Are you asking yourself the question: “Is now really the right time to quit my job and become an independent consultant?”
If so, here’s some things you should know…
Businesses always have problems to solve. And now, more than ever, they are hiring external experts to come in and solve their problems. If your expertise can help, and add value to their business, then you can build an independent consulting business.
If you’re concerned that now isn’t a good time, remember… it’s never the “perfect” time.
But the fact is, there has never been a better time to become an independent consultant.
How can I be so sure? Don’t take my word for it, read on.
According to multiple respected reports, such as:
- Business Talent Group’s 2021 High-End Independent Talent report
- Harvard Business School’s Building the On Demand Workforce report
- MBO Partners’ 2020 State of Independence report
- Upwork’s 2020 Freelance Forward report
freelancing is growing – in all industries and regions – and freelancing market share is only expected to increase further in the future.
Businesses Want Independent Consultants
The pandemic has shown us that the work itself matters more than where the work is done. Most companies had no choice but to change their business model to facilitate working from home, and have now learned that – in most cases – location doesn’t really matter.
So, it’s possible for a consultant anywhere in the country/world to land a major consulting project for a company based anywhere else in the country/world. This was already happening, but has accelerated significantly due to the pandemic.
This provides independent consultants with an incredible opportunity – the target audience is no longer restricted to their city or country anymore.
Online Consulting Platforms Have Made It Easier Than Ever
Thanks in part to online consulting platforms, businesses can now hire consultants from anywhere in the world, and consultants can choose who they work with – a win-win for both sides.
From MBO Partners: “Online platforms and marketplaces have acted as powerful facilitators, making it easier, cheaper and more convenient for independent workers to start businesses and find customers.”
It used to be the case that the consulting industry was dominated by large consulting firms. And just because expert advice existed, not everyone could access it – it was usually only the big companies that had the privilege of (i.e. could afford) hiring consultants.
Today, online consulting platforms have turned the tables and made top consultants more accessible to all businesses – large and small. Businesses can now easily hire people who have worked for big companies and consulting firms. These independent consultants can bring vast knowledge and skill sets to a company, without making them spend half of their HR budget.
In fact, according to Business2community, 71% of freelancers reported an increase in the amount of work they were able to attract online over the last several years – with online platforms providing a great medium for connecting freelancers and companies.
Independent Consulting is Good For You
MBO Partners’ 11th annual “State of Independence” report states that 2 out of 3 full-time independent workers believe they are more secure than traditional workers. Not only that, 87% say they are happier working independently, and 78% say they are healthier working independently. Workers are finding more money, opportunities, and flexibility by going independent.
So, if timing is a reason holding you back from moving to independent consulting, know that there has never been a better time.
If it’s fear or a lack of information holding you back, get in touch – it’s easy and not as scary as you think.