Who is this blog for?
This blog is for you if you currently work within the NHS and are considering leaving to become an independent healthcare consultant.
For example, you may be a GP Practice manager, pharmacist, physio, data analyst, quality improvement specialist, HR director, or finance manager looking to leave the confines of your current role and work on a range of projects as an independent consultant.
While the transition to independent consulting can be exciting, there are some mindset shifts you will need to make.
Let’s jump in!
1. You Are Your Boss
The fundamental shift begins with understanding your new position of autonomy. As an independent consultant, you have complete control over how you run your consultancy.
➡️You define the way you like to work
➡️ You build the systems
➡️ You get to choose who you work with
➡️ You get to set your rate
➡️ You can define your hours
➡️You define the scope
You now have the freedom you wished you had in your employment, but it’s an adjustment and time for you to move from thinking:
❇️ “My role is defined by my job description or my boss” to “I define my role and value.”
❇️ “Where is my support system?” to “I build my support system.”
❇️ “Waiting to receive a well done” to “I am confident in my ability without the praise.”
❇️ “I get paid each month regardless of effort” to “My rewards are different and fluctuate.”
2. ROI
It’s important to acknowledge that if you thought you were busy in your employed role, now EVERYTHING in your consultancy is your responsibility.
When it comes to time management, it is helpful to consider the return on investment when it comes to how you spend your time. If you waste time on non-income-generating or brand-building activities, you are wasting your time and the opportunity to support new clients.
2. Money Mindset
When it comes to money, this can be the hardest adjustment. As a consultant, your relationship with money needs to evolve.
I have said this before in a previous blog, and I will continue to remind you that your expertise has monetary value which is amazing; otherwise, you don’t have a business.
Here’s how your money mindset may be showing up:
🚫 What you find easy and quick to deliver and getting paid for this may feel uncomfortable and like you don’t deserve the income.
🚫 You may be trying to grow your consultancy without being willing to invest in it.
🚫 You under charge.
🚫 You routinely overdeliver and still think you aren’t doing enough.
🚫 You feel compelled to work with clients you don’t really want to because you need the money.
🚫 Your scared to promote your services and share that you have the capacity for new clients.
🚫 You project your insecurities onto others. This may show up as speaking disparagingly about others’ business models and what you do and do not charge for or are resenting other people’s success.
If this resonates, check out the School of Greatness Podcast ⬇️
🎥 How to Become A BADASS At Making Money | Jen Sincero
YOU DESERVE TO BE PAID FOR YOUR SERVICES.
If you don’t need any money and can work for free, then this is absolutely fine too. You do you, and you focus on you.
3. Making the Breakthrough
I can’t emphasise the importance of listening to business podcasts, books, blogs, attending conferences and networking and applying the lessons learnt.
I also highly recommend coaching or joining a mastermind with like-minded people.
The other aspect is learning to take 100% responsibility for your actions or lack of. There is no one to blame but you.
Surround yourself with positivity and commit to consistently doing the things which make you feel good. For example, my mornings currently involve:
- Exercise
- Meditation
- Messaging my sister and my friend my intention for the day
When I do these things, no matter what happens in my day, these activities help me to keep a clear mind and manage my emotions. (Most of the time…. I am human, after all ☺️)
There will be many ups and downs as you build your consultancy. On a Monday, everything feels in place; by the end of Tuesday, you are doubting whether you can do this. It’s in these moments where your mindset matters the most, so here are some books that have been really helpful to me and that you might find useful too ⬇️.
4. Book recommendations
📗 Company of one by Paul Jarvis
📘 Million Dollar Habits by Brain Tracey
📙 The Entrepreneur Roller Coaster by Darren Hardy
📕 The Unfair Advantage by Ash Ali and Hasan Kubba
I hope this helps.
