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Started By
Message
So talk to me about being a consultant in my spare time...
Posted on 9/23/15 at 9:52 am
Posted on 9/23/15 at 9:52 am
I worked with businesses at every size and scale along with their employees for the better part of the decade up until a year or so ago. My area of expertise is in workplace conflict and resolution and somewhat HR-related though I have not a single day in an HR position on my resume.
Called a ton of balls and strikes and was allowed to grow via a massive amount of professional development from LSU re: these subjects and not only how to apply them in my job, but within my own work environment and professional office culture.
I don't do it anymore, but I talk to my friends and other folks and realize there is a HUGE demand for the knowledge I garnered and I could save companies-large and small-large sums of money by sitting down and reviewing their business processes on a high level and how they take care of their human capital and issues that surround them.
Where do folks start who have these skills and how would I go about marketing them? I have no experience as a consultant and wouldn't know where to start.
Can someone provide me a direction to move in?
Called a ton of balls and strikes and was allowed to grow via a massive amount of professional development from LSU re: these subjects and not only how to apply them in my job, but within my own work environment and professional office culture.
I don't do it anymore, but I talk to my friends and other folks and realize there is a HUGE demand for the knowledge I garnered and I could save companies-large and small-large sums of money by sitting down and reviewing their business processes on a high level and how they take care of their human capital and issues that surround them.
Where do folks start who have these skills and how would I go about marketing them? I have no experience as a consultant and wouldn't know where to start.
Can someone provide me a direction to move in?
6
Posted on 9/23/15 at 10:31 am to GFunk
Hourly Nerd probably isn't a good fit, but there might be something like it that is.
Posted on 9/23/15 at 10:35 am to GFunk
Well you certainly have the lingo and buzzwords to be a great consultant! 
You said your spare time... are you working full time or are you retired? If you are working full time, how is this type of work - which I assume means you will have to meet with companies - going to be handled after hours?
Are there some small things you can give away via public speaking? Professional and civic organizations are always looking for lunch speakers, so if you have some things that make up a 25 minute talk, maybe you can build your brand that way.
Would your former companies/clients be willing to provide testimonials? Could they throw you some business? Could they refer you to their network?
You said your spare time... are you working full time or are you retired? If you are working full time, how is this type of work - which I assume means you will have to meet with companies - going to be handled after hours?
Are there some small things you can give away via public speaking? Professional and civic organizations are always looking for lunch speakers, so if you have some things that make up a 25 minute talk, maybe you can build your brand that way.
Would your former companies/clients be willing to provide testimonials? Could they throw you some business? Could they refer you to their network?
Posted on 9/23/15 at 10:42 am to GFunk
quote:
I talk to my friends and other folks and realize there is a HUGE demand
If you have to ask how/where to market this, then may be that's not the case.
A lot of 'consulting' work grows organically from a successful project and your network. Executive A has a good experience with you and recommends you to Executive B and that leads to more work, as so on.
The question you have to ask is:
How much are companies willing to invest for your experience/knowledge? Generally, HR related issues are not big budget issues (if they are, legal is involved).
quote:
I could save companies-large and small-large sums of money
Put some case studies/white papers together and have something to show a potential client how you can save them time/money... if you can't spell it out easily and concisely, it will be a hard sell.
Posted on 9/23/15 at 10:48 am to GFunk
Begin with those you identified in your post to gauge whether or not they/or their employer would be willing to entertain paying you for your acquired skills
Posted on 9/23/15 at 10:53 am to GFunk
You need to legitimize your part-time "endeavor" before you do anything else. If you are confident you can provide a benefit to companies you need to invest in yourself and start a website, business cards, LLC, etc.
Once I had all of this done, I would send an email out to all of my contacts/network with my info and goals and how I can help them.
I would then start making calls, networking, attending events, conferences etc.
I would make absolutely sure before I did any of this my "full time" job was okay with it.
You didn't give us a lot of info, not sure what else you want other than what I gave you.
Once I had all of this done, I would send an email out to all of my contacts/network with my info and goals and how I can help them.
I would then start making calls, networking, attending events, conferences etc.
I would make absolutely sure before I did any of this my "full time" job was okay with it.
You didn't give us a lot of info, not sure what else you want other than what I gave you.
Posted on 9/23/15 at 2:16 pm to lilsnappa
quote:
lilsnappa
quote:
If you have to ask how/where to market this, then may be that's not the case.
I wasn't able to offer services on a freelance basis in my previous position. The subject matter expertise I possessed and put into practice had to occur within the confines of my employment.
Most of my friends who are business owners and/or middle managers with direct reports have already mined me for free advice or consultation which at the time I didn't mind doing as I couldn't ply my wares with that knowledge from the time spent in my field as an asset. Now that I'm no longer bound by the requirements of my previous employer, I could easily consult without an issue.
As far as what folks would be willing to pay, I can easily document the differences in tax rates (which is just a start) that I could save employers by taking the time to speak with them about their business, review their policy and processes, take a skim through their handbooks and identify places where their bottom line was being scratched at due to human capital problems.
There's a ton of efficiency to be gained by taking a meticulous approach to policy and process in the workplace when it comes to businesses that employ anywhere from 2-200 people.
Self employed wouldn't have much to gain, but if there's more than one or two folks on your payroll (and especially if you offer vacation, sick time or other fringe benefits) my knowledge would prove especially valuable.
This post was edited on 9/23/15 at 2:18 pm
Posted on 9/23/15 at 2:55 pm to GFunk
quote:
Most of my friends who are business owners and/or middle managers with direct reports have already mined me for free advice or consultation
Well I think it's time you ask that they repay the favor by reaching out to their network and seeing if they get your some leads.
quote:
There's a ton of efficiency to be gained by taking a meticulous approach to policy and process
Absolutely agree. This is the type of consulting practice I work in... but its not always easy to tie efficiencies gained to $$.
quote:
2-200 people
That may be a problem. Those types of companies usually don't have a lot of extra capital on hand to invest in process improvement projects. If its something you can come in, charge a 1-time fee, and show results quickly then it may be feasible for small companies.
Posted on 9/23/15 at 3:09 pm to GFunk
This biggest question is, how much time do you have/ do you want to commit to this?
I work for a consulting firm, but do a little 'side work' with former employers. Usually less than 10 hours/month...
Doing part time consulting could only be done if you had enough flexibility and availability to meet & work with clients when THEY want to.
I work for a consulting firm, but do a little 'side work' with former employers. Usually less than 10 hours/month...
Doing part time consulting could only be done if you had enough flexibility and availability to meet & work with clients when THEY want to.
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