting-magazines) - Consultant Journal covers the independent consulting world, but several other publications look at large-scale consulting enterprises.
- [Car insurance for business](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/car-insurance-for-business) - If you own a small business, you might not realize that once you're using your car for business, insurance needs may change. You might actually need a different insurance package.
- [Measuring and defining success](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/measuring-and-defining-success) - After more than 10 years in consulting, I've gone through a lot of goal-setting exercises. Some of those goals included: planning a consulting business graduating from an entrepreneurship program getting my first client achieving part-time success leaving my full-time job making more than I did in my full-time job securing my first "Fortune 500" client
- [Friday 5: on writing well](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/friday-5-on-writing-well) - As a consultant, you'll need to write on a regular basis. Email messages, proposals and reports are part of just about any consultant's toolkit. Although you don't need to write with the skill of a professional writer, you can get ahead by learning to write well. Check out five tips for quality writing.(As someone who's
- [Can self-employed people get credit?](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/can-self-employed-people-get-credit) - Whether you're self-employed or just thinking about it, you might be wondering how you'll fare when you try to apply for a credit card, loan or mortgage. Fortunately, creditors are increasingly coming up with new credit products for the self-employed.Self-employed or not, you'll run into problems getting credit if you've had problems with credit in
- [Knowing your values](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/knowing-your-values) - Do you think about your values when it comes to your business? I recently met with another business owner who wasn't feeling motivated or inspired. This entrepreneur said they just didn't want to get up and do their work every day. In talking to them, I discovered that this individual felt disconnected from the umbrella
- [Friday 5: time-saving Word tips](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/friday-5-time-saving-word-tips) - I use Microsoft Word for all my written projects. I found this list of five Microsoft Word tips that can save you time. I love the tip about getting Word to autotype words and phrases you use on a frequent basis. If you're spending 3 seconds three times a day to type a particular phrase,
- [Should you start consulting in a recession?](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/should-you-start-consulting-in-a-recession) - Recession. Market downturn. Doom. Gloom. If you pay attention to newspaper headlines, you may be wondering if you should give up your consulting dreams right now. In spite of all the negative headlines out there, a recession may actually be your ticket to success. That's right -- consulting in a recession can be a great
- [How to save when you work freelance](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/how-to-save-when-you-work-freelance) - When you make the jump to full-time consulting, you'll find your earnings may not be the same every month. You might have lean times during the winter holidays, but go gangbusters in the spring. After a while, you get used to it and you'll be able to budget accordingly.But how do you save when you
- [Where to buy contract templates](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/where-to-buy-contract-templates) - I often receive a flurry of emails from people interested in legal advice. I'm not a lawyer and I can't provide legal advice, of course. But I understand that many of you need help with consulting contracts, invoice templates, non-disclosure agreements and so on. After doing some research, I've formed a relationship with US Legal
- [Small business loan rates](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/small-business-loan-rates) - Small business loan rates vary from institution to institution. If you're in the market for a small business loan, rates should be of high importance. Shop around and investigate what various lenders have on offer. Ask if there are any ways to improve your rate, such as providing collateral, having someone co-sign, or agreeing to
- [Can you befriend competitors?](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/can-you-befriend-competitors) - When you hear the word "competitor", do you get all warm and fuzzy inside? I didn't think so. In business and in life, our competitors are the people who contest with us for resources. Most of us have been taught to see competitors as "bad guys". You don't have to see all your competitors as bad
- [Working on retainer](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/working-on-retainer) - Working on retainer is a popular way of setting consulting fees. When you're working on retainer, you're dealing with a contract that requires your client to pay you a flat rate for a certain amount of time. In turn, you keep that amount of time available for the client, so that they don't have to
- [How do I become a consultant?](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/how-do-i-become-a-consultant) - How do I become a consultant? As a new entrepreneur, it's common to wonder, "How do I become a consultant?" I have written many posts to help you become a freelance consultant, but don't forget to ask for input from working consultants in your field and community. How do I become a consultant - First steps In this digital age, sometimes
- [VOIP and Internet charges](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/voip-and-internet-charges) - Amy wrote to me to ask about Internet and VOIP charges. I don't know much about US telecommunication rules, so I'm putting her question up for my readers:I have a general question - we are an IT company in Vienna, VA using shared office space, but with a very old PBX which will not allow
- [Productivity killers](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/productivity-killers) - If I had to calculate how much time I've wasted online, I'd be pretty embarrassed. Sometimes, it's easy to feel like you're working when you're sitting at your computer -- and doing nothing of value. Five minutes spent here and there replying to non-work email, sending instant messages, posting messages on Facebook or even surfing
- [What's your biggest marketing challenge?](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/whats-your-biggest-marketing-challenge) - What's your biggest marketing challenge, as a small business owner? What marketing obstacles frustrate you? Share your thoughts here. Let's come together as a community to talk through our challenges...and work on them together.
- [How to get testimonials - six tips](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/how-to-get-testimonials-six-tips) - Getting testimonials from clients can help build your expert status. Once you figure out how to get testimonials, you can ramp up your credibility. That's because, when your prospective clients see the words of others who are happy with your services, they're more likely to believe in what you have to offer.
- [Computer consulting fee](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/computer-consulting-fee) - Computer consulting fees, like all consulting fees, are affected by a number of factors. Because most consultants agree that there is no standard consulting fee that works in all situations, many new computer consultants have difficulty figuring out what they're "worth." Crunching the numbers There are six primary consulting fee models, which include setting consulting rates based on performance, and doubling or even tripling your hourly wage. Some IT consultants combine a number of these models at the same time. When determining your computer consulting fee you'll realize that determining your IT consulting fee is just as much about building value as it is about crunching numbers.
- [Consulting fee survey](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/consulting-fee-survey) - Consulting fee surveys are a valuable tool worth reviewing. Not only is it natural to want to know how you compare against others in your industry, but considering your competitors' rates is also an important part of setting your consulting fee rates. When considering setting consulting fee rates, consulting fee surveys are worth looking into. However, they are not blueprints for what to charge as a consultant.
- [Trust - the key to your success](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/trust-the-key-to-your-success) - Trust -- it's the key to success in business. If people don't trust you, they won't believe you. If they don't believe you, they won't buy. If they don't trust you after they buy, they will experience buyer's remorse. They won't buy from you again. They won't promote your products and services to their trusted
- [Is it ethical to run a side business?](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/is-it-ethical-to-run-a-side-business) - Many people dream of becoming consultants. But if you're already working as an employee full-time, it can be difficult to make the leap into full-time consulting. This is one of the many reasons why you may want to start a side business. But is it ethical to run a side business while holding down a regular job? Yes,
- [Consulting business for sale](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/consulting-business-for-sale) - “Consulting business for sale!” The answer to many new entrepreneurs' dreams is to find a consulting business for sale. Some entrepreneurs choose to avoid starting a new business from the ground up by purchasing a business that is already established. Consulting business for sale When considering purchasing a consulting business, it's important to be aware
- [Work-life balance](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/work-life-balance) - I was quoted in various Canadian newspapers today in a piece on work-life balance. The article says that I started my consulting business so that I could stay home with my sons. However, it doesn't point out that I started the business several years before I even had kids. It was part of long term
- [Independent consulting | consulting business](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/independent-consulting-independent-consulting-busi) - Independent consulting -- the freelance life -- appeals to many people. But, when you go into independent consulting, you aren't quite doing the same thing as someone who works for a big consulting firm. Sure, you'll still be consulting, but you'll be wearing several other hats.As an independent consultant, you'll need to manage your own
- [Too much debt | Debt too much to handle](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/too-much-debt-debt-too-much-to-handle) - Too much debt? In today's world of cheap and easy credit, many people end up with too much debt. If you're facing crushing debt, you're not alone. And there are ways out of debt. 7 ways to deal with too much debt Stop spending. Put your credit cards away. Pay in cash until you've got
- [Interested in selling my ebooks?](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/interested-in-selling-my-ebooks) - I've had a few people ask whether I offer an affiliate program for sales of Discover Your Inner Consultant and my Consulting Fees Guide. I'm currently working on an affiliate program. If you'd like to receive information when I announce the program, please contact me.
- [Become a consultant course - for charter members](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/become-a-consultant-course-for-charter-members) - Becoming a consultant is one of the hottest topics at Consultant Journal. And many of you have written to me to ask for personal help in becoming a consultant. So I'm pleased to announce the launch of Become a Consultant: How to Make the Leap. It's an online course designed to mentor you in your
- [Happy New Year!](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/happy-new-year) - Wow, 2009! Happy New Year! Are you working on some goals for the year ahead? As I look back on my list for 2008, I see that I achieved more than I expected with my business and personal goals...but that my home renovation list has a lot of items I haven't crossed off! Well, with
- [Finding the energy for a second job or side biz](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/finding-the-energy-for-a-second-job-or-side-biz) - A second job may sound a bit over the top. I mean, if you're working at a day job, how could you possibly have time for a second job or a side business? Well, here's a secret. The average US resident spends 2.6 hours a day watching TV, for a total of 18.2 hours a
- [Daily fees for a consultant](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/daily-fees-for-a-consultant) - Daily fees for a consultant -- I was at my entrepreneurs' group meeting recently, when another consultant mentioned that they typically bill $1500 to $2000 per day. Someone else piped up and said they'd just hired a consultant for much more than that. Several people turned to me and asked if those were typical daily
- [New covers for my guides](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/new-covers-for-my-guides) - Several great things happened to me yesterday. I'll share a few of those things with you now.My graphic designer delivered new covers for Discover Your Inner Consultant and Consulting Fees: A Guide for Independent Consultants. I think these new graphics do a much better job of conveying the content you'll receive. I'm working on imbedding
- [Never underestimate niche markets](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/never-underestimate-niche-markets) - In defining the market for your consulting business -- new or well established -- don't underestimate the potential of niche markets. Take a look at this construction screw collection. Have you ever considered that some people collect screws? There's an untapped market out there. It's a highly specialized market and there are probably some collectors
- [Holiday gifts for your clients and partners](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/holiday-gifts-for-your-clients-and-partners) - For many businesses, December is a time to thank those who've supported us during the past year. Some people send out business holiday cards, whereas others take their clients out for lunch. Still others send gift baskets, chocolates, or other presents. I just received my first gift card from a business partner. She enclosed the
- [Second jobs and recession proofing your life](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/second-jobs-and-recession-proofing-your-life) - Picking up a second job or side job -- or starting a side business -- can be a good way to recession-proof your life. Via NPR, here's a list of ways to help yourself weather the storm of a recession. They didn't specifically mention second jobs and side businesses (such as consulting), but I've talked
- [Should you give clients your IM account info?](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/should-you-give-clients-your-im-account-info) - Several times a day, I chat with friends, family and partners via instant messenger services. I sometimes even chat with clients. But, as a general rule, I don't give my IM account info to clients.Instant messaging makes you seem within a client's arm reach. Whereas they have no idea what you're doing when you don't
- [A note about comments](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/a-note-about-comments) - Thank you all for the comments you make here on Consultant Journal. It's great when we get a discussion going and your comments add value for other people reading the site.However, as this site has become more popular, I've seen an increase in comments that fall somewhere between obvious spam and genuine content. I feel
- [How to support Consultant Journal](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/how-to-support-consultant-journal) - From time to time, some of you ask how you can best support Consultant Journal.
- [How often should I post?](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/how-often-should-i-post) - For the past week or two, I've been posting more than usual. Up till now, I've been posting three times per week. Some people have suggested I cut back to once a week, whereas others have asked for more posts. Any thoughts? Feel free to contact me, if you prefer not to comment.
- [Friday 5: top 5 audience analysis tools](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/friday-5-top-5-audience-analysis-tools) - Via Code Adventures, I discovered a review of five tools to help you analyze your web audience (or target market, as the case may be).They're worth checking out. However, I continue to be skeptical of Quantcast. It has hilariously incorrect results for Consultant Journal. Check out all the grade school kids who apparently visit this
- [Top 5 biz mistakes that drive people crazy](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/top-5-biz-mistakes-that-drive-people-crazy) - This week's Friday 5 comes from Escape from Cubicle Nation: the top 5 nitpicky mistakes that drive me crazy. Well, they drive me crazy, too! Sharing an email address with your spouse. Ugh. Please. Get your own email, even if it's through Yahoo or Gmail. You should eventually have your own website and thus domain,
- [Everybody needs a cheerleader](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/everybody-needs-a-cheerleader) - This weekend, I took my kids to the Santa Claus Parade. While watching the parade, I exchanged a few comments with a friendly woman. She mentioned that they were there to see someone in the first float. My husband and I said we were there to see someone in the last float. We all chuckled
- [Friday 5: top 5 sales pitch tips](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/friday-5-top-5-sales-pitch-tips) - Via Shaun Brown comes this week's Friday 5: a list of the top 5 sales pitch tips. He emphasizes the importance of audience participation: The more rapport you have with an individual or a group, the more receptive they will be to your message. Many consultants launch right into a sales pitch, instead of taking
- [How a bad client made me money](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/how-a-bad-client-made-me-money) - A bad client can turn into a money maker. How's that? Get rid of the bad client and implement a new policy.Early in my consulting career, a prospective client asked to hire me for 30 minutes, just to see what I could do. It was late on a Friday and I figured I could use
- [Warning: troublesome clients are](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/warning-troublesome-clients-are) - Heed the tale of the troublesome client. The one who: starts off with a demanding email, saying that they desperately need help by this weekend tries to lock you into an hour-long "interview" on the phone, once you respond to that email insists that the project is a five alarm fire but can't afford to
- [Noise-cancelling headphones | Cancelling noise](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/noise-cancelling-headphones-cancelling-noise) - Noice cancelling headphones -- after my piece on noise-cancelling ear plugs, a few people wrote in to recommend noise-cancelling (canceling) headphones. (Sorry -- Canadian spelling in use!) Noise-cancelling headphones use a microphone and electronics to create a soundwave at polar oppose to the soundwave coming in. Thise cancels out the noise.To my surprise, Wikipedia has
- [Average consulting fee](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/average-consulting-fee) - Average consulting fees can range anywhere from thirty dollars to thousands of dollars per hour. Understandably, most people who are interested in becoming a consultant want to discover average consulting fee statistics. However, in order for average consulting fee data to be useful, it's important to get specific and compare yourself to others in your industry.
- [When to subcontract - seven signs](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/when-to-subcontract-seven-signs) - When to subcontract - seven signs that it's time When you become a consultant, you become more than a consultant. You're becoming a business owner. That means you wear several hats. As time goes on, it may not make sense to wear every hat. Here's how to tell when it's time to outsource. You don't like
- [Use a blog to build your consulting business](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/use-a-blog-to-build-your-consulting-business) - Use a blog to build your consulting business. Sound crazy? It isn't! It's difficult, if not impossible, to accurately determine how many blogs are out there. Suffice it to say there at least a hundred million of them! So am I crazy to suggest that you add to the blog frenzy? Well, perhaps. But what I do
- [Buying a netbook - 7 tips](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/buying-a-netbook-7-tips) - Buying a netbook? Then you could use these seven tips that will help you choose the right netbook. 1. Netbooks explained Do you really want a netbook or should you be buying a laptop or desktop computer instead? A netbook is a small, lightweight portable computer used primarily for browsing the Internet. Netbooks generally boast
- [Got all the information you need?](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/got-all-the-information-you-need) - My "Review my site" group project invites readers to give Consultant Journal the thumbs-up or thumbs-down. Recently, Johnny from Fuery.com had these suggestions:Of the content itself, the elementary nature of it makes me shy away a little, but there’s plenty of tips that old pros would do well to pay attention to.From my statistics, it
- [Fight the bull in your documents](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/fight-the-bull-in-your-documents) - Becoming a great consultant means mastering the skill of interacting with other people. After all, you'll need to manage your client relationships. And many of those client relationships will be affected by email and documents.Enter Fight the Bull, a handy tool that lets you check text for jargon. I put the first paragraph of today's
- [Standard consulting fee](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/standard-consulting-fee) - There are a number of ways to set consulting fees, and charging standard fees (charging what everyone else charges) is merely one of six primary consulting fee models. Indeed, rather than base your rates exclusively on what other consultants are charging, consider what your services are worth. Do you offer standard services, or do you offer more than the rest? Do you offer something unique? Understanding standard consulting fees is just part of the process of setting your consulting fee rate.
- [Becoming an expert](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/becoming-an-expert) - Becoming an expert can help you bolster your consulting business. After all, as a consultant, you're supposed to be an expert. If you establish your status as an expert, you should be able to win over more clients and charge higher fees. You should also be able to work more productively, since, as an expert,
- [Light posting ahead](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/light-posting-ahead) - I just wanted to say that, as my family is celebrating the Christmas holidays, I won't be posting much over the next week. Whether you celebrate holidays at this time of year or not, I wish you all the best and hope you have a delightful 2009. Happy Holidays from everyone at Consultant Journal!
- [Why I posted about tutoring rates](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/why-i-posted-about-tutoring-rates) - A few of you are wondering why I just posted about tutoring rates. What does that have to do with consulting? Why would a consultant care about tutoring?Well, as I mentioned toward the end of the post, many consultants tutor as a way of generating a side income. Some do tutoring, others instruct night school
- [I love my shredder](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/i-love-my-shredder) - In the 90s, people went on and on about the paperless office. Well, I don't know about you, but my office is far from paperless. Keeping client files, seven years of tax returns, current year receipts and the like -- I've got a huge amount of paper.A few years ago, I bought a personal paper
- [How to send email without spamming 2](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/how-to-send-email-without-spamming-2) - If you want to send commercial email, you need to comply with CAN-SPAM. By commercial email, I mean email that involves more than a response to a previous message from a contact, prospect or client. Be careful not to send unwanted commercial email or you could end up in big trouble. Under CAN-SPAM, you
- [Consulting overseas | Consulting jobs](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/consulting-overseas-consulting-jobs) - Consulting overseas can be a bit tricky. Unless you have a work visa or an employer to sponsor you, you may have a hard time landing work in another country. However, if you already work as a home-based consultant, why not take your work with you?I haven't yet gone overseas with my work. But my
- [7 Cs of Consulting](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/7-cs-of-consulting) - Via Management Consulting News, I found an article on the 7 Cs of Consulting (dead link), an interview with consultant Mick Cope. Cope emphasizes the importance of client relationships and the need to spend time exploring client needs. I liked this analogy:In the UK at the moment there is a serious shortage of tradesmen, plumbers
- [Think you could be an expert?](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/think-you-could-be-an-expert) - New to consulting or not, many people have a hard time thinking of themselves as experts. "Expert" sounds so serious. But, really, to be an expert, you just need to know more than someone else. Think about it. Many of us have family or friends we call on when our computers are on the fritz
- [The value of mentors](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/the-value-of-mentors) - Do you have a mentor? Greats like Richard Branson, David Beckham, Mozart and Oliver Stone have drawn from the influence of mentors. By working with a mentor, you can tap into the proven experience, network and knowledge of someone established in your field.If you don't have a mentor, try approaching someone whose work you admire.
- [Friday 5: reasons you're procrastinating](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/friday-5-reasons-youre-procrastinating) - Via Lifehack, here's a list of reasons you're procrastinating. I spent some time thinking about this one:The inability to make decisions also contributes to procrastination.I don't have trouble making decisions. (Although, if you've ever seen me order from a menu at a restaurant, you might think otherwise.) But I do sometimes have trouble trying to
- [CRM and contact management systems | CRM](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/crm-and-contact-management-systems-crm) - CRM is built upon the foundation of a solid CRM or contact management system. A CRM or contact management solution can help a company keep track of customers at any stage of the sales process. Whether a customer contacts a company via email, fax, phone, letter or in person, a CRM strategy can help manage
- [Top 10 green businesses](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/top-10-green-businesses) - Via The San Francisco Sentinel, here's a list of the top 10 green businesses to start this year. Natural and Organic Foods Organic Clothing and Accessories Natural Beauty and Personal Care Products Green “Home Depot” Organic Flower Grower Hydroponic Herb Grower Eco-friendly House Cleaning Service Household Recycling Units Green Rental Car Agency Residential Wind Power
- [Melinda Gates & Microsoft Bob](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/melinda-gates-microsoft-bob) - Melinda Gates was the product manager for Microsoft Bob, the ill-fated non-technical interface for Windows. I guess that didn't hold her back.I've often thought Microsoft Bob failed because you had to pay for it, not because it annoyed people. Had it been free, it would probably be as common as that darned animated paperclip.
- [Consultant joke | Joke about consulting fees](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/consultant-joke-joke-about-consulting-fees) - Consultant joke about consulting fees. I received this consultant joke today. It goes to show why it's important to consider pricing by the value you deliver, rather than just by the hour.A consultant died and appeared in heaven before the pearly gates. She noticed there were thousands of people already lined up. But an angel
- [How to consult like a Starbucks latte](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/how-to-consult-like-a-starbucks-latte) - When you go to Starbucks and order a latte, what are you really paying for? Milk, sugar, espresso and a cup? No way! You're participating in the Starbucks experience. As you hit the door, you smell the aroma of coffee. You're in a perfect coffee-toned world, where soft jazz and comfy chairs await. In placing your
- [What Steve Nash can teach you about business](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/what-steve-nash-can-teach-you-about-business) - What Steve Nash can teach you about businessBasketball MVP Steve Nash has had some phenomenal successes in his career. I recently read this quote from Nash, who grew up just a few hours away from me:People have always doubted whether I was good enough to play this game at this level. I thought I was,
- [Lead qualification | recording answers](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/lead-qualification-recording-answers) - Part of lead qualification involves management of your leads. If you don't have a customer relationship management (CRM) system or a contact management application, you can still manage leads.Print up lead qualification sheets. On them, provide spaces for: name title business answers to lead qualification questions lead status and so on Even though I've always
- [Finding new clients - part 6](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/finding-new-clients-part-6) - Finding new clients -- if you're trying to build up your business, try generating leads through publicity. Since starting my consulting business, I've used publicity to find new clients and reassure existing clients. In just a week or two, you'll see me quoted in Money Magazine. And, just recently, I was quoted in the Fab
- [Review my blog for a free link back](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/review-my-blog-for-a-free-link-back) - This post has been deleted.
- [Ask questions](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/ask-questions) - Here's some great consulting advice from Peter Drucker:My greatest strength as a consultant is to be ignorant and ask a few questions. As a consultant, it's tempting to take on the role of expert. After all, a consultant is an expert. But don't let that get in the way of learning more about your client.
- [Aligning your work with your values](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/aligning-your-work-with-your-values) - My community grocery store was having a green Earth fair this past weekend. My husband and I wheeled the kids through the booths, stopping to check out the yoga demonstration, the hybrid car and a few other displays. At one booth, I chatted with someone from an organization that aims to connect city people with
- [Friday 5: 5 reasons your business is failing](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/friday-5-5-reasons-your-business-is-failing) - Via Lockergnome, this week's Friday 5 looks at the top 5 reasons a PC consulting business may be failing. I know most of you are not in the business of computer tech consulting, but take a look at the article anyway. It may ring true for you. I especially liked his tips about clients who
- [5 critical keys for your website](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/5-critical-keys-for-your-website) - These days, just about any business needs a website. But if that website lacks tools to maximize opportunities, your income and business growth will be impeded. To be successful, your website needs to include certain elements: Contact Information. How else will you receive sales inquiries? Always include email or other contact details so people can
- [Major site outage...ouch](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/major-site-outageouch) - For unknown reasons, my site crashed this past week. Ouch! I was out of town and I don't know if that had anything to do with it. It crashed the last time I was out of town, too! I'm sure most of you have little interest in my web server, but I did want to
- [Wildlife Rescue Series - congratulations!](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/wildlife-rescue-series-congratulations) - Wildlife Rescue Series continues! My fellow marketing consultant and freelance writer, Diane Haynes, has just published her second book for young adults. Crow Medicine is part of the Wildlife Rescue Series, which Diane launched with the publication of Fight or Flight. Here's a description of Crow Medicine from the book: In the exciting Jane Ray's
- [Degrees in business management | degrees](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/degrees-in-business-management-degrees) - Degrees in business management come with various options. Students can pursue two-year, four-year or graduate-level degrees in business management – in person, online or through correspondence. These degrees include: Associate Degrees Associate degrees – the lowest degrees in the hierarchy – indicate that a student has completed two years of introductory business management education. They
- [How to make your home business look professional](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/how-to-make-your-home-business-look-professional-1) - Wondering how to make your home business look and sound professional? Keeping up a professional image when you work from home takes a little foresight and planning. One of the most important parts of your image is the telephone. Tips for managing your home office telephone Don’t let your kids answer the phone, unless
- [Debt management via consulting](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/debt-management-via-consulting) - Debt piling up? For many people, debt blindsides them at this time of year. With holiday credit card payments, tax due dates and retirement savings deadlines all seeming to appear at the same time, debt can quickly become a major obstacle.I've previously mentioned consulting as one of the best ways to pay down debt. And
- [PT Barnum on marketing](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/pt-barnum-on-marketing) - PT Barnum was a master marketer, skilled at generating leads, finding new clients and making money. As a consultant, you'd be wise to heed these words of wisdom:Without promotion something terrible happens... Nothing!What are you doing to promote your consulting business? How do you generate leads and find new clients? Posts related to finding new
- [Has consulting changed your life?](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/has-consulting-changed-your-life) - Has consulting changed your life? I'm always looking for stories about real people who've become consultants. If you'd like to be profiled, let me know. If you're especially shy or you just don't want an employer to know you moonlight, we can arrange for a pseudonym. Contact me or leave a comment if you'd like
- [Seth Godin on customer service](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/seth-godin-on-customer-service) - Via Maria Palma at CustomersAreAlways.com, here's a great quote from Seth Godin:“…I think the reason we get so upset at astounding examples of bad customer service… is that most of us have given great customer service and realized that most of the time it's not only fairly easy, it's actually quite rewarding.” Maria adds, "
- [5 pitfalls in choosing a domain name](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/5-pitfalls-in-choosing-a-domain-name) - If you're shopping around for a website address for your business, you'll want to read Chitika's 5 tips for choosing a domain name. Just as it's a challenge to think of a name for your business, it's an even bigger challenge to think of a web address. Odd spellings, departures from .com strange word combinations
- [Friday 5: writing winning proposals](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/friday-5-writing-winning-proposals) - Here's this week's Friday Five, a hand-selected top 5 list. This week, learn 5 ways to start writing winning proposals.* Chris notes: Provide references: Buyers may not take the time to contact your references, but providing them up front speaks leaps and bounds about how you believe in and back up your work. Make sure
- [You're in business to make money](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/youre-in-business-to-make-money) - I recently overheard a marketer say:"If you're in business to make money, you've got it dead wrong. You're not in business to make money. You're in business to meet needs."When I started out in marketing, I thought this was true. But, over the years, I've realized that it's not quite true. It should sound something
- [Finding consulting jobs](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/finding-consulting-jobs) - Scott writes in with this question:I am new to the consultant business. I have no idea if anyone has had any success with consultant /headhunter sites or consultant job search sites.I'm looking for assignments up to 12 months. I am in the business/tax/management areas. Does anyone have any suggestions where to start? I would consider
- [Friday 5: top 5 reasons to be an entrepreneur](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/friday-5-top-5-reasons-to-be-an-entrepreneur) - Check out Matt Inglot's list of reasons to become an entrepreneur.
- [How to build wealth by consulting](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/how-to-build-wealth-by-consulting) - How to build wealth by consulting. Looking to secure your financial future? Wondering how to build wealth? Consulting offers you the opportunity to secure your financial future. What does it mean to build wealth? Before we start talking about consulting, let's take a look at how to build wealth. Your net worth is made up
- [Best ways to pay down debt - consulting](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/best-ways-to-pay-down-debt-consulting) - I've been talking about paying down debt a lot this month. Given the time of year, I know many of you are looking for ways to get out of debt. I should note that poor credit card management can also be a big contributor to your debt load. If you've got a lot of credit card debt,
- [Consulting business ideas](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/consulting-business-ideas-consultant-ideas) - Consulting business ideas - if you're looking to figure out what kind of consulting business would suit you, you're far from the only one. Figuring out the right business is just as important as getting your business plan right. Learn how to figure out the business that will suit you best.
