And in its most basic terms, a consultant is anyone who consults someone else. Seems simple, right? Well, from here it will get quite a bit more specific. But don't worry, we'll take it step by step. If you think starting a consulting business is right for you, we think this tutorial will help you decide.

Consultants are successful when they find their niche. And consulting businesses thrive when they offer services other people need. We decided to focus on this industry because it remains so popular. And from an entrepreneurial perspective, it doesn't necessarily require a lot of startup capital.

Let's start at the beginning. The definition of this type of business is very much open to interpretation. There are several disciplines that lend themselves to the creation of a consulting business. But if you can find something you love to do that others will pay for, you can take the reins. And studies show businesses are willing to pay big bucks for consultants to provide various services. Individuals also pay consulting businesses for a variety of specializations. The only thing good consultants must provide is dedication to their clients. If you're great at what you do and other people agree, keep reading. Starting your own consulting business might be the logical next step in your career.

Successful people have plenty of wisdom to share. And one common adage advises us to do what we love. That's easier said than done, of course. But with the right consulting business, you can work on your own terms. It's more fulfilling and gives you an opportunity to set your own income goals.

Lots of professionals need help in specific areas. Small businesses often have specialized needs they can't cover with personnel. It can be more efficient and affordable to team with a consulting business to accomplish those goals. And if you've already established yourself as an expert, you can be the go-to provider. We'll go through a list of common consultant disciplines. But in reality, if you can find people who need what you provide, the sky is the limit.

As we have learned, there are no hard and fast limits on what you can consider a consulting business. But judging from past successes, some skills translate better than others. We've looked at the trends to identify some areas you might want to tap into this growing market.

Financial services is a big one, including services like accounting, tax preparation and auditing. And if you can write well, you can probably find your niche in content creation or communications. Have you ever thought about counseling? Whether it's professional or personal, there's a big need out there. Of course there are plenty of technological services. But there are also a lot of more traditional needs in the consulting business market. This could be anything from insurance to human resources to gardening services.

If you have a job, that means you already have a marketable skill. You might have to do a bit of analysis to give it a simple name, but it's worth the effort. Because by identifying your strength, you're well on your way to building a successful consulting business.

So perform an honest self assessment of your career and work history. Do you have certification in specific areas? Does your resume include focused experience in a field of study? If so, think about whether that is a skill in need locally or remotely. If so, you can go on to the next steps. 

But you might want to start fresh. Maybe you're tired of the industry you're in and you want to follow your passion. If that describes you, then it's time to get busy. You can take classes, volunteer or get some important experience through other channels. But the important thing to keep in mind is your reputation. That's what will set you apart in a crowded field. If you have recommendations, training and a proven record, you're already ahead of the game.

Before you start any business, you'll want to make sure your ducks are in a row. Establishing credibility is by far the most time consuming. But after you feel you've reached that level, the work is just beginning.

From here, you'll want to come up with a plan and a pitch. Let prospective clients know what you offer and why they should want to pay you for it. If you can't describe it in a couple of minutes, you might want to further refine your idea. Then determine what you'll need to make your consulting business a success. Maybe that means a physical retail space. Or you could get by just fine online with meetings at a local coffee shop.

Either way, you'll probably want to pay attention to some of your competitors. Don't copy their model, but keep track of what works for them -- and what doesn't. Are you the only one of your kind? Well, that could be a blessing. You can set the rules and the standard in your community. But you still might want to take a look at other related business models. There's always somebody out there with great insight about what you're trying to accomplish.

On one hand, social media and tech gadgets make it easier than ever to network. But that's a double edged sword. It also means that all of your competitors are also vying for the same customers in the same place.

So you'll want to figure out a way to set yourself apart. Be sure to leverage any connections you might have in the industry. Anything you can do to get your foot in the door without appearing pushy can help you. And then get to the difficult but rewarding task of building your portfolio.

Collect recommendations from satisfied clients. Great service often results in referrals from those pleased customers. And put together packages, brochures or whatever else makes sense for you. The ability to showcase your successes can go quite far in establishing your consulting business. 

Is this starting out as a moonlighting gig? Do you want the income from your consulting business to replace your current income? These are important things to consider before starting your own company. But there are lots of other considerations if you choose this line of work.

We recommend setting realistic goals, at least in the short term. If you're the only employee, make sure you don't take on too much. And have plans for growth in case your consulting business really takes off. With any business plan, you need to identify a consistent stream of revenue. 

If you learned something from our report, share it with the entrepreneurs in your life. And leave us a comment below if you have any final thoughts or questions.