So why do you want to become an IT consultant? You need to be firmly rooted in the reasons why you want your own IT consulting business. Asking yourself this question will help you get through the tough times that inevitably come. The IT consulting business is very competitive and a fast paced industry. On the surface you may see IT consulting as an exciting and fun career. However you may find yourself in the middle of a consulting engagement and realize you do not like doing this type of work. By clearly defining your expectations you will quickly identify the type of work that is best suited for your skill set. The IT consulting business requires that you have strong work ethics. You have to be willing to work long hours, nights and weekends. Do you have the ability to adapt to various business environments and the way your clients want you to work? Some clients will hold off on projects for months and then at the last minute expect you to complete a project within half the time frame. Do you know how to handle situations like that? Are you willing to walk away from a project because it’s not mutually beneficial? The IT consulting business might seem like a good career choice because you make a lot of money, work with newer technologies and have exposure to more projects. That all sounds great right? That is only half of the equation though. Now let’s introduce various types of personalities you will have to work with such as: ego maniacs, Luddites, know-it-alls, wannabe IT guys who challenge you’re every decision, managerial control freaks, constant complainers who throw you under the bus at every turn, people who look for any excuse not to pay their bill and the list goes on from there. Not all clients are equal. In order to learn the types of companies or people you want to work for you will have to experience numerous clients with these types of employees before you will understand what your ideal client looks like. This process will take a long time. In the meantime you might decide this type of work isn’t for you. Working with technology is fun and everything but introducing various personalities makes working with them extremely tough because you have to manage their expectations. The ultimate question you need to ask yourself is do I think I have the personality traits to be an IT consultant? Knowing the reasons why you want to work for yourself before you get started is pivotal to your success.
Are you making the career change because you need more money, tired of working on the same tasks day after day, you want to work with newer technology or maybe you are bored with your career path and want something better? Whatever your reasons maybe I want you to take some time and write them down. Clearly defining why you want to become an IT consultant. By doing so you are building the will be the foundation of IT consulting business.
Now write down the reasons why you want to own an IT consulting business.