August 7th, 2024

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I didn’t actually know what I wanted to ‘be when I grew up’ until I was about 40. I had to live life, and have many experiences, personally and professionally, before I landed squarely where I belonged – ISO Management Systems! This is what my life had been preparing me for all along, even when I didn’t know ISO existed.

I had been planning my own business for years before I actually did anything about it! I had notebooks full of ideas and information on what skills I could transfer from my secure weekly paid salary job. I learned from my bosses on what to do and what NOT to do as well.

So, now I am doing what feels like my life’s true calling. Starting my own business in ISO Management Systems wasn’t just a career move; it was about finally stepping into a role that felt tailor-made for me. When I read ISO 9001 for the first time (which was the 1994 revision), I remember being so excited, as I couldn’t believe that ‘someone’ had written a Standard on the way I had worked for decades before!

It’s funny how life prepares you for your future in ways you never expect. Every job, every experience was a stepping stone leading me here. I realized it’s not just about the knowledge of standards and systems, but also about understanding people, their businesses, and how to bring real value to them. This journey has been about taking all those years of learning, all those notes and ideas, and turning them into a reality that not only benefits me but helps others in their own business journey.

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Renovate Your Career: Building an ISO Consultancy from the Ground Up

Think of starting your own ISO consultancy like taking on a DIY home renovation project. You’ve lived in your house for years, knowing every nook and cranny, understanding exactly what needs fixing or upgrading. Over the years, you’ve helped friends and family with their renovation projects, offering advice, and learning new skills along the way. You’ve seen transformations happen and know the effort, time and expertise it takes.

Yet, your own home remains the same. The potential for improvement is there, but the comfort of familiarity holds you back. Then, one day, you decide it’s time to make a change. You start small, maybe updating a single room. It’s a space you know well, but now you’re looking at it with fresh eyes. As you progress, you realize your own capabilities. Of course, there are moments of doubt and unexpected challenges – perhaps a hidden pipe you didn’t know about or a wall that needs more than just a fresh coat of paint.

But as you tackle each problem, your confidence grows. You’re not just renovating a house; you’re building your dream space. And soon, what started as a small project in one room spreads throughout the house, transforming it into something better, something uniquely yours.

This is the same journey as starting your own ISO consultancy. You have the skills and experience from years in the field – your ‘home renovation’ skills. Now it’s about applying them to your own venture. The challenges you’ll face are real, but so is the satisfaction of building something from the ground up, of turning your professional ‘house’ into a ‘home’ that reflects your expertise and vision. It’s practical, tangible, and within your reach. Why wait any longer to start renovating your professional life?

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In the Harvard Business Review (HBR) article Workers Don’t Feel Like a 9-to-5 Job Is a Safe Bet Anymore, the research analyzed the expanding landscape of America’s independent workforce. This diverse group includes freelancers, consultants, independent contractors, gig workers, and others who operate outside the conventional full-time employment model.

The latest findings reveal a striking shift in perspective: A significant and growing portion of these independent workers now perceive self-employment to be a safer and more secure option than traditional jobs, with 68% of independent workers responding to the statement “I Feel more secure working independently” as a yes, which is up from 32% in 2011 and 53% in 2019.

Interlocking Success: The 6-Step Puzzle Model to ISO Consultancy

The transition from traditional employment to self-employment as an ISO Consultant is a multifaceted process, often marked by a sequence of strategic and interconnected steps. To highlight this pathway, we can refer to the 6-Step Puzzle Model below.

The 6-Step Puzzle demonstrates how each stage is essential and contributes to the subsequent phase, leading to a cohesive progression from a salaried position to a successful consultancy. It highlights the integrative nature of professional development, skills application, experience leverage, and strategic action in achieving consultancy success.

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1. Foundation – Secure Salaried Job:

The starting point where foundational professional skills are developed. This piece signifies the security and structure that comes from traditional employment, often the launchpad for future endeavours.

2. Skills – ISO Standards, Auditing Skills:

A critical component that represents the specialized skills necessary for a consultancy in ISO Management Systems. Mastery of ISO standards and auditing techniques is a fundamental requirement for quality assurance and forms the second piece of the puzzle.

3. Experience – Learning, Curiosity, Growth:

This segment depicts the accumulation of diverse professional experiences that contribute to a consultant’s expertise. Continual learning and adaptability are key drivers of growth in the consultancy domain.

4. Transition – Decision to Become an ISO Consultant:

The keystone piece where the decision is made to transition from employment to consultancy. This phase is characterized by the strategic shift towards independent work and the planning required to undertake this venture.

5. Action – Planning, Marketing, Sales, Systems:

The execution stage where plans are translated into action. Effective marketing, sales strategies, and the establishment of operational systems are vital actions that propel the consultancy forward.

6. Achievement – Successful ISO Consultant:

The final piece that symbolizes the establishment of a successful consultancy practice. This achievement is a testament to the integration of the preceding steps and the realization of the consultancy’s potential.

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Your Next Steps

1. Evaluate Your Readiness: Take a close, honest look at where you are in your professional journey. Do you have the necessary skills and experience to offer valuable ISO consultancy services? Assess your readiness to ensure you’re prepared for the leap into self-employment.
   
2. Develop a Detailed Plan: Start with a business plan that outlines your vision, objectives, and strategies. Determine your target market, services offered, pricing structure, and marketing approach. A well-thought-out plan serves as your roadmap and can make the transition smoother.
   
3. Build Your Brand: Establish a strong personal and professional brand that reflects your expertise in ISO Management Systems. Create a professional website, utilize social media, and engage in networking to increase visibility and establish credibility in the industry.
   
4. Cultivate Relationships: Relationships are key in consultancy. Begin to cultivate connections with potential clients and industry professionals. Attend relevant events, join professional organizations, and consider partnerships that can lead to client referrals and collaborative opportunities.
   
5. Work with an Expert: Finally, consider partnering with an expert who can guide you through the nuances of starting and running a successful consultancy. An expert can provide insights on industry best practices, client acquisition, and business management, ensuring you have the support needed to thrive.

Remember, the journey to self-employment is unique for everyone, but these steps can help steer you towards success. Take each step at a time, and don’t hesitate to seek guidance when needed. Your path to becoming a successful ISO consultant is within reach.

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