The Challenges of Becoming an Independent Consultant

If you've been reading our blog, you know that becoming an independent consultant is one of the best ways to thrive in the modern economy. Businesses are rethinking their hiring practices, and they're turning to independent consultants more and more to help them drive results, become more efficient and boost their bottom lines. This means that opportunities for consultants are growing exponentially. However, there are some definite challenges associated with becoming an independent consultant. I'd like to address these challenges today and reassure you that you have what it takes to conquer them.

Starting My Own Business is Just Too Difficult

This is where a lot of people get stuck when they consider consulting as a career choice. They want to leave the corporate world desperately, but they're not sure if they can handle the responsibilities and difficulties associated with starting and running one's own business. If you've never started a business before, it can be incredibly intimidating. The reality is that starting a business takes some time and effort, but it's easier than what most people think. As long as you have the proper motivation, and you tackle the process in a step-by-step fashion, you can get your independent consulting business off the ground in no time at all.

I Can't Find a Roadmap to Consulting Success

Guess what? You'll never find a roadmap or a guide that will lead to guaranteed success as a consultant. That's up to you. The good news is that the web is full of resources that can help you with every step of the process from starting your business to finding clients to making your business more lucrative. With your good instincts and the help of resources like those found here on Ex3matters.com, you'll be able to pave your own path to success.

How Will I Ever Replace My Current Income Through Consulting?

If you're thinking about a career change, I'm sure one of your primary motivations is to match or exceed your current income level. Joining the consulting field can be scary because there is simply no base or average salary for consultants. Therefore, becoming an independent consultant requires you to take a leap of faith.

Thankfully, consulting offers you a better chance at matching or exceeding your current income level because of the opportunity to form a diverse client base. If you need to earn $120,000 per year, all you need to do is find six clients that will pay you $20,000 for your consulting services. You can always add more clients, and if you lose one, you current roster will keep you afloat. If job security is a concern, consulting is actually one of the most stable career options available.

I'm Not an Outgoing, Extraverted Person

A lot of people believe that consulting requires you to be a wheeling, dealing, outgoing mover and shaker. While it's certainly true that this personality type can find success in consulting, successful independent consultants fit into all personality types and profiles.

If you're concerned that you're not extraverted enough to become an independent consultant, here are some of the advantages that introverts have when it comes to consulting:

• Quiet Confidence
  People are attracted to confidence in all of its forms, whether you're bold and brash, or you're more deep and analytical, you can make a positive impression.

• A Calm and Steady Demeanor
  Clients have a tendency to panic when their companies fail to perform properly. An introvert's more serene personality can be a powerful, secret weapon when it comes to turning certain businesses around.

• Getting to the Heart of the Matter
  Extraverted people are effective in large groups, and they're quite skilled at working with big ideas; however, introverted individuals have amazing capabilities when it comes to working with smaller groups and individuals. They are particularly skilled at digging deep and finding answers during one-on-one interactions.

• Adaptability
  Consulting requires you to adapt to some degree, regardless of your personality type, and introverted people tend to be incredibly adaptable. The ability to attune to a situation quickly is a skill that will make you incredibly valuable as a consultant.

I Just Don't Know Where to Begin

If you're motivated to become a consultant, and you're reading posts and articles like this one, you've already begun the process. Learning as much as you can about the field of consulting is important if you want to enter your new career successfully. Continue to educate yourself, and don't hesitate to contact us if you'd like to learn more about consulting as a career choice. Becoming an independent consultant has its challenges, but there's nothing to be afraid of. Your motivation, interest, knowledge and experience are the tools that will allow you to build the perfect new career.

Are you interested in learning more about becoming an independent consultant? Take a look at our free consulting guides or download your free copy of Buddy Hobart's eBook, “Experience Matters.”