What does it actually take to start consulting in midlife? Rob and Brent go a layer deeper than their earlier conversation on earning income in your next chapter, breaking down the foundational work most people skip — purpose, product, and market — and the six practical steps to launch your own consulting, advisory, or coaching practice. Drawing from Brent’s 20+ years as a consultant and Rob’s recent experience building his advisory business, they cover billing rates, marketing, entity structure, and the core mindset shift that changes everything: you are the product.
Links, resources, books mentioned:
Topics we are covering in this episode:
The mindset shift from employee to consultant
The difference between consulting, coaching, and advisory work
How to define purpose, product, and market
Path selection — independent, platform, or consulting firm
How to set billing rates and avoid underselling yourself
Marketing materials and digital presence that actually work
Why your first client matters more than the perfect setup