What will I be doing?

As a business consultant you will help clients make informed decisions about subjects on which you have advanced knowledge and skills. Your expertise may be in managing professional offices, international marketing, computerized accounting, taxation or other subjects. In each case, you will be paid for sharing your knowledge and your experience with others. You will be offering valuable advice to businesses.

What will I need to start?

To sell business solutions to others you must have successfully solved business problems yourself. This requires experience in business, along with good communication skills. You will also need plenty of resources to help you answer questions.

To start your business consulting service, make sure you have developed the knowledge and skills you need. This takes time and training. Then find ways of certifying your knowledge and experience so that prospects will trust you. For example, a business communications consultant can earn professional certification from the Business Marketing Association.

Who will my customers be?

Your customers will be business owners and managers who need solutions to problems they face. If your field is tax accounting, your customers will be business people with tax accounting problems. If you specialize in helping small businesses grow, your customers will be those who own small businesses that need to grow to survive. You get the picture.