How To Become An ISO Consultant

Becoming an ISO Consultant is a big step for any ISO Professional, Manager or Auditor.

If you've spent years mastering ISO standards, leading audits, and ensuring compliance, you're likely already equipped with many of the skills you need to succeed as a consultant.

But the transition from ISO Professional, Manager, Auditor to ISO Consultant requires a different mindset, a different set of tools, and a whole new way of thinking about your career.

In this post, we’ll explore everything you need to know to make this shift — from the essential skills to practical tips for starting your consulting business.

Whether you’re just considering the change or are already on your way, this guide will provide the roadmap to help you evolve and thrive as an ISO Consultant.

(Don't worry, I have a whole range of articles to help you navigate all these in far more detail)

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Why Transition from ISO Professional to Consultant?

Before diving into the steps, let’s first understand why making the leap is such an appealing option for so many ISO professionals.

• Increased Autonomy: As a consultant, you’re your own boss. You can choose the clients you want to work with, set your own rates, and decide the kind of projects you take on.

  
  

• Potential for Growth: The consulting industry offers incredible growth opportunities. By leveraging your ISO knowledge, you can help a wide range of businesses improve their processes, which brings in not only new challenges but also higher-paying opportunities.

  
  

• Diverse Clientele: Unlike working in a single company, consulting exposes you to a variety of industries. This not only broadens your professional experience but also makes each day more interesting.

  
  

• Personal Satisfaction: Helping businesses implement ISO management systems, achieve certifications, and improve processes can be incredibly rewarding. You get to witness the impact of your work in real time.

  
  

Have you ever felt confined by the 9-to-5 routine?

The consulting world offers the freedom to design your career on your terms. Is it time for you to explore that possibility?

Evaluate Your Skills and Experience

As an ISO professional, you've already got a solid foundation in ISO management standards.

However, transitioning into consulting means you’ll need to reflect on your existing skills and identify areas for growth.

Essential Skills for ISO Consultants:

• ISO Knowledge: Deep knowledge of ISO standards is key. Whether it’s ISO 9001, 14001, or 45001, you need to be highly proficient in these standards.

  
  

• Problem-Solving: Clients hire consultants because they need solutions. Your ability to analyse situations and develop strategies will be one of your most valuable assets.

  
  

• Communication Skills: Whether you’re explaining complex concepts to clients, presenting findings, or writing reports, effective communication is crucial in consulting.

  
  

• Project Management: ISO Consultants often manage multiple projects at once. Being organised and able to handle various aspects of a project simultaneously will be vital to your success.

  
  

• Business Acumen: Consulting isn’t just about delivering solutions; it’s about delivering them in a way that aligns with your client's business goals. Understanding business processes and being able to translate ISO standards into practical business strategies is important.

  
  

Do you feel confident in your communication and business skills, or is there room for improvement?

Identifying where you need to strengthen your skills is the first step in preparing for the consultant role.

Develop a Consultant Mindset

While technical expertise is essential, the mindset you bring to your new career is just as important.

Becoming an ISO Consultant isn’t just about doing what you’ve been doing in your current role, but rather stepping into a new way of thinking.

Key Shifts in Mindset:

• From Employee to Entrepreneur: As a consultant, you're responsible for your business’s success. This means you’ll need to take on tasks beyond just consulting, such as client acquisition, marketing, and managing finances.

  
  

• From Doing to Teaching: Consultants often need to train and advise clients on how to implement ISO systems. You’ll go from being someone who executes ISO processes to someone who teaches others to do so.

  
  

• Value-Based Thinking: Clients hire consultants to solve problems, but they also want value for their investment. Your focus should be on delivering results that will positively impact your client’s bottom line.

  
  

Are you ready to take full ownership of your career and become a strategic partner for your clients, helping them solve problems and achieve their goals?

Setting Up Your Consultancy Business

Once you’ve honed your skills and mindset, it’s time to set up your consulting business.

