Many are tempted to jump into a new business for all the wrong reasons. You may be tired of your boss, fed up with the "system," or have great ideas you can't implement where you are. Any of these may be legitimate, but are not necessarily reasons for quitting to start your own business, at least not prematurely. Do not use an emotional impulse or reactive urge be the basis for your business. Rather, use the security and reliability of your current position to prepare for your future consulting business.

First of all, this is not an initiation to abuse or take advantage of your present company in any way. Successful consulting, either alone or with a company, requires absolute integrity. This is a time to do your job to the best of your ability, yet start the personal preparations you need to make.

The first stage of preparation is, to use an old term, build your rolodex. It's time to be making contacts, getting to know people and generally making yourself known as a capable and reliable professional in the marketplace. In the long term successful business careers are based and enhanced by strong professional relationships.

Work on developing the skills necessary to make your own business a success. These include networking, providing superb customer/client service, effective project management, budget & fee management, leadership, problem solving, self-starting, self-motivation, and business development. All of these capabilities can be learned and demonstrated in your present position. If you lack confidence in these areas, bolster your skills before you are on your own. Perfection is not required - just remember the support system you now have in your present company will not be available once you're on your own.

Market research is needed. You must identify your business niche. A thorough understanding of the marketplace and your place in it are critical. The conventional wisdom is to be highly specialized, so that you can effectively target and reach those individuals and companies who need your services. There is no problem having multiple specialties, but you will be more effective with a highly focused marketing effort. This to will cost less in the long run, and be easier to reach, regardless of geographic considerations. This research, which may involve interviewing key people, can occur while you are still working.

The goal is to become an in-house consultant, which means to be your own business generator and service provider. You are a center of influence, not only in your present company, but in the business community. Once achieved the transition to your own business is a simple step out of your job and into your own business. You will already be known as a go-to professional, capable of performing services and delivering results regardless of your company affiliation.