Question

Topic: Career/Training

How To Become An Independant Marketing Consultant?

Posted by Anonymous on 7/10/2010 at 12:35 AM ET 125 Points
I'm currently in the marketing research industry but would love to transition over to becoming an independent marketing consultant. I have a bachelor's degree in marketing and communications as well. I have done a few side projects but nothing too major.

I can't find any marketing positions at any local companies to gain experience but ultimately feel that I want to work on my own. What should I do to transition over? Do I have enough experience to start this sort of career? Is it possible for me to start a marketing career?

Should I take any classes to educate me more about the marketing industry? What steps are most important for me to to do this? I am willing to put the time and effort to make contacts, educate myself, anything! I will truly appreciate any advice whatsoever, especially from all you seasoned veterans out there...how did you start out in this industry?
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RESPONSES

  • Posted on 7/10/2010 at 3:09 AM Accepted
    There is a book that deals exactly with your question: Rasputin For Hire. The subtitle is: An inside look at management consulting between jobs or as a second career.

    There's even a chapter that discusses the prerequisites for a successful career as a consultant, and there's a self-assessment "quiz" at: www.RasputinForHire.com . Just click on the large box on that webpage that says, "Is Management Consulting right for YOU?"

    The book is available through most booksellers in the United States, and through Amazon.com. And if you order directly from the publisher you'll get a free 23-page bonus report that is essentially the transcript from a round-table discussion with 5 successful consultants who are also top experts here on the MarketingProfs Know-How Exchange. (One is even a market research professional.)

    They talk about how they got into consulting, what they like and dislike about it, and what advice they'd give to people who are considering a transition like the one you describe. You can find the order page for MarketingProfs folks here: https://bit.ly/k3Z7m

    The book will answer your questions about making the switch to marketing consulting. Let us know what you decide to do, or let us help if you have specific questions after reading the book. You are obviously not the first person to face this issue.

  • Posted by telemoxie on 7/10/2010 at 9:42 AM Accepted
    good advice above. While in your current job: network, network, network. Participate actively in this forum. Find local opportunities to meet other marketing people and business owners. Read as many books on marketing as you can... follow Karen's advice and search previous questions to find lists of recommended marketing books.

    And, if and when you do make the decision start your own firm: don't assume that just because small businesses need professional marketing, that they can't afford professional marketing. I would look to network with executives of companies which have a history of paying for professional marketing services. Good luck.
  • Posted by Peter (henna gaijin) on 7/10/2010 at 9:21 PM Accepted
    If you are in the States, another good book is The Small Business Start Up Kit, by Peri Pakroo. Covers all the ins and outs of starting a business (business form, insurance, hiring, taxes, registering, etc.).
    https://expandabroad.blogspot.com/2005/08/start-up-book-recommendation.html
  • Posted on 7/11/2010 at 3:00 PM Author
    I appreciate all of your responses! I'll keep on researching the industry and try to get my foot in the door with some networking groups and companies, thanks again everyone!
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