Ten commandments for novice consultants

If you're just starting out there are at least 10 commandments for throwing yourself into the marketplace.

Feel free to browse the articles, guides and courses on this site. And check out our consulting books: The Australian Consultant's Guide and Consulting Mastery, The Consultants' Companion, Making your Consultancy a business not a job, Ten more ways to promote your consultancy.

1. Know your outcome - are you in it for the money, for lifestyle, for fun?
2. Look at all sides of the idea - not just the good side – some people romanticize consulting. It is magnificent fun and very challenging, and it can be a real bore. Be realistic.
3. Charge enough - Remember to factor in the costs of everything, including 20% of your time (at least) looking for working and marketing, plus admin, accountant and legal fees. Check out the magic charge-out formula spreadsheet for knowing what to charge.
4. Factor in your availability, affability and ability it’s not just who you know, it’s what they say about you. For more info, read Consulting Mastery, the Ability Myth
5. Get advisors, supporters and mis-matchers
6. Remember you're running a business Consider the Consultants' Companion - improving your consultancy 30 minutes a week or Making your consultancy a business not a job. Set up your business systems for billing, marketing, business planning, keeping in touch with existing clients...
7. Get out of the house or office. Work doesn’t knock on your door.
8. Let your history help you - Make sure everyone you have ever known knows that you’re consulting, and specifically what sort of work you do
9. Keep learning - All you sell is what you know. Here is a checklist of things you might want to learn.
10. Maintain your assets (you!) Eat. Sleep properly. Exercise. Learn more.

Cindy Tonkin can help you improve your business. Coaching sessions by phone or in person from $100 incl. GST. Read some more articles.

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