How to Become a Location Independent Consultant

photo: Jayel Aheram

Read previous articles in 9 ways to make your job location independent:

Part 1: How to Become a Location Independent Telecommuter

In the first article in this series on how to make your existing job location independent, I wrote about how to start telecommuting to your job. This article examines a second way to turn your office job into your dream lifestyle: become a consultant in your field of expertise.

How to become a location independent consultant

If you’ve been working in your field for a number of years or are a recognized expert, you might be consultant material. The nice thing about consulting is that you can choose to travel anywhere that your services are needed, or you can act as a remote consultant and work online from anywhere you happen to be.

If you feel like you’re not quite ready to become an independent consultant, you could work for a consulting company until you’re ready to take the next step.

Here’s a free step-by-step guide to help you create and operate a successful consulting business, written by a consultant:

How To Be a Consultant, a Freelancer or an Independent Contractor by Jacques Mattheij

What if you already have consulting experience?

If you work or have worked as a consultant, then your main focus will be on the nuts and bolts of becoming nomadic. Perhaps you’re wondering about how to communicate with clients, or what a virtual office looks like. Here are some articles that will help you:

Case studies

Lea Woodward is the poster-child for location independent consulting. She started out as a management consultant working for a company. Later, she left the rat race to become a personal trainer, but her consulting experience came in handy when she and her husband Jonathan transitioned to location independence. Now, Lea is a location independent coach and consultant.

Here are two interviews with Lea:

Location Independent Professionals: Interview with Lea Woodward by Bas de Baar
From the Field: Lea Woodward, Location Independent Coach/Consultant/Writer by Anne Zelenka

Judith Madigan and Mark van Luyk are the founders of Foundation Communicaid (now BRANDOUTLOUD), providing communications and marketing consulting to local community-based aid organizations around the world. Mark and Judith started the company after noticing that aid organizations were often unable to effectively communicate their missions and needs to potential supporters.

Here’s an interview with Judith and Mark:

Meet the Nomads – Mark and Judith of Foundation Communicaid by Ricardo Hamel

Next up in this series: mobilize your career by becoming a teacher, trainer or coach.

Thinking about becoming a consultant? Already are one? I’d love to hear your comments.