- [Finding new clients - part 2](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/finding-new-clients-part-2) - Finding new clients is something that dominates the thoughts of many new and established consulting business owners. That's why I'm writing a weekly series on finding new clients. I've been in the trenches long enough to know that most people could use a little encouragement. Here's this week's tip: Read your local business journal, newspaper,
- [Turning around toxic client situations](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/turning-around-toxic-client-situations) - Turning around toxic client situations is sometimes necessary. Turning around toxic client situations for the better may be your only option, especially if your client isn't quite toxic enough to be fired completely. Turning around toxic client situations may seem difficult--and sometimes even impossible. But your success depends heavily on your attitude, which you can control.
- [Consulting expert manifesto](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/consulting-expert-manifesto) - Are you interested in building your consulting expert status? Behold - the consulting expert manifesto: 1. Teach a course If you want to fast-track your consulting expert status, arrange to teach a course in your niche. Sound scary? It doesn't have to be.
- [Average consultant fees](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/average-consultant-fees-and-success) - Average consultant rates tend to be, well, typical. If you’re hiring or working as an average consultant rates should be lacklustre - because, well, they're average! What’s more important is the value provided by the consultant.
- [Become an independent consultant](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/become-an-independent-consultant-2) - Become an independent consultant - start your journey with our answers to what consultants do, what skills they have, how they get into the field and why you'd want to join them.
- [How to become a business owner](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/how-to-become-a-business-owner) - How to become a business owner - wondering how? The first step to discovering how to be a business owner is deciding that becoming a business owner is right for you. The way to decide whether owning a business is something you should pursue is to invest the time and energy in understanding what it
- [Even I have my days](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/even-i-have-my-days) - I've been a consultant for more than 13 years. I love consulting and I love helping other people get into it. Heck, I've written hundreds of articles on consulting for this site. I'd have to love what I do to pump out that much content! But even I have my days.
- [30 things I love about being a parent entrepreneur](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/30-things-i-love-about-being-a-parent-entrepreneur) - A list of 30 things I love about being a parent entrepreneur.
- [5 reasons to listen to your inner voice](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/5-reasons-to-listen-to-your-inner-voice) - Your inner voice lets you know when something isn't right - and it makes sense to pay attention.
- [5 ways to deal with being scared](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/5-ways-to-deal-with-being-scared) - Having strategies to deal with being scared is crucial, because in life we experience a lot of fears. Be it fear of public speaking, fear about our businesses, or fear about starting over in a new career, you've got to have a strategy for dealing with feeling frightened. Take a look at the below ways
- [10 ways to use digital cameras in your business](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/10-ways-to-use-digital-cameras-in-your-business) - 10 ways to use digital cameras in your business: 1. Document for insurance purposes Use digital cameras in your business to document your workspace for insurance purposes. Be sure to take photographs of your office detailing your business equipment and store the photographs in a safe place. These photographs could prove invaluable if a fire,
- [Big data - the super hero consulting opportunity](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/big-data-consulting) - Big data offers a world of opportunity for consultants. Despite the boring moniker, big data can help turn you into a superhero – imagine preventing diseases, deterring terrorism and fighting crime. Well, with big data, you can do that. Big data refers to data sets so huge that they defy management by tools like databases. It’s hard to capture, store, search, analyze, visualize, share and interpret big data. Figure out how to help people do any of those tasks and you’re in business.
- [Expert Consultant's Manifesto](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/expert-consultants-manifesto) - In becoming an expert consultant, you make a bold statement about your principles. With that in mind, here is the Expert Consultant’s Manifesto.
- [Consultant course - start your own business](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/consultant-course-start-your-own-business) - Whether you've had a consulting business for a while or you're still testing the waters, it can help to have guidance and support along the way. That's why Consultant Journal offers a consultant course designed to help people build consulting businesses. In our consultant course, Become a Consultant: How to Make the Leap, you can
- [Discover Your Inner Consultant - for Moms](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/moms) - Moms – have you toyed with the idea of consulting as your next career change? Maybe you like the idea of working for yourself, having flex time, building your career, working around your family’s schedules (and sick days!), or earning a solid income. Join veteran consultant Andrea Coutu of Consultant Journal and Kerry Sauriol of Crunchy Carpets and SAHMedia for this hands-on workshop that examines consulting opportunities based on your unique background, best practices for getting started, quick start tips, creative childcare solutions and more. Network with other moms over a light vegetarian lunch and coffee.
- [Building a business network for introverts](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/building-a-business-network-for-introverts) - As you may have gathered by now, becoming a consultant is as much about knowing stuff as it is about knowing people. To sell your knowledge and expertise for profit, you need to convince people to try you out. If you love networking, coldcalling and sales, talking to people may be your forte. But what
- [The best mistake I've ever made](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/the-best-mistake-ive-ever-made) - "What's the best mistake you've ever made?" asks Karen Coopers, who's trying to become a personal chef and menu consultant. Wow, tough question, Karen. You'll make a good consultant! On the fly, it's hard for me to pick the best mistake I've ever made. But I'd have to say that setting my consulting fees higher
- [Second job ideas - part 2](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/second-job-ideas-part-2) - Second job ideas, like those mentioned in my post on second jobs, can be a great source of comfort to new consultants. Having regular contact with other people, earning a regular income and simply having a bit of structure in your life can really help if you're the sort of consultant who sometimes feels isolated,
- [Profiting from disaster | Disaster consultant](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/profiting-from-disaster-become-a-disaster-consulta) - Profiting from a disaster -- is this ethical for consultants? Maurice Ramirez, founding chair of the American Board of Disaster Medicine, outlines guidelines for profiting from a disaster. This is certainly a contentious issue. Dr. Ramirez writes: Realize that the people receiving your products or services don’t mind paying for them. In fact, nobody on
- [Become a tax consultant](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/become-a-tax-consultant) - Become a tax consultant and see your career in a whole new light. One of the many benefits of consulting is the ability to control your schedule and reap your own rewards. Becoming a tax consultant may be just the consulting career you are looking for. Tax accountants can range from unaccredited consultants who prepare
- [Being a consultant](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/being-a-consultant-2) - Thinking of becoming a consultant? Let our concise guide start you on our way - then turn to our library of article for in-depth support.
- [Two truths: you can hold both](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/two-truths-you-can-hold-both) - Do you ever struggle with your desire to build a successful business and the here and now of where your business is today? Perhaps you struggle with a variety of truths: You want very much to work on your own, but you feel a need to have someone guide you You are inspired to grow
- [What are your biggest fears about your business?](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/what-are-your-biggest-fears-about-your-business) - Running a business involves some risks. For me, there came a point where the risk of not following my dreams and pursuing my passions was higher than the risk of staying in a regular office job. Once you start a business, though, you may still have some fears. People have told me they fear: sales
- [What is a consultant?](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/what-is-a-consultant) - What is a consultant? The idea of consulting can be confusing. Sure, you've met a few "consultants," but, in actuality, what is a consultant? What does it mean to be a consultant? And, better yet, how can you become a consultant? What is a consultant? Consultants are independent contractors who are paid hourly, per day,
- [I want to be a consultant](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/i-want-to-be-a-consultant) - "I want to be a consultant..." Ah yes, those six powerful words. They've been known to change lives; they sure changed mine. Just like attaining any other goal in life, it's the desire to do something that starts a ball rolling. Once you've identified what it is that you want, your dreams suddenly become more
- [How many hours do you work as a consultant?](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/how-many-hours-do-you-work-as-a-consultant) - How many hours do you work as a consultant? Okay, now, how many of those hours are actually consulting? How much time are you actually spending on just consulting?
- [Free tips on jumpstarting your expert status](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/free-tips-on-jumpstarting-your-expert-status) - Whether you're dreaming of consulting or already running a business of your own, you probably know that gaining expert status can help you with building client relationships. That's why we offer Six Tips for Jumpstarting Your Expert Status when you sign up for our newsletter. The next issue of the newsletter is due out in
- [Personal inventory - taking stock of yourself](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/personal-inventory) - Personal inventory taking a.k.a. taking stock of your unique attributes can help you determine your future in self employment. Your personal inventory can help you figure out how your skills, experiences, strengths, weaknesses, goals and interests all fit together. By getting a better sense of your personal inventory, you can figure out who you are and what
- [How commenting on blogs markets your business](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/how-commenting-on-blogs-markets-your-business) - Did you know that commenting on blogs is a marketing strategy? Leaving comments on blog posts such as this one is a tool employed by many consultants to drive traffic and attention to their websites. How does it work? By leaving useful, engaging comments readers are encouraged to click on your link to find out
- [Start a consulting business](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/start-a-consulting-business) - Start a consulting business; it sounds so easy, doesn't it? In many ways, it is easy to start a consulting business! The trick is to make sure that you're well-suited to the type of business that you choose to run. I want to start a consulting business, but... Some of you might be entrepreneurial-minded, but aren't sure what
- [Become a marketing consultant | Marketing consult](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/become-a-marketing-consultant) - Become a marketing consultant...Marketing consultants enjoy rewarding careers that tap creative and business talents. If you become a marketing consultant, you'll have a wide variety of jobs and projects from which to choose. Even though I'm a marketing consultant, I've waited till now to write up marketing consulting. My work is so varied that it's
- [How to become a Mary Kay cosmetic consultant](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/how-to-become-a-mary-kay-cosmetic-consultant) - How to become a Mary Kay consultant in 200 words or less! Shohre wrote in and asked if I could explain how to become a Mary Kay consultant. However, she wanted something quick and simple, so that she doesn't have to wade through all the pages on the Mary Kay consultant website. Many women like
- [No cold calling and a successful business](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/no-cold-calling-and-a-successful-business) - No cold calling and still a successful business owner? After my post on cold calling clients, a few people wrote in to ask if they could succeed with absolutely no cold calling. And, yes, you can absolutely succeed without ever cold calling.I've been a consultant for more than 10 years. In that time, I've rarely
- [Become a social media consultant](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/become-a-social-media-consultant) - Becoming a social media consultant seems like a good way to take advantage of a gap in the job market. Josh Hallett writes that headhunters have a hard time finding people for social media jobs because so many work as independent consultants. Social media include blogs, wikis, message boards, podcasts, video logs and other online
- [Discount business Christmas cards popular](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/discount-business-christmas-cards-popular) - Discount business Christmas cards are a great way to send holiday greetings to clients. My post on discount business Christmas cards provides tips for choosing cards. You might also want to look at personalized business Christmas cards. However, if you don't have the budget to buy even discounted holiday cards, consider creating an online version
- [Wow, September got away from me](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/wow-september-got-away-from-me) - I've been a bit silent on the blog this month. I took on a couple of big contracts in August, then suffered a setback when I aggravated some injuries...and now I'm in the process of playing catch up. The good news is that I'm loving the work I'm doing. And I'm working on some exciting
- [Holiday cards](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/holiday-cards-2) - Okay...seriously...get your holiday cards out. You're running out of time. Even if you have no stake in the holidays, this is a prime marketing opportunity to thank your clients for their business over the past year. If you want to avoid the holidays all together, consider sending out New Year's cards. I did this last
- [Setting SMART goals](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/setting-smart-goals) - Setting SMART goals can help you grow your business. Although I've been setting goals for years, I only recently learned about SMART goals. (Granted, the system I was using before was pretty similar.) My friend Melanie recently helped me outline some SMART goals for my business. SMART goals are: Specific - who, what, when, where,
- [Guest post: making the leap](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/guest-post-making-the-leap) - For many people, surviving and thriving as an independent consultant means making changes. Sometimes, as part of those changes, you need to push your comfort zone. Doing so may mean giving up your regular job for life as a full-time consultant, addressing fear of the phone, speaking in public, making cold calls or asking for
- [Feeling confident about your consulting fee rate](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/feeling-confident-about-your-consulting-fee-rate) - How do you feel confident enough to charge $75, $100, $150 or $300 an hour? Use strategy in setting your fees. As I mentioned in my post on setting consulting fees, you need to adopt a model for calculating your consulting rate. If you've done this carefully and you've considered your background, target market and
- [Consultants wanted -- consultant jobs](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/consultants-wanted-consultant-jobs) - Consultants wanted! Just which companies are shouting, "Consultants wanted?" My post on "Who hires consultants?" notes the kinds of companies with jobs for consultants. You're not likely to find these jobs in the "help wanted" section of your local classifieds. Most companies hire people they know -- although a growing number post on Craigslist and
- [Side jobs: earning income on the side](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/side-jobs-earning-income-on-the-side) - Side jobs and ways to earn income on the side are popular topics. My posts on second jobs point out some ways you can earn an income on the side. But one of the most popular ways to earn money from a side job is through becoming a consultant. As a consultant, you can pick
- [Make extra money through Reviewme.com](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/make-extra-money-through-reviewmecom) - Reviewme.com recently launched a pay-per-post system for bloggers. As part of their launch, they're paying bloggers to review their service. What you're reading now is a sponsored post. However, I'm not being paid to write a positive review. I'm only being paid to mention the site. I'm new to the site, so I don't have
- [Become an online backup business owner](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/become-an-online-backup-business-owner) - Online backup businesses are growing in popularity. Someone I know works for the Post Office and they say they're amazed by the number of people who work from home doing online backups for businesses and individuals. Apparently, these business owners make DVD and CD copies of files and hard drives for businesses and individuals. Then
- [Tupperware consultant: become consultant](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tupperware-consultant-become-a-tupperware-consulta) - A few people emailed to ask how to become a Tupperware consultant. Well, Tupperware consultant wannabes should try the Tupperware consultant careers site. There, you can contact a local rep and get the ball rolling. I'd never really thought about becoming a Tupperware consultant, although someone did get me to come along to a party
- [Whose fault when clients pay late?](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/whose-fault-when-clients-pay-late) - When clients pay late, do you blink? Do you assume that it's just part of doing business? Or that it's the fault of your client? Is it your fault when clients pay late or not at all? Sorry to break it to you, but it may be your fault when clients pay late or never
- [Did you sleep in late again?](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/did-you-sleep-in-late-again) - The consulting life can be awfully decadent sometimes. Work when you want. If you want. How you want. Where you want. In whatever clothes you want. But sometimes that lifestyle can get the better of you...meaning it's time to get yourself in gear again and reset your natural rhythms.For me, that became painfully clear on
- [The power of customer service](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/the-power-of-customer-service) - Customer service can make an incredible difference in professional services business, such as consulting. Regular Consultant Journal reader Tony Rose blogged about his experiences with customer service at a major department store. I especially liked Tony's last paragraph: No matter what business you are in, excellent customer service will help you win and keep loyal
- [Keep a calculator handy](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/keep-a-calculator-handy) - Years ago, I took Philosophy 101. I thought I was a pretty good student. One day, the prof asked if anyone had a calculator handy. I said, "Why on earth would philosophy students have calculators?" The prof replied, "Well, surely you people take other courses!" It was all pretty funny back then, but I've since
- [How's your work-life balance? |Work-life balance](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/hows-your-work-life-balance-work-life-balance) - Work-life balance comes up a lot when I talk about the reasons to become a consultant. I love consulting because of the many non-financial rewards it's brought me. (Of course, I love the financial rewards too.) Flexibility, time with family, freedom to travel, and so on. It's great when you can call your own shots.But,
- [Business career assessment test | Assessment workb](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/business-career-asseesment-test-assessment-workboo) - A business career assessment test can help you figure out what kind of consulting business you should be running. Although a business career assessment test can run from something like the Myers-Brigg personality test to a skills inventory, it's a handy way to discover the right kind of consulting business for you. Even if you've
- [SEO, what is it good for?](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/seo-what-is-it-good-for) - Last week, I cautioned readers about SEO scams. Some readers wanted to know if they should bother with search engine optimization. After all, who looks for a consultant on a the web?Well, a lot of people. As I've mentioned before, my website helps me find new clients for my consulting business. I get lead after
- [Where to store home office supplies](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/where-to-store-home-office-supplies) - Keeping on top of your growing list of home office supplies can be a challenge. Even if you have a dedicated home office, it's still a challenge to store all the supplies. If you find that you don't have enough space for materials in your home office, try the following: storage bins that slide under
- [Site note: offline for a few days](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/site-note-offline-for-a-few-days) - This site may be down for a few days. I'm in the middle of moving home and office!Related Posts: Consulting Fees: A Guide for Independent Consultants Discover Your Inner Consultant Discover Your Inner Entrepreneur (for moms)
- [Remember to take vacation](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/remember-to-take-vacation) - Ever get halfway through the summer and realized you haven't taken a vacation? When you're self-employed, it can be hard to justify taking time off. A week without work means a week without pay...right?Not necessarily. If you've managed to set your consulting fees properly and set aside money throughout the year, you should have cash
- [Discount business Christmas cards & greetings](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/discount-business-christmas-card-greetings) - Discount business Christmas cards are popular among small business owners, such as consultants. Many business owners feel obligated to send Christmas holiday greeting cards to their clients, vendors and partners, as a gesture of goodwill. However, choosing what, when, how, why and whether to send out Christmas cards (or, preferably, discount business holiday greeting cards)
- [Do I need a lawyer?](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/do-i-need-a-lawyer) - "Do I need a lawyer to start my business?" asks Marthe, an up-and-coming freelance designer. Figuring out whether you need a lawyer will vary, according to your unique circumstances. I've needed lawyers, from time to time, but I didn't need one to help me start my business. However, if you're in legal or financial trouble,
- [Invoice Bill Gates for consulting](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/invoice-bill-gates-for-consulting) - The Register has a humour piece about someone who decided to invoice Bill Gates and Microsoft for consulting and tech support. I'm sure it's all a joke, but I love the idea of sending an invoice to Bill Gates and anyone else responsible for products that have ever resulted in frustration. If you're thinking of
- [Become a mortgage consultant](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/become-a-mortgage-consultant) - Following up on yesterday's post about home staging consultants, here's a post about how to become a mortgage consultant. A mortgage consultant (also known as a mortgage broker) helps people navigate the maze of mortgages. With a mortgage consultant, people can rest assured that someone else is working on their behalf to seek out and
- [New business line of credit 2](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/new-business-line-of-credit-2) - New business with a line of credit? Understand your line of credit and you'll save yourself (and your new business) a lot of headaches. Yesterday, I mentioned some of the reasons for taking out a line of credit for a new business. Today, I'm following up with more information on managing a line of credit.
- [Get a contract and deposit before you start work](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/get-a-contract-and-deposit-before-you-start-work) - Egads, how many times have I heard stories where there's a consultant or freelancer who's struggling with invoicing on a project -- and hasn't got a contract or deposit? In fact, usually, when I hear someone has run into payment troubles, it's usually when there's no written contract or deposit. If you're doing work without a written
- [Starting a consulting firm](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/starting-a-consulting-firm) - Starting a consulting firm can become a reality. Have you always dreamed of starting a consulting firm? Stop dreaming and start planning. Soon enough you too can start a consulting company. Starting a consulting firm can be broken down into a few key steps: 1. Choose your niche Starting a consulting firm begins with a
- [5 ways to use video cameras in your business](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/ways-to-use-video-cameras-in-your-business) - Video cameras are becoming more common as quality increases and prices decrease. Here are 5 ways to use video cameras in your business: 1. Tutorials Use video cameras in your business to create video tutorials on basic concepts related to your business. Clients will appreciate these tutorials, and on-camera tutorials can save you time and
- [Say no to coffee](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/say-no-to-coffee) - How do I find out why the heck someone wants to have coffee with me?
- [Become a computer consultant to fight anxiety](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/become-a-computer-consultant-and-escape-trauma) - Become a computer consultant and escape the stress of your job. A survey by Skillsoft reveals 97% of IT workers feel traumatized by their jobs and four in five get tense when they even think about going to the office. Yikes. Sounds like a recipe for depression, anxiety, anger and more -- and a good
- [Identifying good clients](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/identifying-good-clients) - Yesterday, I wrote about managing client behavior and noted that it makes sense to pick "best fit" clients at the start. It makes sense to identify good clients, so that you don't get bogged down in client management issues. But how do you identify good clients?Good clients tend to: fit with your target market value-driven,
- [Managing client behavior](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/managing-client-behavior) - Client behavior management can be one of the toughest aspects of consulting. After all, management of client expectations and behavior can affect your entire consulting business, yet most consultants have little training in it. Client behavior affects your business through: scope creep spending more hours than budgeted because of questions, challenges, unexpected meetings and calls
- [Consultant movies, TV shows and more](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/consultant-movies-tv-shows) - Work is a common theme in movies and TV shows. Journalists and doctors tend to show up a lot. But where are all the consultant movies and TV shows? I tried to think of movies and TV shows with consultants, but I was stumped. Fortunately, the IMDB helped me out:The Consultant (1983 TV series)Office Space
- [Why businesses fail](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/why-businesses-fail) - Why do businesses fail? With all the effort people put into starting up businesses, you'd think more would succeed. But thousands of small businesses fail each year. A quick drive around the web reveals a lot of reasons why businesses fail: MSN has a list of the top 10 reasons businesses fail The US Small
- [Consulting business startup challenges](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/consulting-business-startup-challenges) - Consulting business startups face many challenges in the early days. As a startup, your consulting business may not have any clients, brand equity, contacts, cash flow or even business cards! Weaving your way through the startup obstacle course can be trying -- to say the least. When I started my consulting business, I was full
- [1099 workers -- independent 1099 contractors](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/1099-workers-independent-contractors) - 1099 workers are independent professionals under contract, not regular employees. “1099 worker” comes from a US tax form 1099. It's used by the US Internal Revenue Service to report income other than wages, salaries, and tips. However, the form has become famous for reporting amounts paid to independent contractors. The IRS likes to call these
- [Business cards: create your own?](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/business-cards-create-own) - Do-it-yourself business cards may hurt your business.
- [Do you have a product you want us to review?](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/do-you-have-a-product-you-want-us-to-review) - If you have a product or service you'd like Consultant Journal to check out, just let us know. But be prepared for our honest opinion - we want to do a service to the readers here at Consultant Journal and we can only do that by telling it like it is. We tend not to
- [Getting a business credit card](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/getting-a-business-credit-card) - Getting a business credit card is just another step in the process of becoming a consultant. Financial institutions are becoming increasingly accustomed to offering financial products to consultants. But if you're considering getting a business credit card, it's simplest to apply for credit cards or lines of credit before making the leap into consulting full-time. If you no longer
- [100 100-square-foot rooms | Consultant Journal](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/100-100-square-foot-rooms) - Got a small home office? If you think your home office is cramped, check out 100 pictures of 100-square-foot rooms in Hong Kong: small spaces. (Expired link) Some are organized, some are cluttered, some are minimalistic and some push their space to the max. If some people can live their lives in a 10x10 room,
- [Very cheap web hosting - part 2](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/very-cheap-web-hosting-part-2) - Part 2 of a 2-part series on where to find low cost web hosting.
- [Health insurance for the self employed](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/health-insurance-for-the-self-employed-2) - I'm thinking about getting some private health insurance. Have you done this? What do you think about the options? Is it worth adding on dental and vision?
- [Jury consultants](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/jury-consultants) - Jury consultants can help a legal team make or break a case. As human behaviour experts, jury consultants help lawyers understand jurors, prepare for trials, manage trials and understand what’s going during a trial.
- [Become an independent consultant](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/become-an-independent-consultant) - Learn from our seven steps to becoming an independent consultant. Find out how to get on the path - and support your journey with our 1,000 articles on the world of indie consulting.
- [Friday 5: top 5 extrovert careers](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/friday-5-top-5-extrovert-careers) - Via Yahoo, I stumbled across a list of the top 5 careers for extroverts. Yikes, the highest paying career cited is still only $80k! That's not exactly what I'd call a hot career. Granted, I suppose you can move up the ladder from there -- into management and senior management -- but it's still not
- [Following your heart](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/following-your-heart) - Following your heart is where you want to be. When you follow your heart and your passions your chances of creating a successful business increase. Just like with anything in life, things become easier when you are following your heart. If your work aligns with your values and you genuinely enjoy what you do your
- [Keys for getting clear about consulting fees](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/keys-for-getting-clear-about-consulting-fees) - Setting your consulting fees can be a huge stumbling block. If all this is new to you, you may feel your head spin when you start looking at coming up with a fee. If you're also dealing with a career change, a career break, cultural or gender factors, things get more complicated. Fortunately, you can use clear models and recommendations to help navigate this new path.
- [How to start a consulting firm](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/how-to-start-a-consulting-firm) - How to start a consulting firm is a crucial concept that all new entrepreneurs should familiarize themselves with. But don't worry, learning how to start a consulting firm isn't difficult. In order to launch a successful new business, it's as simple as doing research and writing a business plan. While many entrepreneurs have a background in
- [Running a values-driven business](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/running-a-values-driven-business) - Running a values-driven business is a business concept that affects all brands and businesses, whether they are aware of it or not. Consider the companies that you interact with on a weekly basis: your grocery store, a new car dealer, an independent clothing store or the local big box store.What are their values? Do they
- [Debt snowball method](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/debt-snowball-method) - Debt snowball method -- have you heard of it? The debt snowball method is a simple debt management strategy that combines psychological motivation with an effective debt reduction strategy. Debts can feel overwhelming, especially when you have multiple creditors each seeking their minimum payments. But the debt snowball method may help you feel in control
- [Bluetooth products and your business](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/bluetooth-products-and-your-business) - You may have heard Bluetooth a few times - maybe you even ownsome Bluetooth products. But do you know what Bluetooth means? Bluetooth is a way of exchanging data over short distances.
- [Looking for a career change](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/looking-for-a-career-change) - Looking for a career change? Stop scanning the classified ads and start considering whether you've looked in all the right places for your career change. Have you considered creating your own career? Have you considered becoming a consultant? When looking for a career change, many skilled employees don't stop to consider whether consulting could be
- [Open thread: where do you find your community?](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/open-thread-where-do-you-find-your-community) - In the newsletter this month, I'll be discussing the power of joining a business community. Consultant Journal aims to help independent consultants find a place to connect with other consultants, learn about business management and share successes and struggles. But I'm curious...what are your favourite places to find community in entrepreneurship and business?
- [5 reasons why you need a mentor](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/5-reasons-why-you-need-a-mentor) - The power of business mentors can be easy to overlook when you're busy planning a new career or running your business. But although you may feel you have little time to dedicate to finding and working with a mentor, your success and growth may depend on it. Five reasons why you need a mentor Expertise
- [Vote today, if you're in the US](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/vote-today-if-youre-in-the-us) - Just a quick nod to our US readers, who are in the midst of their presidential election. No matter what your politics, get out there and make use of democracy. Without people, democracy is just a word. Exercise your right to vote. Many people in this world don't have the right to vote.
- [5 reasons to send business holiday cards](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/5-reasons-to-send-business-holiday-cards) - It's not December, but I'm already thinking about business holiday cards. Whether you celebrate holidays during December or not, sending an annual greeting card can help market your business. Here's why -- business holiday cards will help: Generate goodwill. It's a great way to greet your clients, vendors and other contacts in a non-salesy way.
- [Five ways to get the maximum from your mentor](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/five-ways-to-get-the-maximum-from-your-mentor) - Via SHEOBlog, I found this list of five ways to get the most from your mentor. I love that Jen encourages people to challenge their mentors. If you find yourself in the occasional position to challenge your mentor, it shows your mind is working! I've had a number of mentors over the years. Sometimes, it
- [You can still enter the postcard giveaway](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/you-can-still-enter-the-postcard-giveaway) - Yesterday, I announced a postcard giveaway, sponsored by UPrinting.com. I've received a few entries so far. Remember: you only have till 10 pm tomorrow to enter. It's a random draw, so everyone has a chance at winning, no matter how you plan to use the postcards. If you live in the US or Canada and
- [Client humor](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/client-humor) - Via Adverbatims, a real gem of a site, I found this quote:#381- "If I give you approval, what can I still change?"(Client, Marketing Manager) Clients aren't the only people who say funny things, but the above quote cracked me up. I've run into clients who've made some pretty interesting demands over the years. Once, when
- [Mini storage rental | Why rent mini storage space?](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/mini-storage-rental-why-rent-mini-storage-space) - Mini storage rental? As in self storage space? A growing number of small businesses are turning to mini storage rental as a way to avoid leaving their existing offices. A few years ago, I did some marketing work for a self-storage company. I'd always thought mini storage was for people on vacation, homeowners with little
- [Tutoring rate | how to set your tutoring rate](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tutoring-rate-how-to-set-your-tutoring-rate) - Tutoring rate ranges vary from city to city. Establishing your tutoring rate can seem somewhat daunting if you've never had to set a rate before. Check out how to set consulting fees as a more formal guide to establishing a rate. In the meantime, here are some ways to figure out what to charge for
- [Stalk yourself online with Google Alerts](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/stalk-yourself-online-with-google-alerts) - Wondering how to keep on top of your online presence? You can easily find out whether you, your competitors or your favourite subjects have found their way into Google. By setting up a Google Alert, you can receive free emails that note news, blog and website mentions of anything you desire. You can limit how
- [Fee negotiation tip | Negotiating fees](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/fee-negotiation-tip-negotiating-fees) - Fee negotiation remains a hot topic. Once you've gone through the process of setting your consulting fees, you may still run into prospective or existing clients who want to haggle over price. A client recently asked me to cut my fee by about 20 percent. Rather than refusing, I said that I'd be happy to
- [Site note: new Google search](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/site-note-new-google-search) - Just a heads-up to say that I've added a search engine to this site. This should temporarily help with finding your way around. The search button is at the bottom of every page, on the left hand side. Have fun! Be safe!
