Starting your own consulting business is a serious matter, which is related to your career and your future. You need to plan things according to many factors such as current scenarios, finances, business location, future prospects, etc. In this business, you employ skilled professionals from certain fields, who render services to your business clients. At the start of the business, you yourself need to provide services to your clients. Consultants are responsible for rendering professional expertise to customers, in a particular area of specialization. They study the situation, assess information, and present propositions for actions. This is done for a particular fee, and in a certain time period. Corporations, government agencies, and non-profit firms employ consultants to help them key out, study, and resolve problems. These clients expect them to render services, which include conducting research, assessing and summarizing information, anticipating trends, creating or meliorating designs and procedures; suggesting changes, communicating ideas and business strategies, and motivating employees. How to Start You need to ensure if you have the right qualifications, certifications, and permits for establishing this business. You are required to be well aware of the latest technologies, and any other developments in the industry you intend to work in. Also, make sure that you do not set a high price for your consulting services, as it is your first step in this field. Individuals who are planning to start a consulting firm are required to be self-motivated so that they achieve the intimidating task of setting up a business, and securing the profitability of the same. Flexibility is one of the primary keys to a productive business, as an entrepreneur is required to be willing to plan a separate course if the original plan does not produce anticipated outcomes. To make a successful start, self discipline in terms of spending, and basic organizational skills are essential. A general understanding of Human Resource Management (HRM) and personnel management, accounting, and marketing; and a determination to look at the big picture, is very important to get the desired business outputs. However, you also need to possess particular skills and abilities for the purpose of starting an Information Technology (IT) and software development, a marketing, management, or financial consulting firm. The good part is that you are your own boss, and need not follow the orders from your seniors. You simply need to work according to the requirements of your clients. Financial Consulting Business For establishing this business, you need to have a general understanding about the working and operation of finance and banking in the relevant sector. The main responsibility is to render strategic fiscal resolutions and services to clients, who are facing issues regarding revenue and income generation, decreasing costs and expenditure, inciting growth, bettering operating cash flows, and accomplishing other business related goals. You need to be well acquainted with the efficient accounting solutions and recommending better financial management services to the customers. You should also be aware of your state's tax and accounting principles. Marketing Consulting Business If you are thinking of starting a business in marketing consulting, you need to have a considerable amount of experience in the same field. You are also required to be proficient in strategies, such as product positioning, re-positioning, de-positioning, and presentation and creation of a target market. Furthermore, you also need to possess comprehension and problem-solving skills for surviving in this business. An important quality that you need to have is to convince people about the usefulness of the product that you are marketing. You should also be proficient in drafting press releases, as it is an efficacious method of product promotion and advertising. Good communication and interpersonal skills are some of the most crucial requirements for a successful marketing business. Management Consulting Business If you are thinking of starting this business, you need to have the essential skills that are required to render advice to a company regarding problem resolutions, business reorganization, filling in a temporary vacancy, or structuring a start-up venture. When it comes to management consulting, the services and responsibilities differ widely according to the focus and expertise of the consultant, as well as the requirements of the client. You need to be well versed in business methodologies and terminologies, and solving internal and external business problems with management skills and techniques. The most important requirements for becoming a management consultant are strong communication, problem-solving capabilities, managerial skills, leadership skills, and other associated requirements. Just starting a consulting business is not enough, you also need to keep in mind the marketing strategies, quality of services, and business promotions, as these are the principal factors on which your earning would depend. But, before commencing the business, you also need to think about incorporation, which would allow you to legally carry out the business operations.