Entryway Into Consulting: Online Platforms Connecting Experts with Clients

Welcome to another weekly edition of Leapfrog Scientist!

Happy Cinco de Mayo! While I'm here packing for a work trip and writing this, I'm missing out on margaritas. But I hope someone out there is enjoying a refreshing one on my behalf or on their way with one for me!

In this issue, I'll introduce you to several online consulting platforms, offering you a gateway to kickstart your consulting journey and showcase your expertise to a broader audience. It's an excellent opportunity to cultivate your personal brand, gain visibility, and get a feel for the world of consulting. Engaging in small projects can serve as stepping stones to pinpointing your niche and building a portfolio brimming with case studies highlighting your capabilities.

In case you missed last week’s issue, here’s a quick recap of why everyone should consider consulting, even if it's not your primary career focus.

Many researchers are leveraging their graduate school knowledge and job training to create side businesses, transforming their skills into entrepreneurial ventures. Discovering a niche involves examining your skill set and addressing others' challenges, ultimately becoming the go-to expert in your field. Freelance consulting not only provides monetary benefits but also expands networks, keeps you updated on industry trends, and enhances problem-solving skills. You can get started with a simple sole proprietorship or go all in with forming an LLC or S-corporation.

There's a plethora of online platforms connecting expert scientists with businesses seeking specialized services. Whether you're a seasoned researcher or a graduate student eager to dive into consulting, these platforms offer a diverse range of opportunities to explore.

Online Consulting Platforms

1. Kolabtree connects businesses with freelance scientists and researchers for consulting projects in various fields, including life sciences, engineering, and data science.

2. Guru is a freelance marketplace where professionals, including scientists, can offer their consulting services to businesses and individuals seeking expertise in specific areas. You can use your subject matter expertise or grant writing skills to get paid.

3. ResearchGate. While primarily known as a professional network for researchers, ResearchGate also appears to provide a platform for consulting services, connecting businesses with scientific experts for specialized projects. I’ll provide an update in the comments if there is actually a consulting component to ResearchGate as it is not easy to find without having a profile.

4. Catalant offers a wide range of consulting opportunities for scientists, allowing you to apply your expertise to solve real-world problems for businesses across different industries.

5. Topcoder. If you're into coding and software development, Topcoder is a fantastic platform to showcase your skills and land consulting projects in areas like bioinformatics and data analysis. They host competitive programming challenges and projects, including scientific and technical challenges, where scientists can showcase their skills and potentially earn income through project-based work.

6. NotedSource experts get hired for research projects, presentations, and more. By joining, you will connect with teams in need of your expertise with companies and organizations around the globe.

7. Maven has a list of open opportunities that you can apply for based on your expertise.

8. Freelancer. Similar to Upwork, Freelancer is a platform where scientists can find freelance opportunities for consulting, research, writing, and other skills-based projects. You can revise manuscripts, develop algorithms and tons more.

9. Toptal. A network of top freelance software developers, designers, and finance experts, where scientists with programming or data analysis skills can offer their consulting services to businesses seeking expertise in these areas.

Online Platform Tips

To get the most out of these online platforms, here are a few recommendations.

1. Research: Explore these platforms and familiarize yourself with their services and project listings before investing the time to sign up and create an account.

2. Create a Profile: Sign up or use LinkedIn to craft a compelling profile showcasing your expertise, qualifications, and experience. Highlight specific skills and areas of specialization that make you a valuable consultant.

3. Browse Projects: Scan through available projects and identify those that align with your skills and interests. Look for opportunities that match your expertise and offer favorable terms. Try to use some of these projects as stretch opportunities to expand your knowledge base or dive deeper into a subject area.

4. Submit Proposals: Tailor your proposals for projects that catch your eye, emphasizing how your expertise can address the client's needs. Showcase your strengths as a consultant and pitch your services effectively.

5. Deliver Quality Work: Once you've secured a project, deliver high-quality work within the agreed timeframe. Maintain open communication with the client and be responsive to feedback. Always keep in mind that every project, regardless of its size, offers an opportunity to deliver exceptional results.

With the ease of access to online platforms and the demand for scientific expertise across industries, starting a side hustle as a scientist consultant has never been more attainable. Not only does it offer a lucrative opportunity to make extra money, but it also allows you to make a meaningful impact beyond the confines of your primary job. You can even start without formally creating a consulting company (for more on this, see last week’s issue).

Thank you for taking the time to read this, and I hope that the resources provided here will assist you in launching your side hustle successfully. Leave a comment if I missed a major one or if you have any experience with the ones I’ve listed.

PS: If you liked this post, please share it with a friend, and don’t forget to subscribe to get the weekly newsletter delivered directly to your inbox.

Until next week,

Bonnie