- [Leaping out of your comfort zone](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/leaping-out-of-your-comfort-zone) - The guest post on comfort zones by Laura-Jane Koers stirred up a lot of interest. I've been talking about comfort zones in my newsletter and many of you have emailed to share your own stories.I know that there are more out you out there challenging your comfort zones. So, tell me -- here, where you
- [Wikinomics -- a book I just read](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/wikinomics-a-book-i-just-read) - I just finished reading Wikinomics by Don Tapscott. It's about the second generation of the web -- Web 2.0, where mass collaboration emerges. Facebook, Flickr, LinkedIn, even this blog, when people make comments. When people collaborate, a static webpage comes alive. This blog wouldn't be nearly as vibrant without the contributions of readers. I cherish
- [How to make the leap to full-time consulting](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/how-to-make-the-leap-to-full-time-consulting) - Moonlight. You can test the waters without plunging in by starting your consulting business while you still have a regular job. Build an emergency fund. Whether you decide to fly solo or not, you can benefit from having a few months of expenses set aside in an emergency fund. Set up your home office. Launch
- [Travel time charges](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/travel-time-charges) - What do you do about travel charges, when a plane is delayed? Ella posted a comment in my article about billing travel time charges. She wrote:I am a consultant for now (my client said that he will make me an employee after a trial period, but didn't specify how long). I recently had to go
- [Do you ever send out your resume?](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/do-you-ever-send-out-your-resume) - One of my subcontractors recently asked me if she could add my client's name to her resume, since she'd been doing work for them on my behalf. "No problem," I replied. "But why are you sending out a resume to solicit consulting work?"My friend often sends her resume to prospective clients. If that works for
- [Do you have a website?](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/do-you-have-a-website) - Have you got a website up and running? I've previously mentioned that a website is a great way to find new clients. What's stopping you from putting one up?You may think people will hire you based on your skills, experience, personality and references. But a lot of people prefer to do some background research before
- [Soapopular doesn't want me to buy Soapopular soap](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/soapopular-doesnt-want-me-to-buy-soapopular-soap) - (This story is cross-posted to my marketing blog. However, I believe it's a good lesson in customer service for consultants.)Almost two months ago, a neighbour showed me her Soapopular foaming hand sanitizer, which is alcohol-free. She told me she had bought the Soapopular soap at Shoppers Drug Mart. I trekked to three or four Shoppers
- [Self-employment health insurance](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/self-employment-health-insurance) - Self-employment health insurance is a hot topic. Unlike a "regular" job, you don't have someone else paying for health insurance if you work in self-employment, such as consulting. (Not that all jobs provide coverage, of course.) But what do you do if you need self-employment health insurance?I live and work in Canada. Fortunately, we have
- [Do you have a favourite post?](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/do-you-have-a-favourite-post) - I'm considering putting together a welcome section for new visitors to this site. Do you have any favourite posts that you'd like me to include? What posts helped you?Leave a comment or contact me. Thanks.
- [Promoting your consulting business](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/promoting-your-consulting-business) - Promoting and marketing your consulting business makes up an ongoing process. No matter whether you're just starting out or working at capacity, you should always strive to keep marketing your consulting business.Today, I read this quote from John D. Rockefeller: Next to doing the right thing, the most important thing is to let people know
- [Tax software debate](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tax-software-debata) - Every year around this time, my post on tax software, specifically UFile and Quicktax, gets a lot of attention. The opinions are those of the posters. I have never tried UFile and I've always been fairly happy with Quicktax, although I'm probably going to work with a professional accountant this year, since I'm looking to
- [Facebook page now available](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/facebook-page-now-available) - You're invited to join the Consultant Journal Facebook page. I've set up a page on Facebook, since it will provide a chance for members of this community to connect. I frequently use Facebook for networking and I've done business with people in that same network. It's been a valuable tool for me and so I'm
- [How a home business makes life easier](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/how-a-home-business-makes-life-easier) - Entrepreneur's blog has a great piece on how a home business makes life easier. Tax deductions, work-life balance...there are tons of reasons to have a home business. If you're interested in those reasons and more, check out these related articles from ConsultantJournal: list of tax write offs Become a consultant - big list of reasons
- [Negotiating vs. giving up](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/negotiating-vs-giving-up-2) - Negotiating makes up one of the most essential skills in consulting. If you hone your negotiation skills, you may actually wind up with a more successful practice than someone who's brilliant in their work. Consulting fee negotiation may be the most obvious (and financially rewarding) skill to pick up, but it's far from the only
- [More on finding work to do from home](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/more-on-finding-work-to-do-from-home) - Yesterday, I discussed finding work you can do from home. One of my older articles notes the clients who hire consultants. And I've previously warned readers about work from home scams. But I still get a lot of email from people who want to know how to jump start their business and find work. Some
- [Become an HR consultant](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/become-an-hr-consultant) - Become an HR consultant and take control of your career. HR (human resources) consultants across Canada and the US are benefiting from flexible schedules and other benefits of consulting. HR consulting is an exciting choice for entry-level consultants. While some business consulting areas, such as tax consulting, require substantial background and prior knowledge, HR consulting can require less prior
- [Start thinking about holiday cards](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/start-thinking-about-holiday-cards) - Even though the holidays are still some time away, it's never too early to start planning. Holiday cards or Christmas cards can form an important part of your marketing plans. That's because holiday cards offer you the chance to build on your relationships with customers, prospects, vendors and other contacts. To avoid disappointment, though, you
- [Become a graphic design consultant](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/become-a-graphic-design-consultant) - Become a graphic design consultant and take advantage of the move to new media. Today, the demand for websites and visual marketing is higher than ever. Now is the perfect time to become a graphic design consultant. Consider becoming a graphic design consultant if you are creative and have skills in Photoshop or similar graphic
- [Distance education graduate programs in public relations](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/distance-education-graduate-programs-in-public-relations) - Distance Education Graduate Programs in Public Relations - I wanted to let you know about a new distance ed masters degree in PR.
- [Becoming an independent consultant](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/becoming-an-independent-consultant) - Becoming an independent consultant can dominate your thoughts, if you’re looking for a change. Becoming an consultant and being independent often appeals to dreams of freedom, control of your own destiny, financial reward, lifestyle, time for yourself and family. Taking the leap from dream to reality can be an empowering journey.
- [Happy Hallowe'en - but get those holiday cards!](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/happy-halloween-but-get-those-holiday-cards) - Happy Hallowe'en! Enjoy! But, tomorrow is November 1st. So start getting ready with those holiday cards. if you want personalized holiday cards or discount Christmas cards, you need to get moving. Holiday cards are a great way to remind clients you're still alive -- and to thank the clients who keep you going. So, party
- [Becoming a freelance writer - contracts](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/becoming-a-freelance-writer-contracts) - This is a guest post from Laura-Jane Koers. She's been writing a series on becoming a freelance writer. Finding Bigger and Better Contracts With a number of freelance writing gigs under my belt, I was on a quest to land bigger and better contracts. I applied for a number of projects, and the learning curve
- [When you hate your job](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/when-you-hate-your-job) - Most people work for other people, not for themselves. As a consultant, I count myself lucky that my time is my own. But what if you're stuck in a job you hate? I've never had a job I hated completely. I've always been able to find something about the job to like. But that doesn't
- [Consulting through the rearview mirror](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/consulting-through-the-rearview-mirror) - In the business world, the rearview mirror is always clearer than the windshield.-- Warren Buffett He's not kidding. It's always easier to see what's behind you than what's ahead. We all make mistakes and, in retrospect, it can seem like we should have done something different. When I think back to my early days in
- [Fear of the phone](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/fear-of-the-phone) - Many people resist starting their own consulting business because they've got a fear of the phone. I've met more than one person who couldn't stand the thought of having to make calls to clients. Well, after my post on fear of public speaking, I decided to look into other fears that might hinder the success
- [How much experience do you need for consulting?](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/how-much-experience-do-you-need-to-start-consultin) - I have a bit of a baby face. Always have. Hopefully, I always will. And that baby face has sometimes been the bane of my career, since people seem to think I'm younger than I am. "Aren't you a little young to be a consultant?" people sometimes asked when I was starting out. Um, no.You
- [Is consulting for you?](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/is-consulting-for-you) - Wondering if you should get into consulting? Check out Should I become a consultant? I should note that, if you don't seem like an entrepreneur, that doesn't mean you can't become a consultant. By working on your weaknesses and building up your strengths, you may be able to reposition yourself for self-employment. If not, you
- [Setting a reasonable hourly wage for consulting](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/setting-a-reasonable-hourly-wage-for-consulting) - What's a reasonable hourly wage for consulting? If you've read my post on how consultants go about setting consulting fee rates, you'll have an idea of how to calculate the fees you charge. Still, many consultants wonder what sort of hourly wage would be reasonable. Well, for starters, calling your consulting fee an "hourly wage"
- [Consulting might be better than a raise](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/consulting-might-be-better-than-a-raise) - Consulting may be the most immediate thing you can do to increase your income, if you already have a job. Previously, I mentioned that consulting can be a rewarding second job that potentially beats the stock market. Well, it may beat trying to get a raise, too. Let's say you make $75,000 a year. In
- [Is renting a problem for the self-employed](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/is-renting-a-problem-for-the-self-employed) - Working as a freelancer or consultant can sometimes raise the eyebrows of landlords. They sometimes worry that you'll be unable to pay the rent month after month. Although such a scenario can occur with people no matter what their employment situation, some landlords get a bit antsy when they hear the words "self-employed" or "freelancer".So,
- [Friday 5 -- business qualities of introverts](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/friday-5-business-qualities-of-introverts) - If you're an introvert, you may think you're at a disadvantage when it comes to building a business. After all, aren't extroverts the best people to sell services, nurture client relationships and network? Well, according to Coachville, introverts offer business qualities. I'm not really an introvert, but I've seen many introverts succeed in consulting careers.
- [Business Valentine's card | Valentine's for biz](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/business-valentines-card-valentines-for-business) - Business Valentine's card -- it's not an overly common idea, but some businesses send out Valentine's cards each year. A business Valentine's card may stand out more than a traditional holiday card, since people receive fewer. Tips for business Valentine's cards Keep it professional. Don't be romantic. Keep religion out of it, unless you know
- [Subcontractor | What is a subcontractor?](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/subcontractor-what-is-a-subcontractor) - Subcontractor -- what is a subcontractor? A subcontractor is an indvidual or organization that assumes all or part of another party's contractual obligations. The subcontractor signs a contract to take on some of the work for which another company has a contractor. For example, when contruction companies are hired to build houses, they often farm
- [Interview with Mary Kastle, musician](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/interview-with-mary-kastle-musician) - In encouraging readers to Discover Your Inner Consultant, I've emphasized the wide variety of ways in which you can be self-employed as a consultant. My list of consulting business ideas includes many businesses that might not seem like consulting. But, if you're selling your knowledge and experience to help people solve problems, you've a consultant.
- [Finding new clients - part 3](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/finding-new-clients-part-3) - Finding new clients - as part of my weekly series on finding new clients, I'm discussing ways to drum up business. A great way to find new clients is to put together a webpage. I've had a website for about 10 years and it's been a great marketing tool for me. In a world where clients
- [Cashing your first check](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/cashing-your-first-check) - This week, I realized that I'd been working with one of my clients for 10 years. Wow! That's a real milestone. When you're self-employed, it's often easy to overlook milestones. One of the first milestones for many consultants involves cashing your first check from a client.I still remember the excitement of my first check from
- [Consultant fee sticker shock](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/consultant-fee-sticker-shock) - Consultant fee rates sometimes give potential clients sticker shock. That's because consultant fees and per diem rates sound really high if you're comparing them to the daily rate at a regular job. However, as my lengthy and detailed post on setting consulting fee rates shows, consulting fees have to account for costs a regular job
- [Become a philosophic consultant - quirky idea](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/become-a-philosophic-consultant-quirky-idea) - What the heck is a philosophic consultant? This book on The Philosophic Consultant from Pfeiffer suggests that it's really a kind of leadership consultant. It just goes to show you what kinds of quirky consultant gigs are out there. I recently mentioned sports nutrition consultant, but there are really thousands of consulting roles to be
- [Consulting brings work-life balance](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/consulting-brings-work-life-balance) - Struggling with the work-life balance? Consider consulting. Want to work less and spend more time with your family, but not sure how you can afford it? Dropping out of the workforce can have dramatic effects on your earnings and your career. But there’s a way you can enjoy the freedom, financial rewards and family time.
- [Bad small business credit card management](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/bad-small-business-credit-card-management) - Bad small business credit card management is becoming more and more common. And it may go from bad to worse as more small business owners charge business and personal expenses. In fact, banks have become more lenient in giving out credit cards, even to people with bad credit. That's because people who manage their credit
- [New business line of credit](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/new-business-line-of-credit) - New business owners should think about opening a line of credit. In fact, you should think about a line of credit before you start your new business. That's when you still have job security and all the other things that make banks happy. A line of credit can help your new consulting business survive --
- [Become a small business consultant](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/become-a-small-business-consultant) - Become a small business consultant today and enjoy the benefits and freedom of being a consultant. What is a small business consultant? A small business consultant is an independent consultant who helps other small businesses thrive by offering advice and an outsider perspective. Here are the top questions about how to become a small business
- [Debt consolidation loan calculators - how they can help you](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/debt-consolidation-loan-calculators-how-they-can-help-you) - Debt consolidation loan calculator sites are all over the web. If you’re in debt, it’s worth looking at what these debt consolidation calculator sites would suggest your monthly payments could be.
- [Who you calling an expert?](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/who-you-calling-an-expert) - Who you calling an expert? Becoming a small business or independent consultant may seem out of reach to some of you because you just don't think you're enough of an expert to be a consultant. Let me tell you right now that becoming an expert is not as complicated as it sounds. When you're a
- [Me on CBC discussing Toyota Highlander ad series](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/me-on-cbc-discussing-toyota-highlander-ad-series) - Here's the audio for my interview on CBC yesterday. As mentioned earlier this week, I was on the air discussing the Toyota Highlander ad series.
- [Consulting invoice format](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/consulting-invoice-format) - Consulting invoice formats can affect the amount of time you spend invoicing every month. If you're a new independent consultant who's just getting started, it won't be long before you realize that consultants take on many roles during the course of a month--everything from consultant, marketer, IT person, receptionist, and accountant! So it's important to
- [Living in the now](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/living-in-the-now) - In today's world, it's pretty easy to get caught up in all the things you want to be doing. Sometimes, just taking a break from the future to focus on right now can be valuable.
- [How to get speaking opportunities](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/how-to-get-speaking-opportunities) - Via the Law Consulting Blog, here's a great template letter for finding speaking opportunities. Speaking can help make you look credible to an audience. You can also tell potential clients that you've made presentations to people in Industry X or from Trade Association Y. It helps you build your brand. I've done a lot of
- [What Churchill can teach you about business](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/what-winston-churchill-can-teach-you-about-busines) - Following my post on what Steve Nash can teach you about business, I followed up on Justin's comment about the wisdom of Michael Jordan and Winston Churchill. Today, I found a great quote from Churchill:Success is the ability to go from one failure to another with no loss of enthusiasm. -- Winston Churchill.Noticing a theme
- [5 ways to promote your business online](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/5-ways-to-promote-your-business-online) - It is safe to say that the Internet provides a valuable resource for promoting a business. Thanks to the World Wide Web, even a small localized business can reach hundreds of thousands of potential customers. Of course, this will require taking certain steps to drive traffic to your site. Here are five ways to do
- [Mixing business and friendship](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/mixing-business-and-friendship) - Consulting tends to be a people business and people like to do business with people they know. Every so often, you may be approached to by a friend who has a great personality but makes a lousy business partner.Many years ago, I fell ill and knew I wouldn’t be able to complete a project. My
- [Some real-life thoughts about firing customers](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/some-real-life-thoughts-about-firing-customers) - Firing your customers can be the most freeing and profitable decision you ever make. If you haven't seen some of the real life comments in "Have you ever fired a client?", take a look now.According to a comment from Bob the Builder (cute nickname, Bob):You can usually tell at the outset who's going to drive
- [Should you tell your staff your consulting rate?](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/should-you-tell-your-staff-what-their-time-is-bill) - Do consulting firms let their employees know how much their time is billed out at? In my post on setting consulting fee rates, Deb asked about the sensitive nature of paid wages vs client billing. She wrote:Do consulting firms let their employees/consultants be aware of the actual amount a client is being charged? I have
- [How do you set consulting fees?](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/how-do-you-set-consulting-fees) - "How do you set consulting fees?" writes Chad, a Consultant Journal visitor. "I read your article on setting consulting fee rates, but you've given a few ways to calculate consulting fees and you didn't mention how you figure out your own rates. What methodology do you use?" Great questions, Chad. Thanks for writing. I've used
- [Staying motivated; fighting depression](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/staying-motivated-fighting-depression) - Consultants often work from home and operate as sole proprietors. And, while working at home has its perks, running a home business can sometimes be challenging. Many consultants report feeling isolated and depressed. Take the case of Marthe, a translation consultant who has a disability related to her mood (expired Government of Canada link). Marthe
- [Consultant blogs - 7 habits of consultant bloggers](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/7-habits-of-highly-effective-consultant-bloggers) - Consultant Blogs - Seven (Count 'em -- 7!) Habits of Highly Effective Consultant Bloggers Darren Rowse at Problogger.net has launched a group writing project, inviting bloggers to announce the “Habits of Highly Effective Bloggers”. Although my ConsultantJournal.com blog is new, I’ve actually been blogging for a couple of years now, albeit on another site. As
- [List of home office supplies |home office](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/list-of-home-office-supplies-you-need) - If you’re new to consulting, you may be surprised by the home office supplies you’ll need to run your business. However, you may already have a computer, desk or phone you can use and most, if not all, items will be tax write-offs. Here’s a list of 15 basic office supplies (in no particular order)
- [Home office setup | Setting up a home office](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/home-office-setup-for-a-pleasant-setting) - Home office set up for consultants made simple? Setting up your home office need not be an onerous task. Although figuring out how to set up your home office is just the first of many tasks in establishing your home business, you can figure out how to set up and organize your home office with
- [Why get a line of credit for small business](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/why-get-a-line-of-credit-for-small-business) - A line of credit can help you better manage your small business, assuming you can manage the credit itself. When I first opened my consulting business, I avoided debt like the plague. That meant going on a strict cash basis, avoiding a credit card or a line of credit. But, over the years, I’ve loosened my standards and realized that a little credit here and there can actually help with growing a business.
- [Do a lot of moms start businesses?](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/mom-and-businesses) - Earlier this week, I went to a business meeting. As part of my introduction, I mentioned that I have two businesses. At break time, a woman asked me about my work and asked if it was a "cottage business" so I could be home with my kids. I was stunned. I've had my business for 14 years, I have an MBA, and, yes, I have kids. I cannot even imagine anyone asking a man if his business was a "cottage business".
- [Making a great first impression](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/making-a-great-first-impression) - Making a great first impression can make a big difference to your career. This guest post by Tim Grayling gives you 10 tips for making sure that first impression counts in your favour.
- [Why you need a contract](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/why-you-need-a-contract) - You want to sign a contract?! Why on earth do we need to sign a contract? Can't we just do this on a handshake? Can't I trust you?Well, you could but both parties are leaving themselves wide open for potential hassles that a signed and agreed upon contract would eliminate. If you feel nervous asking
- [How I overcame fear of public speaking](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/how-i-overcame-fear-of-public-speaking) - Does the thought of public speaking make you feel ill? Fear of public speaking is called glossophobia.I'm not a shy person. Far from it. I'm a classic ENTJ. For many years, I thrived on speaking in public. But, one day, I was asked to give a presentation to a group of three people. When I
- [Rewarding yourself when you work alone](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/rewarding-yourself-when-you-work-alone) - When you work for yourself, you can't expect a lot of accolades. It's not the same as having a boss or co-worker pat you on the back several times a day. You need to be your own cheerleading squad. But what can you do to reinforce your successes?Tips for rewarding yourself when you work alone1.
- [What's in a fee? | Consultant fee](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/whats-in-a-fee-consultant-fee) - What's in a consultant fee? If you're wondering what to include in your consultant fee, you should consider the following, which come from setting consulting fees: working days billable hours bad debt rate of pay at a regular job overhead profit margin That's not everything you should consider, but it's most of it."What's in a
- [How's your year going?](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/hows-your-year-going) - It's March 1st. We're starting the third month of 2010. How's your business year going? Sure, you may not have a business year-end that reflects the usual calendar, but it's helpful to do a check in. What are you doing well at? What are you struggling with? For me, I'm doing much better at tackling self
- [7 reasons to use portable media in your business](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/7-reasons-to-use-portable-media-in-your-business) - Aah, smart phones, iPhones, BlackBerries and Droids. Are you part of the portable media club? If not, here are 7 reasons to use portable media in your business: 1. Stay connected Use portable media in your business and stay connected 24/7. Check in on your business no matter where you are and never miss important
- [Vacationing as a consultant](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/vacationing-as-a-consultant) - It's May. I hit the beach this weekend and it was packed! It was hard to find a place to sit. The warm sand - a rarity in Vancouver at this time of year - felt really good. And it got me thinking about how lucky I am to live in such a beautiful place, with
- [8 reasons to write guest posts for blogs](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/8-reasons-to-write-guest-posts-for-blogs) - Have you considered writing guest posts for other blogs in your niche? Here are 8 reasons to write guest posts for blogs that don't belong to you:1. Build your expert statusWriting a guest post at another blog is a tangible way to increase your expert status. By writing a guest post about your niche, you're positioning
- [Consulting fees - pricing by the project](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/consulting-fees-pricing-by-the-project) - Pricing your consulting fees by the project can help you connect with potential customers. Many customers like to know that there's a cap on what they'll be spending. Do you like taking your car to a mechanic and not having a clue whether it's going to be $100 or $1000 until you go to pick
- [The secret formula for business growth](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/the-secret-formula-for-business-growth) - Ever feel like you’ve got the weight of the world on your shoulders? Sometimes, consultants feel like they’re carrying a heavy load. After all, if you’re in business for yourself, you may be trying to do everything from sales to accounting. But there’s a secret formula that can help you.It involves a little math. I
- [5 reasons to use weird business cards](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/5-reasons-to-use-weird-business-cards) - Via ezinearticles, here's a list of the (dead link) top 5 reasons unconventional business cards work. One of the best business cards I've ever seen was for a software company that based its technology on mathematics related to cubes. When you pressed down on the sides of the business card, the die cuts helped the
- [Are you ready to talk numbers?](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/are-you-ready-to-talk-numbers) - When you walk into a meeting with a client, are you ready to talk numbers? Whether a client wants to know your hourly rate or your quote for an entire project, you need to have a handle on your numbers before you meet.That's not to say that you need a firm estimate for a project.
- [What's the scariest thing about consulting?](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/whats-the-scariest-thing-about-consulting) - I jumped into consulting when I was still wet behind the ears. My mom bought me a t-shirt that said, "Fear: the thief of dreams". She saw me as a risk taker.Well, I wouldn't say I was fearless or that I had nothing to lose. But I was confident in my goals. I'd been planning
- [Business Christmas gift idea | Christmas gifts](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/business-christmas-gift-idea-christmas-gifts) - Business Christmas gift idea -- start thinking about business Christmas gift ideas now, before it's too late to place an order. As a business, you need to start thinking about the holiday season well in advance of the actual holidays. Consider the following tips. Choosing a business Christmas gift idea Steer away from "Christmas" and
- [Google sexism?](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/google-sexism) - I discovered some Google search results that smack of sexism. 1. Go to Google. 2. Search for one of the following: she discovered she created she built she voted she nominated she engineered she operated she paid she invented Before delivering the results, Google will reply, “Did you mean he …..?” 3. Now repeat the
- [Why you need a website](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/why-you-need-a-website) - Just after I posted "Do you have a website?", marketing consultant Liz Gaige of Market Navigators sent along this great Q&A from her latest newsletter: Q: I don't have a Web site and I'm pretty busy as it is. Do I really need one? A: A funny thing happened at the office last week... No
- [Lead qualification | Lead qualification Q's](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/lead-qualification-questions-for-lead-qualificatio) - Lead qualification helps you turn your sales leads into prospects for actual sales. By setting out criteria for lead qualification, you can better prioritize your leads. You'll know where to spend time -- and, if you track what you're doing, you'll be able to tell where things go right or wrong. Qualifying leads involves getting
- [Very cheap web hosting](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/very-cheap-web-hosting) - Very cheap web hosting can help you get your own website started. By seeking out very cheap web hosting options, you can keep costs low before investing in even a more moderately priced solution. And, unlike the default "business card" websites that many domain providers and home Internet service providers offer, your standalone website will
- [Getting your first consulting job](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/getting-your-first-consulting-job) - When do you become a consultant? When you decide to call yourself one. But how about figuring out when you become a real working consultant? Ah, there's the rub! Finding your first consulting job is what really turns you into a consultant. Once you've got that first job, you're really fit to call yourself a
- [What are your favourite consulting resources?](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/what-are-your-favourite-consulting-resources) - As consultants, we all have favourite sources for helping us with professional growth. In today's post, we're opening up the floor for you, so that you can share your favourite professional resources. And, hey, we understand that Consultant Journal may not be your only resource. We've got good self esteem. We can handle that.
- [Become a life coach](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/become-a-life-coach) - Become a life coach and start your journey into self-employment today. Life coaches help their clients identify and then achieve goals. Life coaching can be one of the most rewarding types of consulting because life coaches help their clients in all areas of their lives. While life coaches aren't counselors or therapists, life coaches do
- [How to use LinkedIn to build expert status](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/how-to-use-linkedin-to-build-expert-status) - How to use LinkedIn to build expert status - Are you wondering whether LinkedIn can help you build your expert status? Curious whether LinkedIn is anything more than just a fly-by-night social media portal? LinkedIn is a unique social media site that can be a powerful tool when used appropriately. And one of the most effective ways to use LinkedIn is as a tool to help you build expert status.
