Author Topic: Becoming a Consultant  (Read 4367 times)

The Bearded Bank Builder

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Becoming a Consultant
« 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!

Richard3

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Re: Becoming a Consultant
« Reply #1 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).

The Bearded Bank Builder

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Re: Becoming a Consultant
« Reply #2 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.

kkbmustang

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Re: Becoming a Consultant
« Reply #3 on: December 22, 2012, 11:10:24 PM »
What area of accounting are you in?

The Bearded Bank Builder

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Re: Becoming a Consultant
« Reply #4 on: December 29, 2012, 11:25:52 AM »
Client services. I would doing some Accounting Manager/Bookkeeping type of work.

kkbmustang

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Re: Becoming a Consultant
« Reply #5 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.

totoro

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Re: Becoming a Consultant
« Reply #6 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.