Learning How to Start Your Own Consulting Business is Easy

I often talk about how consulting is a great alternative to a career in the traditional, corporate world. In my most recent blog post, I wrote about the deterioration of the social contract that corporate workers were once able to depend on. Times have changed considerably, and the changes have certainly not worked in the favor of the American corporate worker. That's why a career in consulting is much less scary than a position within a corporate entity. Unfortunately, some people still feel frightened about starting an independent consulting business, and they set their sights on employment with large, established consulting firms. If you're interested in consulting, and you're convinced that it's the best alternative to a corporate career, you might be tempted to join one of the larger firms. However, learning how to start your own consulting business is probably much easier and considerably more practical and cost-effective than you think.

The Truth About Joining an Established Consulting Firm

Joining a large, established consulting firm can be incredibly appealing, especially when you consider the fact that the costs associated with your efforts will be minimal, if they exist at all. The problem with joining a large firm, though, is that you'll rarely, if ever, be given the opportunity to put your experience and skills to work in the manner that you feel is most effective. Moreover, joining a large firm as a consultant instead of starting your own business gets you nowhere on your journey away from the corporate world. All of the dangers and pitfalls that you've been trying to escape will still exist; unless you're able to rise to a high rung on your new firm's ladder, you'll be subject to the same realities as everyone else still clinging to a corporate job.

The Expense Report

If you're concerned that starting your own consulting business will be too expensive, consider this: the costs associated with starting your own business are virtually non existent today. Thanks to technology and the connectedness of the modern business world, people no longer need corporate behemoths to give them opportunities, connections and an income. Basically, the costs that you might be trying to avoid by joining an established entity may not even exist.

Starting your own independent consulting business today allows you to avoid these costs:

• Physical Work Space

  You don't need to worry about renting an office or leasing a building. You can work from virtually any location on the globe as long as you have an Internet connection. What's more, when you meet with clients, you'll be meeting them on their turf 99.9% of the time. The lack of a physical space works to your advantage and makes you more mobile.
   

• Office Machines

  Years ago, it was necessary to invest thousands in desktop computers, printers, fax machines and other types of equipment for the office. Today, most of these items belong in antique shops. As long as you have a smartphone and a laptop/tablet, you have all of the technology you will ever need.
   

• Transportation

  Meeting with important clients (or potential clients) in person will always be an essential aspect of consulting. However, it's possible to cut down on your travel expenses considerably thanks to modern technology. Most mobile phone plans include long-distance calls, plus applications like Skype make it possible to meet face-to-face without spending a penny on gas or airline tickets.

As you can see, the there are few, if any, monetary savings to be had by joining an established consulting firm instead of starting your own business. Another important factor to consider is that modern technology makes it possible to work and get results more quickly than ever before. In fact, you can compile a list of great clients and start to see some serious income as an independent consultant in the same time it would take you to complete the employee training program at a larger firm.

Freedom, Independence and More

If you're concerned about how to start your own consulting business, you can put most of your fears aside. The truth is that starting your own business is easier today than ever before. It costs next to nothing, and you probably already own most of the equipment and startup materials that you will require. Once you get on track, you will experience the joys that come from working independently and driving results based on your personal skills and track record. Joining a large, established consulting firm can be tempting, but I urge you to think about the overwhelming advantages that come from a career that you've been able to build yourself.

Are you considering a career change? Do you have reservations about going out on your own as an independent consultant? The Ex3 Matters website contains some terrific consulting guides and resources that you can download for free. I encourage you to take a look at these to learn the truth about getting started as a consultant.