- [How long does it take to become a consultant?](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/how-long-does-it-take-to-become-a-consultant) - How long does it take to become a consultant? When considering making the leap into consulting, many people want to know how long it will take to establish their business. In other words, how much time does it take before you can rely on a steady income?With a well-organized office and a stack of business
- [Happy Birthday to me!](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/happy-birthday-to-me) - Today's my birthday. And you know what? I'm NOT working today. I'm taking the day off. I'm hanging out with my kids, my husband and my friends today. I'll be chatting on the phone with friends and family, but I'm not answering business calls or following up on work email. Nope! Today is all about
- [Friday 5: reasons to work for yourself](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/friday-5-reasons-to-work-for-yourself) - This week's top five list is actually a top seven list. I've been talking about stepping out of your comfort zone lately, so, why not mix up the Friday 5? Just kidding. This list of seven reasons to work for yourself by Daniel was just so good that I didn't want to limit myself. Given
- [Firing different types of clients](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/firing-different-types-of-clients) - Via Christopher Hawkins, I found this post on firing 11 different kinds of clients. I especially liked his advice about the "Slow Pay" client who doesn't pay on time.As I've mentioned before, I don't tolerate clients who miss payment deadlines. I have a pretty strict process that I follow when a client doesn't pay. I
- [The 4-Hour Workweek](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/the-4-hour-workweek) - Have you read The 4-Hour Workweek? Author Timothy Ferriss wrote this book to show people how to downsize time spent on work and upsize time spent on personal pursuits. It may sound impossible, but I know someone who makes $30k a year from working four hours a week. Sure, $30k may not bring you riches, but
- [Flip That House casting call](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/flip-that-house-casting-call) - My Become a House Flipper post has generated a lot of interest -- most recently from the producer of Flip That House. Producer John Ziomek of Flip That House writes:My name is John Ziomek and I am a producer on Flip That House! If any of your readers are about to flip a house, I
- [50 ways to increase your productivity](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/50-ways-to-increase-your-productivity) - Want to increase your productivity? Check out this list of 50 ways to increase your productivity, via Lifehack.Number 29 is good for a chuckle: go on an information diet. Given that the list of ways to increase your productivity runs to 50, just reading the article itself underscores the problem. I know I can waste
- [The consulting balancing act](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/the-consulting-balancing-act) - Too much work? Never! Keep piling on the work, as long as the cheques are rolling in -- that was my mantra when I started out in consulting. If making $12,000 in one month was good, then making more than that was even better, right?Ten years have gone by and I'm much more likely now
- [When you don't want to work at home](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/when-you-dont-want-to-work-at-home) - Recently, I was at the book launch for Diane Hayne's new Wildife Rescue Series book. The party was held at Workspace, a shared work environment in a funky part of downtown Vancouver. A shared workspace, like, um, Workspace, is a great option for people who want to work from home -- without being at home.I'm
- [Using a website to generate leads](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/using-a-website-to-generate-leads) - Using a website to generage leads. Following my post on finding new clients via a website, a few people wrote in to ask how they could generate leads with a website. Vinod from India wants to know if it's possible to find clients from overseas. And Justin also wanted to know my secret to using
- [Become a weight loss consultant](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/become-a-weight-loss-consultant) - Become a weight loss consultant -- are you one of those people with a gift for managing your weight? Become a weight loss consultant and help other people reach their goals. People who become weight loss consultants help others improve health, fitness and body mass. In some cases, they even use their own stories to
- [Have you done it?](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/have-you-done-it) - Have you done it? Have you decided whether you should become a consultant? Are you still thinking about consulting but not sure where to go?Let me know whether you've taken the leap -- or not. If you're still thinking about consulting, let me know what would help you take the next step.
- [Become a skin care consultant](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/become-a-skin-care-consultant) - As part of my series on the kinds of consultants people can become, I'm writing up profiles of consulting roles. After my post on home staging consultants, I thought about another kind of makeover consultant -- the skin care consultant. Skin care consultants help people understand the basics of skin care, analyze skin types, choose
- [Entry-level consulting job | Consultant Journal](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/entry-level-consulting-job) - Entry-level consulting jobs may not be the easiest things to find, but we've got a few good tricks up our sleeve.
- [Readers - your feedback wanted!](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/readers-your-feedback-wanted) - []I'm thinking of updating the ads you see over here to the right. You know, the ones for Consulting Fees, Discover Your Inner Consultant, and Become a Consultant. Now, traditionally, I'd just go ahead and put up new ads. But 50,000 people visited this site last month and I'd honestly like to know what you
- [7 ways to use the iPad 2 in your business](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/ways-to-use-the-ipad-2-in-your-business) - Are you considering whether the iPad 2 is a valuable investment for you and your business? In order to help you make your decision, here are 7 top ways to use the iPad 2 in your business:
- [Write Your Business Plan Now](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/write-your-business-plan-now) - Last summer, when as I was doing some business plan coaching, I realized that it's near impossible to get a good business plan book. Yet many small business owners need a good guide through the process.
- [Open thread: what do you want to know?](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/open-thread-what-do-you-want-to-know) - Instead of pushing content to you today, we're opening up the blog to you. What's on your mind? What questions do you have about surviving and thriving as an independent consultant? Our site stats show that our tax write off list is on many people's minds and that many of you are lining up to
- [Working at home with a baby](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/working-at-home-with-a-baby) - Working from home….imagine baby tucked into a sling or crib, while mom types away at a keyboard, leads a teleconference or assembles products. You might wonder if working from home really turns out to be so ideal or if it’s just a pipedream. I’ve been working from home since before I had kids. But working
- [Create your own holiday](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/create-your-own-holiday) - Via Marketing Idea Blog, here's a great idea for marketing your business: create your own holiday. But how do you create your own holiday? Pick a holiday related to your business or cause. For example, October 23 is Mole Day -- which helps promote moles to people interested in chemistry. To ramp up publicity, send
- [Following your own body rhythms](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/following-your-own-body-rhythms) - When I got into consulting, I was thrilled by the idea of waking up when I wanted. Even today, I love being able to set my own hours. I can work late at night, in the afternoon, on weekends -- whenever it suits me.Some people like the idea of being able to work by their
- [Do consultants and freelancers need resumes?](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/do-consultants-freelancers-need-resumes) - Do consultants need resumes? You need them for just about every other kind of job, so why wouldn't you need one in the world of independent consulting?Well, you may want to have a resume on hand. But you probably don't need to show it to clients. You should be focusing on your skills, experience and
- [Money making hobby - making hobby money](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/money-making-hobby-making-hobby-money-2) - Money making hobby -- it may sound like a new idea, but making money from a hobby has helped people for generations. With the advent of the Internet, the money making hobby has shot to the forefront -- but it's hardly new.For example, people like the Bronte sisters made money from writing, one of the
- [Qualifying leads | Info for qualifying leads](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/qualifying-leads-finding-info-for-qualifying-leads) - Qualifying leads takes time and effort. But qualifying leads makes up an important part of figuring out whether you can engage a client in the sales process. You don’t need to grill the prospect to get this information. You can use: Corporate website Corporate research reports Newspaper articles Information from others who have dealt with
- [Sales prospect | How winners find prospects](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/sales-prospect-how-winners-finds-prospects) - Sales prospects are key to your business's success. Sales prospects are the people who may be interested in buying from you. And it's your job to turn them into leads, so that you can begin the sales process.But where do you find prospects? Mailing lists Direct mail lists Tradeshow lists Event lists Magazine subscription lists
- [More tax write offs](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/more-tax-write-offs) - Tax time is just around the corner -- do you know what to write off? My list of tax write offs discusses some of the most common tax write offs. But here are some of the most overlooked tax deductions: Overlooked tax deductions: Equipment purchases Green commercial building Domestic production Vehicle usage (including the new
- [Getting out of debt via consulting](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/getting-out-of-debt-via-consulting) - Need help getting out of debt? Many people turn to consulting to help dig themselves out of debt. I'm not suggesting that you quit your job and become a consultant if you're financially unstable and the creditors are ringing. However, consulting can complement your existing income and allow you to pay down debt faster. Getting
- [When did you start dreaming of consulting?](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/when-did-you-start-dreaming-of-consulting) - I started dreaming of working as a consultant when I was in university. The idea of running my own business was really appealing to me. I initially dreamed of working as a freelance writer, but eventually saw myself as a consultant for the high tech sector. I loved the idea of helping foster technological innovation,
- [Fire your customers or don't fire your customers?](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/fire-your-customers-or-dont-fire-your-customers) - Fire your customers! Yup, you heard me...Sometimes, you've got to fire your customers. The customer isn't always right, notes Seth Godin's post on firing customers. When a client becomes an annoyance, a money pit or a time sucker, it may be time to fire them. Yup, it sounds odd, but some times the best thing
- [What does per diem mean for consulting rates?](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/what-does-per-diem-mean-for-consulting-rates) - Consultant per diem rate definition "What does per diem mean?" asks reader Angie Dixon. Good question, Angie! Many people write in to ask what per diem means. Consultants often toss around the term "per diem rate", but the odd term does make some people wonder what it means. This Latin phrase's definition is fairly straight
- [Become a home staging consultant](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/become-a-home-staging-consultant) - So becoming a consultant's on your mind and you're still not sure what to do. Why not become a home staging consultant? Home staging consultants have tapped into the flurry of excitement around home makeovers and do-it-yourself interior decorating They specialize in grooming a home to make it more attractive to potential buyers. In a
- [New site - what do you think?](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/new-site-what-do-you-think) - The new Consultant Journal design is finally up. Please feel free to send along your comments. We're hoping this new design preserves the grassroots feel of Consultant Journal while giving a more professional face. It also features a more flexible layout for advertisers. And it's now backed by Wordpress, which should improve content management. You
- [Your best source of new work](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/your-best-source-of-new-work) - Believe it or not, your best source of new work is something you already have. And if you mine this existing resource, you'll be on the road to success. In fact, most successful consultants turn to this marketing goldmine to keep their busy practices growing.
- [Hope and creativity - Caine's Arcade](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/hope-and-creativity-caines-arcade) - Last night, I watched Caine's Arcade, a short film about the arcade a 9 year old boy from South LA has built by hand. Using cardboard boxes from his dad's car parts store and a whole lot of imagination, Caine has created an arcade that rivals any you'd find downtown or at Chuck E. Cheese's.
- [The Consulting Rookie: Overcoming Misconceptions](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/the-consulting-rookie-overcoming-misconceptions) - This is a guest post by Christine Epps. Christine is new to the world of consulting, but she hasn't let that stop her. Here's her take on becoming a consultant when you're still new to the world of work....Being just 22 years old and a “budding” retail marketing consultant in Baltimore, I constantly meet “senior”
- [Categories - take 'em or leave 'em?](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/categories-take-em-or-leave-em-2) - The new website for Consultant Journal is *almost* here. We're still tweaking the design. I wasn't happy with what we had. Once I realized the design was a sunk cost, it was easier to let it go. So I'll be keeping some elements of the original mock up, but also bringing in some of the
- [Sparkline -- a word I learned](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/sparkline-a-word-i-learned) - Sparkline. The word stood out when I was reading Tony Rose's Decision Support Analytics blog recently. I'd never heard of a sparkline before. So I went looking for a definition. Apparently, Edward Tufte invented the sparkline. He defines sparkline on his website as "data-intense, design-simple, word-sized graphics", but I prefer the explanation over at Wikipedia,
- [Achieving a 4-hour workweek](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/achieving-a-4-hour-workweek) - Back in December, I noted that I was planning to read a book by Timothy Ferriss called The 4-Hour Workweek. I read the book in early January and have finally got around to implementing some of the ideas.Although I don't advocate everything in the book, it certainly got me thinking about ways to streamline my
- [Land line or cell phone line?](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/land-line-or-cell-phone-line) - A reader wrote in to ask about telephone options for his consulting business."Should I get a land line or cell phone for my home business?"Forgive me for sounding like an economist, but it depends. If you're frequently out of your office or perhaps working from a mobile office, such as your car or a coffee
- [You don't need a separate home office](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/you-dont-need-a-separate-home-office) - If you're thinking about working from home, you don't need a separate home office, according to Debra Ng. Just find somewhere to keep your files and your laptop -- your kitchen table can do the rest.Setting up a home office really means finding somewhere to keep your work. You may find it easier to concentrate
- [Passive income idea | Idea for passive income](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/passive-income-idea-idea-for-passive-income) - Passive income idea - looking for an idea to help you generate passive income? Whether you're working a regular job or self-employed as a consultant, it's frustrating to work hard every day, only to have to start again tomorrow, so that you can have an income come in. Passive income idea generates ongoing revenue Creating
- [Choosing a CRM for small business (and consultants](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/choosing-a-crm-for-small-business-and-consultants) - Choosing a CRM (customer relationship management system) for a small business can be a daunting task. Small business CRM systems can be off-the-shelf, customized, hosted or hybrid. Mid-market companies tend to choose hosted CRM systems so they can get best-of-breed systems at an affordable price, without the tech support headaches. But, for smaller businesses, such
- [Basic selling skills | Selling skills basics](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/basic-selling-skills-for-consultants-selling) - Basic selling skills for consultants. Honing basic selling skills can help you achieve greater success.To be successful in your business, you need to be more than just a subject matter expert. You need to be a bit of a salesperson. In fact, most people already have basic selling skills. Getting better is more of a
- [Free home-based business software](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/free-home-based-business-software) - Free home-based business software. When you start your home-based business, it's inevitable that you may need some software. And, like many business owners, you'd probably prefer not to break the bank to buy it. But where can you find free home-based business software? Free home-based business software sources Your own computer. Have you already purchased
- [Cold calling clients](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/cold-calling-clients) - Cold calling can be one of the most intimidating ways to find new clients. For some, the prospect of picking up the phone and calling a stranger can seem overwhelming. But Ari Galper encourages people to surrender to the outcome of the cold call (website now dead, 2012). Stop pushing your agenda or script and
- [Consulting fee agreement forms and contracts](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/consulting-fee-agreement-forms-and-contracts) - "Where are your consulting fee agreement forms and contracts? Can I see your contracts?" asks Shawn, an aspiring hospitality consultant. Well, Shawn, I don't actually share my consultant fee agreements. Consulting Fees, my guide to setting and getting your rate, may be of some assistance when it comes to understanding your own fees, your business
- [Justifying high rates](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/justifying-high-rates) - If you follow the media, you'll sometimes see criticism of the "enormous" amounts spent on consulting fees. The media will gripe about people being paid $150 an hour, $1200 a day or even $30,000 for a month's work. They act as though these fees are just some sort of patronage payback. Of course, they might
- [I love my smartphone](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/i-love-my-smartphone) - A smartphone has given more power, flexibility and freedom to me in my business life. Could it work for you?
- [What to do when clients lowball your fees](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/lowball-and-compare-consulting-fees-to-salar) - Clients will often try to lowball your fees, sometimes comparing your rate to a salary. Here's how to manage.
- [Postcard giveaway contest!](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/postcard-giveaway-contest) - The online printing company UPrinting.com has offered to sponsor a special contest for Consultant Journal readers. They're offering 500 free 4x6" postcards to one lucky reader. The winner of the postcard printing contest can choose any of Uprinting.com's stocks, including the eco-friendly 13pt recycled cover stock, 14pt gloss cover or 14pt matte cover. Shipping is
- [How to automate your home business](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/how-to-automate-your-home-business) - With any small business, it's possible to get caught up in administration. Consider taking steps to automate your business processes, so that you can focus on paying work.How to automate your consulting business Develop "boilerplate" responses for emails and proposals Implement a customer relationship management system for handling incoming leads (like calls and emails) Give
- [New look coming soon](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/new-look-coming-soon) - I've been saying it for a while, but I really am getting ready to launch a new version of Consultant Journal. If you're so inclined, you can check out the work in progress at beta . consultantjournal.com. We're still working on the look and feel. And those ads are obviously fake. But, stay tuned. There's
- [Stay true to the cause](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/stay-true-to-the-cause-2) - Consulting can give you the freedom to do anything you want. Take Fridays off. Be home for your kids. See matinees. Take your aging parent to the doctor's office. Semi-retire. Travel the world. But are you really staying true to the cause?IT consultant Alex Williams notes that he originally aimed to take Fridays off (link
- [Why I'm posting 3 days a week](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/why-im-posting-3-days-a-week) - If you're a regular reader, you may have noticed that, in the last month or two, I've dropped to posting 3 days a week. I've kept the reason secret till now. A week ago, I gave birth to my second child. So, although I'll be posting on Consultant Journal, I will only be doing so
- [Become an online researcher |Online researcher job](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/become-an-online-researcher) - Become an online researcher and work from home. Looking for a work from home consulting business? Become an online researcher and put your research, analysis and writing skills to work. Companies regularly hire researchers. Sure, companies with deep pockets tend to subscribe to research services, but smaller firms lack the in-house resources to carry out
- [Great second job idea: airline jobs](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/great-second-job-idea-airline-jobs) - Yesterday, I wrote about second job ideas. A reader wrote in to suggest airline jobs as great second jobs. Apparently, if you actually work for the airline, you may get all sorts of deals on flights, including free flights for you and your family. Even if you're making a low wage at an airline call
- [Have you ever fired a client or customer?](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/have-you-ever-fired-a-client-or-customer) - Following up on yesterday's post about firing your customers, I was wondering whether any of you had ever fired a customer. Tell me your stories -- here or on your own space. I'll link.Update: given the way this thread is going, maybe I need to post on CRM, not firing your customers!Related Posts Finding new
- [Become a consultant - big list of reasons](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/become-a-consultant-big-list-of-reasons) - I've been doing a series on reasons to become a consultant. Over the past couple of weeks, people have emailed me with their own stories about why they decided to become consultants. More recently, Problogger.net started a "lists" group writing project, and I decided to turn my series into a list of reasons for becoming
- [Becoming a consultant -- your reasons](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/becoming-a-consultant-your-reasons) - Becoming a consultant is a dream for many people. Yet some never take the plunge. For me, becoming a consultant is the best decision I've ever made. Consulting has afforded me a flexible work schedule, time with family, challenging projects and financial reward. But I'm just one story. Tell me your reasons for becoming a
- [Office gadgets I can't live without](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/office-gadgets-i-cant-live-without) - I'll admit it. I geek out over office gadgets. And, in a business sense, I can't live without some of them.
- [Toyota Highlander ad series review](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/toyota-highlander-ad-series) - Toyota Highlander ad series -- I'm posting the extended versions of several ads here. On Tuesday on CBC Radio, I'm going to be discussing the Toyota Highlander ad series where the cute blond boy proclaims: "Just because you're a parent, doesn't mean you have to be lame." In advance, here are some clips of the Toyota Highlander ad series.
- [Nobody told me](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/nobody-told-me) - A poem about consulting from a home-based office. An ode to my experience, complete with trials and tribulations.
- [Write Your Business Plan Now launches](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/write-your-business-plan-now-launches) - I'm pleased to announce the launch of Write Your Business Plan Now, a kit I put together to help real people write business plans. I mentioned I'd be releasing the guide a few weeks ago, but I went back and added in extra resources to make it a complete, all-in-one kit. Inside the kit, you'll
- [Do you need a laptop computer?](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/do-you-need-a-laptop-computer) - I'm a computer junkie. I've had a computer since I was about eight years old. Before that, I used to stand in the computer section of Sears, pining for the chance to play the Pac-Man clone. However, as much as I love computers, I held out a long time before moving up to a laptop.In
- [Rentacoder - not just for programmers anymore](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/rentacoder-not-just-for-programmers-anymore) - Over at Online Freebies, there's a post about finding freelance work via Rentacoder. In spite of the name, Rentacoder offers work for more than just coders (programmers). It's possible to bid on work for all aspects of software development -- even business and communication projects.I've never used Rentacoder, eLance or similar services. I've generally found
- [Tips for dealing with home office isolation](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tips-for-dealing-with-home-office-isolation) - Is isolation making you wonder if it's time to leave your home office? Working from home can sometimes be isolating, making it hard to stay motivated. I recently mentioned that shared office space can help. If there's a solution like that in your community, go for it. But here are some other tips for dealing
- [Telecommute jobs | Work at home](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/telecommute-jobs-work-at-home) - Telecommute jobs - work at home jobs that let you telecommute can be a great transition from full-time office worker to work at home consultant. Work at home telecommute jobs give you the security of a regular paycheck, along with the support of the company that employs you.If you're interested in many of the reasons
- [Ufile-Quicktax comparison | Ufile](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/ufile-quicktax-comparison) - Ufile and Quicktax comparison -- if you live in Canada and you're trying to make sense of your taxes, this old post from my marketing consultancy blog may be of help.Tax time and switching costsAs February approaches, prepare for the onslaught of T4s, T5s, and tax software ads. You don't need to submit your Canadian
- [I'll blog naked throughout 2007](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/ill-blog-naked-throughout-2007-become-a-consultant) - I'll blog naked in the New Year. I've tried to reveal quite a bit of myself this past year, but I plan to strip away even more in the coming year.(Now that I've got your attention, I'll just mention that this post is part of the group writing project for New Year's reviews and predictions
- [Second job: ideas and tips for second jobs](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/second-jobs-ideas-and-tips-for-second-jobs) - Second job is more than just an idea -- second jobs are becoming increasingly necessary for many people. More than seven million Americans hold second jobs. And although you might think most people who have second jobs are in minimum wage positions, studies suggest that teachers, police officers, engineers, nurses and other professionals often hold
- [Become a legal nurse consultant](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/become-a-legal-nurse-consultant) - Become a legal nurse consultant? Sure, why not! My series on ideas for becoming a consultant continues! This time, I look at what it takes to become a legal nurse consultant. A legal nurse consultant is a licensed, registered nurse who takes part in litigation. In doing so, they carry out consulting for nursing practices,
- [Government-funded small business loans](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/government-funded-small-business-loans) - Government-funded small business loans can help you launch or sustain your small business. With government-funded small business loans, you may be able to secure financing when other more traditional lenders hesitate. In many cases, these loans come with special services, like business plan counselling, mentoring, courses, or workshops. Because of the additional support available from
- [Stay-at-home mom returning to work?](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/stay-at-home-mom-returning-to-work) - Many stay at home moms transition to new careers by moving into the consulting space.
- [Why Become a Consultant Blog? | Becoming Stronger](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/why-become-a-consultant-blog) - Why I started writing the blog for Consultant Journal.
- [Tax write-off list | List of tax write offs](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tax-write-off-list) - Get the skinny on tax write-offs. We've got tips on business expenses you can write off, depending on where you live.
- [Business consulting careers | Consultant Journal](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/business-consulting-careers) - Business consulting careers - quick tips and ideas for resources.
- [What if every day was the weekend?](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/what-if-every-day-was-the-weekend)
- [From the master](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/from-the-master) - Don Draper of Mad Men has some sound advice for entrepreneurs and others...
- [Do you bill for invoicing time?](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/do-you-bill-for-invoicing-time) - When you're setting your consulting fees, do you consider invoicing to be billable or non-billable time? Depending on how you set up your fees and contracts, you might designate time spent invoicing as administrative work -- the cost of doing business. Or you might consider invoicing part of client and project management -- and bill for
- [Consulting and freelance deposits](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/consulting-and-freelance-deposits) - Setting your consulting fees is one thing, but do you ask clients to make a deposit when they hire you? Asking for a deposit poses several benefits. Benefits of a deposit May help provide legal proof that you've entered a contract -- money or "consideration" has changed hands Reminds the client that they've entered a
- [Affordable home-based business opportunities](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/affordable-home-based-business-opportunities) - Affordable home-based business opportunities aren't as hard to find as you might think. In fact, many people quickly launch affordable home-based businesses. There are tons of businesses where you don't have to invest much to get going. While I'm always quick to point out the merits of becoming a consultant, there are many other ways
- [Affordable home-based business opportunities](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/affordable-home-based-business-opportunities-2) - Affordable home-based business opportunities aren't as hard to find as you might think. In fact, many people quickly launch affordable home-based businesses. There are tons of businesses where you don't have to invest much to get going. While I'm always quick to point out the merits of becoming a consultant, there are many other ways
- [Become a fitness consultant](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/become-a-fitness-consultant) - Become a fitness consultant -- want to make your career in the fitness world? Become a fitness consultant and apply your skills to research, developing, planning and implementing programs and policies for fitness, recreation and sports. As a fitness consultant, you can work for government, industry, fitness facilities, retirement homes, community centers, sports firms or
- [Become a house flipper](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/become-a-house-flipper-2) - Become a house flipper -- after my post on consulting as a side job, Marc wrote in to ask whether house flipping counts as consulting. House flippers are speculators who buy homes with the intention of selling them quickly for profit. Professional house flippers draw from their specialized knowledge of real estate, design, home renovation
- [Become a house flipper](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/become-a-house-flipper) - Become a house flipper -- after my post on consulting as a side job, Marc wrote in to ask whether house flipping counts as consulting. House flippers are speculators who buy homes with the intention of selling them quickly for profit. Professional house flippers draw from their specialized knowledge of real estate, design, home renovation
- [Finding work you can do from home](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/finding-work-you-can-do-from-home) - Finding work you can do from home is something that seems to elude a lot of people. But it's not as hard to find work you can do from home as you might think. If you start a consulting business, you'll have the flexibility to decide where and when you work. For example, you might
- [What accounting/invoicing software do I use?](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/what-accounting-software-do-i-use) - "What accounting software do you use?" asks Joel, a regular reader. Following yesterday's invoicing humour post, Joel wanted to know what I use to prepare taxes, manage invoices and generally keep my accounts in order. So here's what I use to manage my money: For tax preparation, I typically use QuickTax. I like the interface
- [Starting a consulting business is cheap](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/starting-a-consulting-business-is-cheap) - Starting a consulting business is cheap. (Trust me -- I wasn't rich when I started consulting.) In fact, a recent study shows that 17 percent of new business startups launch without any funds whatsoever. However, the Freelance UK article that reports on the study points out that being able to manage cash flow (or the
- [Craigslist consulting idea](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/craigslist-consulting-idea) - Craigslist consulting is the coolest consulting idea I've heard this week. (Expired link) Craigslist is an online community that's well-known for free ads, including job ads. Many of the consultants I know have found work through Craigslist. As the site becomes better known and expands to more geographic areas, it seems natural for a Craigslist consulting
- [Surviving feast-or-famine consulting work cycles](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/surviving-feast-or-famine-consulting-work-cycles) - Feast or famine time? Step out of Medieval Age consulting and into a more stable future.
- [Jury consultant](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/jury-consultant) - Jury consultant – a key to winning high stakes legal cases. A jury consultant works with a legal team during jury selection, a trial and sometimes post trial. In most cases, a jury consultant is hired for expert insight into human behaviour – not for knowledge of law itself.
- [Use 3D charts and graphs at your own risk](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/use-3d-charts-at-your-own-risk) - 3D bar charts and graphs may mess with the information you're trying to convey. Find out what graphical data representation expert Naomi Robbins says about the risks.
- [Types of consultants](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/types-of-consultants) - Types of consultants - Think there are only just a few types of consultants? Well, think again! There are hundreds of types of consultants. Here at Consultant Journal, we have profiled numerous consulting niches, and we've only just scratched the surface! Types of consultants can be broadly arranged into consulting sub-categories. Of course, some types of consultants
- [Ufile customer support | Ufile tech support](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/ufile-customer-support-ufile-tech-support) - Following my write up on Ufile, the income tax preparation software, a reader wrote in to say this:You might want to tell your clients that Ufile, which I have just tried to use without success, has virtually no technical support. If you want telephone support you have to pay $15 more. Otherwise, you send emails.
- [Sample consulting business plan](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/sample-consulting-business-plan) - Sample business consulting plan. When you're starting out as a consultant, it's important that you put together a consulting business plan. But where can you find samples? Figuring out what to put in your business plan can be a challenge. It can help to look at a sample business plan outline, like the one I've
- [Telephone pole for sale - new & used poles](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/telephone-pole-for-sale-new-used-poles) - Recycling utility poles for new purposes can be a business opportunity for an enterprising person.
- [Restaurant consultant -- why not become one?](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/restaurant-consultant-why-not-become-one) - Restaurant consultants get paid handsomely to solve problems for restaurant owners. The Restaurant Report has a fact sheet on how to hire a restaurant consultant . But how do you become a restaurant consultant and what does a restaurant consultant do? I've covered ideas for other kinds of consultants you can become, but what about
- [Become a sales consultant](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/become-a-sales-consultant) - Got a background in sales? Become a sales consultant! As part of my Become a Consultant series, I'm profiling various consultant roles. People who become sales consultants help companies with sales strategies, sales processes, sales training, sales team management and marketing. Sales people often make natural consultants because they have strong backgrounds in finding clients,
- [Become a consultant | Ideas for consultants](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/become-a-consultant-ideas-become-consultant) - For the past while, I've been writing a job series called "Become a Consultant". Each time, I provide an idea for a kind of consultant you could become. I'll continue to update this series on a regular basis. However, I wanted to invite you -- my readers -- to provide ideas for kinds of consultants you'd like to become. Remember, becoming a consultant is a great way to start working from home. If you want a second job where you're in control, consider this exciting career path. If you're really stumped for ideas, consider downloading my Discover Your Inner Consultant guide.
- [Finance for consultants FAQ](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/finance-for-consultants) - As a small business owner, you may need help with credit cards, business loans, lines of credit, cash flow management or even getting out of debt.
- [First steps in consulting: now what?](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/first-steps-in-consulting-now-what) - So you wanna become a consultant. Now what? Here's how to get started on the path to making your dream a reality.
- [Sample consulting invoice | Consultant invoice](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/sample-consulting-invoice-for-consultants) - Get a grip on your financials with our handy consulting invoice template.
