By Dr. Chris Downs

This is the fifth in a series of blogs on reasons people open consulting practices.

#5 – Consulting Because Others Tell You To

If you are already a consultant, I imagine at least a few trusted people have told you you’re good at it. It’s nice to have others tell us they believe in us and our future success.

That said, I think opening a consulting practice based on others’ confidence in us is the worst possible reason to open a practice. Let me explain.

If others say, “you’re perfect for this!” does this mean you are actually perfect for this? Perhaps. But sometimes others’ observations are based on incomplete or sketchy observations.

Sometimes others offer these opinions to flatter us. While it’s nice to be flattered, flattery alone is no reason to open a consulting practice.

If your counselor points to your aptitude test score and concludes, “This shows you’d be a great consultant!” I’d urge you to pause before opening a business.

If your spouse or friends push you to become a consultant, reflect a long time before doing so. They have a perception of you, likely a personal one. That perception may be insightful. But personal perceptions are not equivalent to objective business expertise or preparation to market to a niche marketplace.

The perspectives of professionals in your field are another matter. If consultants already working in the field tell you that you’d make a great consultant in that field, pay attention. They are already familiar with the marketplace and potential clientele. They know what it takes to operate a consultancy. Their advice and encouragement is usually worth something.

Same for potential clients. Pay attention if you have company leaders telling you that they’d love to work with you, “if only you were an independent consultant, and we could hire you.”

Consultants should open their practices with as much self-confidence as possible. Not confidence based on the adoration, speculation, or encouragement of loved ones, college professors, or career counselors.

Self-confidence is when you have reviewed what you have to offer, to whom, how and when. Only then is it reasonable to build a company.

Are you thinking of opening a consulting practice? Have you already opened one? Did you do so, at least in part, because others told you that you were cut out for it? If so, how have things gone for you?

“Solo Consulting: Insider Tips for Success!” closely examines how and why people get into consulting. If you want to know more, click here.

Notice: This blog wholly reflects the views and suggestions of Dr. Chris Downs. Readers’ use of his views or suggestions are wholly the responsibility of the reader as reflected by their actions, reactions thoughts, statements, and behaviors. Dr. Downs accepts no responsibility for readers’ use of his words. Further, this blog contains no intentional or structured therapeutic intent nor is the content designed to harm or improve the psychological state of the reader. Readers are responsible for their own reactions to and/or use of any and all suggestions or advice.