You've been laid off. How can you use this as an opportunity to start a consulting business in IT Strategy?

Well, I have received a "silver shakehand" at 57. I have started a consulting activity, but not in IT Strategy. After all those years at different management level, was missing "hands-on" activities. I can't tell you the fun of logging on a production server after all those years. So, if you are nearing the retirement, my advice is: don't forget to have some fun. Time flies...

Got laid off? Don't despair, my friend, This might be the chance your career needs to transcend! That severance, a nest egg, not a measly sum, Can fuel your own IT Strategy consulting drum! No boss to micromanage, no office walls to bind, Just freedom to choose projects that ignite your mind. So ditch the resume blues, and unleash your might, Become a consultant, a shining IT light!

As we often say “grass is greener on the other side”. When we are in employment, we seldom attempt to experience how green is the other side. One way to look at the job loss is that it can be an opportunity to break this mental/emotional barrier and take the bold step to start your own entrepreneurial journey. Starting a consulting business in IT Strategy could be a good option. Key ingredients needed to start that would be, in my view, are below. These are needed at the very least to have confidence of starting something meaningful and be a player in the field. 1. Your own skill sets relevant for starting the IT consultancy. 2. Your industry connect who will help you as a partner and/or customer. 3. Your risk capital. 4. Fallback option.

1. Leverage Your Expertise: 1.1 Identify Your Niche 1.2 Refine Your Skills: 2. Develop Your Business Plan 2.1 Define Your Value Proposition: 2.2 Target Your Ideal Client: 2.3 Outline Your Service Offerings: 3. Build Your Brand Identity 3.1 Craft a Compelling Brand Name and Logo 3.2 Develop a User-Friendly Website 3.3 Establish a Social Media Presence 4. Network and Market Yourself: 4.1 Leverage Your Existing Network 4.2 Join Industry Groups and Associations 4.2 Develop Content Marketing Strategy 5. Set Competitive Rates and Secure Initial Clients 5.1 Research Market Rates 5.2 Offer Flexible Engagement Models 5.3 Start With Smaller Projects 5.4 Offer Free Consultations

Take a moment to assess where your passion lies. Evaluate your expertise in IT strategy. Do you possess specialized knowledge in any particular area? Identify unique strengths that will distinguish you from other consulting firms. Familiarize yourself with your target audience, conduct thorough research to determine an appropriate pricing model and ascertain the demand within your targeted market. Utilize your network of former colleagues and other professional contacts to generate leads and obtain referrals. Initiate a soft launch, engage with community organizations, and strive to surpass client expectations.

Define your target market by identifying industries or companies where your IT strategy expertise can make the most impact. For instance, focus on startups needing tech guidance or established firms seeking digital transformation. Tailor your services to address their specific challenges and goals, like optimizing IT infrastructure or implementing innovative solutions. By honing in on these niches, you'll attract clients who value your skills and are willing to invest in your consulting services.

Identificación de necesidades: Investiga los desafíos y problemas comunes que enfrentan las empresas en relación con la tecnología de la información. Esto te ayudará a determinar cómo tus servicios pueden resolver sus problemas y agregar valor a sus operaciones. Análisis de la competencia: Estudia a tus competidores directos e indirectos que ofrecen servicios similares en el mercado de consultoría en estrategia de TI. Identifica sus fortalezas, debilidades y el tipo de clientes a los que se dirigen. Esto te ayudará a diferenciarte y encontrar un nicho específico dentro del mercado. Establece criterios específicos para identificar a los clientes ideales para tu negocio de consultoría en estrategia de TI

Identificar o tipos de clientes ou empresas que podem se beneficiar dos meus servi?os de consultoria em Estratégia de TI, pensando em setores específicos, tamanhos de empresa e desafios que posso de fato ajudar a resolver.

Target market identifying process should focus on both expert area & market analyses. Here communication & network skills play a key factor to define target market.

Setting your rates and terms is crucial when starting a consulting business. First, assess your value based on your expertise and market demand. Then, research industry standards and adjust accordingly. For example, as an IT Strategy consultant, you might charge an hourly rate, project-based fee, or retainer. Determine payment terms, such as upfront deposits or milestone payments, to ensure steady cash flow. Be transparent with clients about your rates and terms to build trust and credibility.

A well prepared proposal and contract is a must. Scope, timeline, a RACI, assumptions, infrastructure as internet access, work station, printer, etc is also nice to be mentioned. Your dedication if full time or part time as well as if you are going to deliver the service in a hybrid approach or on site. You need to make it all the most clear possible to not be exposed to unnecessary risks that may you loose money and/or reputation. For invoicing, taxes, etc you can hire an accountant firm to take it over and you have to include its cost when building your rate.

