Here are four points to keep in mind as you try to sell your services as a consultant to small and medium-sized businesses, according to Gabriella Zoltan-Johan, senior business consultant at the Centennial College Centre of Entrepreneurship in Toronto:
Clarity of offering
Consulting is so broad that you need to have your specialty, and be clear on how it can help clients.
Proof of past success
Have concrete examples of past successes showing how you saved previous clients money or increased their sales.
Written understanding
Draft a memorandum of understanding outlining the scope and duration of work to avoid misunderstandings. A more formal contract might scare off a potential client
Show me the money
Tie financial compensation to work performed and results it achieves for the client. Ask for a small retainer to put yourself on proper business footing.
Special to The Globe and Mail