Before starting any presentation, I listen closely to the pre-session conversations, observe the attendees, and if appropriate, ask questions. During one presentation, an attendee asked if I would mind providing a little consulting career advice. Since the presentation’s title was The Entrepreneur Within, why not!
As she asked her questions, the people sitting around her lifted their heads and chimed in with their comments.
“I’m currently working at a company. My position is not in jeopardy, but I’m thinking about my future. I want to become an independent consultant, but I’m not sure if there is anything I can do now to prepare.
Can I start becoming a consultant while still working within my company?
If so, what do you recommend?”
What great questions!
By the way, my response to starting to build a consulting business while working within a company was a resounding YES!
My response to her question about recommendations is relevant whether you are contemplating consulting, a fairly new consultant, or have been working as a consultant for years. Every person who is a consultant (or freelancer) craves to not only successful but desires to be known as the “go-to” consultant. Or, at least I think they do.
Before I describe my top three recommendations, I must provide a caveat. There is an ACTION ZERO.
This action is for people who are thinking about embarking on a career as a consultant. If you are considering consulting, evaluate you by starting with your personal reasons for wanting to become an independent worker — a consultant. Becoming a consultant is not for everyone.
Action 1 — Clarify Your CORE
This is my top recommendation — Clarify Your CORE.
Sorry - Due to length, it isn't possible to post the entire article here but here is a friendly link with the three action items.
