If it was easy to have your own business and be a good consultant everyone would be doing it and it would not be very lucrative. These are some of the many considerations for potential consultants.

Downside

• You may have a sense of isolation.
• You must wear many hats.
• You have all the responsibility.
• You take all the blame.
• You may find yourself temporarily without an income.

Clinical Competence

Prior to becoming a consultant you will need to develop strong clinical skills.

You may have to either specialize or become a generalist. It is possible to specialize in one area and still perform a multitude of other tasks.

Business Savvy

As a business owner and entrepreneur you will need to develop your own payment policies and establish your own fees. Many contracting agencies, hospitals, clinics or other organizations will have their own systems and policies that will need to be considered. Negotiating contracts will not be easy at first but you learn from experience. Remember, every contract is negotiable. So, as you get a better sense of what you should have done, you can take the opportunities to act on them when the time comes for a new contract.

Organization & Record Keeping

It is a good idea to develop your own system of finance, billing and accounting. Establishing a well organized method of filing and record-keeping is vital to healthy future growth. As time goes on these can be modified or outsourced, but keep a close eye on the process and outcomes. It is also important to maintain a record of performance outcome measures that you can use to evaluate yourself and your business. This can be useful for determining cost-benefit analyses and for negotiating contracts.

Communication

Establish an easy and reliable system of regular communication with clients, administrators, other professionals and perhaps insurance companies. Giving others the sense that you are available whenever they need you can win you many points.

Persistence

Many obstacles will get in the way of your progress. It is important that you have a clear vision of where you want to go and how you want to get there. You must be unwavering and undeterred by what you face in your efforts. Persistence is the key to your success.

Taking Risks

As an entrepreneur you must…

• be willing to take risks.
• tame your fears.
• accept uncertainty.
• plan contingencies.

If you want to create a business you must do it yourself. No one will do it for you.

Passion

• Make business a priority.
• Eat, sleep & breathe work.
• Maintain focus.
• Work hard, long hours.
• Consider it a 7-day a week proposition, at least for a while.
• Don’t give up.
• Love what you do.
• Make it your mission.

Confidence

• Promote yourself without pushing others away.
• Have patience.
• Gain respect in your community.
• Know what you want and how to get it.
• Do your homework, be prepared.
• Always study.
• Identify weaknesses and make adjustments as needed.

Making Your Decision

Before jumping into a consulting career you must do the following:

• Set goals.
• Develop a strategy and timeline.
• Identify benchmarks to evaluate progress.
• Know your strengths and weaknesses.
• Evaluate your skills and personality traits.
• Decide where to start and what to focus on.

Timing

Don’t wait until you feel you are ready, otherwise you will never do it. You must get used to the feeling that you are somewhat inept, but know that you will learn and grow from it.

•         Independent

•         Self-motivated

•         Reliable

•         Dependable

•         Outgoing

•         Entrepreneur

•         Hard-working

•         Tireless

•         Patient

•         Persistent

•         Honest

•         Integrity

•         Personable

•         Tactful

•         Experienced

•         Resourceful

•         Reputable

•         Leader

•         Explorer

•         Willing to:

–         travel

–         do what no one else wants to do

–         serve others