Ask the Expert Dr. Kathleen Wells is a professional career coach and Director of Coaches That Care. She has coached thousands of clients through the stages of successful career development. Starting a Consulting Business Q: I’m currently a marketing director at a fairly well known company. In order to have more flexibility I’d like to pursue a career in consulting. Do you have any suggestions on the best steps to take? - Nadia A: The consulting business continues to grow every day. You appear to have excellent marketing skills since you've been made a marketing director in a large company. Next to capitalization, that is your biggest hurdle. Your plan of attack should be very similar to any marketing campaign you undertake. Identify your target audience and what you can do for them. Produce only the very best of advertising materials to use in your presentation of yourself and your company. Put together the best presentation you can afford. Do your research as to what others are charging and be sure you are somewhere in the middle to upper half. Too cheap will give the impression you aren't worth it and too high can put you out of the running, but higher is better than way too low on pricing. Network with EVERYONE who can use your services, knows other people in your industry, or has even remote contacts in the arena in which you consult. Join and attend local business organizations where you can continue your networking. Volunteer to do jobs for charitable organizations to build your marketing portfolio of consulting work. On a pragmatic note, either be very well capitalized to begin your venture or keep your day job as you grow your business As you do all of these things, put your heart and soul into each one. Believe in yourself, your talents and your services. You must if you expect others to. Good luck!