Dismal job market offers opportunities for independent consulting

onsidering the number of talented people entering the unemployment pool each month, I believe there are huge opportunities for a rise in independent consultants this coming year. In the last few months, the pace of layoffs has grown to nearly a half a million per month with no end in sight. While a stimulus package may eventually pass, it may be more than a year before the economy actually begins to grown again. For those looking for a job or looking for a better job, that’s a long time to be out of work.

The ability to successfully market yourself as a consultant while looking for a full time position could be your best chance of staying fresh, earning income, and improving your chances of rehire.

 So, how do you go about offering your services?

Examine your experiences and expertise. Summarize your skills and know what services you will offer and the scope of each service. Be able to describe the deliverables; a comprehensive report summarizing your research and offering suggestions, a ready-to-mail tax return, up-to-the-minute financial reports, etc. Whatever your skills are, your goal is to turn them into a deliverable that you can offer for a fee.  Have a portfolio of examples ready to show potential clients, if possible.

 Network. Let everyone you know you’re looking for work and what you’re offering. Connections are important in times like these. Most people who still have jobs these days feel blessed and are willing to help if they can. They understand they could easily be next. Let people know how they can help you. Often an opportunity will arise only because someone thought to put two people together. It pays to stay connected.

Once you’re bringing in income and keeping busy, you will need to establish yourself in business legally. Check with your local government to see what licenses are required. And if you find yourself in a position to help another person out of work, don’t pass on the opportunity. Pulling each other up is what it’s going to take to get out of this downturn as quickly as possible.