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What does a freelance startup consultant do?

A startup consultant assists entrepreneurs, startups, and small business owners with navigating the challenges with getting a company off the ground.

A freelance startup consultant specializes in asking startups detailed questions, analyzing market opportunities, developing a business plan, mapping out a growth strategy, making recommendations regarding the hiring process, and much more.

Startup consultants can provide a fresh, independent, and seasoned perspective on a new startup since they’re not emotionally connected to the new startup idea the same way an entrepreneur might be. They can provide sound strategic advice based on facts and the reality of the market rather than emotion.

What skills do I need to become a freelance startup consultant?

A freelance startup consultant can provide a variety of skill sets that would be helpful to entrepreneurs and new business owners. A seasoned startup consultant can provide sound advice around business management and business administration.

A typical freelance business consultant job description may include:

• Ability to think strategically. Freelance startup consultants provide clients with the benefit of strategic thinking. They may be able to see the same situation from 4 or 5 different perspectives. They are likely up-to-date on industry trends and forecasting to inform their strategies.
• Problem-solving skills. Starting a company can be fraught with difficulty. A startup consultant provides a knack for problem-solving, bringing their extensive business acumen and track record of success to help entrepreneurs overcome challenges.
• Management skills. A freelance startup consultant should have seasoned management skills. This can include managing social media channels such as LinkedIn, and Facebook, and setting up business processes for maximum profitability.
• Conceptualization skills. The ability to conceptualize is a skill clients find valuable in startup consultants. Successfully brainstorming about go-to-market strategies, messaging, brand development, product, and service delivery, and more are keys to launching a viable company.
• People skills. Communication skills are key to being a business consultant. Startup consultants can provide honest feedback and needed direction. Interpersonal skills help the consultant interface with every aspect of your organization from human resources to sales.
• Organizational and time management skills. When providing consulting services, startup consultants must manage their time and resources wisely. Consultants must ensure they are adept at scheduling, prioritizing, and completing their work efficiently.
• Objectivity. Entrepreneurs need fair, honest, and accurate feedback as they move through their business strategy. This mentoring is essential for smooth business operations and growth for their client’s business.

What are the core job responsibilities of a freelance startup consultant?

Freelance consulting firms are hired to help entrepreneurs with the launch of a new company.

The core job responsibilities a freelance startup consultant will handle include:

• Collaborating with new clients and key stakeholders within the new company to determine strategy, operations, and overall direction
• Collecting data and providing appraisals of opportunities and threats
• Establishing goals, objectives, and deliverables that include specific timelines
• Developing operational roadmaps and strategic plans designed to reach specific goals and objectives using market research
• Assessing progress, adjusting goals, and realigning strategies after the launch
• Setting up new initiatives and business processes
• Leading the investing and fundraising process to ensure enough capital is raised to begin operations
• Working with sales, marketing, and communications team members to determine the brand, marketing strategies, and sales approach.

Should I get a degree or certification to become a freelance startup consultant?

While it is not necessary to obtain a specific certification to become a freelance startup consultant, most clients will expect their ideal candidate to have at least a bachelor’s degree in business or a related field to the startup’s industry.

Some examples of popular degrees or classes that are helpful to freelance startup consultants include:

• A bachelor’s degree or master’s degree in business, marketing, communications, accounting, economics, or equivalent field of study from an accredited college or university
• The Accredited Small Business Consultant (ASBC) and Accredited SME Consultant (ASMEC)—offered by the Association of Accredited Small Business Consultants