- What do you do best? (Write it down in 50 words or less)
- What will you offer your clients? (Be specific, it has to be measurable and achievable).
- What and how will you charge? By the hour? The project? The deliverable?
- Once you have items 1 through 3 answered, develop a brief (30-second) summary speech that answers the question "What do you do?"
Anyone should be able to understand it, not just experts in your field. You won't talk about cost in that summary speech, but when you are asked, you will know.
- Pick a business name that describes what you do. Stay away from cute and clever names or names that can be mistaken for something else.
If you are an interior designer and offer faux finishes for walls, calling yourself "Wall Smart" will cause more problems than smiles.
- Get a business card printed. Don't worry about being elaborate, get your business name and phone number on a card to hand out. Always carry business cards with you. Register your business with the state Treasurer and call a CPA to find out what records to keep.
- Start a Website. If you can't do that, get a blog-having your name on the internet is necessary when you are starting out.
- Where are your potential clients? Ask friends, former co-workers for recommendations, look on job sites (local is great for starting) for companies that are advertising for the kind of work you offer.
Google the company to find someone to talk to. Skip HR, go for the department you want to work with. If you can't find a name, use the phone number to find a company directory.
- Join a professional organization. Go to meetings. Listen more than you talk.
Start conversations with people about the topics you know about. Find out what people in your field need.
- Read the business section of the newspaper. Know what companies are hiring or laying off.
Companies that lay off employees often have room for part-time workers or consultants. Be prepared to send a lot of emails and make follow-up phone calls. You will have to look for work, it won't fall in your lap.
Be prepared to make enough phone calls or send enough emails to get five rejections a day. That should lead to some good news, too.
About the Author: Quinn McDonald is a writer and nationally-known speaker who has achieved the "Professional" designation from the National Speakers Association. Contact Quinn through her website, QuinnCreative.com.