Is Solo Consulting for Me?

Should I become a consultant? The answer isn’t simple. Many business and personal factors affect your decision. Some things to consider: 

Ask yourself: "Am I suited to running my own business?" As a solo consultant, you must: 

• Choose the skills you’ll use in your business.
• Market and price your service.
• Sell to Potential Clients. Negotiate. 
• Deliver Excellent Service and get fairly paid.
• Be a Businessperson: Plan, Budget, Invoice, etc.

Still interested? Read on.

Starting Your Consulting Business:

1. Choose your Service & Describe your business

• What are your top skills?
• What do you love to do?
• How will you produce Client Value?

2. Identify Clients: 

• Who needs your service?
• Are enough clients available? 
• Will they pay for your service?

3. Start Marketing:

Until you have clients, your main challenge is Marketing. Study and analyze your target market through literature searches, etc. Interview potential clients to discover their problems and needs. Then, market yourself as fulfilling those needs. Build: -An “expert” image. -Credibility. -Trusting relationships. 

Some ways to do this:

• Network with potential clients and people who might refer you. 
• Ask potential clients about the value of your service.
• Write articles, papers, posts, blogs, books. Present seminars, training, etc. 
• Cite testimonials. 

4. Sell Your Service

• Meet with prospects to propose and negotiate project deliverables and fees. 
• Close the deal. 
• Document the contract.

Why are Relationships so Important?

     They motivate people to: 

• Call you when they need help.
• Engage and pay you for your service.
• Refer and recommend you.

Helpful Characteristics for Solo Consultants 

• Outgoing and assertive enough to contact strangers to discover if they need your help.
• Able to develop collaborative relationships with prospects and clients.
• Organized & disciplined: -Deliver on time -Keep promises -Maintain records and documentation. 
• Willingness to learn and continue learning.
• Persistent & Patient: Willing to put in many hours to: -Start your business -Convert prospects into clients -Complete projects -Become profitable.

So, is solo consulting for you?

• If yes, dive in and start marketing yourself as a consultant.

—Bob Lurz

http://www.linkedin.com/in/boblurz

Bob helps skilled people start consulting businesses. Through his Consultants Accelerator, he provides Coaching, Mentoring & Education for Independent Consultants. He helps them to:

• Market themselves to the right people.

• Interview prospects and turn them into clients.

• Make informed decisions and avoid costly mistakes.