Ten Things I Wish I Had Known When I Started My Professional Services Business

Faced with corporate mergers, difficult bosses, layoffs, long hours, and stressful commutes, many professionals yearn to form their own businesses. Even though I had worked for two consulting organizations, I found I had a lot to learn when I started my own business 15 years ago.

The ten tips that follow are a compilation of my experiences and those of several colleagues who are also providers of professional services:

1. Learn About Consulting

Talk with other professional service consultants and learn from their experiences. Read books on how to be a consultant, subscribe to online newsletters for consultants, and attend programs on growing a practice.