Start Consulting: Call Everyone You Know
When you first hang your shingle out as a consultant you need business. And the only way to get business is to call everyone you know, advertise, or cold call people. Since you are just starting out and don’t have much money advertising is limited, and you may not feel up to cold calling people yet. But by calling everyone you know you may be able to find your first couple of consulting gigs.
Most of us when we first start out often want to make it completely on our own, and this is okay, but it can severely slow down if not completely put a stop to your new career. So to avoid this trap start by making a list of everyone you know in the industry.
This could be all your former co-workers, salespeople who called on you, people you called upon, former bosses, and event trade show people. Just get the word out. You never know who might be looking for a consultant or who might know who needs one.
After you have called everyone you know, try to think of other people you might have missed. Then in a couple of months call all these people again just to say hello. You never know who has changed jobs and now may be in a position to hire you.
If you are still thinking about becoming a consultant, let this article motivate you to try and make as many industry contacts now as you possibly can. These will make your life much more easier when you are starting out as a consultant.
