Hi Kay,
Your personal network is your most important asset.
People you have worked with or for will know your work ethic, your knowledge, and your ability to get things done. When they move onto other roles at different companies, inevitably they will need extra help to do something. Maybe improve the shop floor, maybe decrease costs in a certain area, even just help with a kaizen. That is your opportunity.
So if I were you I’d start on Linkedin by connecting to everyone you’ve ever worked with in the past. Once you’re connected, you can message them through LI and get their email address (if you don’t have it).
Then I’d reach out to them and let them know that you’re starting a consulting company and are willing to work uber hard and a very inexpensive rate because you’re just starting out, want to build a base of clients, and will wow them for a testimonial you can use on your website. Make it so easy for them to say “yes” to hiring you…too good of an opportunity to pass up.
I’d also improve your grammar and punctuation in written correspondence. It projects an air that maybe you’re not as professional as I think you are. Or maybe you’re from a non-English speaking part of the world and I’m out of line in saying this. I don’t mean to offend. Just pointing it out to be helpful.
Since you’re working 9 to 5 already, you’ll have to figure out how you can work nights and weekends on building your own book of business. That could be analysis time after hours, or walking the floors on the weekends. You’ll figure it out. Either way, it’s extra hours.
Good luck. I hope my suggestions are helpful to you in your path to building your own company!
Jessica
