I know you've heard how tough it is being a consultant and you may not have the "consultant personality" But if you stop to think about it in your last job you were from time to time a consultant. Companies hire people to solve problems. Companies hire consultants to solve problems. So if you are laid off why not take time to do what you've already spent years or a lifetime doing well?

Benefits of becoming a consultant while looking for a new job

• It keeps you involved in your field of expertise
• It keeps you in contact with people who may need your services
• Being a consultant keeps you actively solving problems and increases your resume
• Consultants often have a higher value to companies since they are outside the company politics
• You get some breathing room to take stock of your true talent
• You have time to actually grow and learn new things about your own field.

What do I do to become a consultant?

• Call your friends, relatives, neighbors and business relationships and let them know what problems you can solve. Be specific as to what problems you solve, not your job title.
• Ask everyone for contacts in companies who might have a need for the type of solutions you offer.
• Get a professional business card design
• Get a  separate business phone line or an inexpensive Vitrual PBX so you can come across as a professional, not some guy or gal just out there hustling.
• Start a blog and write in it EVERY DAY about what you know! This is not easy but WILL pay off in new contacts and increased exposure.
• Get a URL with your name to host your blog. Avoid generic email id's from Yahoo! and Gmail.
• Get a fax number. Yes, I said a fax number. You'll be surprised how often this will come in handy.
• Put together a basic marketing plan
• Target companies who will need your services
• Join a networking group, or several
• Send out physical mailers to potential clients, simple postcards with your solution and a URL will do
• Send out Faxes to potential customer with a short to the point message stating your solutions.

Above all, plan your week in advance, make a check list of items to accomplish and contact people EVERY DAY.

Resources

Virtual Phone Systems (Virtual PBX)

Internet Fax Services

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