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For Women with Their Own Consulting Businesses...
What did it take for you to take the plunge into consulting? What do you wish you knew before you went into consulting full-time?
What did it take? A layoff.
What do I wish I knew? I had been a consultant through a consulting firm before. I had sold and executed projects. But the administrative aspects of running your own business can be challenging and are not something you'd experience working for an established firm.. Find a small business mentor (connect with your local SBA) in the geographic location that you'll be based that can help guide you through the small business maze of licenses, insurances, routine government reporting, taxes, etc. Get a lawyer or sign up for LegalZoom, RocketLaywer, etc. Get an accountant and a bookkeeper from the beginning.
It was a huge leap of faith for me, but I had been thinking about doing it for years. Finally, the rug came out from my life and I knew I had to move forward. I had nothing left to lose. So I said yes two years ago and never looked back! Best choice I ever made.
It was a big change of direction for me. And although I knew all of the disciplines of consultancy, I'd never put them together as a consultant before. I think talking to other consultants first would have been really helpful.