Comments on: Can You Leave Your Job to Consult Today?

By: Ashley White

Ashley White — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 00:16:52 +0000

I am thinking about freelancing, but I am only in the way begginning stages. I am not even all that sure what possibilities this kind of career holds. I have a cubical that I intend to stay close too, however, I do not intend to stay in it forever. With all those things stated, I’m compelled to ask what's the most imporatant tip you would give to an unsure, inexperienced, corporate working person interested in this line of work.

By: Ashley White

Ashley White — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 19:16:52 +0000

By: Kevin Fenton

Kevin Fenton — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 20:51:50 +0000

Two possibly more useful thoughts: 1. If you generally like your current situation but have always wanted to free-lance, this may actually be an opportune time to see if you can't cut a deal with your employer where you take on a consulting role. It can cut their costs (including benefits) but give you a client. This can also obviously be tricky, if mismanaged, though. 2. Talk to ad agencies and free-lance advertising writers/creative directors. The good ones know that, except for writing the most dumb dumb press releases, we are not PR people and having a good PR partner is a real plus. Rachel Kay is also right: you need at least a logo and a good one gets you a lot of cred. I work with a fantastic designer who actually appears to raise my IQ. Kevin Fenton’s last blog post..Ben Franklin’s Rules of Twitter

By: Kellye Crane

Kellye Crane — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 01:31:08 +0000

@Rachel- Thank you for such a thoughtful response. You raise a number of important considerations for anyone considering a consulting career path. I think the key is to temper enthusiasm with preparation and a game plan (as Lauren notes above). I’m sure many will learn from your words of wisdom.

By: Rachel Kay

Rachel Kay — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 00:33:22 +0000

Kellye – I’m really glad you wrote this post. The recession has created many opportunities for people to become freelancers. It’s created many entrepreneurs, which is a very cool thing. But I think a lot of people also approach freelancing without a true understand of the preparation, cost and commitment needed. I caution people who think freelancing is the solution to a disenchanting job to make sure they are really ready for a new set of challenges.

Building on my Tweet (thanks for including) I recommend ensuring you have a sizable cushion of money because you cannot predict what might happen. The first lesson I learned was that how much money I billed had little to do with how much money I collected. People run late with bills. People hire you and then lose funding. Contracts ensure nothing.

People also have misconception that freelancing doesn’t cost much money. If you do it right, it does. When I started freelancing I thought I didn’t need a Web site. I realized quickly that wasn’t the case – I needed somewhere to drive people. Well you can’t have a Web site without a logo. And you need business cards. If you get really busy you might need an intern. All kinds of expenses come up that you don’t anticipate.

Finally, make sure you have the experience needed to offer client the best possible service. A couple of years in one role or a college degree doesn’t prepare you for the knowledge needed to be a strategic communications counselor.