- [Billing travel time charges | Consultant Journal](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/billing-travel-time-charges-consultants) - What do you charge for travel time? When you need to go out of town to see clients, you need to consider your fees for travel time. Billing travel time recently came up at Metafilter, where someone asked what consultants charge for travel time. You won’t find much information about billing travel time online. This
- [Become an environmental consultant](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/become-an-environmental-consultant) - Become an environmental consultant and combine your passion for the environment with the personal and financial freedom of consulting. Also known colloquially as "green" consulting, becoming an environmental consultant is a new consulting field that is gaining ground. Environmental consulting is a diverse and growing industry. According to a 2008 article by IBISworld, the environmental
- [7 terrible secrets revealed by your email address (and how to fix them)](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/7-terrible-secrets-revealed-by-your-email-address-mistakes) - When it comes to your personal and business brand, your email address may be undoing all your hard work. Over the years, I’ve seen a lot of email addresses – and I’ve had a chance to make observations through the eyes of hiring manager, consultant, client, volunteer and colleague. And I have spotted 7 terrible secrets revealed by email addresses.
- [Lies, damn lies & #bced statistics](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/consulting-market-research-matter) - Sometimes it's worth reviewing statistics to see what really lies within.
- [Writing off business use of your car](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/writing-off-business-use-of-your-car) - Writing off business use of your car can be worthwhile. According to US IRS regulations, you can deduct a number of business transportation and related expenses if you're a sole proprietor. These deductions can include public transportation and the cost of driving and maintaining your vehicle.Business and personal use Most consultants use their vehicles for
- [Become a certified consultant | Certified](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/become-a-certified-consultant-certified-consultant) - Become a certified consultant -- does it make sense for you? Whether you should become a certified consultant or not really depends on the field you work in and the clients you serve. Certainly, in some fields, like real estate or medicine, you need to have specific credentials to call yourself a member of the
- [How to build your brand at a wine & cheese](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/build-brand-at-a-wine-cheese) - Entrepreneurs can choose from an array of networking events. And you can use those events to build your business, if you think about it from a strategic point of view.
- [Becoming a personal chef - start a business](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/becoming-a-personal-chef-start-a-business) - Becoming a personal chef sound appealing? Becoming a personal chef is one of the hottest business ideas. People who become personal chefs provide meal preparation services. They plan menus, shop for groceries, and prepare meals using a client's own kitchen. Then they freeze and label the meals -- and clean up. If you start a
- [Typical consulting fees](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/typical-consulting-fees) - What is a typical consulting fee? Good question. Unfortunately, the answer is that there are no typical consulting fees! Consulting is made up of so many variables and factors that there really is no easy answer. As you can imagine, typical consulting fees for skin care consultants are vastly different from typical consulting fees for jury consultants. Typical consulting fees are all about value. How much value do your services offer your client? By doing a little research and bearing value in mind, you will be able to set a rate that is appropriate to your area of expertise and is competitive within the industry.
- [3 big ways your smart phone can help you make more money](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/3-big-ways-your-smart-phone-can-help-you-make-more-money) - As you know, I love my smart phone. Not only do I love these 7 reasons to use portable media in your business, but I've also discovered the 3 big ways your smart phone can help you make more money.
- [I love my PVR](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/i-love-my-pvr) - Last month, we bought a personal video recorder (PVR). I tend to be very frugal -- perhaps as a result of being self-employed -- so this was a rare treat for us. All month, I've been singing the praises of our PVR. As a break from the usual discussion here at Consultant Journal, I thought
- [Friday 5: top 5 office clutter sources](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/friday-5-top-5-office-clutter-sources) - It's Friday 5 time. Here's my list of the top 5 sources of office clutter. Top 5 sources of office clutter incoming mail, especially junk mail receipts I need to file and use for tax write-offs printed materials I need to shred messed up print-outs items I can't seem to file away, for fear that
- [Following in someone's footsteps](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/following-in-someones-footsteps) - Following another person's footsteps can save you time and energy, even when you're ultimately finding your own way.
- [You can't market with a garden hose](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/you-cant-market-with-a-garden-hose) - You can't market with a garden hose - you need a strategy that hits your target full-on.
- [Building a sustainable business means more than green choices](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/building-a-sustainable-business-means-more-than-green-choices) - Building a sustainable business is what can hold your prospects for the long haul - it's about more than choosing recycled paper.
- [Should you be on Facebook?](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/should-you-be-on-facebook) - I got a call the other day, from a small business owner. They said they knew they didn’t need to be on Facebook because their market isn’t on Facebook. “Who’s your target market?” I asked. “Men with money.” “Men with money are on Facebook,” I replied. In fact, about 31% of Facebook users are 31-54,
- [How to Google yourself](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/how-to-google-yourself) - Have you ever looked yourself up in a search engine? Find out how to Google yourself - and why.
- [Consulting Fees - A Guide for Independent Consultants](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/consulting-fees-a-guide-for-independent-consultants) - Learn proven models for setting your consulting and freelance fees. Our new book trailer highlights some of the content and review from Consulting Fees: A Guide for Independent Consultants. Almost 10 years ago, I wrote a post on how to set consulting fees. At the time, there was nothing else online. The post went viral
- [Inbound marketing for small businesses](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/inbound-marketing-for-small-businesses) - Inbound marketing for small businesses – that's the art of getting clients to come to you. When many people think of marketing, they think of pushy salespeople. But that’s more of an old school approach. Many small businesses increasingly pursue inbound marketing techniques that bring clients to them. With inbound marketing, small businesses – and organizations
- [What kind of consulting should I do?](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/what-kind-of-consulting-should-i-do) - If you've ever considered whether consulting would be right for you or you've dabbled with the idea, you may be wondering how to come up with the kind of consulting business that really leverages your unique skills, interests and attributes. Working through those points can help you find your way.
- [Label makers for business](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/label-makers-for-business) - Have you ever considered using a label maker for business? More commonly associated with labelling kids' clothes and school supplies, label makers may have a place in your business.
- [How to use an iPad mini for business](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/how-to-use-an-ipad-mini-fr-business) - You can use an iPad mini in your business - it's not just for games and Netflix. The iPad mini turns out to be a valuable business tool. For example, here's the iPad Mini: How to use an iPad mini for business Combined with a Bluetooth keyboard, case and stylus, you can use your iPad
- [Do you need a laptop for business?](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/do-you-need-a-laptop-for-business) - Do you need a laptop for business? Take a look at your needs before you delve into the products available.
- [What is free publicity?](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/what-is-free-publicity) - What's free publicity and what can it do for your business? The meaning of free publicity - not to mention the value - varies from company to company. Consider these tips for determining whether you should include this marketing tactic in your overall plan.
- [Bite, snack and meal - original reference](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/bite-snack-and-meal-original-reference) - Bite, snack and meal - this content chunking strategy comes from writer Leslie O'Flahavan, who created it in the 90s and popularized it in an Inc article. The strategy involves writing contents for the varying appetites of readers.
- [Password Management apps make it easy](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/password-management-apps-make-it-easy) - Password management apps can make your life much easier. Tired of trying to remember all your passwords? Stuck resetting every time your saved logins get wiped out? Turn to a password management app.
- [Should I get a Twitter account?](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/should-i-get-a-twitter-account) - Should I get a Twitter account? That's the question a friend of mine asked recently. She was about to make a presentation at a conference and the organizers had asked for her Twitter handle
- [How to sign up for Twitter](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/how-to-sign-up-for-twitter) - How to sign up for Twitter - find out the steps to creating an account, so that you can move forward with this free social media service
- [How to choose Twitter name](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/how-to-choose-twitter-name) - Looking to set up your Twitter account? Here's how to choose a Twitter name, handle or account - and what to do if the name you want is taken.
- [CPD online courses - Canada, US & International](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/cpd-online-courses-canada-us-international) - Faced with professional demands for continuing professional development, busy practitioners, consultants and business owners are turning to both online CPD and traditional training options.
- [CPD for BC CPA accounting members](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/cpd-for-bc-cpa-accounting-members) - CPD for BC CPA members - learn about verifiable & unverifiable CPD (continuing professional development) for BC Chartered Professional Accountants.
- [Writing great consulting proposals](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/writing-great-consulting-proposals) - Writing consulting proposals? Check out this post for tips on sections to include.
- [Establishing your worth](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/establishing-your-worth) - Recently, several readers have contacted me to say that they aren't sure how to convince clients of their value. They note they're new to the field and that they don't know where to go from there. So how do you figure out a consulting fee when you're an upstart consultant or firm?
- [Building Credibility with Potential Clients](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/building-credibility-with-potential-clients) - Building credibility – it’s a one of the major skills that every professional needs. Whether you are working as an entrepreneur, consultant, running your own business, or a professional, you need to prove you can deliver well. Establishing credibility can be difficult when you are just beginning -- especially when you’re trying to prove your
- [Authentic ways to reduce client churn](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/authentic-ways-to-reduce-client-churn) - Looking for authentic, meaningful ways to reduce client churn? Keeping existing clients from walking out the door should be top priority for any company. After all, you’ve worked hard to saw these clients to your vision and you’ve already invested in getting to know them. As long as there’s a fit, continuing to work with and grow existing clients should be a key focus. Unfortunately, clients something leave and managing client churn needs to be part of your overall strategy.
- [How to Set Up a Website or Blog with Bluehost](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/bluehost-website-blog) - So you're looking to set up a personalized email address, website or blog. I'm a Bluehost affiliate partner and I want to be clear that I receive a commission if you sign up with them. You are certainly welcome to set up a website, blog or personalized email anywhere. I spent a fair bit of
- [Are you friends with your clients and vendors?](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/are-you-friends-with-your-clients-and-vendors) - I'm a people person. I like people. And I like talking. I don't like being fake, though, so I tend to be straight up with people. As a result, I find that I connect with a lot of people. Because I run a business, this means that some of my clients and vendors have become
- [Consulting business plan template - free outline](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/consulting-business-plan-template) - Many people write to ask where they can find a consulting business plan template. Well, here’s a free outline of a consulting business plan template.
- [Consulting as a lifestyle business](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/consulting-as-a-lifestyle-business) - Consulting can be a lifestyle business, but people who use that as a criticism may be hiding their own insecurities by pushing them on you.
- [Entrepreneurial FOMO: how to deal](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/entrepreneurial-fomo-how-to-deal) - Entrepreneurial FOMO can affect even the most confident of entrepreneurs. Here's how to deal with entrepreneurial fear of missing out.
- [Practicing self compassion](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/practicing-self-compassion) - We are at an unprecedented time in history and in our lives. You, as an entrepreneur, may be dealing with a big set of unknowns right now, for everything from your work to your home life to where your groceries are coming from.
- [What social media platform should I be on?](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/what-social-media-platform-should-i-be-on) - Running a business can be hard work - made even harder by all the choices out there. If you find yourself asking, "What social media platform should I be on?", that's understandable. Friends, colleagues, competitors, clients and even the big social media platforms themselves are only too eager to make a recommendation...and a
- [Social Responsibility Coaching Spaces](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/social-responsibility-coaching-spaces) - Sometimes, even for the most successful entrepreneurs, life comes up out of nowhere and gives you a hard dose of reality. It can be hard to pick up yourself, your family and your business. Most supports for people in crisis look at counseling or mental health. And, often, the supports available to entrepreneurs involve large-scale
- [The Corona Virus for Small Businesses](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/the-corona-virus-for-small-businesses) - How should small business owners manage the corona virus, aka COVID-19? It’s a question on the minds of many entrepreneurs, as Fortune 500 companies announce new protocols for travel, meetings and even use of coffee cups. At Consultant Journal, we know many entrepreneurs, small business owners and consultants wonder about the business impact. Refer to
- [Consulting Startup](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/consulting-startup) - If you're in the startup phase of your consulting business, you're probably working through some common processes: What's my business? How do I make my business stand out? How do I get clients and how do I keep clients coming in the door? How do I price, set fees, negotiate with clients, put together quotes
- [Consulting Scale Up](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/consulting-scale-up) - Once you pass the Startup phase with your consulting business, you're ready for Scale Up. If you're at Scale Up, you're probably hitting a number of targets: You have $3,000 to $8,000 a month in recurring monthly income You're focused on your business as your main work You're open to ideas, input and training so
- [Why I didn’t do a PhD: consulting rocks](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/why-i-didnt-do-a-phd) - Throughout my 20s, I thought about doing a PhD. A three or four trusted mentors encouraged me to go after a PhD, because I love research, discovery, writing, publishing and teaching. I thought about it really seriously, but, in the end, I changed my mind. Why? I realized I could achieve all those goals
- [8 consulting lessons they don't teach you in school](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/8-consulting-lessons-they-dont-teach-you-in-school) - 8 consulting lessons they don't teach you in school - From setting rates to firing clients, university curriculum doesn't quite cover the ins and outs of consulting! Here are 8 consulting lessons that you won't learn in academia: 1. Marketing doesn't have to be a pain.
- [Trial consultant – a key legal team member](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/trial-consultant) - A trial consultant brings expertise to a legal team, before, during and after a trial. A trial consultant works with a lawyer, often choosing jurors, performing mock trials, running focus groups, organizing testimony, setting up shadow juries, and providing comment on the trial and the lawyers themselves.
- [Lead generating the old-fashioned way](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/lead-generating-the-old-fashioned-way) - Lead generating remains key to the success of your business. But, take a minute to step back from all the hype about generating leads through the web. There's nothing wrong with generated leads the old-fashioned way. Here's how: Lead generating the old-fashioned way Contact existing clients to see if they want to buy more or
- [Starting a consulting business](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/starting-a-consulting-business) - Starting a consulting business can be one of the most exciting times of your life. But starting a consulting business can also be a stressful time. When you start launching your own business, you are taking a leap of faith. Considering starting a consulting business? There are many reasons why you might want to be
- [Consulting jobs](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/consulting-jobs) - Consulting jobs are enticing for a variety of reasons. Check out the big list of reasons why consulting jobs are rewarding: work from home, set your own hours, benefit from tax write-offs, set your own fees... The list of benefits goes on. But once you've decided you want to become a consultant, how do you choose which one of the many consulting jobs are for you?
- [Consultant fees: make $100 an hour](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/consultant-fees-make-100-an-hour) - Consultant fees can make you $100 an hour. You heard me right. If you set your consulting fees properly, you can earn $100 an hour -- even $150, $200, $1000 or more. How do you do it? My post on setting consulting fees gives you many of the answers. But what if you've been scraping
- [Sample consulting estimate](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/sample-consulting-estimate) - Sample consulting estimates are hard to come by. New consultants often have little experience with setting consulting fee rates or they aren't sure what to include in a project estimate. Setting your rate and accurately estimating what is involved in a project are crucial to consultant success. As a result, I've decided to include this
- [New lower price - Become a Consultant Course](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/new-lower-price-become-a-consultant-course) - We're celebrating "Back to School" with our Become a Consultant program. Now just $495 US, this course combines the Become a Consultant workbook with exercises, 2.5 hours of audio, discussion forums, two of our most popular guides (Discover Your Inner Consultant and Consulting Fees: A Guide for Independent Consultants), and more. If you've been toying with signing up for
- [Consultant fees - how to set them](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/consultant-fees-how-to-set-them) - Consultant fees - how to set them may seem tricky, but see my post on setting consulting fee rates. Consultant fees vary from industry to industry and from person to person. But the consultants who do the best job at setting fees are those who focus on the value they create for their clients and
- [Consulting contract example](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/consulting-contract-example) - Consulting contract examples are something that some consultants don't take much time to consider. I mean, you're a new consultant. You're busy building your expert-status, finding new clients, and meeting your clients' needs. As a result, for some passionate consultants, the financial and legal aspects of their business take a back-seat. But contracts are a key
- [Consulting business names - 25 ideas for great brands](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/consulting-business-names-25-ideas) - Choosing a name for your consulting business means making lots of decisions. Our 25 ideas for choosing a great name can make the process a little easier.
- [Hourly rate calculator](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/hourly-rate-calculator) - Wondering how much you earn per hour or what to use as a base rate comparison for a consulting or freelance fee? Start here.
- [Consultant salary & pay 101](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/consultant-salary-pay-101) - Consultant salary and pay information for indie and big firm consultants
- [How to earn money as a consultant](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/how-to-earn-money-as-a-consultant) - Want to know how to earn money as a consultant? It's easier than you think. There are many ways to earn money as a consultant: social media consulting, IT consulting, home staging consulting, environmental consulting and much more. Start by doing an inventory of your skills and experience. What are you good at? What do
- [Consultant course - 5 great options for study](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/consultant-course-great-options-for-study) - Taking consultant courses can be an effective way to jumpstart your career as a consultant. However, consultant courses aren't always easy to find or aren't necessarily in your area. Here are 5 great consulting course options for study that will help you launch into your next career as a consultant.
- [How to introduce a speaker](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/how-to-introduce-a-speaker) - Wondering how to introduce a speaker? Learn about this important role and get tips for the task of speaker introduction.
- [Is The Motley Fool targeting BC parents and their $40?](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/is-the-motley-fool-targeting-bc-parents-4) - Is a Motley Fool ad on The Vancouver Sun targeting BC parents and their $40 temporary education supplement? As a marketing consultant, I'm intrigued.
- [Building your risk tolerance](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/building-your-risk-tolerance) - No matter what stage your business or career is at, you may benefits from building your risk tolerance. You might think that means just learning to stop being afraid, but pursuing more life experiences may be the real answer.
- [What you learn from your first client](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/what-you-learn-from-your-first-client) - Your first client means more than money and validation. You have the opportunity to learn.
- [The lowdown on becoming a consultant](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/become-a-consultant) - Looking for stats and information about consulting? Our info graphic about becoming a consultant may just do the trick.
- [Consulting - a growing venture](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/consulting-a-growing-venture) - Check out our infographic on the latest consulting stats
- [Scope creep & your business](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/scope-creep-your-business) - Scope creep can derail your business, costing time and money. Learning to manage scope creep and putting a scope of work plan in place may save you.
- [ How to succeed as a financial consultant](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/how-to-succeed-as-a-financial-consultant) - " How to succeed as a financial consultant" is a guest post from Neil R. Williams. He's a financial consultant by profession and a writer in the finance niche. He consults people on personal finance issues such as on debt problems, credit repair, debt settlement and so. He has articles posted in many financial blogs or sites. The following article is his opinion.
- [Consulting fees - should you discount when starting out?](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/consulting-fees-discount) - It can be tempting to cut your consulting fees when you're starting out. Here's why you should think twice about discount the rate you charge as a consultant.
- [Consulting rate](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/consulting-rate) - Consulting rate - Are you wondering how to set your rates as a new consultant? It's extremely important to set an appropriate rate for your consulting services. Why? Because not only does your rate reflect your qualifications and expertise, but it's also your bread and butter! Use a strategy when setting your consulting rate so that you are confident in your pricing structure. Rates should also take into consideration competitors' rates, physical location (think urban cities versus small towns) and the exclusivity of your services.
- [Rates for independent consultants](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/rates-for-independent-consultants) - Rates for independent consultants can be one of the most important elements to understand as a consultant. How do you set rates for independent consultants? What are other consultants in your field charging? How can you justify a high rate? Should you negotiate your rate? How much is too much--or too little? What strategy should
- [7 reasons to pay attention when something doesn’t fit](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/7-reasons-to-pay-attention-when-something-doesn’t-fit) - Whether it's your job, your family life, or another element in your life that isn't working out, there are always signs--if you pay attention. But the question is, what are you going to do about the signs that are telling you that something in your life isn't working? Here are 7 reasons to pay attention
- [Consulting fees - charge lower fees for some things](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/consulting-fees-charge-lower-fees-for-some-things) - Consulting fees take time to work up. Once you're gone through the process of choosing a consulting fee model, you may have a client ask you if that's your rate for everything. Should you have one consulting rate?When I started out, I offered my time at different rates. For strategic marketing planning, I charged the
- [Stop advertising and go with referrals](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/stop-advertising-and-go-with-referrals) - Stop advertising and go with referrals -- that's the suggestion from Robert Ellis of Smart Strategies (link expired). He and his company have sworn off advertising. They now only accept business from referred clients:Some time ago we decided to quit accepting new clients unless they had been referred. We took down the signs on our
- [Who cares what they say anyway? ](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/who-cares-what-they-say-anyway) - Are you paralyzed by what other people think? Are you afraid of being seen as a failure? Are you unable to live your dreams because of fear of criticism or because you're afraid of what other people might think? We might not like to admit it, but we've all got fears. Fear is one of
- [5 ways to help define success for yourself](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/5-ways-to-help-define-success-for-yourself) - If you're already achieving success, it can be easy to sit back and keep on doing what you've always done. But don't get complacent. Challenge yourself and your business to implement these 5 ways to help define success for yourself. 1. Go after more desirable clients Don't just wait for clients to come to you.
- [Free Suze Orman ebook - great for consultants](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/free-suze-orman-ebook-great-for-consultants) - Via GetRichSlowly.org, I learned about an ebook giveaway on the Oprah Winfrey site. For Valentine's Day only, the Oprah site is offering a free copy of Suze Orman's Women & Money ebook. (Scroll to the bottom of that page.) Whether you are a woman or a man, this ebook has some great advice for consultants.
- [Consultancy - Start your own](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/consultancy-start-your-own) - Consultancy - Have you always wanted to start your own consultancy? Not sure where to start? The good news is that starting a consultancy can be as easy as choosing a specialization, building your expertise, setting your rates, and finding your first client. In fact, depending on the type of consultant you are to become, there are very few rules governing most consulting industries so the time it takes to go from zero to having your own consultancy is shorter than you think.
- [Consultant business plan template](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/consultant-business-plan-template) - Consultant business plan template - Are you searching for a consultant business plan template because you're interested in becoming a consultant? If so, then you've come to the right place. Not only does Consultant Journal have excellent consultant business plan template resources, but we also have over 900 valuable articles that explain every aspect of becoming a consultant, from consultant finance to marketing your consultancy.
- [Introverts as leaders and entrepreneurs](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/introverts-leaders-entrepreneurs) - Introverts as entrepreneurs
- [Free teleseminar - filling up fast!](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/free-teleseminar-filling-up-fast) - Sometimes, whether it's in your professional or personal life, you can get stuck. The stress and strain of trying to have it all can really take its toll. By partnering with others to leverage their strengths and experiences, though, you can find ways to have it all - without having to do it all all the time. As I announced in yesterday's newsletter, I've partnered with Gerrianne Clare of Family Guidance System to offer a FREE teleseminar for Consultant Journal readers.
- [Red Hot Chili Peppers mixed up with bag piper band](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/red-hot-chili-peppers-bag-pipe-band) - What happens if you confuse Red Hot Chili Peppers with a bag pipe band called The Red Hot Chilli Pipers? You may know the famous alternative band, Red Hot Chili Peppers. A client emailed me recently to say she’d been looking at their videos on Youtube. She was looking at one clip that featured bag pipes and thinking Flea and the boys looked a little less gaunt than usual.
- [Pink for October](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/pink-for-october) - Pink for October! As you've no doubt noticed, Consultant Journal has turned pink. For the month of October, this site is going pink to promote Breast Cancer Awareness Month. I got the idea from Pink for October. I hope you'll join me in supporting breast cancer awareness events and fundraisers. Although my site deals with
- [12 tips for managing your online reputation](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/12-tips-for-managing-your-online-reputation) - Managing your online reputation is increasingly important. You may have have heard that dates, neighbours, clients and prospective employers may be looking you up online. But what exactly can you do about it? Maybe you've heard that once something is online, it's there forever. Well, while it's difficult to remove stuff from the Internet, you can take steps to manage your online reputation.
- [Friday 5: working from home](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/friday-5-working-from-home) - Working from home can be grand. In this week's Friday 5, Des Walsh shares the top 5 great things about working from home (dead link). His number 1 pick: If I have bosses now, it's my customers, or me. Realistically, there is no boss in my business. And that works for me. When you become
- [Sample business plan for consulting](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/sample-business-plan-for-consulting) - Using a sample business plan for consulting - wondering if you should use a sample business plan from consulting or put one together on your own?
- [Friday 5: mistakes in buying a business](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/friday-5-mistakes-in-buying-a-business) - Looking at buying a business, instead of starting one from scratch? Check out this week's Friday 5, a list of the top 5 mistakes made when buying a business (expired link), via Michelle Knudson. She notes the importance of evaluating the potential of the business: We often get so sidetracked by the idea of being
- [Make no mistake: you're running a business](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/make-no-mistake-youre-running-a-business) - Do you think of yourself as a freelancer? There's almost no difference between a freelancer and a consultant. In either case, you have a variety of clients and projects. It seems that some people prefer the term "freelancer" because it sounds more informal. But make no mistake: you're still running a business.What's involved in the
- [Become a CHRP consultant](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/become-a-chrp-consultant) - Become a CHRP consultant and leverage your people skills. What is a CHRP? The initials CHRP stand for Certified Human Resources Professional, and CHRP is the professional designation used in Canada for experts in Human Resource management. CHRPs are experts when it comes to recruitment, personnel management, union and employee regulation, performance appraisals, job descriptions,
- [Friday 5: clear office clutter](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/friday-5-clear-office-clutter) - Last week, I complained about my top 5 sources of office clutter. Since then, I've stumbled across Life Organizer's 10 simple ways to clear clutter from your home and office. I usually stick to top 5 lists for the Friday 5, but I'm making an exception this week.This suggestion stuck out for me:Make a rule
- [Vancouver GMAT course contract](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/vancouver-gmat-course-contract) - Vancouver GMAT course provider Veritas Prep regularly hires me to teach GMAT prep in Vancouver to MBA-bound students. Veritas runs courses worldwide, including GMAT prep in Vancouver. Although the company is based in Malibu, California, the founders have developed a business model that allows them to offer courses anywhere. Teaching is a key interest for
- [Best request for award nomination ever](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/best-request-for-award-nomination-ever) - This email from Kerri Carlson about running Every Woman in the World and juggling parenthood isone of the most hilarious, moving and accurate portrayals of being a parent entrepreneur ever!
- [Consulting Fees now available in print and .mobi](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/consulting-fees-now-available-in-print-and-mobi) - Consulting Fees: A Guide for Independent Consultants is now available in print - get your copy here...
- [7 reasons to own a niche](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/7-reasons-to-own-a-niche) - 1. Expertise When you own a niche you are perceived as an expert in that niche. (And you will become an expert in that niche over time, if you aren't already.) Customers feel more confident when they perceive you as an expert, and it's easier to stand out in one area. 2. Clear elevator pitch We've all met individuals at networking functions who stammer, "I'm a creative writer, but also do social media. And I love helping businesses with their financial books. And I sell audio files on the internet." When we hear someone with such a diverse range of interests and skills, it can be difficult to know what type of work to hire this consultant for, so we don't end up hiring them at all.
- [Become an IT consultant](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/become-an-it-consultant) - If you're interested in working as an IT consultant, these handy resources can help you on your path.
- [Identifying toxic clients](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/identifying-toxic-clients) - Identifying toxic clients is a valuable skill. Toxic clients are rarely worth the money because they can sap your energy, time and patience. Frequently, it's possible to identify early warning signs, but we don't act on them and tend to continue working with the client anyway. But over the long-term most of us wish we'd trusted our initial instincts and avoided working with the toxic client in the first place.
- [Giving power to the entrepreneur within](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/giving-power-to-the-entrepreneur-within) - Giving power to the entrepreneur within is something that many of us think about but few of us take action on. Whether it's financial responsibilities, healthcare, our children, or one of the many other responsibilities that we face, sometimes the entrepreneur within gets snuffed out. There are many benefits to having a regular 9 to
- [Consultant training](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/consultant-training) - Consultant training can be an excellent option if you're interested in becoming a consultant but aren't sure where to begin. When you register to take consultant training there are numerous benefits--both personal and professional: 1. Meet like-minded people in consultant training Never under-estimate the power of connecting with like-minded people. Meeting like-minded people in consultant
- [Tax write off](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tax-write-off) - Tax write off time of year again, yes it is! Tax write offs are one of the many things that rule about being a consultant, even if being a consultant is your second job. Over the years, Consultant Journal has put together a couple of handy tax write off lists, including tax write offs (which
- [Staying on top of receipts with Neat Receipts](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/staying-on-top-of-receipts-with-neat-receipts) - Tax time always tests my organizational skills. I collect dozens of business receipts in a month. Many of these are from retailers that print with disappearing ink. Typically, tax-collecting agencies prefer readable receipts should you—I shiver even mentioning it—ever be audited. Thankfully, a friend of mine told me about a solution, Neat Receipts. This small
- [Consulting company business plan](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/consulting-company-business-plan) - Consulting company business plans - Are you looking for a business plan template or a boiler-plate that will help you put together a consulting company business plan? There are a variety of resources here at Consultant Journal that will help you in writing your consulting company business plan.
