How Do You Start Consulting?

How Do You Start Consulting?

Author: Erik Dietrich February 12, 2026 Duration: 23:10
Maybe you're currently employed or between jobs. But it occurs to you that you want to go off on your own and start consulting (as opposed to freelancing with labor services). How do you do that? Join us to learn more. View this podcast as a video on YouTube. Links of the week: CSuite Content has a practical guide to executive bios for business leaders. Enov8 shared a clear explainer on Oracle ERP data masking. InfluxData put together a getting-started guide to in-memory databases. Unusual VC explored how AI is changing software development. Careflow is a referral management platform for healthcare organizations. Tricentis explains AI Quality Assurance for modern testing teams.

Erik Dietrich, a seasoned freelancer and entrepreneur, brings his practical Q&A series to your ears with Hit Subscribe Freelancer Q&A. This isn't about abstract theory; it's a direct line to the real, often unspoken, questions that come with building and running your own independent business. Each episode tackles the specific hurdles freelancers face, from setting rates and finding clients to managing projects and navigating the personal challenges of solo work. You'll hear straightforward answers and actionable advice drawn from experience, all aimed at helping you make better decisions for your career. Think of this podcast as a regular conversation with someone who's been in the trenches, offering clarity on the complexities of self-employment. Whether you're just considering the freelance leap or are years into your journey, these discussions provide grounded perspectives for anyone looking to build a sustainable and fulfilling business on their own terms. Tune in for honest talk that cuts through the noise.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 98

Hit Subscribe Freelancer Q&A
Podcast Episodes
What Bookkeeping Software Should I Use to Freelance? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 23:37
If you're thinking of hanging out your shingle or have just done so, you might wonder whether to use bookkeeping software and, if so, what to use. I have a surprisingly specific and opinionated answer for this one. View…
How Freelancers Can Avoid Self Employment Tax [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:39
When you go off on your own, at least in the US, you might be in for a rude tax awakening. In this video, I talk about what self-employment tax is, and what you can do about it. View this podcast as a video on YouTube. L…
Which Meetings with Clients Should I Bill For? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 17:17
You're a freelancer and doing regular work with your clients. If you bill by the hour or, more generally, for time and materials, which meetings should you bill the clients for? View this podcast as a video on YouTube. L…
When Do You Look Too Much Like an Employee? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:20
Freelancers, especially newbie freelancers, can find themselves caught in situations where their only, large, 40-hour-per week client starts to treat them more like an employee than a freelancer. What should you do? View…
Is California a Bad Place to Start a Business or Practice? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 23:42
I've been asked this more than once, but eventually got around to doing a video about it. Rumor has it that California is "business-unfriendly," and, if you live there, you should start a business in another state. What'…
Should I Run Away If Someone Offers Equity? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:38
It's a situation that a lot of techies can relate to. Someone comes along and offers you a stake in their business, instead of money, if you build their vision for them. What should a freelancer do in this situation? Vie…
Is It Okay to "Fake It 'til You Make It?" [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:36
We've all heard the phrase "hake it 'til you make it." A reader asked me if this is a good mantra to live by. View this podcast as a video on YouTube. Links of the week: Data: What Is DevSecOps? Key Components of a CI/CD…
What is the Best Way for Freelancers to Get Paid? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:17
Wire Transfer? Check? Cash? If you're just starting out as a freelancer, what's the best way to get paid? View this podcast as a video on YouTube.
Should I Approach Freelancing Differently During a Recession [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:38
At the time of recording, there's a good bit of uncertainty about the economy. Against that backdrop, as a freelancer, should you approach your work differently? View this podcast as a video on YouTube.
What is My (Erik's) Worst Client Experience? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:57
One of the questions that came up in my reader/viewer backlog was specific to me and my background. What is/was my worst experience with a client? View this podcast as a video on YouTube. Link of the week: Using Pytest F…