This episode, Andy Robinson explains how to build a consultancy practice while working a day job, the benefits of a one-person business, and how much of a consultant’s time involves non-billable hours.

Andy Robinson has run his consultancy practice for 27 years, providing training and consulting for nonprofits, businesses, and government agencies. 

Andy joins us to discuss the different business models consultants follow, how to effectively network with nonprofits, and how to get the first clients for a new consultancy practice.

He also talks about how to make the transition from a day job to a consultant easier, how much of your time as a consultant involves non-billable hours, and the extra tax costs you have as a consultant.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• Why it’s better to be a generalist instead of a specialist.
• The different business models consultants follow.
• How to build a consultancy practice while working a day job.
• How much of your time as a consultant involves non-billable hours.
• The extra tax costs you have as a consultant.
• The benefits of having a one-person business.
• How to build a business with a peer network.
• Ways to use training workshops as a marketing funnel.
• The most effective method of relationship-based selling.
• Unique ways to find new clients for your nonprofit consultancy practice.
• How to make the transition from a day job to a consultant easier.

About Andy Robinson

Andy Robinson provides training and consulting for nonprofits, businesses, and government agencies. Over the past 27 years, Andy has worked with clients in 47 US states and across Canada. 

Since the pandemic began in March 2020, he has designed and facilitated nearly 150 online meetings, webinars, and remote workshops covering a variety of topics, including fundraising, board development, marketing, leadership development, facilitation, planning, change management, and train-the-trainer programs.

Andy is the author of six books, including Train Your Board (and Everyone Else) to Raise Money. His latest is What Every Board Member Needs to Know, Do, and Avoid. He lives in Plainfield, Vermont.

Connect with Andy:

• LinkedIn
• Website

Quotables:

• “It’s ok to build your nonprofit consultant practice while still working your day job.”
• “If you’re only getting paid for 30 or 40 percent of the time you work you better charge at a high enough rate to cover the time that nobody is paying you for.”
• “The consultant should never work harder than the client.”

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Grant Easy Management Software
• New Consultants and Trainers: Five Tips for Success
• New Consultants and Trainers: Five More Tips for Success
• New Consultants and Trainers: Five Even-More Tips for Success
• Train Your Board (and Everyone Else) to Raise Money
• Mailchimp
• 8 Tips on Freelance Grant Writing & Nonprofits
• How to Become a Grant Writer
• Grant Writing Consulting: A Path to Financial Stability and Growth
• Nonprofit Consulting Conference

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