Small Business Start-Up Idea: Image Consultant

This business is ideal for someone who has worked in the corporate world or the media for a number of years and understands the importance of image within it. You can use your knowledge to work with clients on a one-to-one basis to address image issues like aesthetics, wardrobe and even posture. Establishing a professional looking portfolio website to showcase your previous work will be the main way in which you will attract customers.   

Skills needed: Experience is the key to success in this industry. If you have knowledge of cosmetics and fashion consulting it will help tremendously. Basic web skills will be needed to maintain a website and good communication skills will be essential in order to convince your clients that you really know what you are doing! 

Business Environment and Set-up Cost: The needs of each client will be different and they will likely require one-on-one consultation, so the majority of your customers will be based in the local region. Your main starting costs will be related to getting the website launched. There will be extra cost involved if you do not already own the computer hardware. Overall, the absolute maximum it should cost you is £2000. 

Marketing Techniques: 

• Become a regular contributor at local online forums, mailing lists and chat rooms about health and beauty to spread awareness of your services.

• Place testimonials (and the photographic evidence!) on your website as these can often be very effective.

• Get creative and blog about the life-changing effects of image consultants. Send your articles to industry websites as they may use it

• Set up a mutual referral network with local salons and fashion boutiques

• Use OnlineOffice to set up web-site, blog and online shop to promote your business online

Complimentary business idea: As a sideline, arrange with a distributor to re-sell beauty products to your clients. Also use banner advertising as an extra revenue stream. 

Notes: Ensure that your advice is tailor-made to each individual and that it is job specific so that they can actually use it to advance their career. Do not over-charge for your services. 

Online Examples: 

• Babet Style Consultancy - an example of the services you could offer.
• Your Best Image - an image consultancy specifically focussed on helping women to improve their career
• Association of Image Consultants International - the authority on everything related to image consulting

For more small business ideas see my category Business Ideas.

One Response to “Small Business Start-Up Idea: Image Consultant”

1. Elaine Simmons
   
   Said on March 11th, 2008 at 8:11 pm

   Thank you very much for this information. I have just started fulltime with my Image Consultant business and I appreciate you taking the time to highlight the features. It is very timely and encouraging to me.

   Again thank you and I appreciate you. If I can be of any assistance to you please don’t hesitate to contact me.

   Kind regards,
   Elaine

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