Are You Wondering How to Become a Business Consultant? Start Here

Are you ready for a new career? If so, you're probably going through the process of examining all of your options. The corporate world might have some appeal to you because you've been working there your whole life. Unfortunately, you'll probably never find your dream career in the corporate realm if it hasn't made you happy up to this point. I believe that consulting is the ideal career path for professionals who are ready to take their corporate experience and use it to make a real difference. You have knowledge and experience, and there are organizations out there that crave your perspective. Although the way into a consulting career might not be obvious, I've got some tips that can help you if you're wondering how to become a business consultant.

Take a Look at Your Unique (and Highly Valuable) Skillset

It doesn't matter how old you are. It doesn't matter what your status or position has been throughout your career. If you've been in a career for a while, you've developed some amazing skills, many of which are essential for consulting. At the end of the day, it's your ability to drive results and make positive things happen that will make you a highly sought-after consultant. Take some time to write down what you're capable of – you might be surprised at some of the skills you actually possess. By recognizing and highlighting these skills as you move forward, you'll show that you have what it takes as a consultant to give businesses the boost they need.

Update Your CV

Now that you've taken some time to inventory your considerable skills, it's time to put them down on paper. Your resume, or CV, should reflect your skills and your ability to drive results. Even though it might be tempting to use your traditional, chronological resume, a skills-based resume will make potential clients take notice. Use your CV to help them envision what you will do to help them achieve their goals.

Join the 21^st Century (If You Haven't Already)

Has it been a while since you've looked for a new job? Do you feel like time has passed you by since you've been working in the corporate realm? I encourage you to take some time to get up to speed with modern technology and up-to-date job search techniques. Updating your resume to reflect your skillset is a great first step, but it's also important to use social networking sites like LinkedIn and Google Plus to your advantage. Learn how to use your smartphone or iPad to organize your contacts and promote your skills. You don't need to be a complete tech guru to find work as a business consultant, but your ability to keep up with the speed of technology will show potential clients that you know how to stay on the cutting edge.

Listen, Listen, Listen

Communication is incredibly important, but many people forget that effective communication is made up of (at least) 50% listening. If you've been thinking about finding a new career for a while, it's possible that you've become jaded and stopped listening to what's going on around you. As a consultant, you'll need to listen closely to your clients, and you'll need to pay attention to your environment. As you examine the organizations that hire you, you'll need to pay attention to what you're being told, but you'll also need to keep your ear to the ground to determine what people really think about their jobs and their productivity. If you've got the skills to become an effective consultant, your ability to listen carefully and attune to your clients' needs will make take you to another level – one that makes clients line up to work with you.

Have the Right Vision

Can you envision yourself working as a successful consultant? Do you see yourself providing solutions and driving results? Can you picture what success looks like to you? A positive attitude and an optimistic vision will take you far as a consultant. Keeping your goals and aspirations front and center will make it easier for you to make good choices on your path to consulting success. Becoming a consultant takes many big steps, and it requires you to make some bold changes. That being said, the path to a successful consulting career is filled with thousands of little steps, too. Your positive vision will help you take those steps with ease.

If you're ready for a change and you're wondering how to become a business consultant, these pieces of advice will get you started on the right track. The rest is up to you. If you're ready to start your consulting journey, I encourage you to keep Ex3 Matters in mind. We want consultants to succeed, and we're set up to provide the guidance to help you achieve the career you deserve.

Have you been wondering how to become a business consultant? The resources of Ex3 Matters can help. Start by reading Buddy Hobart's free eBook, “Experience Matters.” Then download your free consulting guides for more terrific information.