How to Get Started as a Consultant Welcome

Thinking about STRIKING OUT ON YOUR OWN as an INFOpreneur? You are in the right place!

Seeking to serve your organization as an INTERNAL CONSULTANT? You may need to transfer to Rooms

341-342 for The Accidental INTRApreneur: Running an Internal Business When You Just Want to Run

Your Library

What are the steps needed to start a consulting business

Self Assessment

• Personality and motivations

• Expectations

• Financial considerations

Products & Services

• Research

• Marketing & Communications

• Information Management & Technology

• Training & Consulting

• Writing & Editing

"Reality Check" listening sessions can help you determine what the market needs and wants

Decide on a Name

• When choosing a name, remember it will be how you want to identify yourself as your business

• Do your due diligence for verifying the name is not in use (hint: trademark search)

Decide on your Business Structure

• Identify as either a sole proprietorship, partnership, limited liability company, corporation etc

• Having your name and structure gives you a foundation

Small Business Administration . (2018). Choose a business structure. Retrieved from

https://www.sba.gov/business-guide/launch-your-business/choose-business-structure

Make it official

• Get an EIN for your business and register it with your state (rules may vary by state with

registrations)

• Once you have your EIN and company registration, you can easily set up a business bank

account and even a credit card

Internal Revenue Service. (22 Mar 2018). State & Federal Online Business Registration. Retrieved from

https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/state-and-federal-online-business-

registration

Website

• Register your domain (and don't forgot about security certificates)

• Start with a simple design - websites are fluid and expect to keep content (& even design)

continually updated

• Consider content publishing sites (WP, Wix, Weebly, GoDaddy, Webs, Tumblr, Svbtle,

Squarespace, Penzu, Medium, Blogger. Sway etc)

Wilson, JL. (8 May 2018). The Best Web Hosting Services of 2018. Retrieved from

https://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2424725,00.asp

Other Essentials

• Business Cards are a must and consider swag that you can give to current & future customers

• Have a business plan: (writing the plan helps with what your business is all about)

• Invest in accounting software (desktop or cloud) to manage your finances

• Protect your business with insurance

• Consider tools & resources that you may need for your business (i.e. subscriptions, apps, etc)

• LinkedIN Profile is a must and consider other social media outlets & blogs or newsletters (your

line of business may impact which you choose to focus on)

What strategies can you apply to find customers and market your skills

Marketing

Define your offerings (product)

Establish your niche (positioning)

Determine fee structures (pricing)

Reach out to your target market (promotion)

Sales

YOUR FIRST 5 CLIENTS WILL COME FROM PEOPLE YOU KNOW

Expect to negotiate

Define the project scope

Set the price

Close the deal

Social! Social! Social!

Use LinkedIn, blogs, your website, and newsletters to reach out and demonstrate expertise.

Be findable.

Establish a schedule for yourself to keep these social mediums active

Network! Network! Network!

Find conferences, sessions, and events that relate to your business and participate! You can "work the

room", ask questions at the microphone (including your name and business), engage as a speaker or

presenter.

What pitfalls should you avoid as you start your business

Don't worry about making a mistake, just don't repeat it! Remember sometimes making mistakes is the

only way to learn

Really listen to your clients.

Have a plan for each day which helps you minimize any distractions

Take a break-go for walk, to the gym, or anything else. Be aware of your surroundings as opportunity

may be around the corner

Patience IS virtue.

Find your tribe - whether it's AIIP, USASBE , or EO, becoming a member expands your network and

offers entrepreneurial support when you need it. Do not forego your professional associations like SLA,

PIUG, ACS, ASIST.

1 - DO OR DO NOT. THERE IS NO TRY.