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Updated: April 13, 2022 Ask ACE

Ask ACE: How do I start 'going solo'?

By Allison Bishop, financial coach, ACE board member

Q: I’ve been working remotely. I feel that I have more control of how I manage my day, and that I’m working more efficiently. I’ve had time to think about whether “going solo” might be an option that would let me take on projects for a larger number of businesses … including businesses outside Maine. How do I start?

ACE Advises: You are not alone in considering an independent practice. One of the lessons we have learned from the pandemic is that work outside of a traditional office setting will be a significant feature of the post-pandemic world.

You want to take matters one step further: You want to be an entrepreneur.

I asked some our experts to identify the first piece of advice they would give to someone starting out.

John Shorb, organizational development specialist, emphasizes commitment. “Be willing to commit to the consulting service you have in mind, rather than approaching it as something you will ‘try’ and see if it works out. Be clear on your area of expertise. Develop connections in your field that you can call on for support.”

Tom Morgan, sales strategist, agrees that clarity is essential: “It is critical to know your ‘Why.’ A lot of people can provide what you may do, but only you can have your ‘Why.’”

Business coach Priscilla Hansen Mahoney stresses the need for client focus: “I wish had understood when I started that people don’t buy coaching. They buy solutions. The clearer I am about the problem I solve for my clients, the easier it is to fill my practice.”

For me it was networking. You simply cannot build a practice without getting out into your community. Your visibility is important, but you need to think of it as an opportunity to understand how your community ticks, and what its real needs are.

Financial coach Allison Bishop, a CPA, is a member of the ACE Governing Board. She can be reached at allison@allisonbishop.com.

About ACE

The Association for Consulting Expertise (ACE) is a nonprofit association of independent consultants who value “Success through Collaboration.” The public is welcome to attend its regular meetings to share best practices and engage with industry experts. For more information go to www.consultexpertise.com.

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