BECOMING A SOLO CONSULTANT
The Consultant’s Compass
Your Ultimate Guide to Building a Successful Consulting Business
Set your rate with confidence, incorporate your business, and win high-paying consulting contracts with premium clients.
Master the essentials of solo consulting, build a standout personal brand, and grow a profitable consulting business your way.
About the Book
Becoming a Solo Consultant: Your Roadmap to How to Become an Independent Consultant in the USA & Canada
Take control of your career with Becoming a Solo Consultant – The Consultant's Compass, your step-by-step guide to launching, growing, and scaling a successful independent consulting business.
Whether you're a seasoned professional ready to break free from corporate life or an aspiring entrepreneur looking to build a thriving consulting career, this book gives you the proven strategies to succeed. With over 13 years of solo consulting experience across Canada and the USA, I know the real challenges professionals face:
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Is there a real demand for my skills in the consulting market?
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How do I stand out and position myself as a trusted expert?
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What’s the right consulting rate, and how do I justify it to clients?
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How can I stop trading time for money and build a more scalable, profitable business model?
This isn’t theory, it is a proven playbook from someone who transitioned from corporate
layoffs to a six-figure consulting business.
Build a strong
personal brand
Create sustainable revenue streams
Attract
high-value clients
Expand your market reach across borders
Master your consulting pricing strategy
Navigate contracts and legal foundations
What Sets This Book Apart
Get the knowledge and tools you need to succeed
as an independent consultant.
Step-by-Step Roadmap
Become a fully booked independent consultant with a clear, proven process.
Consulting Fee Strategies
Master consulting rates that attract high-paying clients and increase your earnings.
Build Your Solo Brand
Market yourself as an independent consultant and create a personal brand that attracts clients.
Monetize Your Expertise
Turn your expertise into a thriving consulting
business with the right consulting fees and long-term clients.
Attract Clients
Master strategies to identify and secure high-value clients by optimizing your consulting rates.
Consulting Business Growth
Scale your solo consulting business
for long-term success.
The Mind Behind the Vision
I’m a solo consultant with 26 years of experience in Software Quality Assurance (SQA) and Quality Control (QC), delivering consulting services to diverse clients and technologies across Canada and the USA. For the past 13 years, I’ve thrived as an independent consultant after I transitioned from full-time employment following a layoff. Before launching my consulting business, recruiters frequently approached me about consulting opportunities, but I lacked clarity on how to market myself, set consulting rates, and navigate the consulting industry.
I’m not just a consultant speaking from theory, I’ve personally experienced the challenges and rewards of the consulting journey. After five years of hesitation, I finally stepped into solo consulting, overcoming client rejections, securing high-value consulting projects, and managing complex consulting client relationships. Achieving consulting success isn’t based on luck or a secret, it’s about following a proven consulting process, and I’m here to help you master that process.
Now, with over a decade of consulting experience, I’ve built a successful consulting business. I’ve refined my consulting business model, learned how to monetize my consulting expertise, and created a consulting roadmap to guide professionals eager to become independent consultants. My book, Becoming a Solo Consultant – The Consultant’s Compass, provides practical, step-by-step advice for professionals to transition into independent consulting, price consulting services effectively, optimize consulting fees, and build a profitable consulting career as a self-employed professional.
Book a Call with the Author (15 minutes free)
Want personalized guidance on launching or growing your solo consulting business? Schedule a one-on-one session with.
Carlos offers expert advice tailored to your goals.
Bonus Features of the Book
Unlock 8 premium downloadable PDFs designed to enhance your independent consulting journey, optimize your consulting fees, and provide the tools you need to succeed as a solo consultant.
The Incorporation Checklist for Solo Consultants in Canada & the USA
is your step-by-step guide to legally and financially set up your solo consulting business, avoid costly mistakes and start strong.
Solo Consultant Contract Guide with Provision Examples is a simple yet essential guide to consulting contracts for independent consultants, understand key clauses, protect your rights, and confidently sign every agreement.
The 5 Biggest Mistakes Solo Consultants Make to help new solo consultants avoid the common pitfalls I faced when starting out. Learn from my mistakes and build a more resilient consulting business from day one.
Tax Deductions for Solo Consultants: USA vs Canada with Audit Risk Tips is a quick-reference guide comparing U.S. and Canadian tax deductions for solo consultants, including audit risk levels by category.
Mastering Rate Calculation for Solo Consultants in Canada and the USA
is a simple method to calculate your
hourly consulting rate to build a profitable, sustainable solo consulting business.
