Question
How do I start a consulting business with very little start-up capital?
I am interested in building on my expertise in non-profit management, organizational development, and strategic planning. There seem to be very few consulting firms that occupy this particular space, particularly in the categories of interim-CEO/Executive Director, non-profit company restructuring, strategic planning. However, most consulting firms that appear to be successful have far more infrastructure than I can afford to develop. I would love to get advice about how to launch a consulting firm with limited resources for the start-up.
3 years ago - 1 answers
Best Answer
Chosen by Asker
Your expertise is the key to success in this field, but you are right -- the big firms have the infrastructure that shouts "we are good." I have been in your position. I started as a one-man, part-time consulting firm, and made it to global consulting. The keys: image and perception. In the Internet era, you can get a great web site that shows your skills quite well -- you can immediately compete with the big guys on "image" as a factor. Use low-cost technology to shine" a toll-free phone number to make it easy for clients anywhere to call you. A good "brand name" for your business can help a great deal. Get a "prestige" address -- you don't have to have your office there. A "mail drop" address, something like << 000 Beverly Blvd., Beverly Hills, CA 90210 >> can be yours for a few dollars a month. Use this, and call on clients at THEIR office, until you can afford a nice office. You don't even have to quit your day job yet. Build the business, and then make the leap to full time. I did this, and with your background, you can do it too. If you want more details, feel free to email me. Good luck.
by David545
3 years ago
Asker's Rating: 