Five Tips on How to Start a Consulting Business From Home

We live in a world where more and more people seem to be staying home instead of going to the office for work. The Internet and other pieces of modern technology make this possible, and a majority of the so-called telecommuters report that they can actually get much more done when they are able to free themselves from the constraints, distractions and politics of the traditional office environment.

Independent consulting is a great career choice for those who are interested in working from home because it allows them to structure their time in a manner that works for their lives, plus it is highly conducive to the home-office environment. In fact, the work of an independent consultant can be performed from virtually any location. If you are wondering how to start a consulting business from home, though, you probably have some reservations about the process. Will it be too expensive? Will you be able to find the motivation to keep busy? What will you tell people about your career change? If these questions have been nagging at you, I have some tips that should set your mind at ease as you make the transition into a career as an independent consultant.

1. Pay Attention to Your Budget

   Working from home as an independent consultant will actually allow you to save money because you won't need to pay for costs associated with office space, equipment or other common expenditures. However, it is important to keep an eye on your budget, especially if you're new to running your own business. By keeping close tabs on your budget and finances, you can set your goals more effectively and determine your priorities more accurately.
    

2. Be Proud of Your Career Choice

   It wasn't too long ago when the term “independent consultant” was just a code word for “unemployed.” Things change, though, and people who work as consultants are seen in a much more positive light. In fact, if you choose to work from home as an independent consultant, you show the people around you that you are resourceful, intelligent and unafraid of doing what you need to do in a tough economy and a rapidly changing world.
    

3. Be a Good Boss to Yourself

   If you think back on all of the managers, supervisors and other types of bosses you've had in your life, I'm sure you can single out a few of them who were able to inspire and motivate you without making your life difficult. Being your own boss takes a special kind of motivation, though, which is why you need to apply the lessons learned from previous bosses to yourself. Be firm and stick to your goals and deadlines, but remember to not be too hard on yourself, either. Remove distractions wherever you can, and don't forget to reward yourself appropriately for a job well done.
    

4. Stay Away from Unnecessary Courses and Certifications

   I've talked about this in recent blog posts, but it bears repeating. The only prerequisite you need to become successful as an independent consultant is experience. When organizations consider hiring you, they aren't interested in the paperwork you've accumulated by listening to lectures and performing class assignments. They're only interested in your experience and your ability to drive results. As tip number one states, you need to pay attention to your budget, so spending money on courses and certifications that don't help you is a sure way to put your fledgling business in peril.
    

5. Get Excited About Your New Career

   If you're wondering how to start a consulting business from home, this tip might be the most important. Your enthusiasm and passion for your new career will propel you forward, so it's crucial to avoid negativity and pessimism. As an independent consultant, you'll be able to truly give back to your community and the world at large, plus you'll be able to leverage your specific talents and skills in a way that simply is not possible in a traditional corporate environment. If you've made the choice to become an independent consultant, you should be thrilled and motivated by the tremendous possibilities that lie ahead.

Are you interested in learning more about the process of working from home as an independent consultant? We have some great, free resources available right here on Ex3matters.com. Download your consulting guides today!