What is a consultant? Myths v realities

4. As a consultant, you will be obligated to work at your client's timetable. If they need something right away and you agree to provide it, your workday might not end until the small hours. Many times I've had to shuffle responsibilities because a client (or potential one) wanted a project or a proposal immediately. If you find yourself unwilling to cut back on your recreational time or are so busy with other commitments that you can't be highly flexible, you may find yourself with a dwindling client base.

5. You've probably already guessed that the answer to this question is usually false. Despite the prevalence of perfectly respectable and honest consultants, the term 'consultant' can evoke negative reactions just as 'estate agent' often does.

6. True! All you need to begin consulting is a foot in the door. Business cards, brochures and other explanatory materials are one way to get your message across and distinguish yourself from existing consultants.

7. Deciding to build your business is a difficult decision with far-reaching implications. The more people you bring into your business, the less control you are likely to have over its daily operations. You and your employees or partners may have differing business goals, and that can be problematic. However, hiring out people to work on specific projects for you is one of the most lucrative consulting techniques. You get a cut of the profits, and someone else works with the client.

Those who can consult: part 1