When Is It Time To Offer Your Services As A Consultant?
You may be quite skilled within your profession, perhaps even experienced in a range of different environments. But there’s a big step between working for someone and the infrastructure that provides you, and then working for yourself. It takes time to develop that sense of confidence and self-regard and to feel as though you deserve to charge people for your time and effort.
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As a consultant, these feelings are even more pronounced. While you may have the best consultant billing software, a reliable service to offer, and the confidence of experience, you may never feel truly settled until you complete your first few client projects.
But before any of that happens, you have to pick the right time to get started. So, when is it time to offer your services as a consultant? How do you get over those initial fears? In this post, we’ll discuss that and more:
Contents
When You Have Strict Goals
Maybe you want to earn a certain amount in your first year. Or, perhaps you’re aiming to work with a specific number of clients. Whatever your goals, they need to be realistic and measurable. Write them down, and stick them on your wall if you have to. These goals will keep you focused when things get tough or if you’re struggling to set up your branding etc.
But remember, it’s okay to adjust these goals as you go along. The business world is always changing, and you might need to pivot. But knowing why you want to be a consultant, and where to specialize, is always the first step.
When You Know Your Delivery Capacity
It’s so important to be honest with yourself. It’s better to under-promise and over-deliver than the other way around. Think about your work style too. Are you a night owl or an early bird? Do you need long stretches of uninterrupted time, or can you work in short bursts? Really hammer home what kind of professional you are and start booking first clients in line with that. Just don’t forget about life outside of work. Leave room for family, friends, and self-care. As a consultant, you have to be disciplined in how you approach your self employment.
When You’ve Performed Research On Working Consultants
It’s smart to look at other consultants in your field. Simple question – what are they doing right? What mistakes have they made that you can learn from? If you join professional networks, attend industry events, or even reach out for a coffee chat, you may be surprised what they tell you. Most people are happy to share their experiences. Pay attention to how they price their services, structure their contracts, and manage their time on top of that. But don’t just copy them blindly of course. Take what works and make it your own.
When You Can Branch Out With A Working Opportunity
Sometimes, we’re given the perfect off-ramp and we’d be silly not to take it. Perhaps your current employer would be open to you doing some consulting work on the side. This approach lets you test the first few jobs without taking on too much risk. It’s also chance to build your confidence and maybe even secure some testimonials. Just make sure you’re not violating any agreements with your current employer. If all is good, start today!
With this advice, you’ll be sure to become the best consultant in your field bar none.
Ken Boyd
Author: Cost Accounting for Dummies, Accounting All-In-One for Dummies, The CPA Exam for Dummies and 1,001 Accounting Questions for Dummies
(amazon author page) amazon.com/author/kenboyd
(website and blog) https://www.accountingaccidentally.com/