How To Use Your Communications Skills as a Consultant October 10, 2014My CareerOff

Got the gift of gab? Know how to wield a pen with flair? We have fabulous news.

It’s a practical fact: Communication, whether oral or written, is absolutely essential in the workplace. You can’t effectively run a team unless everyone is on the same page; likewise, you can’t promote your company unless you communicate to the outside world. Luckily for skilled communicators, there are plenty of consulting positions available that can utilize your talents.

There are a few different ways to use your skills in a consultant position. The major one is through external communications with potential clients, such as advertising and marketing strategies and campaigns. Companies, especially small or highly focused businesses, frequently outsource written materials like brochures, web content, and white papers. It’s not uncommon to find small business owners desperately seeking a communicator to run their Facebook and web sites. Running a business is time-consuming, and many small businesses simply don’t have the energy to maintain a social media presence.

While slightly less common, you can also consult as a project manager. Some companies don’t have the time or money to interview and hire a temporary PM. Washington, D.C.’s Stephanie Hay is a good example of a consultant who helps businesses execute communications projects: she consults companies to use a “content first” approach that focuses on design built around simple documents. If you have a particular communications specialty or idea, many companies would be glad to bring you on as a temporary consultant to educate their workforce.

Consulting provides a flexible way to use your communications skills while setting your own hours and prices. Many companies don’t have the energy or capital to onboard another employee (which includes healthcare, 401k and other expenses). They’re happy to pay a little higher for temporary work that helps their project along.

So what are you waiting for? It’s time to talk and write your way into business. Set up that website, print those business cards and get going.

By Quail Bell
Photo by Bikerider London

Christine Stoddard is the founding editor of Quail Bell Magazine and owner of Quail Bell Press & Productions. Sarah Sullivan is a contributing writer to Quail Bell Magazine and a copywriter for Quail Bell Press & Productions. Both are originally from the Washington, D.C. area.

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