This can be an exciting but also overwhelming step.

Here’s a breakdown of what you need to consider:

1. Define Your Niche:

You likely have experience across multiple ISO standards. However, when you begin consulting, it’s helpful to narrow your focus to specific industries or ISO standards.

For example, you might specialise in ISO 9001 for manufacturing or ISO 14001 for environmental management.

Defining your niche helps position you as an expert in that area.

2. Build Your Brand:

This includes:

• Logo and Visuals: Keep it simple and professional. Your logo should evoke trust and expertise.

  
  

• Website: A clean, easy-to-navigate website is a must. It should highlight your expertise, services, and client testimonials. Consider a blog to showcase your knowledge and attract organic traffic - If you need help with website design, let me know.

Let's have a chat 🙌🏼

• Social Media Presence: Establish a LinkedIn profile, and explore platforms like Instagram, X, or even YouTube to share insights.

3. Legal and Financial Considerations:

• Register Your Business: Choose the right business structure (Sole Trader/Sole Proprietor or Limited Company/ LLC) and register your business with HMRC/Government Agency.

  
  

• Set Your Rates: Research market rates for ISO Consulting in your area and decide how you want to charge clients (hourly, project-based, retainer).

  
  

• Tax and Accounting: Consider working with an accountant to manage taxes, invoicing, and bookkeeping.

  
  

• Insurances: Consider Public Liability and Professional Indemnity Insurances to protect you against unintended outcomes.

  
  

Have you laid the groundwork for your consultancy, or are you unsure about where to start?

Setting up the right systems and foundation will ensure smooth sailing down the road.

Finding Clients

Finding clients is arguably one of the most challenging aspects of starting out as an ISO consultant. Here’s how you can start building your client base:

1. Leverage Your Network:

• Former Colleagues: Reach out to people you’ve worked with before. They may need your consulting services or can refer you to someone who does - Just be careful of any contracts that you had in place that may prevent you from working with them for a set period - this can be known as a Non-Compete.

  
  

• Industry Events: Attend ISO conferences, webinars, and networking events to meet potential clients.

2. Online Marketing:

• SEO for Consultants: Optimise your website and content to attract organic traffic. By using the right keywords, you’ll make it easier for potential clients to find you.

  
  

• Social Media: Share insights, tips, and case studies on LinkedIn, X, or Instagram to build a following and credibility.

  
  

• Referrals and Testimonials: Ask satisfied clients for referrals or testimonials that you can showcase on your website or social media platforms.

3. Cold Outreach:

You can also proactively reach out to potential clients. Craft tailored emails or proposals, offering insights into how you can solve their business challenges with ISO standards.

Do you feel comfortable reaching out to potential clients, or is the idea of cold calling or pitching new to you?

Building relationships through networking and offering value can be key to finding your first clients.

Building a Sustainable Consulting Business

Consulting isn’t just about landing your first client — it’s about building a sustainable, long-term business. Here’s how you can set yourself up for success:

• Create Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs): Document your processes for client onboarding, project management, and follow-ups. This ensures consistency and quality in your work.

  
  

• Diversify Your Services: Consider offering training, workshops, and workshops on ISO topics, or even creating digital products like eBooks or online courses to create multiple streams of income.

  
  

• Continue Learning: The ISO world is constantly evolving. Stay up-to-date with new standards, best practices, and industry trends.

Your Journey to Becoming an ISO Consultant

Becoming an ISO consultant is not an overnight transformation, but with careful planning, the right mindset, and a strategic approach, you can leverage your ISO experience to create a thriving consultancy business.

If you’re already on this journey but feeling stuck or unsure about the next steps, I’m here to help - I offer one on one consultancy sessions to help you navigate any roadblock's you're facing.

Let's have a chat 🙌🏼

I left the Royal Air Force after 15 years to become an ISO Consultant and now have a thriving ISO Consultancy Business - www.OneSystemMgt.com

Ready to make the leap from ISO Professional to ISO Consultant?