Practical Tips for Self-Employed Consultants and Solopreneurs
Advice and Insight
The one thing all independent consultants and coaches have in common is we all get FUD from time to time: FEAR of change, UNCERTAINTY about how to address a situation, and DOUBT about trying something new. When these emotions crop up, I refer to it as the FUD monster. I imagine a hairy gremlin on my shoulder, whispering nasty self-doubt into my ear. Here’s what you can do to tame your FUD monster…
Read MoreAs a self-employed professional do you need a website? Is it worth the time and money if you get most of your business from referrals or by subcontracting?
The short answer is, yes. Here’s why:
Read MoreMost independent consultants have some FUD (fear, uncertainty, or doubt) when it comes to finding work. Even if you’ve been self-employed for years, dry spells between projects can still happen, and if you’re just starting out it’s especially difficult to find your own work. It can take several months to set up your business, establish your reputation, and build your network in order to find and bill your own clients directly. Subcontracting to a well-established consulting firm or through an agency or online platform can be an attractive option. This article and the corresponding quick reference guide summarize the pros and cons and offer practical tips for expanding your reach…
Read MoreHiring a consultant can be a difficult decision for a client, especially when they’re going to be spending tens of thousands of dollars. They need to be sure that the person they’re hiring is competent, credible, trustworthy, and most importantly, effective.
Use short stories or mini case studies to build your credibility before you’ve even had a conversation with a prospective client.
Read MoreNegotiating is typically hard for everyone, but it’s especially tough for consultants. It’s our nature to make the client happy, so negotiating for a higher rate feels awkward. But when you’re self-employed, even the smallest increase in your rate can translate to big bucks, particularly if the rate is for a long project, or if you’re working with an ongoing client.
I recently discovered a series of practical tips on Instagram, of all places, by following Johanna Voss, owner of a boutique talent agency for female influencers and keynote speakers. With her permission, here are her three essential negotiation tips that every consultant should know.
Read MoreAs a self-employed consultant do you really need a website?
I’m asked this a lot, particularly if a consultant gets most business from referrals or they contract through agencies or boutique firms. Besides, it’s highly unlikely that a prospective client is going to stumble upon your website and decide to hire you. Surely creating a website is a waste of time and money, right?
I used to say that if you had a really strong LinkedIn profile and you keep your network warm, you probably didn’t need a website. Indeed, I know dozens of independent consultants making six-figure incomes without one.
Now, however, my answer is, yes, absolutely, you need to have a business website. Here’s why:
Read MorePractical tips and advice for solopreneurs such as independent consultants, executive coaches, and financial planners. #SolopreneurSuccess
This is where we post our latest content on how to be your best as a self-employed consultant. Nearly all articles are written by PICA’s Chief Advocate, Liz Steblay, based on her 25 years in consulting, including 20 as a solopreneur.
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Still not finding the info you need? Send an email to Lsteblay(at)PICAnetwork.org.
