I recently got an email from a guy who wanted to know if being a home based marketing consultant just part time is okay. Or if, in order to make it happen, he needs to devote 40, 50 or 60 hours per week to it.

Here was what he asked:

"I currently work full time for a big bank. I have a wife and two kids and I value my time with them. I'd love to get into the consulting business, but can't make the break and start full time doing it. It is something I'm willing to do on a part time basis and hopefully build into a full time career. Along those lines, what is the best way to get started and would you even recommend going part time at first?"

It's actually a very good question.

And the answer to his question is, sure you can start part time.

You can begin by just taking on one client, and that may mean that you meet with the client in the morning before you start work, or you meet him on your lunch hour or you meet him after work for an hour or two, and that's plenty of time to take on one, maybe two clients. Many of your clients would be willing to do that.

I meet with clients on a Saturday. I meet with clients in the evening or early in the morning before their day begins, and before my day really gets started.

Why?

Because that's what's best for the client anyway.

So, if you are having the same question as the person who sent me the email, then I would say you should go ahead and get started. Tackle one maybe two clients.

Look at who you know in the business community -- no matter how big or small their position or where they work -- and see if you can't get them to give you introductions to other small business owners. Maybe put on a free marketing seminar at the local hotel. Invite friends and friends of friends who own small businesses.

Most people have a list of prospects sitting right in front of them, and just need to look.

The beauty of being a home based marketing consultant is you really are in control of your own destiny and time. You can take on as many or as few clients as you want. There's nobody to answer to but yourself. And getting clients is usually just as simple as talking to people you already know.