Business consulting as a hobby

[Zeke]

I have been self employed for 95% of the last 40 years. My contracting business has put me in touch with hundreds of other business owners, managers and entrepreneurs over the years. I have also invented, designed, prototyped, submitted for manufacture, marketed and sold/installed a window related product sucessfully.

That was an education in itself.

I would like to use these credentials to consult. The thing is, I have no experience in consulting. I have gone to other consultants to discuss this and come away with some interesting information. The consulting business is not as easy as it might seem. Don't confuse "consulting" with being an independent contractor doing one's old job with non employee status. That, to me, is a misuse of the word.

What I would offer, is some basic consulting for FREE. The reason is to build a resume`. I also had a book in mind, but Wayne and others will tell you that a book in not a road to riches. That too, is a labor of love. I like to talk business and I'm still enthusiastic after many years.

If you are thinking about starting up a business, have gotten as far as writing a business plan and would like some free help, get in touch with me off the BBS. Better yet, if you are underway and need some outside thoughts, let's talk. I'm willing to get in as deep as you want and all info is confidential. I will sign a confidetiality statement at any time.

I have a pretty good library of business books with a slight emphasis on marketing. I am not an accountant, not do I want to be. If you don't have an accountant or training, that would be my first piece of free advice: Get one.

Standing by.

[Paco Anton]

Zeke,

I am a full-time business consultant, working for a multinational firm.

My experience is that you have a difficult task ahead. Believe or not, people really like to pay consultancies for their work. When someone want to hire a consultant they also want some kind of "badge" that goes with the work, therefore if things go wrong he can say "but XXX Consulting" recommends it.

Also qualifications are very important for getting the assignment. We put a lot of work in preparing a good "qual pack" before approaching potential customers.

I have seen similar experiences of what you propose done by retired or semi-retired professionals that want to remain active and try to do consulting for free, but I haven't seen that many sucesses.

I think your best bet would be to approach a consultancy firm and get some kind of collaboration agreement where they use your services on an as-need basis. We have some of those.

Just my 2 cents (Euro).

[Hugh R]

I was a consultant for about 20 of the last 25 years. If you've been working about 40 years, I assume that you've got some $ in the bank, and are getting into consulting because you want to, as opposed to needing to for $. Anyway, the first thing you need to do is decide what subject your going to consult on. Is it building code interpretation, time management, permitting, what? How about being an expert witness, if you have the quals and credentials, that can be profitable. Are there professional associations you need to join, association conference, can you be a guest speaker at one of these events? What Paco said about people wanting to pay for a consultant is true, they tend to believe what a consultant they pay for says, even when their own people tell them the same thing.

[VaSteve]

If you want to do some freebie work, look into SCORE. Service Corps of Retired Executives. IIRC, the retired execs can do pro bono work. I'm not sure what quals you need to get in, but a google search would tell you all you need to know.

[RickM]

Good ideas here.

To get much satifaction you may want to consider helping underprivledged kids or young adults start their own businesses.

You never know, you may help germinate the next Bill Gates.

Another thought is to team up with an accountant and attorney round off your team.

IMO, if you add investor introductions/networking to your services (as in Deal-Maker) you'll be very successful.

[RickM]

Milt,

I have an idea that may be beneficial to your window business. That is if you're interested in higher sales or product order upgrades. Interested in hearing it?

[Zeke]

All good ideas. I'm not looking to start a business just yet. Yes, credentials are very important. SCORE is not for me yet either, however I am familiar with them and have been to business delvopement meetings.

Point: If someone would accept a SCORE volunteer's input, why would they necessarily feel the need to pay me? I don't get it.

Here's a sample: 101 marketing tips that cost nothing or very little. That is an existing publication but I didn't put it in Italics because that is not the exact title. People overlook what they can do to expand their business thru marketing oportunities that are free. I should get paid for that? OK, I'll take the money

RickM, sure. I'd be a fool not to listen to anyone that has an idea. At the worst case, it's not for me. One can always learn from another.

HughR, I'm talking in general and marketing. I already do the things that are related to construction. It's fun but, I have knowledge to offer in marketing as well. I come from an advertising family. I just happen to be a contractor. As far a speaking, maybe someday. I was an English and speech major in college, but I'd rather work one on one.

[Evans, Marv]

Milt:
I don't know if this would apply to you, but might be another/related avenue. A few years ago, I met a guy who was a mechanic. I asked him what kind of mechanic, & he said he was a "forensic" mechanic. He was hired to give expert testimony in court cases involving auto stuff. He started out doing it part time and pretty soon was in demand. Now he makes a living doing it. You might consider that sort of thing with using your expertise.

[RoninLB]

just a thought.

work for an insurance co doing estimates of house damage..
earthquakes, fire, etc.