Page 54 - The $100 Startup_ Reinvent the Way You Make a Living, Do What You Love

Gary’s story is inspiring but not all that uncommon. As I foraged for case
studies and went from interview to interview, I learned to stop being surprised
when I heard that a coupon-clipping website run by a single mom brought in
$60,000 part-time or that a handmade toy business was closing in on $250,000
and hiring multiple employees.

Instant Consultant Biz
Gary’s business is great, and no one cares that his website looks like it was made
ten years ago. He also didn’t wait for someone to accredit or endorse him for his
business. There is no “consulting school” or degree. You can start a new
business as a consultant in about one day, if not sooner.

Follow these two basic rules:

1. Pick something specific as opposed to something general. Don’t be a
“business consultant” or a “life coach”—get specific about what you can
really do for someone.

2. No one values a $15-an-hour consultant, so do not underprice your
service. Since you probably won’t have forty hours of billable work
every week, charge at least $100 an hour or a comparable fixed rate for
the benefit you provide.

OPENING FOR BUSINESS*

I will help clients _________. After hiring me, they will receive [core
benefit + secondary benefit].

I will charge $xxx per hour or a flat rate of _____ per service. This rate is
fair to the client and to me.

My basic website will contain these elements:

a. The core benefit that I provide for clients and what qualifies me to
provide it (remember that qualifications may have nothing to do with
education or certifications; Gary is qualified to book vacations with miles
because he’s done it for himself many times)

b. At least two stories of how others have been helped by the service (if you