TUESDAY TIPS: April, 15, 2014: How to be a consultant
I’m thinking of consultants, and what it means to start a consulting business, because I frequently get (potential) clients who say to me, something along the lines of, “Well, if my job hunt doesn’t work, I can just become a consultant.” Yes and no. Yes, sure, you can call yourself a consultant on your LinkedIn profile…but don’t think that corporate America isn’t aware of how many people call themselves “consultants,” even if all they’re “consulting”on is what next to binge-watch at 3pm in the afternoon. I would argue that nowadays if you label yourself a consultant, until you prove your title with articles, a competent website, workshops, and the like, the presumption will be that you’re simply unemployed.
Therefore, if you’re serious about being a consultant, I’d suggest that you invest some time and energy into researching and identifying, as much as possible, your niche market. Why is it your niche market? And what relevant background, experience, and interest do you have to offer your market? Why should people hire you? What’s unique and noteworthy about you? Identify the competition–like their business Facebook pages, get on their email lists, subscribe to their blogs–and see what they’re doing, see what you can “borrow” and even see what turns you off about their business. I’ve learned as much from other people’s successes as I have from their mistakes.
Meanwhile, start thinking about how you’re going to alert your market (i.e. potential customers) as to your existence: workshops, Tumblr, a Facebook page, videos on YouTube, on Vine, conversations on Twitter. There are people out there who have created successful businesses with simply a Twitter or a Tumblr account. You don’t need to spend money, but you do need to spend your passion and give people a reason to believe in your and commitment.
My overall point being, too many people consider being a consultant as a throw away position. Their (disorganized) job hunt didn’t work, so what the hell, they’ll consult. And without a realistic plan, or any passion, they bring that same confusion, fear, self-sabotage, self-doubt to something else that therefore necessarily won’t work. And they end up as crappy consultants and it’s yet another disappointment in a long line of disappointments. I’m not a fan of that. People deserve better.
Do you want to consult? Then consult. Believe in yourself, your experience and your ability to help others. Start small, forgive yourself for your mistakes, and keep moving. And if you, like most of us, change your mind and decide that being self-employed isn’t for you anymore, that’s fine. If you’ve created a successful consultancy, there will be a lot of companies interested in hiring you, and you’ll keep moving forward.
My real point is whatever it is you want to do: commit to it. Don’t half-ass it, and yourself and your long-term professional opportunities. You’re not fooling anyone, just wasting your own time. Don’t you deserve your best? I think you do. Thinking seriously about being a consultant and want some serious help? Of course you do! Become a fan of my business Facebook page, “Carlotaworldwide Creativity Yenta,” and shoot me an email at carlotazee@gmail.com.
