There are many anecdotes about the hectic schedules of corporate consultants. Many try to tell their clients that they need to stop worrying about their private lives if they want a fancy lifestyle and a good salary. Before thinking about a career change to business consulting, it’s essential to remember that this field isn’t for everyone. It can still be gratifying and fulfilling. Just like not everyone in the industry is overworked, consultants can still be successful.
If you work for a consulting firm, you might have less freedom in choosing your clients and managing your schedule. On the other hand, if you decide to start your own consultancy, you have the option to build a lifestyle and career that fits your needs. This article will give you a better idea of what it’s like to be a consultant; hopefully, you’ll find it helpful.
Morning Routine
One of the most critical factors you can consider when it comes to keeping up with a high level of productivity is ensuring a good morning routine. This will allow you to get the most out of your day and avoid getting caught up in the hustle and bustle of work. Aside from getting a good breakfast, you can also make sure that you get plenty of exercise.
Tackling Top Priority Tasks
If you’re unable to get to a client meeting right away, you might use this time to tackle some of the day’s most urgent or complex tasks. These might include writing a report, revising your professional website, or preparing a client proposal.
Catching Up on Emails
If you’re managing your schedule, this could be a time where you organize your calendar, make calls, and keep up with the latest industry news. If you have a virtual assistant or VA, they might help you with these responsibilities, and they can also check in with you over coffee to keep up with the updates.
Lunch Isn’t Always a Break
This could be a time when you’re relaxing and taking a break from the work that you’re doing. It could also be a time where you’re meeting with a client, or it could be a time where you’re sharing a meal with a mentor. Sometimes every minute counts as a consultant and there isn’t time in the work day for a quiet, relaxing lunch.
Connect With Your Team
If you’re working as an independent contractor, this could be a time when you’re meeting with some of your clients. If you’re in a team, this could be a time where you’re catching up with the team members and discussing the various projects currently under development. Even if you’re working independently, being part of an accountability group can give you the necessary support and encouragement to get through the day.
Meetings
You’re almost ready to deliver a compelling and thought-provoking presentation to your clients. After you’ve finished working on your presentation, you’ll start to pull together a few frameworks to tackle more complex business problems. You’ll then map out a plan for your next client and begin to build a winning pitch.
You might accidentally book a meeting an hour earlier than scheduled. Running from one location to another to catch up on emails and arrange the meeting while you’re on the way home could be a typical day. The goal of business consulting is to create an impact on the companies of your clients. This is the time when you can make a significant impact on their operations.
Recapping the Day
After you’ve finished working on your presentations, it’s time to review what you could have done that day and then plan for the next day. After that, you’ll start to finish some of the tasks that you left off earlier in the day. You’ll also likely have a few more emails and reports that you’re waiting to finish.