Turn your skillset into a full-time consulting business

Akua: Did you know that since 2023 there have been over 260, 000 layoffs in the tech industry? And this has led to a new wave of people who are taking the leap to start their own independent consulting business. There’s no better time than now to get your business up and running or take your side hustle full time.

If you fall into one of these categories, this bonus episode is for you. Today, I’m talking about why now is the time to start your own consulting business. And we have something very special for you to help you get started. Now let’s get into the episode. Hey everyone, this is your host Akua Kanadu and you’re listening to the independent business podcast.

More people than ever are working for themselves and building profitable businesses in the process. So on this show, I get to sit down with some of the most influential authors, entrepreneurs, and creators. To break down the signs of self made success so that you can achieve it too.

In the past few years, the job market has undergone significant disruptions and traditional employment has become less and less stable. In fact, as of May 30th of this year, tech companies have laid off over 89, 000 workers. This averages to 780 layoffs a day. You probably know someone who has been affected by these layoffs.

Not only that, it’s become more and more difficult to reenter the workforce and find a corporate job. So what does this exactly mean? It means that many of you are in a very unique position. There’s no doubt that experiencing job loss is hard, but it can also offer a major opportunity and I want to help you seize it.

There is a new wave of entrepreneurs who are leaning into the unknown to start their own consulting business. And I want you to become one of them. So if you have been on the fence about starting your own business, if you find yourself asking if this is the right time to take your side hustle full time, I’m here to tell you, yes, it is.

Now is the time. Now becoming a business owner may not have been on your radar. It definitely wasn’t on mine either, but when I took the leap and got started, I quickly realized that even though I had no clue what I was doing, number one, I’m going to figure it out. Number two, And two, I’m not alone. So I’m here to tell you, number one, you’re going to figure it out.

And number two, you are not alone. Now more than ever, it is easy for you to start an independent consulting business. And I’m going to tell you why. Because you have everything that you need. Let me say that one more time because you have everything you need. Technology is transforming entrepreneurship by providing the necessary tools and platform, making it easier than ever before to start and scale your business.

Everything you need is just a sign up away. Want to build a new website? You can now do that easily with drag and drop website builders, which include SEO support. Want to get started with email marketing? There are new platforms where you can create and send a beautifully designed email to your audience.

Plus business management platforms are getting smart these days to help you do it all more efficiently. In my conversation with Scott White and Kivowitz on the podcast, he talks about how adopting new technology and AI can propel your business forward. With smart software solutions on your side, you can now get your business up and running more quickly and make it look so professional when serving your clients.

So let’s take automations for example. By putting together an automation to trigger a specific action you want your clients to take. This could be like signing a contract, making a payment. You can now save time while seamlessly moving clients through your booking process. And now with AI composer tools right at your fingertips, like the one HoneyBook offers, you’ll never be at a loss for words to write smart on brand and copy to convert and win your clients.

There are so many companies that want to see you succeed as an independent business owner. And you only thing you really just need is to get started. Technology is powerful, but so are you definitely don’t want you to forget that you have gained a plethora of experience and knowledge working in the corporate realm, whether that be in social media design.

Marketing communications or something else, whatever your skillset, you have everything to offer an amazing service to your prospective clients. Don’t doubt that you have the talent to impact people’s lives and businesses. Every single season that you have walked through every lesson, every experience, every failure has prepared you for this moment.

You have everything that you need to build the business and life of your dreams. I just think of my, it. own story when I was working as a communications director right before I took the leap to be an entrepreneur. And if it wasn’t for that season in my life where I was able to learn more about design, where I was able to learn more about branding, copy, me being able to compile those skills.

In that season, I wouldn’t have the business that I have today. So if you still need more convincing, let me tell you. 58 percent of tech workers who started an independent business after a layoff feel better about their new job security. In fact, 56 percent reported having a better work life balance when compared to their previous full time role.

And 53 percent reported having better mental health. We spend a third of our lives working. So let’s make it count. You deserve to be fulfilled by your work and live a life where you can spend time on the things that you care about the most independent work can unlock these benefits. All you need is your amazing talent and the tools to help you move forward.

So if you’re thinking, okay, Akua, you’ve convinced me, and I’m going to go all in on my business. I have something very special to share with you. And when I said earlier that you are not alone. I truly meant that. At HoneyBook, we see the impact independent business owners make in their communities, and we know your business can do the same.

So we want to help you turn that passion and talent into a dream business. HoneyBook has launched its first ever business grant for early stage marketing and creative professionals. It is called the Breakthrough Grant, and it is designed to help you unlock your business potential with more than just funding, though it also has that as well, but tools.

Expert help and community support to help you thrive. So if you are someone who has just been laid off or you are getting ready to take your side hustle full time, then this grant is specifically for you. HoneyBook is investing 500, 000 to fund Two rounds of the breakthrough grant by the end of this year, 10 winners will be given a grant package value at 25, 000 in tools, resources, and training each round.

So what does this include? Well, it includes a three year premium HoneyBook membership, set up support from our amazing HoneyBook pros. You will also join our community filled with other independent business owners and exclusive workshops to help you level up. And last, but certainly not least. 18, 000 in cash to invest in whatever else you need to accelerate your growth.

So if you want to hire a graphic designer to help you with your branding or hire a photographer to get some new branding photos, whatever you need to move your business forward, that’s what that 18, 000 in cash is there for. So the first round of funding has just launched and applications are open until July 16th.

So to apply, here’s what I need you to do. I need you to click the link in the show notes and be able to fill out your application. That is all you need to do. After you apply, make sure to share and tag us on Instagram at HoneyBook. If you are already an established independent business owner, and you are listening to this episode, this is your opportunity to pay it forward.

There is someone in your life who’s either getting ready to take the leap into full time independent work or hustling to get their business off the ground. You can nominate that person for the grant. I think of the people who have supported me in so many ways. When I first started my business, the people who spent time helping me put my website together, who took my branding photos, who shared with me amazing tools like honey book to send my contracts and invoices.

If it wasn’t for these people, Or these tools. I wouldn’t have the business that I have today. So I’m really excited to pay it forward and nominate other business owners that I see in my community and help them get ready to have the breakthrough in their business and create the consulting business of their dreams.

All right, everyone, make sure to apply for the Breakthrough Grant, either for yourself or nominate someone who would benefit from it. And everybody, thank you so much for listening to this special bonus episode. Everything we’ve discussed can be found at podcast. honeybook. com. Head to our website to access for show notes, relevant links, and all of the resources that you need to level up.

And if you’ve enjoyed today’s episode, be sure to subscribe to the podcast to make sure you never miss our future content, drop us a review and leave our guests some love on social. And thank you again for listening.