Leaving a Corporate Job to Become a Consultant

Hundreds - and possibility thousands - of columns, books, and blogs are devoted to the topic of leaving your job to start a business.  The prevailing idea for corporate employees seems to be to start a consulting business of some type.  And while self-employment is not for everyone, it is certainly is a worthwhile and wise choice for many people.  I am concerned, however, at the tone of irreverence and downright disrespect that many of these publications take towards corporate America.  There are two general themes to the negativity:

First, many of the "leave corporate America and become a consultant" advisers neglect to mention that when you are a consultant you need clients.  And for most of us, our clients are corporations.  It is nearly impossible to secure a client if you have an attitude of disrespect towards them (individually or organizationally).   For the sake of making this point, I'll exaggerate a bit, but why would a business hire a consultant whose attitude is "I hate this place so much I ran screaming out of here, but I'd like to hang around a few hours a week and charge a high rate for it?"

Second, many "freedom" advocates will subtly imply that in corporate America you will die a slow death in a cube while the world races by around you.  To the contrary, the most successful consultants I know are grateful for their corporate experience.  They recognize that they received training in both functional skills and corporate processes, as well as a good understanding of the language and culture of the business world that makes them effective as consultants.

I would never begrudge anyone their dream to start their own business - how can I when it is the route I have chosen for myself, and it has been so good to me and my family?  However, in light of some of the scary writings that are out there on this topic, I do feel compelled to offer two pieces of encouragement if you are planning to go the route of consulting:

1. Make sure that you have identified your target client base, and that you have a good sense of respect for who they are, what their goals are, and what they do every day.  Learn to admire what they achieve, and develop a desire to learn from them and to be a part of their success.
2. Figure out what learnings from your current and past work experiences you are grateful for.  Did someone pay for you to take a class?  Did a boss teach you a particular process or skill that you can now teach others?  Ask yourself if you have learned everything you can from your current and past corporate opportunities. 

The two pillars of a great career are developing your skills and making a contribution.  If you can find the ways that you have done this in your corporate job, and figure out how to do them both as a consultant, you will be much better prepared to navigate the transition from a corporate job to life as a self-employed consultant.

Comments

[monica kermani]

Interesting article. I'd like to run my own business, and I've thought about a consulting job. Ideally, I'd like to buy a business instead of starting one from scratch. I've been looking for one to buy, but I haven't had much luck. Do you have any suggestions? Thanks.

[Claire Nortel]

@Monica, Have you looked into small business groups in your area? They should be able to help you and direct you to the right people. Or maybe even consulting organizations?

Also, check out BizTrader.com, which is an online global marketplace where you can invest in, buy, and sell a business. There's a wide selection to choose from, so you should be able to find what you're looking for. You can also find a lender or find a broker, if you need either. Check it out and good luck!

[Claire Nortel]

Woops. That should be http://www.biztrader.com

[Recruitment Consultants]

I did just that. After being employed with one of the top manpower providers and job consultants in India I started my own venture. Since then I have never looked back. I now a 8 people company and I cater to international business houses.

[Generic Viagra]

Let's see. Five years ago I used to work for a company in the transportation area. then I decided to start my own transportation business with just a couple of trucks. I read one book that changed my life: "the art of war".

[Generic Viagra]

I started my own business a couple of decades ago. I worked as in the construction area for over 20 years. Finally, I did it. Now I have a very stable economical position.

[Stephen allen]

Hi . I am just wondering if some of you would take a look at my blog and let me know what you think of my business idea. I'm looking for as many opinions as possible before is start. The address is http://buddingbusinessman.blogspot.com/
Thank you

[Becky]

Thanks, you really made me think... Though I still can't help begrudging my corporate years. Good job I am not a consultant :)

[Regan Marye]

If you're going to start your own company, you have to respect your roots. Nobody's going to hire someone who has a reputation of being a disrespectful employee. And once your business is up, you have to promote it, right? You have to have clients, just as you've said. I'd make a website and do a little basic SEO on it. My friends over at Jacksonville, Florida have taught me that.

Anyway, my point is that you should respect where you've come from so that you can have clients for your new company.

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[adultpornomovies]

Would it possibly be grounds for tossing that resume in the circular file

[Darcy Grubaugh]

Sometimes, we need to leave or let go something for the improvement and growth of our career. It's not easy, but it brings greater opportunity to us. Most of us dream to be the boss of our own a business. Since you have experiences from your previous work, you may apply those to your next career or your own business venture.