Consulting Blog

Are My Consulting Bill Rates Competitive?

When you’re independent consulting, having the right bill rate strategy is critical for running a successful business, but coming up with the “right” rate can be a serious source of stress and confusion. Figuring out what to charge is the first step in developing a solid business plan, and even for experienced consultants, you should review your pricing approach every year to account for changes in the marketplace and your own growing experience level. So how should you come up with a competitive bill rate . . .

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Independent Consultant, or Unemployed Poser?

Are you really an independent consultant, or are you an unemployed poser? Sure, you want to start a consulting business. Full time jobs are in short supply, and you might be better off building a diverse portfolio of clients rather than putting all your eggs into a single employer basket. But independent consulting and freelancing shouldn’t be entered into lightly. It’s a highly rewarding career for those that possess the right mindset and personality type, and a disaster for those who . . .

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Contractor or Consultant? What Are You?

Are you an independent consultant or a contractor? It’s more than just wordplay. You made the decision to go out on your own – to break free of the corporate stronghold and try your hand at . . . independent consulting? Becoming a contractor? Freelancing? Did you make a conscious decision to label yourself one way or another? While labels such as “contractor,” “consultant,” and “freelancer” often get used interchangeably, it’s worth it to step back and think about what . . .  

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Q: How can I sell my consulting services to new clients?

From the consulting question box: I’m looking for new clients for my freelance web design business and want advice on sales approaches. How can I find and reach marketing decision makers? Do marketing people find it obnoxious to be cold-called or receive mailings from vendors? What works  – a phone call first followed by a mailer and then a follow up call? A mailer first and then a phone call? -- Beth, San Francisco

Beth, great question. As a busy marketing professional, I hate cold calls. I get several each day. An incoming cold call has never led to a productive business relationship in my experience. I also don't want mail. It’s a tremendous waste of paper and contrary to both my personal and our corporate Green Vision. Unless I’m buying printed materials/packaging from you and have asked for samples, don’t send me paper. Try this approach instead; it’s not the “conventional wisdom” for sales technique, but  . . .

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Is Recession Good or Bad For Freelancers?

How is the recession impacting independent consultants, contractors, and freelancers? Is this downturn helping your business or hurting you? We’ve had over 300 consultants and freelancers like yourself answer our FastPoll. As of today, 64% of consultants are claiming 2009 will be a stronger year for them than 2008 was, and 19% believe it will be about the same. Only a shocking 9% say this year will be weaker than last year. Put your vote in – no need to give us your info, we won’t even ask:  http://bit.ly/mWWio 

Is this possible? Aren’t we in the midst of a financial meltdown? Isn’t unemployment skyrocketing? As the survey allows room to leave a comment, we’ve been getting some interesting explanations. Some excerpts: “As a contractor, I find that this economic decline works in my favor. I’m getting more calls, and I have the feeling that . . .

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Finding Consulting Projects and Freelance Work Online

Many new independent consultants and freelancers struggle with finding their first few clients. How can you get started with your first few projects, if you don’t already have a viable client connection? An excellent starting point is to investigate potential consulting or contract assignment opportunities on various online marketplaces that are geared specifically for freelance and contract assignments. Try your luck with some of these popular sites:

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Welcome to the Independent Consulting Blog with MBO Partners!

Here at MBO, we’ve been helping talented people start their own independent consulting businesses since 1986. We support freelancers and independent contractors in many different industries and occupations, and even small consulting firms and staffing companies. We’re noticing that career independence is an accelerating trend, and especially with this year’s rash of layoffs and corporate implosions, there is tremendous demand for people to learn about becoming a consultant.

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