How to become a consultant
A career in business consulting gives you financial freedom. You are neither on the payrolls of a company nor do you require working 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Freelance consultants (independent consultants) are making decent income these days. Alternatively, you can seek a position in business consulting firms. Business consulting jobs have increased due to increase in start-ups across different areas of business. This article explains how to become a consultant.
Business consultant: Basics
The primary job of a business consultant is to offer your business (entrepreneurial and managerial) skills to others to help them start or grow their business. With your knowledge and expertise, individuals and businesses can streamline their business processes, and make progress. A consultant can also provide specialised expertise across domains such as software programming, web designing, business analysis, corporate management, and client relationship management.
The prerequisites of becoming a business consultant
Three factors would help you decide if you should try your hands at becoming a business consultant - your strengths, marketing and sales expertise and building business relationships. Good interpersonal skills and a proven expertise in a business discipline would not alone make you a business consultant.
Demonstrate capabilities
You would have to apply (implement) your expertise and experience for a company, and demonstrate your capabilities in terms of revenue generation and employee/client management. Companies hire a consultant for advice and recommendations, which would help them make money, or improve their processes. It is all about selling. Business consulting involves selling your ideas, your views, and your expertise. Companies would hear you when you show confidence, and demonstrate a roadmap for progress.
Advice for a beginner
How to be a consultant?
There are two ways to become a business consultant. One, you apply to IT consulting companies, computer consulting companies or other business consulting firms that offer business consulting services. Two, you start your own consulting business. How to start a consulting business? Set up a small office at your home. Get a website, a telephone, and a fax/printer. Your website should speak about your capabilities, and the areas in which you can offer your services.
You would have to do business development on the Internet to identify people and companies that are looking for a small business advisor. Target start-ups; do not go for the big fish. With experience and a sizable client base, you can contact large businesses.
