Consultants – Latest 5 Efficient Tips for Aspiring Consultants
This article is created specifically for those aspiring consultants who are virtually clueless as to how they can get started in the field of consulting. These latest 5 efficient tips are for you:
1. Plan ahead. If you are one of those people who would like to go solo, it is highly recommended that you create clear and very specific action plan as to how you’ll run your consulting business. You might need to get formal education (example; business management) in order to do this. Getting someone to mentor you who have already succeeded in this field can also help.
2. Outsource. Most consultants who are starting out do not have the money to hire bookkeepers, assistants, or secretary. If you are one of them, I recommend that you outsource your administrative tasks without spending a fortune. How do to that? Well, the answer to this is very easy; visit freelancing sites and hire people from across the globe (where the labor is relatively cheaper) who can help you out. The key here is really spending time to find someone who is really competent and dedicated. Most freelancers these days are charging $2-$10 per hour.
3. Commitment. Being a consultant doesn’t necessarily mean having easier job compare to your previous 9am-5pm job. This may require you to work for more than 8 hours per day (depending on the number of your clients) and this may result to more pressure. Although quitting might sound enticing at some point, bear in mind that all of these are part of the job. Before you sink your teeth into this field, make sure that you offer 100% of your commitment to increase your chances in succeeding.
4. Great communication. Keep in touch with your paying customers until you have successfully completed their project. Give them all the means to contact you (phone, email, instant messages, website, etc.) and make sure that you respond to them ASAP — this would mean not more than 24 hours. Keep in mind that a well-updated customer is generally a happier one so always keep them in the loop.
5. Put everything in writing. Protect yourself by documenting everything. Miscommunication can happen at any point and you surely don’t want to take the blame so get your clients to sign written agreements. Your documents can help you minimize disasters and can guide you all throughout. In addition, this can save you time and can help you avoid disagreements with your clients in the future.