Consulting tips and tricks: A special report

Do you dream of the consultant's lifestyle? Setting your own hours, being your own boss, living where you want, and accepting only projects that interest you.

Sure, working as an independent consultant can be as risky as it is rewarding, but it's not as hard as you might think. If you're resourceful, organized, and have a wide range of skills, consulting could be just the profession for you. And if you plan it right the first time, you can succeed where others have failed.

Whether you're contemplating a move into the consulting field or you're currently an independent consultant looking for some expert advice, ITworld.com columnist Peter Rysavy has some useful information for you about running your own consultancy -- from securing clients and managing time to branding your company and expanding your business.

What is it really like to be a consultant?: If you've ever wished you could run your own business, with the freedom to choose your clients, projects, and hours, you might be ready for the consulting life. To learn more about the industry and how you might fit in, read on.

The skills you need to be a successful consultant: Becoming a successful consultant is less about specific expertise than about having the right skills and personality for the job. Learn how to evaluate your professional and personal skills, focus your expectations, and you're on your way.

Fear: It's the biggest impediment to starting your own business: Many people dream of leading a consultant's life, but few take the leap. Overcome your fear by examining the key considerations for starting your own consultancy.

Clients: How to get them: Like most other businesses, consultancies require a steady stream of clients -- so how do you go about securing them? The answer lies in diversification, flexibility, and quality of service.

Overcome negative perceptions: As a consultant, you fight negative perceptions about your job on a daily basis. By establishing yourself as trustworthy, efficient, and credible, you not only build your own reputation, but that of the industry as well.

Setting rates: How high should you go?: Setting your consulting fees is a touchy process; if they're too high, you lose business, and if they're too low, you lose money and credibility. Factors to consider when setting your rates include the type of work you perform, the services your client demands, and the timelines for projects.

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