Who is the freelance consultant and how to become one
More and more people desire flexibility and freedom. Gone are the days when professionals spent thirty years in the same cubicle and then retired. In fact, such a work arrangement today would be considered a nightmare.
It’s true that workers in many sectors, especially those in consulting and advisory fields, are adopting this new way of working. Perhaps you’ve heard of classic freelance roles like graphic designers, copywriters, and photographers.
But can consultants and advisors also become freelancers?
And if so, how does one become an independent freelance consultant?
What is a freelance consultant?
I freelance, in any sector, are contractors who collaborate with a company for a specific task or project. They are not employees as such. This means they can choose who to work with, engage with multiple clients simultaneously, and set their own rates.
Most successful consultants start their careers by working with large consulting firms. However, the competition in this field is intense. It is well-known that consulting firms have a “climb or be out” policy.
This means either you advance in the corporate ladder or you exit the system. Besides, there is usually a rigid hierarchy, and promotions come only after several years of work.
This system might not be suitable for everyone. That’s why some consultants, bright and hardworking, may opt for a different path. This is the freelance independent consultant’s job in a nutshell.
In essence, freelance consultants do everything a consultant at a large consulting firm does.
However, they will find their own clients, negotiate agreements on their own, and lead the project. There won’t be a senior consultant telling them what to do, and there won’t be competition with other consultants. They can choose their own hours, clients, and rates.
How to become a freelance consultant?
We started this article with ‘what is a freelance consultant.‘ But now it’s time to give you some practical insights on how to become one. So, pay attention because each of these steps is important.
Engage in training and relevant sector-specific master’s programs
If you wanted to become freelance consultants or advisors, in addition to a degree, you might need further training. We’re not talking about another degree: that would be too lengthy and costly; there are some short-term courses that can be helpful.
For instance, to become a freelance consultant who consistently attracts clients, you need to undergo sales training.
The thing is, being an employee in a non-sales position doesn’t provide the necessary sales experience. As a freelancer, you’ll need to learn how to close new projects. That’s why training in this field could be very beneficial.
Doing a work experience at consulting firms
Here’s how things stand: if you want to have quality clients, you need to gain work experience first. The more experience you gain, the better.
It might be difficult to break into the world of freelance consulting without experience. So ideally, you should start working with a consulting firm and get some practice. When it comes to consulting firms, the more prestigious they are, the better it will be for you.
However, to become a freelance consultant, it is not necessary to work for the Big Four. What is needed is knowledge of how consultants effectively solve problems. During your time working in a consulting firm, you will learn everything about consulting.
You will learn to gather quantitative and qualitative data. You will know how to use frameworks, tools, and methods to solve problems. You will practically acquire consulting frameworks.
The fact is that these things cannot be taught in traditional training courses. To truly understand them, it is necessary to engage firsthand. Being a freelance consultant or advisor without this knowledge can be pointless. So, gain work experience first.
Choosing a niche
Ideally, you shouldn’t just aim to become a freelance consultant. Instead, you should strive to become the go-to person in a specific consulting niche.
So, rather than calling yourself a freelance consultant, you should label yourself – for example – as a “freelance consultant for accounting management” or “freelance consultant for human resources.” Or if you already have extensive, even cross-disciplinary experience, you could call yourself an “investment advisor.”
Commercialize your freelance consulting services
As mentioned earlier, when you become freelance consultants, you’ll need to find clients. So, think of yourselves as a business entity. Now, you might be wondering: how to find clients as an independent consultant?
- Networking: Your personal and professional network can be of great help when starting to work as independent consultants. Especially if you have already worked as consultants and have good relationships with potential clients. Therefore, use your network to spread the word.
- Social media: LinkedIn can be an excellent tool for budding freelance consultants. You could post content related to consulting to attract clients. However, it may take a lot of time to build a personal brand online. So, even though social media is useful, it shouldn’t be the only way to find clients.
- Events: Do you know who your target audience is? Do you know which events they attend? Then try to speak at those events. In particular, you should talk about how you have solved a client’s problem in the past and explain the results achieved through your skills.
- Online consulting platforms: This is by far the best way to find clients as a freelance consultant. Platforms like Diktu can easily connect you with potential clients
Conclusion
- Expert consultants may choose to leave the corporate hierarchy and start working as freelancers to achieve a better work-life balance, autonomy, and flexibility.
- Taking intensive sales and consulting courses can provide greater confidence when diving into freelance consulting.
- It is advisable to have practical experience as an employee of a consulting firm before starting to work as a freelancer.
- Choosing a specific niche for freelance consulting and excelling in it can be the best choice in the long run.
- Online consulting platforms can help you find new clients relatively easily compared to any other method.
To become a freelance consultant represents an ambitious but rewarding choice for those seeking greater flexibility, autonomy, and the opportunity to tailor their career to fit their needs.
The transition from traditional employment to freelance consultancy requires preparation, determination, and a strategic approach, but the benefits in terms of work-life balance and the satisfaction of guiding one’s own path can be significant.
The importance of acquiring additional training, gaining practical experience, choosing a specific niche, and effectively marketing one’s services cannot be overstated.
In a competitive market, these steps are essential to stand out and build a solid reputation that attracts quality clients.
While this career path may seem challenging, with the right preparation, strategy, and mindset, it is absolutely achievable and rich in potential rewards and gratifications.
If you’re ready to take control of your career and navigate the sometimes turbulent waters of freelancing with determination and wisdom, the opportunities and successes that await you are limited only by your ability to dream and act accordingly.
