Become a Consultant

Learn how to become a consultant — and survive as one! Our Become a Consultant series covers the trials and tribulations of consulting, along with helpful tips on basics like how to become a consultant, set consulting fees, invoice, and more.

Articles by Expert Consultants

ConsultantJournal provides articles written by subject matter experts who actually work in the field. Our consultants provide advice and expert opinions. Unlike other article sites, ConsultantJournal offers articles written by consultants, not freelance writers who learned the material for the story.

About Andréa Coutu, founder of ConsultantJournal.com

My name's Andréa Coutu. I'm a marketing consultant in beautiful Vancouver, BC, Canada. And I've been a consultant for 10 years. I've successfully run my consulting business through the dot-com crash, post 9-11 economic shakedown, Asian banking collapse and economic downturns. My clients range from the Fortune 500 to startups working from home offices.

Am I rich? I suppose that depends on how you define rich. I'm earning a good living, doing something I love. I get to help people start and grow businesses, while living a pretty sweet lifestyle. I've got a three bedroom ocean-view home in a sought-after neighbourhood. Since starting my consulting business, I've taken several dream vacations, obtained an MBA, started teaching university graduates, and reached many life goals. In fact, I've achieved so many of my dreams that I had to hire a career coach to help me come up with more goals!

But my success can be your success too. You can earn a great hourly rate while providing a valuable service to your clients and having a lifestyle you enjoy. I created ConsultantJournal.com to help people just like you survive and thrive as independent consultants.

Take a look around the site. If this is your first time here, you'll want to read the Become a Consultant series, including my big list of reasons to become a consultant. You should also take a look at my article on work from home scams, so that you don't get burned by people just waiting to take your money.

If you're already comfortable with the idea of consulting and ready to put your dreams into action, take a look at my post on setting consulting fee rates. I share many of the tools I use to calculate consulting fees. In fact, that's one of the most important articles on this site. Why is it important? Because I'm making money and, if you want to make money, you might want to consider following my lead. At least till you're making enough that you don't need help from anyone.

Whether you're already working as a consultant or just tossing around ideas, ConsultantJournal.com has tips and tricks to help you grow your business. Still wondering what to do? Start here.