The New Consultant's Quick Start Guide

11So, Now What? Year Two and Beyond

In this chapter you will

• Assess your progress
• Plan your next steps

Assess Your Progress

Congratulations! You’ve made it though your first year of consulting. And if you are reading this chapter, you must be considering moving forward. Great!

Let’s assess your progress and plan your next steps. Take some time to answer the following questions, which address your first year in consulting.

Is consulting all that you had dreamed it would be? Why or why not?

How satisfied do you think your clients are? How do you know?

How successful have you been financially?

How much fun are you having?

Now compare your responses to some of these thoughts:

Is consulting all that you dreamed it would be? People often see consulting as a dream job. You most likely have learned the realities of the business. Travel isn’t as glamorous as it first appears. Working at home without someone to talk to gets lonely, and clients who don’t pay their bills in a timely manner can wreak havoc on your savings account. All in all, though, it is a great way to make a living. You have freedom and flexibility to do it your way. Your first year is always the most difficult. There is so much to learn! I hope you made some money and had some fun, too.

How satisfied do you think your clients are? How do you know? If you intend to continue consulting, you need lots of satisfied customers who will continue to use you, will recommend you to other clients, and will sing your praises. ...