What are some important things to keep in mind to succeed as an independent consultant?
If you’re considering going independent I think it’s really important to identify what success means to you. Do you need to make a certain amount of money? What defines you—in your mind—as a success? Figure that out and work backwards. I think it’s important to be realistic, especially in your income goals. When I first started out, I kept thinking of all the money I was used to but wasn’t making. Then (with my husband’s help) I removed my head and put it back on straight by figuring out what I needed to make—and I was fine. Don’t skimp on vendor solutions that will add professionalism to your work. I think one of the potential barriers to securing clients as an independent is being able to assure them they will receive the same level of service they’re used to with a larger agency, or even a boutique one. Depending on what kind of work you plan to take on, you should be prepared to reach out to vendors to see if they will work with you to provide products that make your work more effi
