The early days of your consulting business may be topsy-turvy. It is likely your transition into consulting comes with either doing some project work on the side while still employed, or leaving a job and having a customer follow you to continue services for them on a contractual basis. Initially the cash flow may be dicey and you might find it daunting to take care of the myriad details of getting established. If you are working from home you may want to add a dedicated phone line for the business, which all family members are strictly forbidden to answer. You may be running around getting business cards ordered, setting up a website, filing as a sole proprietor, or talking with an attorney about forming an LLC or similar structure.

Know your own risk tolerance. One of the biggest obstacles to success for budding consultants is giving up too soon. Sure, the path of least resistance may be to take a job. But the upside to sticking with the consulting business will be manifold in terms of professional validation, income, variety of assignments, and the thrill of building something fantastic from nothing.

Take the time to investigate any doubts you may have. Once you have put them under the microscope and decided you can deal with them, put them out of your mind. Try to keep a positive attitude, which you need to convey to your prospective clients at all times, and ultimately you will be successful. Accept that there will be challenges. You will constantly be engaged in problem solving, for your own business as well as for your clients. If you want to be safe—and perhaps bored—go work for someone else.