- [5 tips from a Vancouver business plan writer ](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/5-tips-from-a-vancouver-business-plan-writer) - Wondering how to get going with your business plan? Check out these five tips for moving ahead.
- [Putting together a business plan](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/putting-together-a-business-plan) - Get past the overwhelm and into the power seat with your business plan. Put together a business plan with these tips.
- [Consultancy business plan template](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/consultancy-business-plan-template) - Consultancy business plan templates are extremely useful when putting together your own consultancy business plan. However, it's important to use critical thinking when working off a consultancy business plan template that's already been created.
- [Dreyfus model of skill acquisition](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/dreyfus-model-of-skill-acquisition) - The Dreyfus model of skill acquisition is a helpful concept to understand when interested in building your expert status. The Dreyfus model was developed at the University of California during the 1980s, and this model of skill acquisition is still relevant today.
- [Business moms - 5 things they won't tell you](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/business-moms-things-they-wont-tell-you) - We hear a lot about work at home moms and small business owners who are moms. Mom entrepreneurs are all the rage. But here are five things you won't hear.
- [How to get a consulting job](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/how-to-get-a-consulting-job) - Wondering how to get a consulting job? Many people who wonder how to get a consulting job start by contacting existing consulting firms and pitching their own services to existing consulting businesses. And that can work for some. But if you're thinking about how to get a consulting job, why not consider starting your own
- [What is consulting?](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/what-is-consulting) - What is consulting? Consulting is a career choice that offers professional or specialized advice to individuals and businesses for a fee. As a consultant, you will likely work freelance, although some consultants are employed by large corporations. A consultant may have one specialty or many. You may choose consulting as a full-time career or as a second job that provides extra income.
- [Why build your consulting website using WordPress](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/why-build-your-consulting-website-using-wordpress) - Whether you are a just getting started as a consultant or whether you're a seasoned veteran, chances are you will need a consulting website. Gone are the days where a business card will suffice when it comes to marketing your consulting business. You're going to need a website.
- [IT contracting rates](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/it-contracting-rates) - IT contracting rates vary from firm to firm and region to region. Nowadays, you may be competing with offshore contractors. But you can still carve out a niche for yourself.
- [Disney revamped Old Yeller - but tread carefully with your brand revamp](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/old-yeller-revamp) - Disney pulls off a repackaging of a tragic classic children's book - but don't assume you can do the same with your brand revamp.
- [Is search marketing right for you?](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/search-marketing) - Search marketing can help customers find your company and downplay undesirable results. Is it right for you?
- [You won't believe how this gardening truck beats the marketing game](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/garden-truck) - You won't believe how this gardening truck beats the marketing game. At first, I was shocked. Then I was too busy looking at what was there. Then I figured out what was going on - and it was simple brilliance.
- [Stay gold, Ponyboy](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/stay-gold-ponyboy) - An odd sticker with a "Stay gold, Ponyboy quote" harkens back to simpler days.
- [Setting consulting fees confidently](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/setting-consulting-fees-confidently) - Setting consulting fees confidently can help you get ahead in your consulting career, no matter whether you're starting out or firmly established. Learn more about what trips up most consultants.
- [Should you market your small business with PPC?](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/market-small-business-with-ppc) - Small business owners face a barrage of marketing options. Given the rise in PPC advertising, entrepreneurs may be wondering what PPC can do for them. Find out why - or why not - to do PPC.
- [Managing business continuity risk](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/managing-business-continuity-risk) - Own a small business? Managing business continuity risk can better ensure the long term health of your business.
- [Connecting with new clients - Part 2](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/connection-with-new-clients-part-2) - Don’t miss an opportunity to make a name for yourself. Get yourself out there and introduce yourself.
- [Connecting with new clients - Part 5](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/connecting-with-new-clients-part-5) - As you have discovered from this series, there are countless ways to connect with new clients. You will find the methods that work best for you, but don’t be shy about trying something different.
- [Connecting with new clients - Part 3](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/connecting-with-new-clients-part-3) - Though it's a classic way of connecting with new clients, the tactic of handing out your business cards is still relevant in today’s technological age.
- [Connecting with new clients - Part 4](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/connecting-with-new-clients-part-4) - Depending on your business, an online presence can help you connect with new clients. The Internet can provide you with a wealth of advertising/marketing options. Depending on what type of consulting service you are offering, you should consider one or more of the following...
- [How to become a consultant and succeed](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/how-to-become-a-consultant-and-succeed) - Wondering how to become a consultant and succeed? It starts with focus and confidence - and you may find that figuring out your path helps with the latter.
- [Finding ways to connect with new clients - Part 1](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/connecting-with-new-clients) - Finding new clients - read on for tips. In the next few weeks you can look forward to another series of articles on finding new clients for your consulting business. I will cover traditional approaches as well as not-so-traditional. Some of these ideas will be familiar to you. But I hope you also learn some
- [Making the transition](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/making-the-transition) - So you’re working for somebody else but you dream of becoming a full-time self-employed consultant. The good news is: you don't have to up and quit your current job! A great way to achieve your goal is to start consulting part-time. Why should you do this? Finances – your current job is your ‘safety net.’
- [What are you good at?](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/could-you-be-a-consultant) - You think you want to become a consultant, but you're not sure what direction to take. A good starting-point is to do a personal inventory for yourself. This involves taking stock of your unique skills, attributes and experiences. (Refer to Discover Your Inner Consultant for help in carrying out an inventory.) You probably have a
- [3 surprising ways to increase your work productivity](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/3-surprising-ways-to-increase-your-work-productivity) - Like other professionals, consultants can suffer from boredom or stress or isolation. Often your productivity declines as a result, which can lead to frustration or apathy. Does this sound like you? Via Elephant Magazine, here are 3 surprising things that will increase your work productivity: Take your work to a cafe. Take your dog to
- [Leave a paper trail!](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/leave-a-paper-trail) - How many times have you had to reference something and not been able to find what you’re looking for? How about the phone number of a prospect you met yesterday in the coffee shop? Exactly what did you tell your client on the phone two weeks ago? There is nothing more frustrating than not being
- [Ask Your Clients](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/ask-your-clients) - As a consultant, you want to leave your clients more than satisfied with your services. But how do you know how happy they are after the job is done? You might think you’ve done a fantastic job, but the client may not agree. Learning what you've done right, and wrong, is an important step in becoming
- [We all make mistakes](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/we-all-make-mistakes) - It’s your worst nightmare: the client phones and says that you’ve made a big mistake. What do you do? Whatever you do, don’t have a nervous breakdown. Stay calm and analyze the situation. As an independent consultant, remember that it’s up to you to remedy the situation quickly and with a minimum of fuss. Listen
- [8 Steps to Becoming a Consultant](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/8-steps-to-becoming-a-consultant) - Are you thinking of becoming a consultant but you’re not sure where to start? What is a consultant, anyway, and how do you become a consultant? To help turn your dream of becoming a consultant into reality, read on… 8 Steps to Becoming a Consultant 1. Find your niche – What are your interests and
- [Innovation in Consulting](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/innovation-in-consulting) - A long, long time ago in a suburb far, far away, Rhona-Mae Arca and I worked for a mid-sized software company. We spent lunch times and occasional Friday nights discussing our plans for growing our fledgling side businesses. Rhona-Mae went on to found Musespeak Consulting - and she's just received major recognition from Roland Music for
- [Sporadic posting and life's unexpected events](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/sporadic-posting-and-lifes-unexpected-events) - I usually pride myself on updating Consultant Journal regularly. In fact, I often have a stash of posts written well in advance - I just most more spontaneous ones as they occur to me. Well, that all ground to a halt recently. You see, I decided to sell my home. That meant getting ready to
- [Thank goodness for self employment](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/thank-goodness-for-self-employmen) - The past two months have been a blur. Between selling my home, taking on a new client, taking care of sick kids, managing volunteer commitments, buying a home and just the regular routine of parenting and having a life, I've felt stretched in all directions. And I've never felt more fortunate to work for myself.
- [Is a business plan necessary?](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/is-a-business-plan-necessary) - Is a business plan necessary? Maybe if you're looking for investors or lenders or hoping to reassure a spouse or yourself. But creating a plan opens doors.
- [The Number One Secret Behind Charging Higher Fees](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/the-number-one-secret-behind-charging-higher-fees) - If you want to charge higher fees, you can’t be a run of the mill consultant. When people really value what you have to offer, it’s because of scarcity. Now, economists talk about scarcity all the time. You’re heard of the supply and demand curve. And prices emerge where the two lines cross. Where there’s a supply of services and a corresponding demand. If there is a scarcity of supply and demand is strong, then prices will be higher.
- [Just move](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/just-move) - Related: How to become a consultant Write Your Business Plan Now
- [Learn to freelance and change your life](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/learn-to-freelance-and-change-your-life) - Learning to freelance or consult means more than just picking up a project here or there. It's a chance to improve your financial profile, broaden and deepen your experience, pursue your hobbies and interests and more.
- [2013 – the year to raise your rate  ](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/2013-the-year-to-raise-your-rate) - If you haven't raised your consulting rate in a while, you're probably losing money. And if you're still charging by the hour, you might want to look at other options.
- [Fast away the old year passes](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/fast-away-the-old-year-passes) - The clock is winding down on 2012, but there are a few days left still. I'm maxing and relaxing on a stay-cation - a vacation at home. But my mind occasionally does turn to my business dreams for the year ahead, even if many of them are rooted in how I want my personal life to look.
- [When life gets in the way](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/when-life-gets-in-the-way) - Sometimes, life gets in the way and I end up hitting the pause button with work projects. But, at the same time, my self employment as a consultant affords me work-life balance that would be hard to get anywhere else.
- [Binders Full of Women - a book](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/binders-full-of-women-a-book) - Mitt Romney's quote about binders full of women has gone viral. To contribute to the trending meme, I thought I'd put together an ebook that details binders of women. It's a handy reference for anyone who wasn't already aware of the bind women find themselves in.
- [last month](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/last-month) - This page no longer exists. While you're here, though, why not read about becoming a consultant or how to set your consulting rate?
- [On comments and tedium](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/on-comments-and-tedium) - The previous post here covered finding time to work on your business. And, of course, I've been talking about business plans a lot lately. In spite of all this, I'm doing an awful lot of work *in* my business right now. And some of it is just...tedious!
- [Why you never want to compete on price](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/why-you-never-want-to-compete-on-price) - Setting consulting fees can be tough to navigate when you're becoming a consultant. There are so many parameters to consider--far more than just what others are charging. Here are six reasons why you never want to compete on price:
- [Standard per diem rate | Per diem table](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/standard-per-diem-rate-per-diem-table) - Standard per diem rates for charging for meals.
- [Nearing capacity for teleseminar - sign up now](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/nearing-capacity-for-teleseminar-sign-up-now) - Just a quick note to say that we're almost at capacity with seats in this Wednesday's free teleseminar. As I mentioned, I've partnered with Gerrianne Clare of Family Guidance System to offer a FREE teleseminar for Consultant Journal readers.
- [Becoming a consultant in Canada](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/becoming-a-consultant-in-canada) - Becoming a consultant in Canada is relatively straightforward. My becoming a consultant FAQ covers may of the steps. You may also be interested in the many articles on this site, which cover: how to discover the right consulting career for you how to find clients how to build your practice how to develop your sales
- [Pink for October update](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/pink-for-october-update) - Wondering why this site is pink? As I mentioned at the beginning of October, this site is Pink for October as a way of drawing attention to breast cancer and breast cancer awareness campaigns. The Pink for October site lists 500 participants, but Technorati lists almost 1,500 Pink sites. Previous post: Reporting work from home
- [Relaxation tape reviews](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/relaxation-tape-reviews) - Relaxation tapes -- progressive and other types -- are used by many people who work from home. The gentle sounds of a relaxation tape allow people to focus on their work, cover up annoying outside sounds, and provide a change from the sounds of keyboards and computers! I recently stumbled across some reviews of relaxation
- [Home office desk from Christopher Lowell](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/home-office-desk-from-christopher-lowell) - After searching high and low, I bought a gorgeous home office desk from the Christopher Lowell collection at Office Depot. It took me ages to find the right desk for my home office. I wanted an espresso finish, so that the desk would match my furniture. I also wanted storage for books, a multifunction printer,
- [Sleeping bag you wear](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/sleeping-bag-you-wear) - Spending a little too much time in your home office? Check out this wearable sleeping bag (look under designs). Perhaps I should add it to my list of office gadgets I can't live without. It looks pretty cozy and perhaps would make a great addition to my winter consulting gear! "Sleeping bag you wear" from
- [8 reasons the economy means opportunity ](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/8-reasons-the-economy-means-opportunity) - Even when the economy is in the dumpster, opportunities abound for consultants paying attention.
- [Small business income standards](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/small-business-income-standards) - Small business incomes standards fall into a wide range. Some small businesses fail to earn any income, whereas others may earn millions. The US Small Business Administration has developed small business size standards to help entrepreneurs determine eligibility for programs. You can also read about regulations for small business size standards. As the tables show,
- [How to start a consulting business](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/how-to-start-a-consulting-business) - Figuring out how to start a consulting business is part of becoming a consultant. Unless you've opted for a corporate job, you'll need to learn how to start a consulting business. Your consultancy itself is a business and starting up isn't as hard as you might think. Check out our business plan template and workbook.
- [Consultants become Starbucks groupies, right?](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/consultant-lifestyle) - Drop by any coffee shop at three in the afternoon and you'll probably find several consultants. Heck, drop by at 10 am and you'll find consultants. The Asheville Citizen Times points out that people who become consultants hang out at Starbucks, but work pretty darn hard the rest of the time. Ah, the lifestyle of
- [Japanese toys and what you can learn](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/japanese-toys-and-what-you-can-learn-japanese-toy) - Japanese toys will increasingly be marketed to adults, say Japanese toy makers (rapidly decaying link). Faced with an aging Japanese population and falling birth rate, Japanese toys would only enjoy small successes if marketed to children. Instead, toy makers will set their sights on older technology enthusiasts, known as otaku. Otaku -- grown-up gadget geeks --
- [How to be like Coca-Cola](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/how-to-be-like-coca-cola) - Bruno Coelho sent in a post called Be like Coca-Cola. The article shows you how you can benefit from Coca-Cola's history -- how to go from being great to being seen as great and changing the world. Here's a brief intro to the article from Bruno: "You can't climb the ladder of success with the dress of
- [Dan Akroyd is a UFO consultant](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/dan-akroyd-is-a-ufo-consultant) - Dan Akroyd works as a consultant...a UFO consultant. As a lifetime member of MUFON, the Mutual UFO Network, Akroyd combines his passion for UFOs with his movie industry experience. I'd like to do a ghost hunting thing. I'm the Hollywood consultant for mufon.com, which is the mutual UFO network. Wow, should I add "UFO consultant"
- [Geoffrey Moore on consulting](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/geoffrey-moore-on-consulting) - Geoffrey Moore, a consultant famous for his books on technology adoption, is one of my favourite authors. Coincidentally, Jon Morrow from BestSellerInterviews sent along his interview with Geoffrey Moore. The interview focuses on Moore's strategies for gaining readers. I love this quote from Moore, because it says so much about his consulting model: I don’t
- [Fake office noise boosts credibility](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/fake-office-noise-boosts-credibility) - Does fake office noise boost your credibility? ThrivingOffice.com seems to think so. They've created CDs of fake office noise for home businesses to use. By cancelling out the sounds of lawn mowers, barking dogs, playing children and even your dishwasher, you can make your home business sound larger than life. I haven't checked out the
- [Friday 5: lessons from pro wrestling](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/friday-5-lessons-from-pro-wrestling) - Can you learn about marketing from pro-wrestling? Paul Nilsen lists the top five things you can learn about marketing from pro-wrestling.* My favourite: When a wrestler goes out of his way to show that his opponent’s punch rocked his skull, he is said to be “selling” his opponent’s move. When the tide turns in the
- [Friday 5: hiring a freelance web designer](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/friday-5-hiring-a-freelance-web-designer) - Our weekly Friday 5 covers the top 5 mistakes to avoid in hiring a freelance web designer. Many consultants and small business owners need to hire a freelance web designer to build or overhaul their websites. But it's not as simple as walking into a retail store and asking for the box on the top
- [Friday 5: gain 5 hours a week](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/friday-5-gain-5-hours-a-week) - As part of our regular Friday Five series, here's a list of ways to gain five hours a week.* Hot tip #2 stood out for me: Get good at saying ‘no’ to people. I've always been one of those people who'll do anything to help another person. But, as my marketing consultant website shot to
- [50 people in line for our teleseminar tonight!](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/50-people-in-line-for-our-teleseminar-tonight) - Wow, I must say I'm floored. When we sent out the invitation for Consultant Journal readers to take part in tonight's free teleseminar, I was hoping that we might get 10 people to register. I'm being really honest here - it's my first time doing something like this for Consultant Journal and I wasn't sure how readers would respond. I felt there was a good chance many of you felt "stuck" in your lives, but I had no idea so many of you would be keen to listen in. (By the way, if you aren't able to make the call, you can still register and listen to the recording later.)
- [Hot models for high fees](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/hot-models-for-high-fees) - Seven super hot models - see our video on the hottest models for setting your fees.
- [Safety tips for meeting new clients](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/safety-tips-for-meeting-new-clients) - Safety in meeting freelance, consulting, coaching or counselling clients matters. If you need to meet alone with clients, consider these tips for safety management and risk reduction.
- [Assessing risk in meeting new clients](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/assessing-risk-safety-new-clients) - Business owners - including freelancers, consultants, coaches and counsellors - who meet with clients alone should consider these points for assessing risk.
- [Retire and consult - a consulting business launch guide](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/retire-and-consult) - Retire and consult – oh, those Babyboomers! Always doing things their own way. Well, here's how Boomers can create a plan to retire and consult.
- [September feels like a new year](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/september-feels-like-a-new-year) - I might do my New Year's resolutions in January, but September is still like a new year to me. I've never shaken that back to school feeling.
- [Second jobs for engineers and scientists](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/second-jobs-for-engineers-and-scientists) - Second jobs are popular among engineers and scientists, according to The National Science Foundation's research on second jobs. One in nine engineers and scientists works at a second job. But what sorts of jobs do engineers and scientists have? Somewhere between half and two-thirds of engineers and scientists with second jobs don't work in their
- [Side jobs and second jobs](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/side-jobs-and-second-jobs) - Side jobs and second jobs are more common than you think. Side jobs and second jobs aren't just held by those struggling to make ends meet. No, side jobs and second jobs are held by people from all income brackets, including managers, teachers, and top-level executives. Why would employed people want to take on side
- [Second jobs - working on the side](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/second-jobs-working-on-the-side) - Second jobs are increasingly popular. Millions of people take on side jobs, gigs, contracts and part-time work, so that they can get ahead, build experience or have a little fun.
- [Consulting fees](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/consulting-fees) - Consulting fees and how to set them can be a challenge to new consultants. You might be wondering how much to charge or be unsure of your own value. Many new consultants start by undercharging. However, setting your consulting fees in the right range is easier than you think. There are several approaches to setting consulting fees that you can take. In this article, hourly, daily, fixed, and competitive rates will be examined.
- [4 things you never knew about consulting fees](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/4-things-you-never-knew-about-consulting-fees) - I've done a lot of work on consulting fees, including writing Consulting Fees: A Guide for Independent Consultants and helping numerous new consultants set their consulting fees. When discussing consulting fees with clients and new consultants, I've noticed common misconceptions about consulting fees. I've compiled these common misconceptions into this article to help set the record straight when it comes to consulting fees.
- [Business plans for consultants](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/business-plans-for-consultants) - Putting together a solid business plan can help you get control and confidence in your business. Consider the following points as you work on your plan - and take a look at why a business plan can help if you haven't already got one.
- [Should you hire an invoice factoring company?](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/should-you-hire-an-invoice-factoring-company) - After the post on invoice factoring, many readers wanted to know if they should hire an invoice factoring company. As with many other questions, it depends. Do you need to hire an invoice factoring company? You have poor cash flow. You spend a lot of time on invoice processing. You waste time in chasing unpaid
- [Invoice factoring | Factoring invoice frees money](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/invoice-factoring-factoring-invoice-may-make-you-m) - Invoice factoring -- many small businesses turn to invoice factoring as a way of improving their cash flow. Invoice factoring involves selling your accounts receivable to another company. For example, you may receive 80% of the invoice value -- the factoring company gambles that they'll be able to collect on 100%. Benefits of invoice factoring
- [Health insurance for the self employed](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/health-insurance-for-the-self-employed) - Consider these 8 tips for choosing health insurance when you're self employed.
- [How to become a health sciences consultant](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/how-to-become-a-health-sciences-consultant) - Health science consulting offers a variety of work opportunities. Find out more about this rewarding field.
- [How I learned to stop worrying and love the economy](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/how-i-learned-to-stop-worrying-and-love-the-economy) - Feel like the economy is hurting your business? The simple truth is that any change in the economy brings along opportunities.
- [Marketing - Turn a necessary evil into self nurture](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/marketing-turn-a-necessary-evil-into-self-nurture) - Many small business owners hate marketing and react as though they're doing evil in their work. But, done right, marketing can be an act of self care.
- [Interns should work for pay](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/interns-should-work-for-pay) - Interns - should they get paid for the work they do? While some fields seem to hold unpaid internships in high regard, those same internships may be blocking people from ever entering the field.
- [New year, new ideas](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/new-year-new-ideas) - My thoughts about how to approach 2012. What are yours?
- [How a smart phone can help your business](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/how-a-smart-phone-can-help-your-business) - Get an edge in your business by shifting key activities to a smart phone.
- [Mary Kastle - special offer for Consultant Journal readers](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/mary-kastle-special-offer-for-consultant-journal-readers) - We adore the music of Mary Kastle, who we've written about a few times before. With her business in full swing, she's back with a new CD.
- [Should you take every job?](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/should-you-take-every-job) - Many new consultants wonder if they should ever take the risk of turning down work. But accepting every job carries risks too.
- [CFO starting consulting businesses |Consultant CF](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/cfos-starting-consulting-businesses) - CFOs are jumping on board the consulting business wagon. Find out why these executives take on second jobs.
- [Consultant called in | Consultant Journal](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/consultant-called-in) - Hilarious headline about a consultant.
- [How I became a consultant | Consultant Journal](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/how-i-became-a-consultant) - How I got into consulting - a little bit at a time.
- [Zeer Pot Nigerian teacher's Darfur miracle](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/zeer-pot-nigerian-teachers-darfur-miracle) - The zeer pot, a farmers' market marvel in Sudan, has some links to marketing theory.
- [Income for stay at home mom; income is possible](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/income-for-stay-at-home-mom-income-is-possible) - Income for a stay at home mom? Is it really possible to stay home with your child, earn money and keep a hand in your career? You bet. By structuring your life to provide income, you can be a stay at home mom (or dad) – even after your maternity leave runs out. Earn
- [Pricing a product with a breakeven calculator](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/pricing-a-product-with-a-breakeven-calculator) - I just stumbled across this handy breakeven calculator (expired link) from Case Western Reserve University. It's a handy way to analyze the price point at which your business will breakeven, given the costs of production and the volume of sales for your product. First-year economics students and MBAs spend hours pouring over breakeven charts, but
- [Craigslist consultant needed](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/craigslist-consultant-needed) - Craigslist consultant needed -- that's what one commenter on my Craigslist consultant article says. I just wanted to draw attention to the post, in case you think you can help. If you've got the background to help, let me know and I'll pass your message along to the commenter. Alternatively, you can reply in the
- [Friday 5: worst product ideas ever](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/friday-5-worst-product-ideas-ever) - Via TechEBlog, here's a list of the 5 worst product ideas ever. It just goes to show how important it is to vet your ideas before you launch a business. If you're thinking about starting your own consulting business, be sure to do market research and financials. Before you invest any money in your new
- [Techvibes is for sale | Techvibes on eBay](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/techvibes-is-for-sale-techvibes-on-ebay) - If you're looking for a home business, you might be interested in the Techvibes auction (expired link) on eBay. Techvibes had a huge presence a while back, but the site's marketing has been neglected. You'd think someone with a tech and sales bent could breath some life into it. It's listed for US $60k and
- [Dealing with stress as an independent consultant](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/dealing-with-stress-as-an-independent-consultant) - The following guest post is by Ryan Rivera. Jane has been an independent consultant for 2 and half years now, working for various business firms who seek her expertise on identifying and determining management flaws and problems. She analyses data and prepare reports, citing the difficulties and improvements the company should and must implement. Her job description also involves creating a detailed and quality long- and short-term management tactics to help increase efficacy of management control as well as increase productivity and profitability of the whole enterprise.
- [Light therapy boxes can help consultants](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/light-therapy-boxes-can-help-consultants) - Light therapy box can help consultants who feel like they're down in the doldrums during the winter months. If you're a consultant who feels a slump every winter, you should talk to your doctor about using a light therapy box to combat seasonal affective disorder. Overcoming seasonal affective disorder can help you boost your productivity
- [Be clear on why you're doing this](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/be-clear-on-why-youre-doing-this) - Do you know why you're consulting? The reasons you may be in consulting are as varied as the kinds of people who consult. But take some time to think about why you're in consulting.
- [Choosing the right consulting business](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/choosing-the-right-consulting-business) - Feeling a bit fogged in when it comes to choosing or re-tuning your consulting business? Help yourself find focus by doing a personal inventory and self assessment.
- [Noise canceling headphones - any tips?](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/noise-canceling-headphones-any-tips) - It's noisy as heck in my office. I need some noise canceling headphones. Got any advice?
- [Rules for consulting](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/rules-for-consulting)
- [Confession](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/confession) - I've got a confession to make. It's one I haven't shared with very many people. In fact, I'm not even sure my closest friends know.
- [9 tips for self care in business](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/self-care-in-busines) - Self care - it's key to business success, even if you think it's a wishy-washy term. While ignoring your personal needs might help your business get ahead in the short term, it's the path to burnout in the long term. Sometimes, taking care of business means taking care of yourself.
- [6 easy mistakes consultants make](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/6-easy-mistakes-consultants-make) - Easy mistakes catch the best of us off guard. After 15 years as a consultant, I've seen it all - and done it all. Fortunately, I'd like to think most of my mistakes were in the early years and that I have at least moved on to mistakes that take experience to make. Ha! So I'm in a great position to point out six easy mistakes many people make with their consulting businesses.
- [Steve Jobs, Apple and being an expert](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/steve-jobs-apple-and-being-an-expert) - I tripped across this photo of Steve Jobs' notes for the iPhone launch. Even the head of Apple Computers needed notes to navigate the iPhone. The expert needed help.
- [Tell me about your business](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tell-me-about-your-business) - Have you started a consulting business? Even an itty bitty one? Have you grown the one you had? Tell me your story and how Consultant Journal has helped and I'll consider you for a blog post, complete with a link to your website. One of the things I love about this blog is the opportunity
- [Setting financial goals for your home business](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/setting-financial-goals-for-your-home-business) - Setting financial goals for your home business involves a lot more than just picking a number from the air and plunking it in a spreadsheet. And you need to do more than just look at last year's numbers and add five or ten percent. To set accurate goals, you need a marketing plan or at
- [Successful consulting business: 5 building blocks](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/successful-consulting-practice-5-building-blocks) - Building a successful consulting business takes more than just good luck. If you mix together key ingredients, you can build a successful consulting business even if you’re not a business wiz. Whether you do it yourself or hire someone else, these five areas will help you run your consulting business. Planning What’s that saying? If
- [Building credit for your small business](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/building-credit-for-your-small-business) - Building credit for your small business is important because you never know when you'll want access to more funds, be it for expansion or to help out in a pinch. And what better time to think about building credit for your small business than now, because credit is easier to build when you're riding the
- [Consulting goes mainstream ](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/consulting-goes-mainstream) - More and more people are choosing consulting as their primary or secondary mode of income. Consulting as a career has become widely accepted, and more frequently preferred in today’s busy world. There are many reasons why consulting has gone mainstream: do any of them apply to you?
