I want to start a consulting business. What are my steps?

My problem is that I dont want to limit myself to one field. I enjoy helping people and pointing them in the right direction. How do I start and what suggestions do you have...I live in Florida by the way

First; start with a list of your qualifications. If you expect to sell your services, you will need to convince your clients that you have done the job before and are qualified (you wouldn't hire a plumber to run electricity through your house for example).

Once you have your qualifications listed, decide who will need your services (for example, is there a demand for "pointing [peope] in the right direction"?) If you can't identify enough people who would want your services, then that is probably not a direction you want to go.

Assuming you have viable qualifications and an identifiable client base, you will need to get a business license. Check the Florida state web site - there should be a department that handles business licenses. Check with them to see if you need a license and how to get one.

Next, if you are going to work out of your home, check with your local (city or county) officials to make sure that the zoning laws allow this (it will probably depend on how many daily visitors you expect to your house, but there could be other regs).

Now you have your business, your resume and your license. Go have some business cards made up and start trying to get clients.

Remember, consulting is not easy to get into, but with a good product that is in demand, it can provide a very nice income.

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