Offering online consultancy is one of the most frequent internet home business models. It is so popular because there are a lot of people who are specialized on a specific topic for which there is a market demand, and it requires a minimum upfront investment. While for other types of home businesses the entrepreneur has to invest in various devices, equipment and inventory, for consultancy all you need is your set of skills, a computer, a website and the ability to promote yourself.
And this is the reason we have so many home-based consulting businesses – but it does not mean that they are all successful. The reason why some people are more successful than others is not the lack of marketing strategy, but simply that their personality does not fit the ideal profile of a consultant. Basically, a consultant offers advice to other people. In order to do this successfully, you have to inspire confidence and to offer the guarantee of your expertise and track record, either as an independent consultant or as an employee for reputable companies.
Defining the Profile of a Successful Online Consultant
So, what does it take to be a great consultant? We will take a look at the top 5 characteristics of online consultants. They are valid not only for independent business owners, but also for stellar employees in major consultancy companies. Without further ado, these are the characteristics which make you a successful online consultant:
1. Own Your Expertise
You cannot be a consultant before you ace at your profession, be it in tax, accountancy, career orientation, legal or business advisory. You must stay continually up to date with the latest developments in your niche, and be always ready to tackle complex situations and offer a pertinent solution to them.
Before you consider opening a consultancy home business, you should get certifications for your skill. These will help you gain more authority and use in your marketing and promotional materials. When they have to opt between two consultants, people will choose the consultant who holds more certifications and evidence of competence.
2. Have People Skills
As a consultant, you will have to deal with a lot of people. Some of them are friendlier, while others are more direct and brusque. Some will explain their issues clearly, others will get lost in details. You have to understand all of them, provide clear explanations to them, and communicate efficiently with them. If you are in general a sociable person, and you are able to connect with people you have just met, then you have what it takes to be a successful consultant.
3. Be Resourceful
As a consultant you will have a large variety of problems put before you. You need to have a quick and flexible mindset and find creative situations for your clients’ issues. There is also another aspect to consider. In many cases, people will resort to an online consultant at the last possible moment. This means that you will be required to find a solution in a very short time. This is where your resourcefulness will be very necessary – to salvage a complex situation with virtually no time to spare.
4. Ask the Right Questions
There is a saying that the only silly question is the one you did not ask. If you are not certain that you understood the client’s situation, do not be afraid to ask. It will not reflect negatively on your expertise and competence. However, presenting a solution which does not fit the problem because you did not understand it completely will certainly hurt your reputation.
5. Have a Strong Sense of Ethics
Some of the people and situations you will meet with will be quite out of the ordinary. You may feel that they make a great story to share with family and friends over dinner. Or worse, share on your Facebook personal profile. If you feel justified to do so, even under the cover of anonymity, then you need to reevaluate your work ethic. A good consultant will keep their clients’ cases completely confidential, no matter what.