How to Start Business Consulting

Start business consulting by first gaining extensive experience in the business field. Business experience may be from running your own company or managing someone else's business. Consultants must be knowledgeable about all aspects of business to offer quality advice to business owners.

1. Strengthen your knowledge of the business field. This might involve enrolling in an academic business program at a university or taking courses in business management.

2. Work in the business field. You might decide to start and run your own business or to work your way up the ladder in another company. 

3. Gain business management experience. Many management positions will allow you to get hands-on experience with all aspects of the business, including staffing, training, budgeting, product management and sales. The deeper your knowledge and expertise in all aspects of business management, the more useful your advice will be as a business consultant.

4. Prepare a resume and references. Create a resume that highlights your business knowledge and experience. Contact professional references to obtain letters of recommendation and to ask them to serve as references as you interview.

5. Search for a position with a business consulting firm. Search Internet job sites for consulting firms hiring in your area. Present them with a high-quality resume, cover letter and references to get hired.

6. Start your own business consulting firm. Once you have experience in the business field and with a consulting firm, start your own consulting business. Create a business website containing testimonials from satisfied clients. Notify your professional network that you are available to provide business consulting services.