Okay, let me be honest.
No, I didn’t wake up one day and become a 6-figure consultant. And no, there was no magic fairy, no secret handshake, and definitely no lucky coin (though I still keep one just in case).
But here’s what’s officially accepted and what actually works — step by step. Yes, step by step — the boring, unsexy truth that nobody told us in school.
Let’s break it all down like we’re sitting at a table, sipping tea, and planning your new career. Sound good? Let’s go.
Step 1: Know Something That Solves a Real Problem
No one is paying $500 an hour for someone who just knows stuff. People pay for solutions.
Ask yourself:
- What am I good at?
- What do people ask me for help with?
- What have I solved before that others struggle with?
It can be anything — marketing, IT, writing, HR, finance, or project management. You don’t need to be the best. You just need to know more than the client.
Step 2: Pick a Niche (Yes, That Boring Word)
If you try to be everything to everyone, you become nothing to anyone.
Pick an area where:
- There’s a demand.
- You enjoy working.
- You can show results.
For example:
Instead of being a “business consultant”, be a “remote team productivity consultant for tech startups.” It’s specific. It’s real. It’s valuable.
Step 3: Build a Mini Portfolio (Even If You’re New)
You don’t need 10 years of experience. But you do need proof.
Start small.
Help a friend. Volunteer. Do a test project. Then ask for a testimonial.
Make a short case study:
- What was the problem?
- What did you do?
- What changed?
Boom. That’s your starting proof. Share that. Not fluff.
Step 4: Make a Killer Profile on One Platform (To Start)
You don’t need to be everywhere. Just be somewhere that matters.
Start with:
- Catalant
- Toptal
- Upwork Pro
- Clarity.fm
Make your profile clear, real, and results-focused.
Bad: “I am a passionate, hardworking consultant…”
Good: “I helped a SaaS company reduce churn by 32% in 3 months.”
People pay for outcomes, not effort.
Step 5: Charge Smart, Not Low
Here’s the truth:
Clients who pay $500/hour often take less of your time and stress than those who pay $20/hour.
Don’t price based on fear. Price based on:
- Value you bring
- Results you deliver
- Niche you’re in
Start low if you must, but always increase after each success.
Step 6: Build a Simple Website or Landing Page
Nothing fancy. Just:
- Who you help
- What problem you solve
- Your story (short and true)
- Testimonials
- Contact form or booking link
Keep it clean. One page is enough. Tools like Carrd, Notion, or even Canva websites work great.
Step 7: Talk to People (Yes, Real Conversations)
Consulting isn’t a “post and pray” game.
Start by reaching out:
- Old colleagues
- LinkedIn contacts
- Startup founders
- Facebook groups
- Local business owners
Send a short message like:
“Hey! I’m doing consulting in [area]. If you know anyone struggling with [problem], happy to share some tips or help.”
That’s it. No pushy sales talk. Just human.
Step 8: Keep Learning and Keep Showing Up
You don’t need to know everything now. Just commit to keep learning.
Join groups. Take small courses. Follow real people, not “gurus”.
And show up. Consistency > genius.
Final Thoughts: It’s Not About You, It’s About Them
Being a consultant isn’t about being the smartest person in the room. It’s about being the most helpful.
Listen more. Talk less. Solve real problems. Be honest. Be kind.
People remember how you made them feel more than what you said.
And one day, you’ll look back and say:
“Wait… I’m making six figures doing what I love?”
And I’ll be here nodding:
“Told you.”
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