How to Find the Right Consulting Project

Finding work for a new business might seem daunting at first, but there are an increasing number of resources available to help independent contractors find projects and clients. As more people turn to independent work, technology has evolved in tandem to help match your experience and resume with the best project and client for your skillset. 

While it can be great to have a lot of options to browse through when looking for a new project, it can also make it harder to find exactly what you want. Many career sites match skills to work, but just because your skills align with a job doesn’t mean it is something you are interested in doing. 

Without the right preparation and research, finding the right project can be a big investment of your time and resources. But by using the right tools along with a thorough understanding of your goals, you can find the work you’re looking for without getting lost in the weeds. Follow these three tips for finding the right consulting project for your business. 

1. Define the Work You Want to Do

If you could create the ideal project to work on, what would it look like? Would it be a short project that takes a month or two, or something more long-term? Are you looking for something you can work on remotely, or would you rather work more directly with a client? Consider whether you are looking for a project that provides personal growth opportunities, or one that is more inspirational and aligns with your existing skillset. 

Finding the right project begins by knowing what you are looking for. Start by making a list of your short- and long-term goals or revisiting your business plan. Think about the type of services you provide and the audience you want to provide them to. 

By clearly defining the things you are looking for—and the things you aren’t looking for—you can better target your search. Additional factors to consider may be your bill rate, potential budget, or preferred timeline. Be sure to consider any existing work in your pipeline as well. 

2. Try an Online Marketplace and Tap Into Social Media

Independent contractors are increasingly finding work using online marketplaces. Marketplaces are platforms that match job opportunities with freelancers. In 2024, almost 30% of independents said they used an online talent marketplace to find work and 43% said they found work through social media.  

There are many types of marketplaces. The one you choose to use will depend on the type of work you are looking for. Some marketplaces, for instance, focus on tech jobs or management consulting. Others are company-specific like MBO’s marketplace, which can help. You find high-paying consulting jobs with Fortune 500 companies. 

When using a marketplace, there are many ways to narrow down the opportunities you are matched with. Marketplaces often use algorithms, so be specific about the keywords you use to search for a job and talk about your experience. This is where your ideal project comes into play—be clear about the skills you have and factors that are important. If you can, include a link to your professional portfolio or website on your profile so potential clients can see samples of your past work. 

To use your social media networks to find work, consider how you can strategically showcase your expertise and build authentic professional relationships online. LinkedIn serves as the primary platform for B2B contractors, where regularly sharing industry insights, project case studies, and thought leadership content helps establish credibility and attract potential clients who discover you through search or network connections.  

Instagram can be effective for creative professionals to display portfolio work and engage with industry conversations, while Facebook groups and niche professional communities provide opportunities to answer questions, offer advice, and connect with businesses seeking specialized skills. The key is consistency in posting valuable content that demonstrates your expertise, actively engaging with your target audience’s posts and discussions, and building genuine relationships rather than constantly pitching services. Clients are more likely to hire contractors they’ve grown to know and trust through ongoing social media interactions than those who simply broadcast their availability. 

3. Use Your Network to Your Advantage

Your network is another great way to find work and there are a variety of ways to make use of contacts you already have. For example, you might consider partnering with another small business or independent professional. Collaboration allows you to take on larger projects and offer a variety of skill sets to clients. This may open the door to a higher pay rate or a higher-value client. 

If you had a great experience with a past client, reach back out to them and see if they have more work coming down their pipeline or if they’d be willing to refer you to someone looking for similar work. Try reaching out to your peers and see what type of projects they are working on—perhaps something will inspire you or you’ll make a new connection that results in a job lead. 

As you build your network, be sure to keep your resume, LinkedIn profile, and professional website updated. Always keep that ideal project in mind and ensure the message that you are putting out to the world matches what you are truly looking for.