Marketing consulting is a profession that requires the ability to motivate customers and provide advice to clients, for example by mending on how to best attract customer interest. In addition to providing consulting, marketing consultants must also carry out various activities, for example: evaluating customer needs of client companies, planning and conducting promotions through social media or other media, finding out the effectiveness of marketing strategies using various analytical tools. Marketing consultant fees are usually paid on a project basis and the amount varies greatly depending on the field of business and individual abilities. If you want to become a marketing consultant, you need to do a number of things starting from earning a bachelor's degree, having work experience, and getting clients.
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Part 1 of 3: Working in Marketing
Step 1. Earn a bachelor's degree in marketing, business, or communications
Many colleges have majors in marketing. You must have a bachelor's degree in marketing before becoming a marketing consultant. In addition to a marketing degree, a business or communications degree can also be a marketing consultant. No matter what major you choose, take courses that benefit you while you work.
- Each university offers many majors, but choose courses that provide detailed information on strategies for marketing products/services, introducing brands, recognizing and mastering certain demographics, advertising, obtaining copyrights, and making financial budgets.
- Read the description of each course before making a useful choice.
- Consult an academic advisor about career plans. Ask what courses you need to take and what you need to do to achieve your career goals.
Step 2. Get involved in the business and marketing college student association
One way to gain experience before graduating from college is to participate in various activities of the marketing and business division student associations. Take this opportunity to apply what you've learned and understand the process in detail. In addition, you can include these experiences in your bio and build a network with business owners. This will make it easier for you to find a job after you graduate.
Step 3. Prepare a portfolio
Marketing consultants usually have to prepare a portfolio to demonstrate their capabilities to potential clients. Prepare an online or printed portfolio that describes what you've done. In your portfolio, list your educational history, work experience, contact information, and some of your accomplishments for reference.
- If you've ever created a website, design a new site and then upload your portfolio. Alternatively, use wordpress.org or Tumblr to display a personal portfolio.
- If you've ever joined a student association or been on an internship, list that experience and attach any materials you've prepared for client marketing activities. Ask permission first before you upload any such material to the website.
- If you don't have a client yet, use the material you prepared as a coursework.
- Sample material samples: logos, promotional articles, flyers, and website or social media links that you create.
Step 4. Apply for a job in a marketing company
Prior to a career as a marketing consultant, you should seek experience in a marketing company. Look for job openings as a novice employee to get the experience you need. Choose a job that provides continuous training and promotion opportunities.
To apply for a job, prepare a biodata and a job application letter according to the skill criteria listed in the job advertisement. Make it clear that you have the skills the recruiter needs. Don't overestimate your abilities
Step 5. Develop a professional career in marketing
Before becoming a consultant, you have to work for some time because business people will recruit professional consultants who have several years of experience. Therefore, you will have to work in marketing for several years to improve your skills. Strive for promotions by tackling challenging assignments and performing at your best.
Part 2 of 3: Become a Part Time Marketing Consultant
Step 1. Make a plan
Organizational and time management skills are key skills you must have to become a consultant. Before making the decision to switch professions, continue to work as usual while considering the job you really want. In order to decide whether you want to become a consultant, answer the following questions:
- What are the goals and reasons that underlie your desire to switch professions to become a consultant? If you don't have a big enough business vision or strong enough motivation to stay on as a consultant, you may run into trouble. Think about short-term and long-term goals before making a decision.
- Do you have to take certification or get a special license? Depending on the marketing specialization you are serving, you may need to have a special certificate or permit to work as a consultant. Seek information about it before making a decision.
- Do you have sufficient experience to work as a marketing consultant? Consider whether your experience allows you to meet the client's needs or if you need additional work experience.
- Do you have a wide enough network to start a career as a consultant? You should have a lot of potential clients when you start your career as a part-time marketing consultant. Consider potential clients you can contact and determine if you are capable of networking.
- Do you have managerial skills? As a consultant, you must have managerial skills as you have to manage schedules, manage the business, and interact with clients. Determine if you are capable of doing these things.
Step 2. Get the required certificates and licenses
If you must obtain certificates and licenses before becoming a consultant, prepare before switching professions. Even if this isn't necessary, consider getting certified by a marketing organization to prove to clients that you're certified as a consultant.
For example: you can get a special certification from the Indonesian Marketing Association to be ready to compete and increase confidence when interacting with clients
Step 3. Determine the market share you want to serve
Before becoming a consultant, you must determine which clients to serve. Instead of marketing consulting services to everyone, you can get more clients by choosing a specific market share. Focus on finding clients in small groups with certain criteria.
For example: choose a market segment consisting of trendy boutique owners in town or medical professionals just starting out
Step 4. Define the brand as a business identity
Brands are indispensable to maintain service standards and attract new clients. When defining a brand, consider who your clients are and what they need. When you advertise and provide services, everything you do must align with the brand you use.
- For example: in order to provide a consultation with a boutique owner, you must understand the world of fashion and always look fashionable. Make sure you choose a logo, brand, and appearance that reflects this.
- Be patient because introducing a brand takes time and consistent effort.
Step 5. Find out how much other marketing consultants pay
Determining the amount of consulting fees is not an easy thing. In order to determine a fairly competitive rate, try to find out how much other consultants charge for the same service. That way, you don't make self-defeating decisions and remove doubts when you set your rates.
Look online for information on the services and rates of a marketing consultant, but you can also call to inquire directly. Choose a few consultants or companies in your city and ask them to send you a brochure listing the types of services and fees for consulting
Step 6. Explore the possibility of working with a larger marketing consulting firm
Starting a career as a part-time marketing consultant and finding clients can be challenging at times. If you are not ready to open a marketing consulting business on your own, consider whether you need to join another consulting company to make it safer.
Step 7. Interact online as often as possible
Whichever way you choose to become a marketing consultant, don't forget to communicate with your online friends. If you communicate frequently and your potential clients continue to grow, the easier it will be for you to switch professions to become a marketing consultant once you're ready.
Part 3 of 3: Starting Your Own Marketing Consultant Business
Step 1. Determine the business location
After making the decision to become a marketing consultant, you need to determine the location of your business, for example at home or renting space as an office. Working from home means saving money, but an office space gives you more flexibility and is more comfortable meeting clients. Consider each option beforehand so you can choose the best one.
Step 2. Hire employees
When you start your business, you may not need employees yet, but as you grow, it's best to have someone to help you answer the phone and do simple tasks. Think about what you'll need in the future and determine the tasks someone else can handle before you hire.
Keep in mind that hiring can be done at any time if increased activity keeps you very busy, but it is much more difficult to fire unneeded employees
Step 3. Determine the consultation fee
Take advantage of the consultation fee information that you have obtained while doing your research to determine your own rate. After that, make a brochure that lists the types of consulting services available and their respective rates.
- Keep in mind that you must set a competitive rate, but be able to cover all operating costs.
- When creating a brochure, make sure you include information on hourly consulting fees, rates per project, and mentoring services.
Step 4. Market your business
Marketing your business is as important as helping clients market their business. You can market consulting services through brochures, phone calls, advertise in newspapers or social media, make presentations as a public speaker, and/or ask clients for referrals.
- In the brochure, provide information on the activities you do, why you deserve to be consulted, and who your clients are.
- If you want to market by telephone, prepare a draft conversation beforehand and practice a few times before calling.
- If you want to advertise, choose a publication that clients read in your target demographic. For example: in order to get clients in the health sector, place an ad in a magazine that reaches that demographic.
- Explore the possibility of volunteering for consultations by becoming a speaker, if possible.
- Ask the willingness of clients who are already regular customers to provide references.
