What is a Regulation Consultant?
The world is full of laws and regulations. We usually get mad at them, because let's face it - it's annoying.
However - One company's problem, is another mans fortune.
A regulation consultant knows a specific field of regulation, and can advice companies (and people) on how to "go around" or comply.
What do you need in order to be one?
First and foremost – EXPERIENCE.
You must work the field for some years. Whether it is 6Sigma, commerce list, ITAR, health, environment or finance - You must show articulacy in the subject matter.
Second – you have to be a "salesman" .
You will need to present yourself, sell your skills and be able to play on people's fear.
Let's face it - you are selling "insurance" (You are hired so they will not be sued).
That is of course relevant to a lot of freelancers.
Third – Detail oriented person
You cannot "wing it". In regulation consulting, attention to details is key.
This is part of what you sell.
Fourth – knowledge seeker
Regulations tend to change, and one must be on top of it. You may need to read a lot, talk to people and maybe go to conferences (hopefully to lecture).
If you are not "that guy", drop it.
Pros
•Niche – there usually aren’t a lot of those. Having a reputation will make the clients come to you.
•You can work as a freelancer, but also be on the payroll (Some people prefer it).
•All the PROS of a freelancer..
Cons
•Legal responsibility (prepare to have Professional liability insurance, in case you messed up).
•Competition - Most regulations have a lot of consultants in the area. This means that you will need to drop your pants (as well as your price) to get the gig.
•Attrition - I have witnessed some regulation consultants burn, because you are at least one level removed from the core business of the company.
Also - you become "that annoying guy" who "keeps on stopping us".
Career path
You have to work the field for at least 2-3 years, specialize and build a reputation.
I became a national expert in Export Control regulation in less than 2 years time, because I worked for the regulator. That got me in contact with hundreds of companies, and helped me understand how the regulator thinks.
Some of the consultants learned it, being on a company payroll, or had something to do with it.
Do I recommend it?
Not for everyone.
It usually happens "by chance".
One can study the subject matter, but it is very hard.
The world is full of laws and regulations. We usually get mad at them, because let's face it - it's annoying.
However - One company's problem, is another mans fortune.
A regulation consultant knows a specific field of regulation, and can advice companies (and people) on how to "go around" or comply.
What do you need in order to be one?
First and foremost – EXPERIENCE.
You must work the field for some years. Whether it is 6Sigma, commerce list, ITAR, health, environment or finance - You must show articulacy in the subject matter.
Second – you have to be a "salesman" .
You will need to present yourself, sell your skills and be able to play on people's fear.
Let's face it - you are selling "insurance" (You are hired so they will not be sued).
That is of course relevant to a lot of freelancers.
Third – Detail oriented person
You cannot "wing it". In regulation consulting, attention to details is key.
This is part of what you sell.
Fourth – knowledge seeker
Regulations tend to change, and one must be on top of it. You may need to read a lot, talk to people and maybe go to conferences (hopefully to lecture).
If you are not "that guy", drop it.
Pros
•Niche – there usually aren’t a lot of those. Having a reputation will make the clients come to you.
•You can work as a freelancer, but also be on the payroll (Some people prefer it).
•All the PROS of a freelancer..
Cons
•Legal responsibility (prepare to have Professional liability insurance, in case you messed up).
•Competition - Most regulations have a lot of consultants in the area. This means that you will need to drop your pants (as well as your price) to get the gig.
•Attrition - I have witnessed some regulation consultants burn, because you are at least one level removed from the core business of the company.
Also - you become "that annoying guy" who "keeps on stopping us".
Career path
You have to work the field for at least 2-3 years, specialize and build a reputation.
I became a national expert in Export Control regulation in less than 2 years time, because I worked for the regulator. That got me in contact with hundreds of companies, and helped me understand how the regulator thinks.
Some of the consultants learned it, being on a company payroll, or had something to do with it.
Do I recommend it?
Not for everyone.
It usually happens "by chance".
One can study the subject matter, but it is very hard.
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