If you are looking to escape the corporate nine-to-five, going solo and setting yourself up as a consultant could seem an appealing alternative. After all, everyone seems in on it, from social media to café and pet consultants. Last year, the number of management consultants in the UK jumped by 12 per cent to about 38,000. But although the job title suggests experience and gravitas, the truth is anyone can call themselves a consultant.
“With the exception of certain specific, regulated disciplines, there are usually no minimum qualifications,” explains Samir Parikh, author of The Consultant’s Handbook and chief executive of SPConsulting. Because of that, you will need to prove your credentials in a way even cynical clients appreciate.
“If you want to make a go of it, the most important thing is to figure out your proposition. Is it based on expertise, experience or both?” says Mr Parikh.