How to Start Your Own Consulting Business
When you are in-between jobs or simply wish to become self-employed, one option that you may consider is becoming a consultant. Consultants share their knowledge about particular subjects with companies who are willing to pay for it. If you consider yourself to be an expert in a particular field, you may be able to find clients who will pay you handsomely for your knowledge. Starting a consulting business can be rewarding, not least because you can work a flexible schedule and make a strong salary.
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Instructions
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Create a business entity to reduce your personal liability. For example, you may want to start a limited liability company or corporation. This way, if one of your customers files a lawsuit against you, he cannot come after your personal assets. Fill out a form with your state and pay a filing fee to start a business entity, and file Form SS-4 with the IRS to obtain an employment identification number. You may also need to purchase a business license from your local government. If you want to register a business name, you will do this with the county clerk.
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Create a website that you can use to market your consulting services. The site should highlight your skills as a consultant and provide information about the services that you offer. If you do not have any experience in developing websites, hire a professional to create the design for you. You need to convey a professional image to your potential clients if you want to succeed as a consultant. You may also want to include a list of specific services that you can offer, as well as sample pricing.
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Prepare a brochure that you can pass out to potential clients. Include testimonials and pictures or examples of work that you have done in the past. On the brochure, list your contact information, including your web address of your site so that potential clients can get more information. The brochure should have the same logo and look as your website.
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Contact businesses and contacts who could potentially benefit from the information that you have to offer. For example, if you were in the field previously, reach out to some of your old business colleagues. You may also call on businesses related to your area of expertise; offer ideas on how to help each company grow or improve in some area. Promote yourself with the idea that your services will more than pay for themselves.
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Ask for referrals once you start getting clients. Although it may be difficult to secure consulting clients in the beginning, word-of-mouth advertising will help you build your business. Once you get a client, do the best job that you can as a consultant. If you do good work, your clients will usually help you get more work.
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Offer free seminars or meetings in your niche field. If you offer quality information during a seminar, potential clients may hire you to apply your knowledge to their businesses. When you provide something of value for free, it will usually help you in the long run. Consider renting space at a conference center or at a local church and advertising your seminars in local public arenas, such as restaurants and businesses. Many establishments have bulletin boards on which you can hang promotional materials. You may also want to pass out business cards and fliers.
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Tips & Warnings
Avoid the temptation to stop marketing yourself when you are busy with work. If you stop marketing yourself, you may run out of work after your current jobs are completed.
