business The New World of Independent Consultants Platforms, Coworking and Support By Richard Hartung
Whether it’s to gain more flexibility or leverage their expertise, a growing number of people are becoming independent consultants. In the past, that usually meant using your network to find jobs, leveraging your expertise to provide value, and operating independently. Now though, a combination of consulting platforms, co-working spaces and support services make consulting much easier.
Setting up the Consultancy While it might seem like becoming a consultant is simply a matter of hanging out your shingle to promote your services, it’s important to set up your business right from the start.
When you’re ready to put all your information online and develop a website, you can find developers, graphic artists and other specialized support at affordable costs on sites such as Upwork or Fiverr. You don’t need certification to start, unless you have a licensed specialty. While organizations here such as the Singapore Business Advisors and Consultants Council do certify consultants for a fee, there is no need for certification for most work.
Promoting your Business
Independent consultants have traditionally leveraged their years of experience to add value to The first step is to decide on your focus and clients and a network of contacts in their industry competitive advantage. You’ll need to figure out to win business. While they are still important, your target market, business pitch and what there are other ways to find clients. makes you different from a multitude of other Consultant platforms offer an alternative independent experts. for generating business. Talmix, A-Connect, You’ll also need to decide whether to become a ICG, Business Talent Group and others bring sole proprietorship or a private limited company. experienced independent professionals together While becoming a sole proprietor is faster and to form teams for client projects. Talmix, for easier, a company limits your liability and also example, says it brings technology, experience offers tax advantages for Americans. and talent connections to more than 40,000 customers in more than 150 countries. Smaller and more specialized firms such as Paytech offer opportunities, too. Another option is learning networks, which offer clients access to experts in hour-long question-and-answer sessions. US-headquartered Gerson Lehrman Group (GLG), Third Bridge and AlphaSights in Europe and India-headquartered Insight
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