Solo specialist business consultant

Owners of small and mid-sized businesses, startups and nonprofits that need expert help but can't justify a full-time hire.

Fixed-fee projects, an hourly rate, or a monthly retainer for ongoing advice. Retainer clients make income more predictable.

• Deep experience in one specialist area
• Clear writing and presenting
• Listening and asking good questions
• Managing your own time and clients

• Check whether your current employer's contract restricts outside work or competing with them
• Professional liability (errors and omissions) insurance is worth pricing, especially for advice that affects client money
• Check your city or county for a business license and whether a home occupation permit is needed
• Some fields (accounting, legal, financial advice, engineering) are regulated by your state, so check what you can and can't advise on
• Income can be uneven early on, so plan for gaps between projects

Startup costs are typically around $300 to $2,500, depending on your website, equipment, software, insurance and any local licensing. These are estimates, so price out the basics you need for your specialty.

Monthly revenue is typically around $1,000 to $8,000, depending on your specialty, your rates and how many hours you sell each week. Treat this as an estimate, since income can be uneven early on.

Check whether your employer's contract restricts outside work, and whether your city or county requires a business license or home occupation permit. Also check state rules for regulated fields like accounting, legal, financial advice and engineering.