Independent Consultants: This week, I somehow stumbled across the strange new world of freelance job marketplaces that is Fiverr.

Fiverr -- The place for people to share the things they will do for $5

Of all the places newbies should look to begin their freelance careers, this is perhaps NOT one of them. [For reasons of sanity!]

When you begin a career as an independent consultant, one worry may dampen your excitement: landing your first client. Without any previous clients to vouch for your expertise, you may be nervous that clients will bypass you for a more experienced consultant.

It’s all about women here at MBO Partners this week. Perhaps it’s because we’re commissioning our new infographic on women in independent consulting (can’t wait to share), or because we’re focusing in on a question we’ve all had interest in for some time:

It’s that time of year. The cookie crumbs are all that’s left in the tin, and we’re back on the treadmill. Often, this is the time of year to reflect on career and make new decisions for the coming year.

Each holiday season, we see a flurry of inquiries from smart, talented professionals searching for the answer to the question: Is the independent consulting the right career path for them? Have you ever wondered if could you go solo in 2012?

To properly answer the question, a few things are important: