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Learning, Sharing, and Teaching => Ask a Mustachian => Topic started by: The Bearded Bank Builder on December 20, 2012, 05:02:09 PM

Title: Becoming a Consultant
Post by: The Bearded Bank Builder on December 20, 2012, 05:02:09 PM
My fiancee and I are planning on moving from California to Nevada in about 3-4 months, and I will be leaving my current job at an accounting firm. Before I do that, I would like to establish some clients on the side, so that by the time we move I will have a somewhat established client base. The goal is to be able to just consult and not have to commit to a full time job when we move.

Once we are there, I will be able to meet and do work for clients in person, but for now it would have to be all remote. Has anyone had success establishing themselves as a consultant who usually has to work remotely/telecommute? I know I would be able to do the work remotely without a problem, it is just a matter of convincing the client.

I already plan on making a website, creating a listing on Craigslist, and that sort of thing, but any other advice on how to attract clients and/or demonstrate that I can effectively work remotely would be appreciated! (Or if you know someone in need of accounting/bookkeeping services)

Thanks!
Title: Re: Becoming a Consultant
Post by: Richard3 on December 20, 2012, 07:22:27 PM
Why don't you try and convince your current firm to let you work remote? It is far easier to convince people who have seen you do a job that you can do a job than convince new people of this fact.

The Four Hour Workweek has some good chapters on this exact subject (getting your current job to be remote).
Title: Re: Becoming a Consultant
Post by: The Bearded Bank Builder on December 20, 2012, 10:15:44 PM
Why don't you try and convince your current firm to let you work remote? It is far easier to convince people who have seen you do a job that you can do a job than convince new people of this fact.

I should have mentioned, I am going to try to get my current boss to let me work remotely, even if it's only part time.
Title: Re: Becoming a Consultant
Post by: kkbmustang on December 22, 2012, 11:10:24 PM
What area of accounting are you in?
Title: Re: Becoming a Consultant
Post by: The Bearded Bank Builder on December 29, 2012, 11:25:52 AM
Client services. I would doing some Accounting Manager/Bookkeeping type of work.
Title: Re: Becoming a Consultant
Post by: kkbmustang on December 29, 2012, 05:04:40 PM
LinkedIn is your friend for networking. Also, you can look at the job boards and reach out to those who are seeking permanent employees. You might be able to fill a need on a temporary basis while they search for a permanent employee.
Title: Re: Becoming a Consultant
Post by: totoro on December 29, 2012, 08:32:57 PM
I don't think you should not try to start from where you are but I believe you will have more success with in-person meetings first and then working remotely.  If you really want to establish contacts you should prepare a list of firms you might work for (if this is a potential client base), take a trip to Nevada with gift baskets and your resume/proposal, drop them off with the highest level person you can find and then invite them out for lunch when you get there as a follow-up.