Chapter 1: The Opportunities in Freelance Consulting

Starting a freelance consulting career can unlock various possibilities and create a steady income stream.

Many individuals often approach me with a similar inquiry:

"Hey, Aldric. I'm interested in becoming a consultant as a side gig. How do I begin?"

Freelance consulting is a popular option for side hustles, and it's easy to see why.

First, the entry barriers are quite low. You're essentially monetizing your knowledge and skills.

Additionally, consulting is a service-oriented business, meaning there's no product to create; clients want your expertise.

If you're considering venturing into consulting during your 6–9, keep reading.

A Necessary Note Before We Proceed

It's important to be transparent: having experience is crucial to establishing yourself as a credible consultant.

This isn't just about how well you execute your tasks or your intelligence. Ultimately, consulting is an impression-based field.

We need to prove that we have real-world experience and can articulate our expertise effectively to attract prospects and potential clients.

If you rely solely on ideas without substance, clients will see through it. They hire us for our ability to solve their problems—keep that in mind.

If you can share knowledge and address challenges within a specific niche, like Shreya Badonia does in Web 3.0, you have a great chance to grow your freelance consulting business.

What Should Your First Move Be When Offering Consulting Services?

Your best opportunities will often arise from change. It may not be obvious at first, but you'll recognize it over time.

Since change is central to consulting, you should be well-versed in a few key concepts:

• An As-Is, To-Be Comparison: Clearly define your clients' current state versus their desired future state.
• A Journey Roadmap: Outline the steps needed to get from point A to point B.
• A List of Anticipated Challenges: Discuss the obstacles your current clients face and how you've helped them overcome these hurdles.

These are tactical elements to consider. Above all, you must be an effective communicator.

Over the years, I've learned that the best consultants can simplify complex subjects into digestible pieces of knowledge.

Why is this critical? Because your potential clients need to be convinced that you are the right person for the job. Persuasive communication is key to gaining their trust.

Author's Note: Remember, change represents your most significant business opportunity as a consultant.

Next — Spread the Word: Let Others Know You're Available

Aspiring consultants frequently tell me that social media is their primary marketing tool.

While I recognize the power and reach of social media—especially platforms like LinkedIn and Twitter—I urge caution about their limitations.

If you have only a few hundred followers and a passive audience, organic social media marketing may not yield substantial results.

Instead, consider these more effective approaches to market your consulting services:

1. Engage with Colleagues (In-Person)

Many people dream of pursuing their ventures while working in cubicles. These individuals represent direct opportunities if you can meet their needs.

I once assisted my business partner in selling website development projects to former colleagues during the e-commerce boom. I also provided LinkedIn consulting when it became the go-to platform for connecting ambitious professionals.

Engaging face-to-face leads to quicker recognition of opportunities than relying solely on social media.

2. Reach Out to Your Network (Beyond the Office)

Former colleagues, LinkedIn connections, and HR professionals all belong in your sales funnel.

Why? Because they already know and trust you, which gives you an advantage over strangers. They’re more likely to choose your services if offered the same consulting package.

How Should You Price Your Consulting Services?

This is undoubtedly the million-dollar question.

I'm not a proponent of offering free services. While I understand the appeal of emphasizing value over money, there are three main issues with this approach:

• Value is subjective; your prospects must recognize the worth of your services to convert.
• Providing free services can lead to an expectation of continued free work, making it hard to charge clients later.
• Why offer your expertise for free when you can charge for it?

Instead of a $0 price tag, let's explore how to effectively price your consulting services based on their nature:

Consulting Service Type #1 — Active Knowledge Sharing

This is a volume-based business.

Set a base fee for workshops or webinars, plus a tiered structure. For instance:

A fixed price of $500 for the first ten participants, with an additional $100 for each extra attendee.

This incentivizes prospects to bring more participants at a lower cost.

Consulting Service Type #2 — Transformation Services

This focuses on client relationships.

Consider areas like massage therapy or beauty treatments, where the business is built on time and attention.

I recommend package pricing, such as $X for Y sessions, as it works well in this category.

Consulting Service Type #3 — Project-Based Services

In this case, you're selling specific projects.

I previously discussed this in detail in another article. One critical point to remember is that many prospects may not realize that projects have defined timelines and limits.

You must consistently remind clients about project completion and terms.

Conclusion

Freelance consulting is an excellent side hustle.

With low barriers to entry, it allows you to monetize your existing expertise. However, it's essential to stay within your area of competence to command premium rates.

Most importantly, enjoy the journey, even when clients voice their complaints.

Further Reading for Aspiring Consultants:

• Building Your Credentials
• Essential Tools for Consultants
• Finding Your Ideal Clients
• Becoming the Go-To Consultant in Your Area

About the Author:

As a contributor, I share insights from my daily life and business experiences, as these experiences shape our unique perspectives.

Feel free to connect with me on LinkedIn and Twitter!

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