An Insider's Guide to Canada's
Leading Recruitment Firms is a
curated list of top recruitment agencies
I have worked with, helping solo consultants build key relationships and secure their first contract from day one.
Invoice Template is a professional invoicing tool with all the essential sections, client details, service descriptions, rates, and payment terms. It streamlines billing, improves accuracy, sets clear expectations, and helps ensure timely payments.
The 2-Year Solo Consulting Roadmap lays out a strategic plan that helps solo consultants build a sustainable and profitable business over two years by focusing on service validation, specialization, authority, financial planning, systems, and client acquisition, without scaling a team.
Victor Jimenez
Machine Learning Strategist | Risk & Analytics Leader
"Working with Carlos Perez Alviarez was a game-changer in my journey to solo consulting. His insight and support helped me overcome doubt and take confident steps toward the business I envisioned. If you are ready to break free from the traditional path, I highly recommend him. I can’t wait for his upcoming book, it will inspire so many others to take the leap."
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Is consulting a high-paying career?Consulting can be a high-paying career, especially for those with specialized skills or niche expertise. Independent consultants often earn more than employees in similar roles because they charge premium rates for their knowledge and problem-solving abilities. However, income can vary based on your market, demand, and client base. 'Becoming a Solo Consultant – The Consultant’s Compass' explains how to increase your earning potential in a consulting career.
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How is consulting different from freelancing?Freelancers are typically hired to complete specific tasks or deliverables, while consultants provide expert advice, analysis, and strategic solutions to solve business problems. Consultants are seen as trusted advisors, which often allows them to charge higher fees and build long-term client relationships. 'Becoming a Solo Consultant – The Consultant’s Compass' teaches you how to position yourself as a high-value consultant.
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What qualifications are necessary to become a consultant?You do not need an MBA, degree, or fancy title to become a consultant. What matters is your ability to solve business problems, improve processes, or provide specialized expertise. If you have delivered results in your field, you already have the qualifications to start an independent consulting business. 'Becoming a Solo Consultant – The Consultant’s Compass' provides further guidance on leveraging your experience.
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Is the title of 'consultant' regulated?Yes, consulting is not a protected or regulated title in most fields. Anyone can technically call themselves a consultant. However, successful consultants stand out by offering real value, building trust, and positioning themselves as experts. 'Becoming a Solo Consultant – The Consultant’s Compass' helps you turn your skills into a genuine consulting business, not just a title.
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What are typical daily rates for consultants?Consulting fees vary based on industry, expertise, and the services offered. Independent consultants in North America often charge between several hundred and several thousand dollars per day. 'Becoming a Solo Consultant – The Consultant’s Compass' includes tools to help you calculate rates and price your services competitively in both Canada and the USA.
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Do you need a license to be a consultant in Canada or the USA?In most fields, such as business, IT, or management consulting, you do not need a specific license to become a consultant in either Canada or the USA. However, regulated professions like engineering, law, or healthcare consulting may require specific licenses or certifications. My book provides guidance on setting up a legal and professional consulting business in both countries.
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Will this help if I have recently been laid off?Yes, it will. That is how I started my own journey into consulting. Losing a job can become an opportunity to launch a new career as an independent consultant. My book teaches you how to reposition your skills, choose your consulting niche, and start earning as a consultant, even if recruiters have passed you by. It is also ideal for anyone considering a career change into consulting.
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How do I start working as a consultant in Canada or the USA?Start by defining your niche and the problems you solve. Set up your business legally with the right structure and tax considerations. Create your service offerings, price your work competitively, and market yourself through networking, outreach, and online presence. Becoming a Solo Consultant - The Consultant's Compass offers a complete roadmap for launching your independent consulting business in both Canada and the USA.
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Is consulting a good career?Consulting can be an excellent career for people who enjoy independence, flexibility, and solving complex problems. It offers high income potential, control over your work, and the chance to make a real impact. However, it also comes with challenges like finding clients and managing cash flow. My book helps you navigate these challenges and build a stable, rewarding consulting career path.
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How do I get into consulting with no experience?It is possible to start consulting even if you have never worked as a consultant before. Focus on identifying your strengths, the problems you have solved, and how your knowledge can help businesses. Many independent consultants transition from corporate jobs, technical roles, or freelance work. My book, Becoming a Solo Consultant - The Consultant's Compass, shows how to package your experience into a profitable consulting career.
Contact
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Ready to take the next step? Reach out and let’s talk about your solo consulting journey.
