Community AMAs
These Ask Me Anything threads are goldmines for consulting advice:
- Power BI Consultant AMA - Getting started (45x)
- Performance Tuning AMA - Specialization
- 7 Years of Consulting AMA - Career progression
Getting Started
Do You Need Certifications?
Certifications (PL-300, DP-600) are helpful but not required. What matters more:
- Portfolio: Sample reports demonstrating your skills
- Domain knowledge: Understanding business problems
- Communication: Explaining technical concepts to non-technical people
Building a Portfolio
- Create sample reports with public datasets
- Publish to web or record video walkthroughs
- Contribute to community challenges (#MakeoverMonday, etc.)
- Document your process, not just the final product
Finding Your First Clients
- Network: Tell everyone you know you're available
- LinkedIn: Post about Power BI, engage with content
- Freelance platforms: Upwork, Fiverr, Toptal (competitive but good for starting)
- Local businesses: Accountants, small businesses often need help
- Subcontracting: Partner with larger consultancies
More resources: Self-Employment Insights (sqlgene.com)
Pricing Guidance
Hourly Rates (US Market)
| Experience Level | Typical Range |
|---|---|
| Entry (0-2 years) | $50-100/hour |
| Mid-level (2-5 years) | $100-175/hour |
| Senior (5+ years) | $150-250/hour |
| Expert/Specialist | $200-400+/hour |
Per-Report Pricing
Fixed-price projects are risky but sometimes necessary:
- Simple dashboard: $500-2,000
- Standard report: $2,000-10,000
- Complex data model + reports: $10,000-50,000+
How do I estimate project pricing?
Estimate hours honestly, then multiply by your rate and add 20-50% buffer. Requirements ALWAYS change. Scope creep is real.
Pricing Strategy Tips
- Don't underprice: Low rates attract bad clients and signal inexperience
- Value-based pricing: If your report saves $100k/year, charge accordingly
- Retainer options: Monthly support agreements provide stable income
- Raise rates regularly: Every 6-12 months, increase for new clients
Business Skills
Understanding Business Context
Technical skills get you in the door. Business understanding keeps you there.
Gathering Requirements
The #1 cause of failed projects is unclear requirements.
- Ask "what decision will this report help you make?"
- Get sign-off on mockups before building
- Document assumptions in writing
- Build iteratively with frequent check-ins
See: Gathering Report Requirements (Data Goblins)
Contracts and Legal
- Always have a contract - even for small projects
- Define scope, deliverables, timeline, payment terms
- Include change request process
- Consider liability and IP ownership clauses
- Get a lawyer to review your template
Common Questions
Should I quit my job to consult full-time?
Most successful consultants start part-time while employed. Build a client base and 6+ months of savings before going full-time.
How much should I charge per report?
It depends! See the pricing section above. Always estimate hours first, then convert to fixed price with a buffer.
Do I need an LLC?
Probably. Consult with an accountant in your jurisdiction. An LLC provides liability protection and tax benefits.
How do I handle scope creep?
Document everything. When clients ask for "one more thing," respond with: "Happy to add that! Here's a change order for the additional work."