Is Consulting The Missing Piece Of Your Fresh Start?

Consulting is one of the easiest business to start. Most people already have everything they need to start a consulting business. They just don’t realize it yet.

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I started my consulting business after being laid off, with a 6-month-old baby, a new mortgage, and a marriage ending. It was one of the hardest times of my life — and also the most pivotal.

I remember being so scared. I was excited about the possibility of starting something new, but I was also scared about not getting a regular paycheck.

It’s funny now. I remember being laid off on July 31st. Do you know I still checked my bank account on August 15th of the following month?

I thought, “Let me check my bank account, just in case a paycheck magically appears. “

It didn't.  

It was then that I knew I had to find work for myself. 

Here I am working. - Dr. Joanna Shoffner Scott

Consulting is One of the Easiest Businesses to Start

In this blog post, I want to explore the five reasons people typically start a consulting business:

1. You’ve recently lost your job and want to create income quickly.

2. You’re still employed but planning your exit. 

3. You’re a senior-level professional thinking ahead to your next chapter.

4. You’re tired of wondering if you “have what it takes” to go out on your own. 

Sound familiar?

Consulting is an easy business to start, because most people have what they need to be successful: some kind of specialized knowledge or skill that people are willing to pay for, and a computer. I believe many professionals begin consulting because they may be maturing beyond corporate or nonprofit structures and want a different relationship with work.

If you are looking for a fresh start, here are three ways consulting can help you get there.  Starting a consulting business can offer you:

1. Space to breathe if you are between jobs. Losing your job for any reason can be traumatic if it happens suddenly, even more so. Consulting can help you generate income to hold you over until your next gig. 
   

2. More control over your time and labor. When I first started my business, this was a help that I felt almost immediately. The ability to control more of your time is crucial when navigating a life change, such as a job loss, a new baby, or caring for a sick relative. 
   

3. Time to plan your exit. You may be planning a career change and already know that you want to work for yourself. A consulting business is a good starting point for transitioning out of employment, if you have an existing network.
   

With all of the job losses happening right now, people have been asking me how I run my business and how I managed to stay in consulting for so long. I am starting my 13th year of working for myself. So, I thought I’d share some of those lessons and things to watch out for.  

On June 6, 2025, I am hosting a webinar called From Idea to Income: The Six Essentials for Starting Fresh With a Consulting Business.

You don’t need a website. A logo. A newsletter. Or even a business card. You need a plan—and here is where it starts.