- [Tax time, anytime](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tax-time-anytime) - Tax time doesn’t have to be stress-filled. Are you one of those people who shove receipts and invoices wherever is convenient, then panic when you can’t find them? Do you have to sort through a mountain of paperwork when tax time rolls around? Why don’t you be kind to yourself and promise to do tax time, anytime, from here on in?
- [How to manage home office clutter ](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/how-to-manage-home-office-clutter) - You may be asking this question as you stare at your disorganized desk: how to manage home office clutter? It isn’t as difficult as you might think. Just follow these few simple steps, and you, too, can have a clutter-free office space so that you can concentrate on the important stuff.
- [Finding time to work ON your business ](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/finding-time-to-work-on-your-business) - Are you finding time to work ON your business, or do you feel like you are just stuck in a hamster wheel? Perhaps you are in a rut, and don’t realize it. With just a few changes, you can approach your business with a new outlook. You may have heard of all of the following concepts, but are you applying them to your own business? Make the time.
- [Why starting a side business beats the stock market](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/why-starting-a-side-business-beats-the-stock-market) - Starting a side business may be the best thing you can do to get ahead. As with second jobs, a side business can be a way to generate income on top of your existing work.
- [Last day to get the Consulting Start-up Course for $127](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/last-day-to-get-the-consulting-start-up-course-for-127) - Today's the last day to get the Consulting Start-up Course (Become a Consultant - How to Make the Leap) for just $127. That's 35% off the regular price! The course includes audio lessons, worksheets, exercises, discussion forums and a full guide. You also gain access to the full Consultant Journal library - Discover Your Inner Consultant,
- [Analysis paralysis cures for small business owners](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/analysis-paralysis-cures-for-small-business-owners) - You see the ball flying toward you, but you somehow can’t get out of the way. You’re too busy looking at all the other options – run, jump, dive, heck, even duck. All you need to do is stick your glove in front of the ball, but you can’t even do that. You can’t move a muscle.
- [Small business cell phone plans](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/small-business-cell-phone-plans) - Small business cell phone plans can come in handy if you’re starting a consulting business or any other small business. But with so many small business cell phone plans available, it can be difficult to choose. For most small business owners, keeping cell phone costs under control is the biggest concern. I've spent a lot
- [Oops! Major technical problems on this site!](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/oops-major-technical-problems-on-this-site) - Oops! I was updating the site and I made a major, major typo. Somehow, I overwrote the entire look of the site. Please be patient while I wait for my web developer to wake up and rescue me. Update: I fixed it all by myself!
- [Medical insurance coverage](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/medical-insurance-coverage) - Medical insurance coverage is something we need to consider carefully. Even minor medical needs, such as prescription drugs or minor health problems, can add up if you do not have adequate medical insurance coverage. In the case of major illness or accident, which can happen to anyone at any time, proper medical insurance coverage is invaluable.
- [Four new products added to the consulting start-up course](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/four-new-products-added-to-the-consulting-start-up-course) - I just finished uploading new content to my consulting start-up course, Become a Consultant: How to Make the Leap. You'll now also find: - Tips for Getting Started with Managing Your Online Reputation, a key part of jumpstarting your expert status (audio) - Six Secrets for Managing Your Online Reputation(audio) - Managing Your Online Reputation, a detailed report, along with a list of resources you can start using now - The Three Things You *MUST* Do Before You Can Move to Solution-based Fees (audio)...
- [Welcome, Entrepreneur Magazine readers](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/welcome-entrepreneur-magazine-readers) - Consultant Journal is featured in Entrepreneur as part of a story on launching a consulting firm. Being featured in Entrepreneur feels like I've come full circle in my business.
- [But it's just your time!](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/but-its-just-your-time) - "Could you spare 20 minutes to talk to me on the phone?" "I'd be happy to work with you to develop a proposal that will meet your needs." "But it's just 20 minutes. In 20 minutes, you could give me such important strategy that would otherwise take me months to develop. You could really help me...."
- [Internet Killed the Video Store](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/internet-killed-the-video-store) - Blockbuster has announced it's closing stores. Here's a little ditty I wrote in honour of the video store. I suppose I was truly a child of the 80s and I remember watching Video Killed the Radio Star over and over during lunch in my fifth grade class room. (Our teacher would record MTV and bring it in. To keep it educational, we had to write a test at the end. Even now, I can tell you obscure details about videos from that time.) Video Killed the Radio Star was the first video ever played on MTV, by the way.
- [Social enterprise - four rules for start up](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/social-enterprise-four-rules-for-start-up) - Is a social enterprise in your dreams? In this guest post, Daniel Frank of GiveACar shares some tips for starting a social enterprise.
- [Expert consultants - How they got there](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/expert-consultants-how-they-got-there) - Expert consultants - wondering how they got there? Here's a quick overview of some founders of top consulting firms, where they came from and how they got there. Tom Peters: Tom Peters started out with a master's degree in civil engineering, but he later studied business at Stanford, receiving both an MBA and a PhD. After spending some time in the navy and working at the White House [...]
- [Upcoming teleclass - survey](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/upcoming-teleclass-survey) - We're planning a one-hour telephone call that you can dial into or listen to on your computer. It's the first time we've done this, so it will be free, except for whatever normal long distance charges might apply. We're still pulling the details together, of course. But we need your help! We want to know what time works best for you.
- [Take our poll](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/take-our-poll) - So, are you consulting? Take our new poll and tell us.
- [6 business reasons to use Twitter](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/busines-reasons-to-use-twitter) - Now, maybe you're wondering why you should even bother with Twitter. With 140 characters as the limit for a message, what could you possibly gain from this? Well, there are tons of business reasons to bother with Twitter, even if you don't want to get in the habit of "tweeting" (sending out messages) on your own.
- [Consultant Journal on Twitter @consultantj](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/consultant-journal-on-twitter-consultantj) - Many of you have followed me on Twitter as @andrea_coutu. I wanted to let you know that I've now set up a separate account for Consultant Journal: @consultantj. You're welcome to follow me at both accounts, of course, but I'll be tweeting more specifically about consulting and business management under the Consultant Journal account. Do
- [Reader Feedback Part Deux](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/reader-feedback-part-deux) - Okay, the other day, I asked you about ad mock-ups. You spoke. I've gone back to that post and updated the images. What do you think now? Related: Images of the ads
- [Recommendations for online data storage?](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/recommendations-for-online-data-storage) - Ugh. I just had an excrutiating experience with trying to find online data storage.
- [Print, PDF and email this blog](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/print-pdf-and-email-this-blog) - I'm happy to say that you can now print, PDF or email blog posts from Consultant Journal. You'll see the print & PDF widget at the bottom of posts. It also allows you to email yourself a copy of any post. By the way, have you tried "Share This"? That's the widget just below "Print Friendly".
- [Smart social butterfly turned into software](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/nexalogy-smart-social-butterfly-software) - I was at O’Reilly Strata last month, where I met Claude Theoret. Claude’s story is fascinating. He’s an astrophysicist turned consultant turned social media software pioneer. And he's found a way to take his social and analytic skills and turned them into software.
- [Welcome, Buffalo Law Journal readers](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/welcome-buffalo-law-journal-readers) - Consultant Journal was recently featured in the Buffalo Law Journal. If this is your first time here, welcome! Some of the most popular pages on this site are listed over here to your right. And you can use the handy search tool to dig up specific topics. If you read the Buffalo Law Journal piece,
- [Help Consultant Journal provide better content in 2011](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/help-consultant-journal-provide-better-content-in-2011) - Every year at this time, I review my business plans for the coming year. When I started Consultant Journal, it was just a personal blog - a way to describe my life as a consultant and perhaps help other people out. Over the years, I've had the privilege of helping other people start and run consulting
- [Holiday card alternatives](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/holiday-card-alternatives) - Every year, I send my clients, vendors and business partners holiday cards. It's a great way to say "thank you". In recent years, I've shifted to New Year's cards, when people are back in the office and a little more ready to actually spend a moment or two on reading the card. Plus it avoids
- [Shop online and support Consultant Journal](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/shop-online-and-support-consultant-journal) - I started Consultant Journal several years ago with the aim of helping people understand how to start, run and grow consulting businesses. Over the years it has grown. I'd love to bring more content, more tools and more community to this site. If you're doing holiday shopping anyway, you can click through our Amazon link
- [My business lets me prioritize my values](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/my-business-lets-me-prioritize-my-values) - People often hear that I have a business and an MBA and assume I have this meat grinder mindset, where it’s all business, all about money and everything’s very unemotional. But that’s till they get to know me. Anybody who knows me knows that my business really reflects my values. And that, because I have a business, I can drop everything to focus on my values when I need to do so.
- [Be the Greatest Thing Since Sliced Bread](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/greatest-thing-since-sliced-bread) - Positioning yourself as an expert can give your career and your business a boost. After all, when you're a trusted authority, people are more likely to seek you out and to refer you to others. Whether you're in business or simply a professional career, figuring out just how to build your expert status can give you an edge.
- [Reinvention Summit & Free Ebook](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/reinvention-summit-free-ebook) - I just got an email about the world's first Virtual Summit on the future of storytelling - The Reinvention Summit.
- [Repositioning for higher earnings](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/repositioning-for-higher-earnings) - Could you be making more doing something else? It’s a question I encourage entrepreneurs to ask from time to time. While you want to be on target with your goals – business and personal – it sometimes makes sense to examine the ways in which you meet those goals. Sometimes, you can build a new
- [Desk jobs and joint aches, pains and health](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/desk-jobs-and-joint-aches-pains-and-health) - If you work at your desk all day, you may not always sit in the best position. And that can leave your joints feeling sore. I recently wrote about joint health for BC Living Magazine and thought I'd share the article: Boning up on joint health. Over the years, I've had problems with joint pains
- [The tragic life and death of Pets.com](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/the-tragic-life-and-death-of-pets-com) - Pets.com died a miserable death just 10 years ago this week. Back in 1999, Pets.com was one of the hallmarks of the dot-com era and its death signified the dot-com crash. The
- [What is business? 1948 view](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/what-is-business-1950s-view) - What is business? Well, here's a 1948 instructional video to tell you all about it. I wrote a post, What is business?, on this subject last year. But there's just something kinda kitschy and fun about this 1948 educational video...where we see "Mother" and Joan waving to "Father" as he sets off in the
- [Major update to Consulting Fees guide](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/major-update-to-consulting-fees-guide) - Today, I'm excited to announce the launch of the second edition of Consulting Fees: A Guide for Independent Consultants. I've completely overhauled the original guide and expanded it to 124 pages. To help you move your businesses to the next level, I've added a major section on Solution-Based Fees, which includes help in overcoming any emotional blocks you may have in charging fees that represent the value of the solutions you offer.
- [Do consultants charge tax?](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/do-consultants-charge-tax-2) - Do consultants charge tax? It's a legitimate question. Whether or not consultants charge tax depends on many factors. Your location - Do consultants charge tax? In order to determine whether you should be charging tax as a consultant, make sure you're heeding advice that pertains to your own country and state or province. If you're
- [Consulting fee formula models](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/consulting-fee-formula-models) - Consulting fee formula calculations may feel daunting. But feeling confident about your consulting fee formula and model can make a huge difference to your business. When you feel certain about the approach you’re taking to setting fees, you’re in a better position to deal with clients who want you to knock off a few dollars,
- [Digital cameras for business](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/digital-cameras-for-business) - Digital cameras for business are becoming increasingly common. Many large organizations have digital cameras in office, and that goes for consultants, too. Digital cameras can be used for many business purposes, including taking photos to include in presentations and proposals, to document change, to capture people and ideas and to promote products or services. Many
- [Back to school time for business owners](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/back-to-school-time-for-business-owners) - Ah, it's the Friday before the last long weekend of summer here in Canada. We have Labour Day on Monday. Then, on Tuesday, it's back to school time for my kids. I've been racing around trying to get booster shots, make appointments with the principal and teacher, source new BPA/lead/PVC-free lunch containers, go to meet
- [Average IT consulting rates - tips and tricks](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/average-it-consulting-rates-tips-and-tricks) - Average IT consulting rates may be part of doing your due diligence. If you're looking for average IT consulting rates, you have to first identify your goals in seeking it.
- [Should you take on a partner?](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/should-you-take-on-a-partner) - Someone recently told me that they'd like to start a business with their friend. Are two heads better than one? It depends. Ideally, you'd identify a consulting area where you both already have expertise. You'd want your partnership to strengthen that opportunity. Just deciding to work with a friend isn't enough. You both need to
- [Post resume for telecommute jobs](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/post-resume-for-telecommute-jobs) - Post resume for telecommute jobs -- here's how to do it. If you're looking to post a resume for telecommute jobs or work at home jobs, you should consider highlighting revelant skills and experiences. Companies looking at resumes for telecommute positions want to see that you can work independently, set and achieve goals and manage
- [How to become a consultant in your own field](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/how-to-become-a-consultant-in-your-own-field) - How to become a consultant in your own field -- it's a question on the mind of many. Figuring out how to become a consultant in your own field can help you achieve dreams, such as financial independence, flexibility, balance, control and self empowerment. If you're wondering about becoming a consultant, you may be interested
- [Commercial Equity Line of Credit (CELOC) may help your business](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/commercial-equity-line-of-credit-celoc-may-help-your-business) - Commercial Equity Line of Credit, known for short as CELOC, can help small businesses – especially start ups. A commercial equity line of credit (CELOC) allows a business to borrow money on a regular basis so that they can finance their business. Usually, you can just write out a check when you need the money. It’s an operating loan where you can just borrow what you need as you need it.
- [Have the confidence to see yourself as an expert](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/have-the-confidence-to-see-yourself-as-an-expert) - Have the confidence to see yourself as an expert. When thinking about whether to become an independent consultant, you may wonder whether you can really bill yourself as an expert. Don't get bogged down in the concept of being the absolutely best. Understand that there will always be someone who knows more than you about
- [Independent consultant rates](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/independent-consultant-rates) - Independent consultant rates are something that all consultants are curious about. What should your independent consultant rates be? How much are your peers and competition charging? Are your independent consultant rates to low or too high? Setting your rates as a consultant is crucial. Charge too little, and you're short-changing yourself and making it more
- [What to do during downtime](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/what-to-do-during-downtime) - What to do during downtime is a common question to ask after you become an independent consultant. As a consultant you may find yourself in a feast or famine work cycle where you are very busy at some times and in a lull during other times. When in a lull you may wonder what to
- [Authentic Consulting - bringing authenticity to consultancy](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/authentic-consulting) - How is authenticity demonstrated as a consultant? According to Ryan and Bellman: “Authenticity is the difference between being and playing.”
- [Average consulting rates](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/average-consulting-rates-and-tips) - Average consulting rates vary from industry to industry. If you’re pondering average consulting rates, you probably need to finetune your search. Here's how...
- [Work out your hourly rate](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/work-out-your-hourly-rate) - Work out your hourly rate considering all the important factors and it could mean the difference between just scraping by versus making a sizable income. In order to work out your hourly rate you have to consider more than the going rate. Really, you should be thinking about your overall fee structure and the way
- [Kid health insurance plans](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/kid-health-insurance-plans) - Kid health insurance plans - if you've got kids, you may wonder about what sort of health insurance plan you should be looking at. If you're in the process of evaluating plans that provide health coverage for your children, consider the following:
- [When you should subcontract?](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/when-you-should-subcontract) - Dear Consultant Journal: I've been running my consulting business for a few years now. I have established a network and I get a lot of leads. And sometimes I'm working on project teams where I know that, if I was in the lead, I could be managing some of the vendors. How do you know
- [What to charge for consulting - 5 starting points](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/what-to-charge-for-consulting-5-starting-points) - Knowing what to charge for consulting can be tricky if you haven't got a plan. But, with a little research and planning, you'll be able to work out what to charge for consuting fees -- and say it with confidence.
- [Canadians: buy now and save on HST](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/canadians-buy-now-and-save-on-hst) - If you're Canadian, you probably know the HST sales tax rolls in July 1st. Now is a great time to visit the Consultant Journal store, since there's only GST right now.
- [Bad credit debt consolidation loan](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/bad-credit-debt-consolidation-loan) - Bad credit debt consolidation loans are a good idea if the numbers work. However, bad credit debt consolidation loans are not the only option for getting out of debt. In order to figure out if a bad credit debt consolidation loan is right for you, you need to get a sense of your overall financial
- [Marketing for counselors - counselors need marketing too](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/marketing-for-counselors-counselors-need-marketing-too) - Marketing for counselors may seem like an uncomfortable area for many people used to being in a helping profession. But counselors can succeed with marketing based on their values, just like any other consultant or small business owner can. If you think of marketing as something "evil", it's probably because you've encountered marketing that doesn't fit with your values.
- [Marketing for counsellors - counsellors need marketing too](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/marketing-for-counsellors-counsellors-need-marketing-too) - Marketing for counsellors may seem like an uncomfortable area for many people used to being in a helping profession. But counsellors can succeed with marketing based on their values, just like any other consultant or small business owner can. Counsellors' marketing needs Counsellors and consultants are alike in that they need to determine their unique
- [Canadians - order before the HST comes in](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/canadians-order-before-the-hst-comes-in) - Canadian readers - just a quick note to remind you that, if you place your orders before July 1st, you can avoid the upcoming HST and only pay GST. Consultant Journal is based in BC, so that means you're only dealing with GST of 5% right now. That means this is a great time to order
- [Hourly consulting rate](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/hourly-consulting-rate) - Hourly consulting rate calculations can leave even the savviest consultant feeling frustrated.
- [Financial concerns - what are yours?](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/financial-concerns-what-are-yours) - Open thread today...what are your top financial concerns for your business or personal life? Go ahead...jump in and let's talk money today.
- [How to become a tutor](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/how-to-become-a-tutor) - How to become a tutor - are you wondering where to begin? Learning how to become a tutor is easy. In order to become a tutor, you should first have an area of specialization. Tutors can specialize in a number of subjects: Math Marketing English Writing Business Sciences Music Languages Test preparation And many other
- [Tips for new consultants](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tips-for-new-consultants) - Tips for new consultants are invaluable. I've taken some time to round up some of my best tips for new consultants: Getting started When you're getting started, there's a lot to consider. How much money will you need to get started? Is consulting viable in your industry? Will you need to become certified? What about
- [Carol Burnett on falling down](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/carol-burnett-on-falling-down) - Comedy star Carol Burnett has seen her fair share of good and bad. But she points out that learning that you can get through failure is part of being able to succeed:
- [Self Employed Rates: an entire site for your perusal](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/self-employed-rates-an-entire-site-for-your-perusal) - When I started Consultant Journal four years ago, I had no idea it would become so popular. I initially thought it would just be a place for me to record some tales from life in the trenches as a consultant. Readership grew, though, and soon my posts on setting rates, negotiating credit cards and loans
- [What do you love about consulting?](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/what-do-you-love-about-consulting) - What makes consulting a good fit for you?
- [Celebrating still being here](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/celebrating-still-being-here) - It's April 11th and that means it's Consultant Journal's fourth anniversary! Woot woot!
- [Consulting skills - an ongoing investment](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/consulting-skills-an-ongoing-investment) - Consulting skills can help lift your career -- and business -- to new heights. By taking the time to review and improve your consulting skills, you can gain more control over the direction you're headed in. When I started in consulting, I had great technical skills. I could lay out marketing strategies, create marketing tools, manage
- [What are your biggest financial concerns?](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/what-are-your-biggest-financial-concerns) - When you're running or starting a business, finances tend to be a major consideration. Whether it's paying your own mortgage or making payroll for a team of employees, money affects your life and your business. Over the years, we've covered a wide variety of financial topics: consulting fees, second jobs, finance and more. In fact, our
- [Billy Wilder on your inner voice](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/billy-wilder-on) - Director Billy Wilder, the man behind Sunset Blvd and Some Like It Hot once said: “Trust your own instinct. Your mistakes might as well be your own, instead of someone else's.” Still wondering if you should make the leap to starting a consulting business or perhaps to growing your existing business? What is your gut telling you?
- [Marie Curie on your career](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/marie-curie-on-your-career) - Famed physicist and Nobel Prize winner Marie Curie pioneered research in radium, polonium and radioactivity. But she once shared some wisdom that may inspire you as you go about managing your life, career and business: “Life is not easy for any of us. But what of that? We must have perseverance and above all confidence in ourselves.
- [Making big plans](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/making-big-plans) - Making big plans is easy to forget about when juggling the day to day responsibilities of your own consulting business. But big plans and an overall goal and vision are crucial in making every day decisions. Remember that all your little decisions become your life and your business. Many people don't take the time to
- [The core of relationships](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/the-core-of-relationships) - There's no denying that businesses are built on relationships. And the core of relationships is trust. In essence, trust is an understanding that both parties can rely on one another to achieve a shared goal. There is no relationship without trust, and successful business can't exist without relationships. How to establish credibility in the business
- [Business relationships are still relationships](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/business-relationships-are-still-relationships) - Business relationships are still relationships, no matter which way you look at them. In order to be successful in business you'll need to foster strong relationships with clients, vendors, buyers, staff, or distributors. It's not surprising, then, that business relationships require much consideration, including client generation and customer relationship management strategies. But many business owners make
- [Your client may be right](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/your-client-may-be-right) - Have you ever got into a situation where you're convinced your client has to listen to you? Where you know you're the expert? Where your experience, your years in the trench, your training, your education and your methodology -- and maybe even your gut -- tell you what the client needs in this situation? Stop
- [Happy New Year - what are your resolutions?](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/happy-new-year-what-are-your-resolutions) - Wow, 2010. When I was a kid, this was the future. It was past the timeline of 2001, the movie. It was 10 years into the millenium. And now it's just...today. Still...2010. I'm a little behind -- that's been my story since the fall -- but I'm thinking about New Year's resolutions. I want them
- [Become an image consultant](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/become-an-image-consultant) - Becoming an image consultant is an exciting career aspiration for many, and this dream can become a reality. If you are confident, driven, tactful and have a desire to help others, you may want to seriously consider becoming an image consultant. Image consultants offer comprehensive guidance to their clients in terms of how to improve
- [Advice from Bill Cosby](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/advice-from-bill-cosby) - I disagree with this, but this still made me laugh out loud: "A word to the wise ain't necessary - it's the stupid ones that need the advice. " - Bill Cosby The wise, of course, are already looking for and following good advice!
- [Negotiating credit card rates](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/negotiating-credit-card-rates) - Negotiating credit card rates is something that many consultants neglect to consider. However, it is possible to negotiate credit card rates and get your rate lowered. Your chances of successfully negotiating a better credit card rate increase if you've been a loyal customer and you have an above-average credit rating. When negotiating credit card rates,
- [Becoming a management consultant ](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/becoming-a-management-consultant) - Becoming a management consultant is just one of many types of consulting opportunities. Management consultants help organizations improve their performance. Management consultants are often hired on a per-project basis to identify problems and propose solutions. Corporations and governments seek the advice of an external management consultant because an objective outside opinion is often preferred. It
- [Become a business consultant](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/become-a-business-consultant) - Become a business consultant and discover what it's like to be your own manager and set your own rates. Business consulting can take many forms, and there are many specializations within the industry. However, at their core, business consultants help identify and solve problems. Business consultants can work with corporations or entrepreneurs. When considering whether
- [Become a financial consultant](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/become-a-financial-consultant) - Become a financial consultant if you have a financial background and are interested in the benefits of being a consultant. In the simplest terms, financial consultants offer advice about financial matters. Most financial consultants have a background in economics and experience working with banks, trust companies, mortgage companies, brokerage firms, mutual funds, or other financial
- [Apply for a line of credit](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/apply-for-a-line-of-credit) - Apply for a line of credit before you need it. It can take some time to apply and get a line of credit; if you're considering doing so, apply for a line of credit now, especially if you're considering starting a new business. A line of credit is a predetermined amount of money that a banking
- [Get a better credit rating](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/get-a-better-credit-rating) - Get a better credit rating today. Ensuring that your financial house is in order positively affects your personal and business life. So follow these simple steps and get a better credit rating now. 1. Get to know your credit rating Getting a better credit rating starts with becoming familiar with your own credit score. Keep
- [I've rebranded my consulting company](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/ive-rebranded-my-consulting-company) - After more than 12 years as a marketing consultant, I've made the decision to rebrand my company. Today, I'm pleased to announce the launch of Trustmode Marketing, my Vancouver marketing consultant business. Rebranding was a big decision for me. In fact, the decision and the follow-through showed me just how valuable it is for my
- [It's 9-9-9](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/its-9-9-9) - Forgive me, but I just noticed that it's 9-9-9: September 9, 2009. I don't have anything profound to say about that. I just thought it was really cool. Of course, next year, we'll have something similar in October. But I suppose the fun all ends in 2013.
- [Back to school](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/back-to-school) - Around here, it's back to school time. In Canada, we have a stat holiday called Labour Day on the first Monday in September. Here in Vancouver, school usually starts the next day. Of course, some local school districts started a couple of weeks ago, so that they can close up during the Olympics this February.
- [Mary Kastle releases new music video](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/mary-kastle-releases-new-music-video) - A couple of years ago, we profiled musician Mary Kastle, as part of showing how our Discover Your Inner Consultant workbook can open your mind to careers you might not have considered "business" or "consulting". Mary Kastle is a Vancouver-based singer, songwriter and musician -- and small business owner. I'm thrilled to announce that she's
- [What is business?](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/what-is-business) - What is business? It's a question I asked when I was about 16 or 17. I lived in a small town where most people had jobs in the natural resources, government, health care, education or retail. "Just what is business?" I asked my parents, upon seeing it listed as a potential major in the university
- [How to turn one-off jobs into lasting client relationships](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/how-to-turn-one-off-jobs-into-lasting-client-relationships) - How to turn one-off jobs into lasting client relationships is easier than you think. Turning one-off jobs into lasting relationships is, well, all about relationships. You've probably heard that it's easier to turn an existing customer into a repeat customer than it is to convert someone who has never bought from you before. Although true, many consultants focus their marketing and networking efforts on new contacts and they forget about their best source of new work--their previous clients.
- [Self-employed consultant resources](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/self-employed-consultant-resources) - Self-employed consultant resources are what we're all about here at Consultant Journal. It's about time to focus on the self-employment consultant resources that we offer here at Consultant Journal.
- [Ads on this site](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/ads-on-this-site) - As you've no doubt noticed, this site uses ads. Advertising helps offset the costs of servers, hosting and administration of the site. But do let us know if you ever see an ad that you think we should review. We welcome ads from great advertisers and we're keen to take a look at anything you
- [Happy Canada Day!](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/happy-canada-day-2) - Hey, it's Canada Day and I'm Canadian, so I'm taking the day off. I encourage you to catch up on some posts from the archives. I've included a list of quirky posts that use Canadian spellings, like colour:
- [Why you hate cold calls](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/why-you-hate-cold-calls) - Hate cold calls? There's a reason so many people dislike cold calls.
- [How to find prospective clients](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/how-to-find-prospective-clients) - Life would be a lot easier if clients lined up to buy from you. So why not build a pipeline of potential clients and turn them into raving fans?
- [The one thing you should never do with a check](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/the-one-thing-you-should-never-do-with-a-check) - So you've been consulting for a while and a big check rolls in. Ka-ching! You're set. But there's one thing you should never, ever do with a check.
- [Feel lonely? Here's help.](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/feel-lonely-heres-help) - As consultants, we often work alone out of our home offices. This can mean hours alone with our thoughts. At times, being a consultant can be a lonely career! But it doesn't have to be. Here are seven tips to help you avoid loneliness. 1. Networking Networking can be fun, even for introverts! Join business and
- [Should you discount for non-profits?](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/should-you-discount-for-non-profits) - Should you cut your fees for worthy non-profit associations? One of Consultant Journal's readers, Walela, recently commented on the consulting fees post: This is my first consultant opportunity: to consult with a non-profit that received a grant for a teen mentoring program. Are the fee formulas mentioned on the site applicable to non-profits as well? I
- [How writing articles can help your business](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/how-writing-articles-can-help-your-business) - Writing articles can help your business by jump-starting your expert status, offering free advertising and building backlinks to your website. The first step is to identify a publication related to your niche that may accept your contribution. There are many magazines, journals, trade publications, websites and blogs that would be glad to publish your article.
