A good freelance consultant understands the client's business and knows which solutions have worked before and how to improve them. Key qualities include self-confidence in analysis and advice, active listening and asking questions until needs are clear, thinking on their feet and improvising when challenged, and building strong client relationships as a reliable and critical friend.
Last updated · Bodhih Insights team · reviewed by Siddharthan VGJ, Founder
A good consultant will have a fair understanding of the clients business with a practical knowledge of what solutions have worked in the past and ideas of further improvement of these solutions. Freelance consultants have a high degree of self-confidence as they are never doubtful or unsure about their analysis and advice as they work on the most sensitive issues. The solutions provided by consultants are never based on assumptions. They listen actively and do not hesitate to ask questions until they understand their clients’ needs fully and have the ability to apply their learning across different situations to come up with innovative ideas.
Consultants are also ready to think on their feet when challenged and to improvise. As freelancers, consultants should develop a strong relationship with clients and act as reliable and critical friends who are available to provide ultimate solutions at any point of time. Client-consultant relationships are fundamentally about a client ceding authority and power to a consultant.
Quick answers
Why is the client relationship so important for freelance consultants?
Client-consultant relationships rest on the client ceding authority to the consultant, so trust is essential. Freelancers who act as reliable and critical friends, stay available when needed and base advice on understanding rather than assumptions are more likely to keep clients and earn repeat work.
