Start and Build a Consulting Practice that you Love
I missed one crucial thing in my book on getting started with consulting, something perhaps nonobvious.
I focused primarily on “how,” with a little “why” as well. I did this because most of the questions I’ve gotten and continue to get are on “how.”
For example, “How to get clients,” and “How to set pricing.” I cover these extensively in my book; they are not “rocket science.”
Of course these are very important questions.
For example, without clients you will not launch your consulting career successfully or maintain and perhaps grow your consulting practice.
Let’s back up a few years. I realized I had a massive blind spot. Most of the questions I had received over the past few decades weren’t in the area in which I consulted—information security, or cybersecurity if you prefer that term.
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The Hardest Part of Starting Consulting
What is the hardest part of starting consulting?
Getting Clients? Nope although that is obviously important.
(more here on getting clients: https://successfulinfosecconsulting.com/).
What is the second hardest thing? And what can do you do about these things?
The hardest part – is YOU.
I know I flip flopped back and forth when I decided, between “I’m going to start consulting” and “Who am I to do this?” Feelings of “I’m too young” or “I’m too old” and more are common. Some of this is imposter syndrome which is normal. What do you do about this?
Are Entrepreneurs Risk Takers?
Are Entrepreneurs risk takers? The answer may surprise you!The answer, no surprise, is “It Depends.”
A great many entrepreneurs are rick adverse, and know exactly how much risk their ventures entail – and everything has risk, including having corporate job and going to the supermarket.
Some entrepreneurs are willing to accept a large amount of risk, and although there are exceptions, generally know that they are.
Is Consulting More Risky than having a “Job” ?
Is consulting risky – specifically is it more risky than having a full time job?
The conventional wisdom says “yes” – and is absolutely wrong! Maybe it was “once upon a time but it isn’t now.”
If you have a job and lose it, you are unemployed – it’s binary: “job” or “no job.” And unfortunately people lose their jobs, especially during difficult times.
Consultants typically have multiple clients. If you lose a client, you still have others. Typical consultants have 3-6 clients per year. If one client doesn’t have any work for you, perhaps they “fire” you, go out of business, or are having a difficult time, you still have work from other clients.