Making the Leap
Starting a business — any business — is similar to starting a long road trip. Before you head out on the highway, you must answer a few basic questions to make sure you will arrive at your destination. Consulting may be your dream job — or it could be a nightmare. This book offers an inside look at starting and running a successful consulting business. As you continue reading, keep the following four questions in mind:
Where are you now?
Where do you want to go?
Why?
Do you have what you need?
Consider your answers to each of these vital questions as you proceed toward success as a consultant.
Where Are You Now?
If you wanted to make a road trip from your current location to a distant location, you'd probably pull out a map and find your current location. In planning a consulting business, you will take a similar step: Identifying your present situation. Are you currently employed? Exactly what is your employer paying you to do? What knowledge or skills do you have for which others would pay a premium? If you're not employed — or not employed in your chosen field — what assets do you have now that you can use to advise and help others? What income or other assets do you have to finance your business venture?
Where Do You Want To Go?
Your road trip begins where you are. Where do you want it to end? What's your destination? This book will help you answer that question in detail; for now, think of your options. Are you looking for a career that offers independence, financial rewards, and opportunities to help others solve problems? Consulting may be for you. However, poor planning or inadequate assets can make consulting a frustrating business that eats away at your startup cash. Make sure you know exactly where you want to go before you start the trip.
Why?
A road trip may be planned to see new places, visit specific people, or attend a particular event. Each is a purpose. Your business venture must also have one or more primary purposes. Why are you doing this? Some knowledgeable advisors believe they can earn more money as independent consultants than as employees. Others want the prestige of being a consultant. Still others don't care as much about the money, but want the satisfaction of being their own boss. Many want a creative business they can operate from home. How about you?
Do You Have What You Need?
You're ready to start your car's engine and head off toward your destination. Will the car make it? Do you have enough money for fuel, food, lodging, and emergencies? If not, don't start. It's the same with a business: don't start until you know you have what you need to arrive at your career destination. You don't have to work out every detail, but you must know if you have access to what you absolutely need.
Starting your own consulting business is a journey. Fortunately, you will have guidance from experts and advice from those who have traveled this road before you.
