10 things you should know about starting an IT consulting business

Consulting can be a lucrative business, but breaking out on your own can be a monumental undertaking. Here's a rundown of some of the major concerns and obstacles you'll want to consider before launching a business.

If you're tempted to start a career as an independent consultant, make sure you go into it with realistic goals and expectations. This list itemizes fundamental aspects of launching--and sustaining--your own IT consultancy. It covers issues such as determining expected income, setting up business housekeeping, and soliciting client feedback. It also offers a few basic 'gut check' questions:

• What skills do you plan to consult with?
• Can you handle long hours?
• Do you know basic accounting?
• Do you dread collecting on unpaid bills?
• Do you mind doing your own marketing?

Join the discussion of this download.