How to Start a Consulting Business ~ Biz.com Small Business

By Lanee' Blunt

Set up your
consulting company--
Surely

Starting your own consulting company can be a rewarding experience. What separates a good consultant from a bad one is the passion that one brings to the job. As a consultant you should have a lot of experience in your field and be very knowledgeable about the subject you are consulting in. Consulting gives you the opportunity to meet potential clients, establish credibility, and set your own fees.

Difficulty

Moderate

Things You’ll Need

Business cards

Website

Brochure

Business license

Step 1

Work from Home. Starting a business from home when you are just starting out requires less investment than operating out of a leased office, or owned business property. Set up a home office in a spare room.

Step 2

Get your client base. Network by passing out business cards, brochures and join twitter and social networking sites. Ask for referrals from your clients or offer incentives for getting them. Ask for pro bono work when you are first starting out because it may produce future business.

Step 3

Get Noticed. Send press releases to the local newspaper to get notoriety. Write articles and send queries to trade journals and business publications. Writing articles helps to get your name in front of your audience and is a form of public relations.

Step 4

Get Licensing. Depending on your business you may need certification or a license before you start your business.

Step 5

Acquire a “Doing Business As,” DBA. Register a legal name for your business if you are going to use a name other than your own name. Apply for the DBA with a registration form with your state and local government. Apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the US Internal Revenue Service if you have hired employees.

Step 6

Set up a checking account for your new consulting company. Print business cards. Get business letterhead printed with your company name and contact information. Start a website that you can direct clients to with your contact information. Make it easy for prospects to get in touch with you on your website by setting up an email account in case they want to hire you.

Tips

Join your local Chamber of Commerce.

Reference

Inc; How to Promote Your Consulting Business; Lou Dubois; 2011

Entrepreneur; How to Start a Consulting Business

SBA: 5 Steps to Registering Your Business

SBA: Taking the Plunge; Caron Beesley; 2010

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