Last week I asked about your biggest challenge.
What is your biggest challenge with your consulting business?
- Finding the courage to dive in?
- Fear of leaving your corporate job?
- Getting started?
- Charging enough?
- Finding Clients?
- Juggling it all?
- Something else?
Getting Started is the Hardest Thing
I heard back from several people and the landslide winner is Getting Started. I got started a long time ago, so that’s obviously no longer a challenge for me. But here’s the thing, I didn’t have big, overwhelming thoughts about starting a business and everything that means. I simply jumped in and did a project. I still remember the satisfaction of putting that first check in the bank. I landed the project, did the work and put the check in the bank. I was pretty darn proud of myself.
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. You simply need to land one project. Find a client who has a project and do some billable work. There are many steps to building a business and I will hold your hand every step of the way if you want me to. But for now, let’s focus on landing a project and getting a check in the bank. Your confidence will soar once you finish your first project.
You deserve this. Won’t you join me and land a project? I have a proven process and we will take it step-by-step.
If you are already past the Getting Started phase, congratulations! You’ve already completed the first big step.
Finding Clients is a Constant Challenge
The next biggest challenge is Finding Clients. This is my biggest challenge. 15 years in It takes constant work to keep my pipeline full of high-quality projects. Oddly enough, it’s easier when you’re first getting started. What?!?!? It is because you have never been available before as a consultant. Now that you are, people are going to snap you up like hotcakes. But don’t get too comfortable because this bonanza won’t last forever. Then you’ll have to work for it, same as me. How to Create a Value Proposition that Slays will help you craft your pitch.
Once You Get Started, Charging Enough Will Rise to the Top
I am on a personal mission to make sure you charge what you are worth! Starting your own consulting business should not be a financial sacrifice. One of our early Billable at the Beach® clients doubled her corporate salary within the first six months.
Why don’t people charge what they are worth? FEAR. Fear that they won’t get the work if they price too high. Fear that they are not worth it. Fear that if I say, “My rate is $150 an hour,” the client will laugh in my face.
STOP right now and repeat after me:
I earned it.
I deserve it.
I am worth it.
Please read more about How to Charge What You are Worth.
Should You Make Less Money Because You Work from Home?
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.
Isn’t it Time for You to Be Your Own CEO?
Get clients in 30 days. Proven system to build your own consulting business so you can have the freedom and flexibility to live the life you deserve. Register now for the short 30-minute free training.