- [Start your own consulting business](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/start-your-own-consulting-business) - Start your own consulting business! So you'd like to start your own consulting business; what an exciting time this must be for you. Congratulations on considering becoming an entrepreneur and wanting to find out how to get started running your own consulting firm. Steps involved in learning how to start your own consulting business Choose what type of
- [How to start your own consulting business](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/how-to-start-your-own-consulting-business) - How to start your own consulting business can be overwhelming. But figuring out how to start your own consulting business is easy if you take it one step at a time. If you need to know how to get started running your own business, you've come to the right place! Before wondering how to start
- [Trust - the launching point for your business](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/trust-the-launching-point-for-your-business) - As a follow up to the last post on trust as the key to your business success, here's a great piece on leveraging trust so that you can make the leap to entrepreneurship. Is analysis paralysis keeping you from maximizing opportunities? It's easy to get caught up in planning and analysis. After all, we're overwhelmed
- [Build your business: Avoid the send button](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/how-to-build-your-business-by-avoiding-the-send-bu) - There will come a point where you and a client won't see eye to eye, no matter how well intentioned you are. Clashes with clients If you're finding yourself about to respond to an email that rubs you the wrong way, consider holding off for at least 24 hours. While it may be tempting to dash
- [12 ways to pump your ego](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/12-ways-to-pump-your-ego) - At times, consulting can be a lonely business. Loneliness can hit home when you have something to celebrate but you don't have co-workers to pat you on the back! Now and then, it's important to pause and reflect on your successes. Here are 12 ways to pump your ego. 1. Make a list of your top 8 projects
- [Holiday cards](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/holiday-cards) - As the holidays approach, it's a good idea to start thinking about how you'll tie holiday cards into your marketing. My friend Michele shares this experience:"In November I began thinking about Christmas, a particular holiday I celebrate. It’s not tough to think of it early on considering most retailers put out their holiday wares immediately
- [How often do you raise your rates?](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/how-often-do-you-raise-your-rates) - This morning, I was astonished to discover that someone I know has been charging the same consulting fees for TEN years! Ten! And, not only that, this consultant only charges $50 an hour! Yikes! If this consultant had merely increased fees at the rate of inflation, they'd be charging $61 an hour now. I mean,
- [Friday 5: stranded at the airport](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/friday-5-stranded-at-the-airport) - This week's Friday 5 covers the top 5 things to do while stranded at the airport. Consultant Steve Woodruff provides several goofy ways to spend your time in the airport terminal.I haven't travelled for business much recently, but, in 2003, I went on a big sales jag that saw me to Des Moines, Chicago, Oakland,
- [Your sphere of influence](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/your-sphere-of-influence) - As consultants we can often get caught up with finding the next contract, but are we looking in the right place? Although important to garner new clients, sometimes we let our past clients wither away. It’s easy to do as we get caught up with one contract after another. It’s unfortunate though because our past
- [Green with envy?](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/green-with-envy) - It's St. Patrick's Day, which has me thinking about all things green. And, speaking of green, are you someone who falls prey to consulting envy? If you're self-employed (or even just thinking about it), it's easy to think everyone else is doing better than you are. I know I've fallen into this trap. I frequently
- [Friday 5: why avoid sole proprietorship](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/friday-5-why-avoid-sole-proprietorship) - In starting and growing a consulting business, you face many decisions. One of the earliest decisions you need to make involves the structure of your business. Should you set up a sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation or some other structure? Nina Kaufman offers this discussion of the reasons to avoid sole proprietorship.However, even if sole proprietorships
- [Happy Leap Day](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/happy-leap-day) - Happy Leap Day! If you've looked at the calendar, you may have noticed that today is February 29th, a leap day. 2008 is a leap year. The next leap day won't show up for another four years. So, if you have some sort of business dealing for which you'd prefer not to notice anniversaries, do
- [Results of the first Consultant Journal newsletter](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/results-of-the-first-ever-consultant-journal-newsl) - Have you signed up for your free copy of the Consultant Journal newsletter? Last week, I sent out the very first copy to 653 readers. And all but five people have decided to keep receiving the newsletter. What did we discuss in the first edition? Staying in touch with clients year-round Promoting your business for
- [Friday 5: top 5 tax mistakes](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/friday-5-top-5-tax-mistakes) - April is just around the corner...start thinking about your taxes now. Via AOL, here's a list of the top 5 tax mistakes. Tip #4 refers to getting receipts for charitable donations. Ever since I realized the tax benefits of charitable donations, I've moved to a system where I will only donate if I get a
- [Happy Valentine's Day](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/happy-valentines-day) - Happy Valentine's Day! No matter whether you're in a relationship or not, try to set aside some personal time today. Many consultants get wrapped up in their work, especially when they work from home. Try to find an hour or two today that's completely work and sleep free. You're worth it.
- [Is it okay to miss a deadline?](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/is-it-okay-to-miss-a-deadline) - At any given time, consultants face a ton of deadlines. These range from the minor to the major: Answering a ringing telephone Responding to incoming emails Sending out replies to requests for information Putting together quotes and RFPs Meeting project milestones and so on When you're dealing with a client, though, is it ever okay
- [Beating post-holiday debt](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/beating-post-holiday-debt) - February can be a tough time for anyone, let alone consultants. Holiday fun has ended. Everyone's back to work. And the bills are rolling in. Many people take advantage of January debt holidays from their credit card companies, only to scramble to come up with the money in February.In the past, I've discussed how to
- [What the heck is the Friday 5?](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/what-the-heck-is-the-friday-5) - Wondering what I mean by Friday 5? That's just my short hand for the top 5 list I run every Friday. I've written several Friday 5s, since introducing the idea in August 2007. They usually relate to consulting and small business management, although sometimes I get a bit creative. I usually link to top 5
- [Friday 5: why email addresses are useless](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/friday-5-why-email-addresses-are-useless) - Think you've got a good small business customer relationship management system going, just because you have a database full of email addresses? Think again. Top 5 reasons email addresses are useless To be truly valuable, leads need to be qualified You need permission to contact people -- otherwise, you're spamming An email address tells you
- [Friday 5: why email addresses are useless](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/friday-5-why-email-addresses-are-useless) - Think you've got a good small business customer relationship management system going, just because you have a database full of email addresses? Think again. Top 5 reasons email addresses are useless To be truly valuable, leads need to be qualified You need permission to contact people -- otherwise, you're spamming An email address tells you
- [New look in the works](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/new-look-in-the-works) - I've enlisted a graphic designer and development team to help me overhaul the look of Consultant Journal. If you have any suggestions, please feel free to let me know.(Update: I'm adding content here, because my blog apparently won't support such a short post. I am very interested in your input for this blog. If you
- [Power outage -- oops](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/power-outage-oops) - You may have noticed that Consultant Journal was down for six hours today. We run our own servers and a power outage earlier today shut down my server. I didn't think to reboot till this evening. Sorry if you came here looking for a post -- or if you sent me an email that bounced.
- [Freelance rate | Rate for freelance work](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/freelance-rate-rate-for-freelance-work) - Freelance rate -- if you're wondering how to calculate a freelance rate, it's much the same as calculating consulting fees. You'll end up with a rate that's approximately 2 or 3 times what you'd make per hour at a regular job, once you've accounted for benefits, vacation, sick leave and so on. See our consulting
- [Become an e-learning consultant](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/become-an-e-learning-consultant) - Regular reader Harold Jarche has published an article on becoming an e-learning consultant. It's an excellent overview that even provides information on typical consulting fees. Harold's article is of particular interest to me, because of my own background in e-learning. I previously developed computer-based training programs for a major hydro-electric company, before moving into course
- [Friday 5 -- or should I say 10?](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/friday-5-or-should-i-say-10) - It's Friday. Regular readers know that I reserve Fridays for the Friday 5 -- a weekly top five list. Last week, I said I was making an exception when I linked to a list of the top 10 ways to clear clutter. Well, this week, I'm making an exception again. I found Ron Garrett's top
- [Pay down your high interest debts first](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/pay-down-your-high-interest-debts-first) - Many people run into financial troubles at this time of year. All sorts of emotions play into the decision to rack up debt over the holiday season. But the biggest emotions show up when the credit card bills come rolling in.If you've got yourself in a situation where you need to pay off debt, try
- [Paying freelance writing jobs | Freelance jobs](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/paying-freelance-writing-jobs-freelance-jobs) - Paying freelance writing jobs take effort to find. If you're looking for paying freelance writing jobs, you may find many posted on websites such as Craigslist. But many of those jobs pay nothing or next-to-nothing.If you're just starting out in freelance writing, pick up a copy of Writers' Market. This helpful guide lists tons of
- [Money to pay off debt | Debt & money](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/money-to-pay-off-debt-debt-money) - Money to pay off debt -- as the bills come rolling in, wouldn't you like to find money to pay off debt? Money to pay off debt: where to find it sell items on eBay and other online auctions sell clothing and unused household items via consignment shops get a second job start a consulting
- [Server outage today, 9 am PST](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/server-outage-today-9-am-pst) - My electricity will be out for 2 hours this morning. Sorry for any inconvenience.
- [Happy 2008!](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/happy-2008) - Hail the New Year, lads and lasses! Sorry, that's a bit of my Scottish grandmother sneaking in. But Happy New Year, nonetheless.Yesterday, I mentioned resolutions. I suppose I should make a few for 2008: To reduce unnecessary work, such as checking my email when there's no reason to interrupt what I'm doing at the moment
- [Start thinking about those business resolutions](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/start-thinking-about-those-business-resolutions) - Ah, New Year's Eve! If you haven't already started thinking about your New Year's resolution, take a few minutes today to do so. Last year, I forecast big things for 2007. I hoped for a fortuitous year. Even though my husband, child and I were in a car accident last year, many other things turned
- [Friday 5: top 5 reasons to own a home biz](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/friday-5-top-5-reasons-to-own-a-home-biz) - In this week's Friday 5, Danielle Chonody shares her list of the top 5 reasons everyone should own a home business. Well, perhaps "everyone" is a bit ambitious, but she does make a compelling case. She writes: When you are working for a corporation or even a small company your compensation is generally determined by
- [Boxing Day](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/boxing-day) - I'm off today, because it's Boxing Day. In Canada and other Commonwealth countries, the day after Christmas is a holiday, known as Boxing Day. The term comes from the practice of giving your employees and those who work for you a box of goodies. Traditionally, you'd give a box to your servants, but some people,
- [Happy Holidays - blog holiday](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/happy-holidays-blog-holiday) - Happy Holidays! It's time for my annual vacation with my family. I'll be taking the next two weeks off. However, I know many of you would like to continue reading, so I'll provide a link round-up from around the web: Business.gov -- business help from the US government Ways to promote your business How to
- [Really -- mail those holiday cards](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/really-mail-those-holiday-cards) - Okay, I know I said it before, but get those holiday cards in the mail! If you've been holiding out because you're too busy, you may want to start thinking about holiday ecards. They may not be quite as endearing as traditional holiday cards, but they can at least be delivered in a reasonable amount
- [Friday 5: places to network online](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/friday-5-places-to-network-online) - This week's Friday 5 was compiled by yours truly. I've regularly advocated networking as a way to find new clients and build your business. If you want to network online, try these tools: Top 5 places to network online Business networking tools, such as LinkedIn Social networking tools, such as Facebook and MySpace Blogs (by
- [Do you own your life?](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/do-you-own-your-life) - Are you still working for someone else? If you're not running your own business, chances are that someone else dictates when you work, how you work and when you take vacation. And, with more and more people working 50 hours a week at their jobs, you probably don't have much time for anything else. In
- [What Bill Murray can teach you about mistakes](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/what-bill-murray-can-teach-you-about-mistakes) - Academy Award-nominated comedian Bill Murray has recovered from a lot of mistakes. He was kicked out of Little League and Boy Scouts. Bill Murray majored in pre-med during college. You can tell from this quote:You know the theory of cell irritability?. If you take an amoeba cell and poke it a thousand times, it will
- [Business holiday cards -- mail 'em now](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/business-holiday-cards-mail-em-now) - If you're planning to send out business Christmas cards (or, better yet, holiday cards) this year, you'd better get going. By December 17th or so, many business people start taking vacations, meaning they might miss your cards. If you want to make a great impression, get your cards out before the holidays. Try to get
- [Friday 5: top 5 life traumas](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/friday-5-top-5-life-traumas) - In this week's Friday 5, Gia Combs-Ramirez shares the top 5 life traumas that turned into life lessons for her. Number 5 was the time she started a business that failed. However, she shares the lesson of this trauma: Lesson: What I thought was the big dream was only the doorway to an even bigger
- [What would be your desert island marketing tool?](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/what-would-be-your-desert-island-marketing-tool) - Let's say that you are suddenly stripped of all your marketing tools and programs and you must choose just one. If you could only have one marketing tool, what would you choose?I'd choose my business cards. Sure, a website can generate leads and support your marketing tactics. And brochures are great once someone has contacted
- [Cheap Christmas cards](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/cheap-christmas-cards) - Cheap Christmas cards -- believe it or not, one of the top reasons people visit this site is to find out about cheap Christmas cards. If you're in the market for holiday cards, I recommend you check out my past posts on cheap Christmas cards. It's already November 22, so you'll want to get going
- [Freelance bidding sites - good or bad?](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/freelance-bidding-sites-good-or-bad) - If you've poked around for freelance jobs on the web, you may have run into online bidding sites. Work from Home Momma shares her thoughts about bidding sites. She notes that freelancers on these sites offer their work for hire at extremely low rates.I've always steered clear of bidding sites, since I know I can
- [Subcontracting |Should you work under subcontract?](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/subcontracting-should-you-work-under-subcontract) - Subcontracting tends to be common in the world of consulting. Whether you're the subcontractor or the person hiring others for subcontracting, you'll run into outsourced outsourcing at some point. But some consultants shy away from working for other consultants. That's because some consultants seem to think that they need not pay till their client has
- [How to find a qualified consultant](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/how-to-find-a-qualified-consultant) - How to find a qualified consultant – that’s a subject many companies struggle to address. But help with determining how to find a qualified consultant may be hard to get. So, here at Consultant Journal, we’ve put together this article to help companies find the help they need. What do you need from a qualified
- [Should you subcontract?](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/should-you-subcontract) - When you've got too much work on your plate, you may start thinking about farming out work to subcontractors. It's tempting to look at the work available and consider that you could still mark it up and make money for doing nothing. However, the realities of hiring subcontractors should not be taken lightly.In hiring subcontractors,
- [Hallowe'en for the work from home worker](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/halloween-for-the-work-from-home-worker) - Happy Hallowe'en! Ah, Hallowe'en in the work place. On a day like today, many corporate offices shed their uptight images and allow employees to dress up and party. When I worked for one software company about 10 years ago, I put on a pirate hat and hook and grabbed a sword and cape. Under the

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- [What kind of consulting should you do?](https://consultantjournal.com/what-kind-of-consulting-should-you-do) - When I speak at public events or even just go to industry cocktail parties, people often come up to me and ask about consulting. Often, they're interested in getting into consulting but they're just not sure what kind of consulting they should do. I get asked this question so often that I wrote Discover Your
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- [Scope creep](https://consultantjournal.com/scope-creep) - Scope creep – learn to manage it Ever been working on a project, when all of a sudden the requirements change? Scope creep refers to changes and growth in what a project entails. This often happens when the scope hasn’t been defined, planned or managed. The service provider and scope creep Let’s say you’re a
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- [Newsletter - Continued](https://consultantjournal.com/newsletter-continued) - (Continued from our newsletter)... And I know it's not all roses. That's why I wrote my poem, Nobody Told Me. There are days when I feel like it's an uphill battle at times, but the payoffs are usually so huge that I can look the other way. And, really, if my biggest gripe about work
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- [Home office](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/category/home-office)
- [Becoming a consultant](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/category/becoming-a-consultant)
- [Grab bag](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/category/grab-bag)
- [Second jobs](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/category/second-jobs)
- [Finance](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/category/finance)
- [Consulting fees](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/category/consulting-fees)
- [Client management](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/category/client-management)
- [Sales skills](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/category/sales-skills)
- [Making money](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/category/making-money)
- [Consulting business ideas](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/category/consulting-business-ideas)
- [Office gadgets](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/category/office-gadgets)
- [Insurance](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/category/finance/insurance)
- [jury consultant](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/category/consulting-business-ideas/jury-consultant)
- [CPD](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/category/cpd)
- [Courses](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/category/courses)

## Tags

- [new work](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/new-work)
- [marketing](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/marketing)
- [lead generation](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/lead-generation)
- [marketing challenge](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/marketing-challenge)
- [check](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/check)
- [testimonials](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/testimonials)
- [sales](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/sales)
- [cold calls](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/cold-calls)
- [holiday](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/holiday)
- [ads](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/ads)
- [Standard consulting fee](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/standard-consulting-fee)
- [Computer consulting fee](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/computer-consulting-fee)
- [Consulting fee survey](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/consulting-fee-survey)
- [Average consulting fee](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/average-consulting-fee)
- [Consultant resources](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/consultant-resources)
- [Consulting jobs](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/consulting-jobs)
- [Self-employed](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/self-employed)
- [Client relationships](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/client-relationships)
- [One-off jobs](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/one-off-jobs)
- [Add new tag](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/add-new-tag)
- [Consulting careers](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/consulting-careers)
- [Never compete on price](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/never-compete-on-price)
- [credibility](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/credibility)
- [what is business](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/what-is-business)
- [business](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/business)
- [branding](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/branding)
- [naming](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/naming)
- [competitors](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/competitors)
- [competition](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/competition)
- [clients](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/clients)
- [become a consultant](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/become-a-consultant)
- [course](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/course)
- [learning](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/learning)
- [busy](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/busy)
- [work](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/work)
- [management](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/management)
- [management consulting](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/management-consulting)
- [becoming a management consultant](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/becoming-a-management-consultant)
- [Negotiating credit card rates](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/negotiating-credit-card-rates)
- [interest rates](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/interest-rates)
- [banks](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/banks)
- [Get a better credit rating](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/get-a-better-credit-rating)
- [credit rates](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/credit-rates)
- [improve credit rating](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/improve-credit-rating)
- [Apply for a line of credit](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/apply-for-a-line-of-credit)
- [lines of credit](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/lines-of-credit)
- [how to get a line of credit](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/how-to-get-a-line-of-credit)
- [Become a tax consultant](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/become-a-tax-consultant)
- [tax consulting](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/tax-consulting)
- [become a financial consultant](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/become-a-financial-consultant)
- [financial consulting](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/financial-consulting)
- [become an environmental consultant](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/become-an-environmental-consultant)
- [environmental consulting](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/environmental-consulting)
- [environment consultant](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/environment-consultant)
- [become an HR consultant](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/become-an-hr-consultant)
- [HR consulting](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/hr-consulting)
- [human resources](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/human-resources)
- [being a consultant](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/being-a-consultant)
- [what it's like to be a consultant](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/what-its-like-to-be-a-consultant)
- [consultant's life](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/consultants-life)
- [become a business consultant](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/become-a-business-consultant)
- [business consulting](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/business-consulting)
- [fees](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/fees)
- [christmas](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/christmas)
- [cards](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/cards)
- [Become an image consultant](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/become-an-image-consultant)
- [Car insurance for business](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/car-insurance-for-business)
- [values](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/values)
- [trust](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/trust)
- [mentors](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/mentors)
- [growth](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/growth)
- [Running a values-driven business](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/running-a-values-driven-business)
- [Business relationships are still relationships](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/business-relationships-are-still-relationships)
- [The core of relationships](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/the-core-of-relationships)
- [Making big plans](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/making-big-plans)
- [Goal setting](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/goal-setting)
- [polarity](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/polarity)
- [truths](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/truths)
- [scare](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/scare)
- [Become a CHRP consultant](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/become-a-chrp-consultant)
- [Certified Human Resources Practitioner](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/certified-human-resources-practitioner)
- [Certified Human Resources Professional](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/certified-human-resources-professional)
- [How to earn money as a consultant](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/how-to-earn-money-as-a-consultant)
- [Sample consulting estimate](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/sample-consulting-estimate)
- [What is a consultant?](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/what-is-a-consultant)
- [life](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/life)
- [I want to be a consultant](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/i-want-to-be-a-consultant)
- [Become a graphic design consultant](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/become-a-graphic-design-consultant)
- [Become a life coach](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/become-a-life-coach)
- [Tips for new consultants](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/tips-for-new-consultants)
- [Graphic design consulting](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/graphic-design-consulting)
- [self employed rates](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/self-employed-rates)
- [carol burnett](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/carol-burnett)
- [failure](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/failure)
- [success](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/success)
- [goals](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/goals)
- [How to become a tutor](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/how-to-become-a-tutor)
- [Consulting contract example](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/consulting-contract-example)
- [How a smart phone can help your business](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/how-a-smart-phone-can-help-your-business)
- [Should you take every job?](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/should-you-take-every-job)
- [outsourcing](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/outsourcing)
- [money](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/money)
- [Building credit for your small business](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/building-credit-for-your-small-business)
- [Bad credit debt consolidation loan](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/bad-credit-debt-consolidation-loan)
- [Work out your hourly rate](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/work-out-your-hourly-rate)
- [Debt snowball method](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/debt-snowball-method)
- [tax](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/tax)
- [hst](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/hst)
- [rates](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/rates)
- [subcontracting](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/subcontracting)
- [subcontract](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/subcontract)
- [credit](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/credit)
- [loan](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/loan)
- [line of credit](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/line-of-credit)
- [independent consultant](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/independent-consultant)
- [independent consulting](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/independent-consulting)
- [average consulting fees](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/average-consulting-fees)
- [trial consultant](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/trial-consultant)
- [Become a small business consultant](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/become-a-small-business-consultant)
- [Become an independent consultant](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/become-an-independent-consultant)
- [What to do during downtime](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/what-to-do-during-downtime)
- [Side jobs and second jobs](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/side-jobs-and-second-jobs)
- [Independent consultant rates](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/independent-consultant-rates)
- [Starting a consulting firm](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/starting-a-consulting-firm)
- [See yourself as an expert with confidence](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/see-yourself-as-an-expert-with-confidence)
- [Have the confidence to see yourself as an expert](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/have-the-confidence-to-see-yourself-as-an-expert)
- [Do consultants charge tax?](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/do-consultants-charge-tax)
- [debt consolidation calculator](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/debt-consolidation-calculator)
- [debt](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/debt)
- [getting out of debt](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/getting-out-of-debt)
- [calculator](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/calculator)
- [CELOC](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/celoc)
- [commercial equity line of credit](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/commercial-equity-line-of-credit)
- [operating loan](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/operating-loan)
- [gadget](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/gadget)
- [bluetooth](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/bluetooth)
- [product](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/product)
- [computer](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/computer)
- [Looking for a career change](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/looking-for-a-career-change)
- [How to become a business owner](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/how-to-become-a-business-owner)
- [Digital cameras for business](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/digital-cameras-for-business)
- [7 reasons to pay attention when something doesn’t fit](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/7-reasons-to-pay-attention-when-something-doesn’t-fit)
- [5 reasons to listen to your inner voice](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/5-reasons-to-listen-to-your-inner-voice)
- [5 ways to deal with being scared](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/5-ways-to-deal-with-being-scared)
- [Who you calling an expert?](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/who-you-calling-an-expert)
- [Giving power to the entrepreneur within](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/giving-power-to-the-entrepreneur-within)
- [Who cares what they say anyway?](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/who-cares-what-they-say-anyway)
- [10 ways to use digital cameras in your business](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/10-ways-to-use-digital-cameras-in-your-business)
- [8 ways to use video cameras in your business](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/8-ways-to-use-video-cameras-in-your-business)
- [7 reasons to use portable media in your business](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/7-reasons-to-use-portable-media-in-your-business)
- [Following your heart](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/following-your-heart)
- [5 ways to define success for yourself](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/5-ways-to-define-success-for-yourself)
- [Types of consultants](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/types-of-consultants)
- [How to get a consulting job](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/how-to-get-a-consulting-job)
- [Consulting invoice format](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/consulting-invoice-format)
- [Identifying toxic clients](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/identifying-toxic-clients)
- [Turning around toxic client situations](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/turning-around-toxic-client-situations)
- [Tax write off](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/tax-write-off)
- [Consultant training](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/consultant-training)
- [rates for independent consultants](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/rates-for-independent-consultants)
- [manifesto](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/manifesto)
- [consultant](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/consultant)
- [data storage](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/data-storage)
- [moms](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/moms)
- [inner consultant](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/inner-consultant)
- [workshop](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/workshop)
- [event](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/event)
- [travel](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/travel)
- [Consulting expert manifesto](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/consulting-expert-manifesto)
- [Expert consultants - How they got there](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/expert-consultants-how-they-got-there)
- [7 reasons to own a niche](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/7-reasons-to-own-a-niche)
- [Become an IT consultant](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/become-an-it-consultant)
- [IT contracting rates](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/it-contracting-rates)
- [Why build your consulting website using WordPress](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/why-build-your-consulting-website-using-wordpress)
- [Dreyfus model of skill acquisition](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/dreyfus-model-of-skill-acquisition)
- [7 ways to use the iPad 2 in your business](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/7-ways-to-use-the-ipad-2-in-your-business)
- [Business moms - 5 things they won't tell you](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/business-moms-5-things-they-wont-tell-you)
- [Consultant course - 5 great options for study](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/consultant-course-5-great-options-for-study)
- [songs](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/songs)
- [internet](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/internet)
- [video](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/video)
- [teleseminar](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/teleseminar)
- [consultancy](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/consultancy)
- [What is consulting?](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/what-is-consulting)
- [Consulting Rate](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/consulting-rate)
- [Typical consulting fees](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/typical-consulting-fees)
- [3 big ways your smart phone can help you make more money](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/3-big-ways-your-smart-phone-can-help-you-make-more-money)
- [5 things you never knew about consulting fees](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/5-things-you-never-knew-about-consulting-fees)
- [business plan](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/business-plan)
- [Putting together a business plan](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/putting-together-a-business-plan)
- [Consulting company business plan](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/consulting-company-business-plan)
- [Consultancy business plan template](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/consultancy-business-plan-template)
- [Consultant business plan template](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/consultant-business-plan-template)
- [Business plans for consultants](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/business-plans-for-consultants)
- [Sample business plan for consulting](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/sample-business-plan-for-consulting)
- [8 consulting lessons they don't teach you in school](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/8-consulting-lessons-they-dont-teach-you-in-school)
- [resolutions](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/resolutions)
- [How to use LinkedIn to build expert status](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/how-to-use-linkedin-to-build-expert-status)
- [5 tips from a Vancouver business plan writer](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/5-tips-from-a-vancouver-business-plan-writer)
- [Here are 8 reasons the economy means opportunity:](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/here-are-8-reasons-the-economy-means-opportunity)
- [interns](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/interns)
- [value](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/value)
- [mistakes](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/mistakes)
- [Tax time](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/tax-time)
- [anytime](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/anytime)
- [Consulting goes mainstream](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/consulting-goes-mainstream)
- [How to manage home office clutter](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/how-to-manage-home-office-clutter)
- [Finding time to work ON your business](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/finding-time-to-work-on-your-business)
- [anxiety](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/anxiety)
- [stress](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/stress)
- [start a consulting business](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/start-a-consulting-business)
- [safety](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/safety)
- [learn to freelance](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/learn-to-freelance)
- [freelance](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/freelance)
- [learn to consult](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/learn-to-consult)
- [inspiration](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/inspiration)
- [poem](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/poem)
- [poetry](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/poetry)
- [weird](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/weird)
- [publicity](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/publicity)
- [free publicity](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/free-publicity)
- [PR](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/pr)
- [public relations](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/public-relations)
- [media relations](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/media-relations)
- [meaning](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/meaning)
- [definition](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/definition)
- [writing](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/writing)
- [content](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/content)
- [twitter](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/twitter)
- [social media](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/social-media)
- [courses](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/courses-2)
- [CPA](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/cpa)
- [financial](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/financial)
- [accountant](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/accountant)
- [BC](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/bc)
- [Canada](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/canada)
- [professional development](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/professional-development)
- [client churn](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/client-churn)
- [Consulting](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/consulting)
- [Business management](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/business-management)
- [Finance](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/finance)
- [Consulting fees](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/consulting-fees)
- [Client management](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/client-management)
- [Sales skills](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/sales-skills)
- [jury consultant](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/jury-consultant)
- [CPD](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/cpd)
- [FOMO](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/fomo)
- [corona](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/corona)
- [virus](https://consultantjournal.com/blog/tag/virus)