I traded my corporate job for consulting 15 years ago and make more money than most executives. I work and play every day. I founded Billable at the Beach® to liberate 6-figure earners by helping them build 6-figure consulting businesses. I am passionate about helping others find the freedom and flexibility to live the life of their dreams, without sacrificing the career they’ve spent so long building.
Here are 10 reasons why you should start your own consulting business
- It’s easier than you think to start your own consulting business
It’s easier than you think to start consulting. All you need is a computer, a phone, brainpower and business experience. The work is the same as the work you’ve been doing in your corporate job only better. Getting started doesn’t have to be hard.
- Land a project and put a check in the bank
If the idea of starting a business makes you feel inspired and energized, that’s great. I’m all in. But, if you are like the rest of us and the idea of starting a business is overwhelming, stop right now. You don’t need to incorporate or build a web site or name your business. Let’s focus on landing a project and putting a check in the bank.
Consulting lends itself to one step at a time. There is no investment, no lead time and no set up time. The barriers to entry are very low. The best way to get started as a consultant is to dive in. If you need help, this free email course will walk you through three action steps to generate revenue now. If you start right away, you can be doing billable work as soon as next week. Following these three action steps gives you the best possible chance of landing a consulting project. It works for me and I see it work for others, over and over again. If you wait too long, your life will pass you by.
- If I can do it, you can do it
Seriously, there is nothing special about me. When you’re telling people about your services, you are not asking or imposing, you are giving. Imagine if someone like you had come along just when you needed it most? You would have been delighted. If you have something that can help, you owe it to the world to get it out there.
Go big or go home! Flip your mindset upside down.
- Leverage the power of the like-minded people
You’ll need the support of others. As an introvert, I tend to think I can do everything on my own. But sharing the challenge and success of running a consulting business makes the experience so much better. Like-minded people give us support and advice. They’re our cheerleaders, but they also keep us honest. In the process, they lift us up, and themselves too.
You need the reassurance that your struggles are normal. Connect with people who understand what you’re going through because they’re going through it too. One way is with the Build Your 6-Figure Consulting Business Community, my LinkedIn group. Please join us.
- The days are long, but the years are short
I have news that may shock you. You are never going to get THERE. Where is THERE anyhow? THERE is HERE, and you are THERE now. What??? This is starting to sound like a “who’s on first” joke… Be careful not to wish your life away. The days are long, but the years are short. If you wait too long, your life will pass you by. Happiness is a journey not a destination.
- More money
Starting your own consulting business does not mean that you will make less money, in fact I make more. I like to say, “Don’t lean in, walk out! And serve it back to them on a silver platter at twice the price.”
Should you make less money because you work from home? Are you less smart? Are you doing lower quality work? Not at all. In fact, you’re probably far more productive when you’re not distracted by the office circus. As long as you’re doing quality work and meeting your client’s needs, it shouldn’t matter whether you’re working from Disneyland or a spaceship orbiting the moon.
- Better work
I love being a consultant. The advantages are freedom, flexibility, control, interesting and engaging work, good pay and sometimes equity. You rarely get caught up in company politics and nearly all of your work is direct value add.
You help multiple companies rather than just one. Those executive teams are looking to you as the expert. You feel like you’re finally firing on all cylinders and making major contributions. You have far more impact on your client companies than you did as an employee. You’re energized again.
- If not now, when?
There will never be a better time. 10,000 Baby Boomers retire each day sending shockwaves through the American work force. Filling the workforce gap will be a challenge. The ranks of the Gen X workers are simply not enough, while many Millennials lack the needed work experience. Now is the ideal time to start consulting.
- Imagine your consulting life
As a consultant, how would you reimagine your life? What do you want it to look like three months from now? (It can happen that fast.) Or three years from now? Earning MORE than your corporate salary. Forgetting, sometimes, that you even work full time. Spending more time with your family. Going on that dream trip or completing an athletic goal or adventure journey. Playing golf, surfing, or cycling every morning. What is your why?
- You deserve it!
Ready to get lucky? There is nothing special about me. If I can do it, you can do it.
The mission of Billable at the Beach® is to liberate 6-figure earners by helping them build 6-figure consulting businesses. I am passionate about helping others find the freedom and flexibility to live the life of their dreams, without sacrificing the career they’ve spent so long building.
The best way to get started as a consultant is to dive in. This free email course will walk you through three action steps to generate revenue now. If you start right away, you can be doing billable work as soon as next week. Following these three action steps gives you the best possible chance of landing a consulting project. It works for me and I see it work for others, over and over again. Take control and take the plunge!