Determinar o quanto irei cobrar pelos servi?os de consultoria em Estratégia de TI e quais ser?o os termos e condi??es de contrato pode requerer altera??es a médio e longo prazo. Para tentar “evitar” erros iniciais, considerar fatores como a concorrência, a demanda pelo servi?o ofertado e o valor hora pelos esfor?os que estarei oferecendo, podem balizar e calibrar melhor meus pre?os de modo que o valor agregado pela entrega se destaque.

Perfectionise the industry norms on which prepare process of action including RACI, support matrix, price plan, pre/post support etc.

Hoy existen varios tarifadores free lance en línea que pueden ayudarte a estimar cómo determinar el valor de tu trabajo. A esto debes sumarle la posibilidad de subcontratar para la prestación de servicios, esto te dará más margen para poder acaparar más de un proyecto y cumplir con todos por igual. La organización debe ser tu mejor aliado y trabajar con escuelas digitales que ofrecen a sus egresados con tarifas por menos de la media puede ser de gran utilidad en un comienzo y muchas veces un gran camino para conocer a socios estratégicos!

Building your network and reputation is crucial when starting a consulting business. Connect with former colleagues, attend industry events, and engage with potential clients on social media platforms like LinkedIn. Share your expertise by writing articles or giving talks at conferences. Offer free consultations or workshops to showcase your skills and build trust with potential clients. Ask satisfied clients for testimonials to boost your credibility and attract new business. Remember, networking is about building relationships, so focus on adding value and helping others succeed.

Networking é essencial para construir um negócio de consultoria bem-sucedido. é necessário estar envolvido nos eventos e congressos de TI para conectar-se com profissionais da área de TI, potenciais clientes e outros consultores. Além disso, inicialmente e até a longo prazo, concentrar em construir uma reputa??o sólida por meio de referências e recomenda??es positivas é mais importante do que ter “quantidade” de clientes.

Utilizing the transition from a layoff as an opportunity to establish an IT Strategy consulting business involves prioritizing the expansion of one's professional network and bolstering personal reputation. Engaging with industry peers, former colleagues, and mentors cultivates valuable connections and potential clientele. By actively participating in relevant forums, conferences, and online communities, individuals can showcase their expertise and establish credibility in the field. Consistently delivering high-quality insights and solutions further enhances reputation and fosters trust among prospective clients, laying a solid foundation for a successful consulting venture.

Its crucial step and 360 engagement is vital and should communicate previous, past colleagues, communicate all stakeholders, vendors and be active in professional forum, social media etc.

You can manage your time and resources effectively by setting clear priorities and deadlines for each task. Create a schedule that allocates time for client meetings, project work, and business development activities. Use productivity tools like calendars and task lists to stay organized. Delegate non-essential tasks or consider outsourcing to focus on high-value activities. Regularly assess your progress and adjust your strategies as needed to ensure optimal use of your time and resources.

Como empreendedor, é importante gerenciar eficientemente tempo e recursos. Estabelecer prioridades, definir metas claras e utilizar ferramentas de produtividade para garantir que o tempo esteja otimizado e os recursos estejam empregados da melhor maneira possível.

Priority adjustment and touching every target areas or strengths in each week can be a effective step to ensure perfect time management.

Uno de los beneficios de ser independiente es poder realizar una distribución que favorezca por igual los desarrollos laboral y personal. Iniciar una etapa como responsable máximo implica, responsabilidad y provecho de aquellas herramientas como apps que facilitan la tarea para la organización y cumplimiento de objetivos.

1) Define services based on expertise. 2) Create business plan - services, market, pricing. 3) Leverage network. Market online - website, LinkedIn. 4) Continuously upskill. Partner strategically. 5) Highlight past wins. Follow legal rules. 6) Stay motivated, adapt as business grows.

Consider rest and recovery, no worry and relax as much as possible. You need to be in a very good shape for your new adventure.

Try selling your services back to your previous company - you know likely have deep domain knowledge - my first client was my previous company. Aim for repeat business with all your clients - but when they don't have work ask for referrals - businesses or connections they have that could use your expertise. Marketing is time consuming and expensive - getting referral clients is a quick win to get to the next gig

Kintsukuroi (金繕い) or Kintsugi (金継ぎ) is a Japanese technique turned into art that consists of repairing broken ceramic pieces with gold. Far from trying to hide the wounds and cracks, they are enhanced and highlighted with gold. Scars are traces that life leaves in all of us, they are proof of our fragility, but also of our ability to get up, to fight and to fly again. It is the ability we have to overcome adversity and emerge stronger from it (#resilience). Just as ceramic comes out stronger after applying resin with gold and joining all its pieces together, we can take difficulties as an #opportunity to learn.