Starting out doing consultancy

[Mekon]

I work in the academic research sector, but I am progressively receiving more offers of consultancy work from within the industry that my research is relevant to, a few of which I have started to take up. I am not sure where I'll go with this, but it's something I am keen to continue.

Can anyone recommend any resources for someone who is keen to develop more opportunities, but doesn't want to give up the day job?

[stevieb]

I think when you start out doing consultancy, if you haven't got the contacts it is a lot hard for you to get established. If you have the contacts for the work etc and have made a good name for yourself in the idustry which you work you should be ok.

Check the Terms and Conditions of you day job and see if you can do some work on the side, if so and you are successful then more work should follow.

I have tried doing work on the side in my current profession but its really a none starter for me as you need to have ISO accreditation to be considered for jobs, and 90% of the work is local government.

[Leftie]

Mekon said:

I work in the academic research sector, but I am progressively receiving more offers of consultancy work from within the industry that my research is relevant to, a few of which I have started to take up. I am not sure where I'll go with this, but it's something I am keen to continue.

Can anyone recommend any resources for someone who is keen to develop more opportunities, but doesn't want to give up the day job?

Hi Mekon, I work in a similar area, but have my own company specialising in research in the public sector (health, education, policing, fire service etc) with a bit of private sector, mainly in organisational research. I know, and use as self employed advisers a lot of frustrated academics making a bit on the fringe of projects without the hassel of doing all of the work or client management, or putting it through the employer. I think they have learned that getting it done through their department can be a pain , and brings them no rewards for the extra work.

I think you can PM me, not sure but if not I will post an email contact.

[alfaman]

I am in the process of setting up my own management consultancy business.... and have just started on my first client assignment - yippee

I secured the contract through networking / a friend.... which I think is a good way to get business , perhaps you could try using one of the networking forums such as Ecademy ?

Edited by alfaman on Friday 1st December 22:50