So you want to be a consultant? (some thoughts for those thinking about it…)

I sometimes dream I am still a CEO – and wake with mixed feelings. Being a consultant can be fascinating and rewarding, and the genie probably won’t go back in the bottle. It’s certainly been a learning process, and here are just a few things I’ve picked up along the way:

• I am totally responsible for services to clients – AND have to manage my own PR, purchasing, business development, comms, training, tax, IT
• Sometimes I sweat the small stuff so much I dehydrate
• If I get sick and need time off, I don’t get paid
• Even when busy I still need to seek new work
• I sometimes miss being part of a team
• There is no one to challenge me when I give too much time pro bono, or push me to prioritise the most rewarding work
• Right now, I am looking out at a clear blue sky on a bank holiday, but I’m working
• I almost certainly earn less than I would have if I had stayed as a CEO. (You can’t expect to earn a consultant’s day rate  5 days a week 52 weeks of the year)

When you work from home,  housework and errands can become hyper-attractive when the alternative is bid-writing. Okay, so you may not get interrupted by colleagues,  but last week an entire day was derailed because –

–  a neighbour’s son was stuck for lift to the station

– a towel rail fell off

– a relative needed urgent refresher on digital banking

–  the church over the road couldn’t wake someone asleep on a pew (they were OK)

– the robin was hassling & there was no bird seed

And, of course, home is where the chocolate drawer lives.

But as a consultant you can use your best skills, meet fabulous people, learn loads, and (in theory) control how you choose to make a difference. I was AMAZED at how encouraging and helpful my peer consultants were when I, a potential competitor, arrived on the scene.

It’s not just me who’s picked up some good learning on this journey. Here’s just a few gems from Consultants for Good members:-.

• It may be more pressure but there will be less stress
• It will end up being the best decision you ever made
• This will turn out to be a calling, not just a desperate decision born of burnout
• Remember to be confident about what you offer
• Keep a brief log of what you learn
• Update your business plan
• Remember you will be running a business not a charity
• Don’t panic during your dry spells
• This will be the making of you. But don’t set your prices too low!
• Trust your gut. If you think something/someone is going to be hard work… you’re probably right
• Go to events, anything you’re invited to, and tell folk what you do. You’ll be amazed

how often you hear ‘we’ve been looking for someone who does that!’

• Networking doesn’t have to be scary (even when you’re an introvert)
• Outsource what you can – even if you like doing it (e.g. book-keeping).

Finally – when starting out, think about finishing. A recent Consultants for Good workshop gave wise advice about planning retirement when planning your start-up.

Good luck!