The unique and important aspect of any web based solo information business operator is the fact that he/she can deliver personal knowledge, skills, or experience to targeted customers over the Internet and get paid to do so!
Since everyone's knowledge and experience is unique, one-of-a-kind, and personal, your business cannot be duplicated (at least legally) by anyone!
Now it may not have occurred to you that if you adopt this business model, you have chosen to set yourself up as an expert in your field.
Even though you may deny you want that role, or won't ever admit to assuming such, you will be perceived as an expert by your audience. They are coming to you, money in hand, seeking the information you distribute.
If you choose to become such an entrepreneur, regardless of the subject of your business, you are putting on a robe of authority, so to speak, and acknowledging that you are a legitimate source of valuable information - the type of information that your client wants and is willing to pay for.
Think about that for a moment . . .
In your business, you have become a valuable source of specific information for someone paying you to advise them . . .
What is that role typically called? Think some more. Yes, now you're beginning to see . . .
You are a consultant!
Information business owner = Consultant
Consultants are everywhere. The subjects on which they consult are as numerous as the sands of the sea.
I read about a high-flying tax consultant that was paid $4,000 an hour to advise lottery winners and other "instant millionaires" on how to set up their financial windfall so that they protect as much of it as possible from Uncle Sam - the tax man.
Another very specialized consultant in the high-end art gallery business charges clients a fee of $30,000 to advise them on locating, purchasing and selling very valuable gallery paintings. That fee seems like a lot to pay for mere advise, but in terms of the potential profit and loss that occurs in exchanges of this type, her expertise and knowledge of the field is a rare and precious commodity. Most likely her clients view the fee as a real bargain!
Another consultant earns in excess of $500,000 annually advising his clients on the customs, protocols, and "manners" that are important when entertaining or greeting foreign business moguls.
At the opposite end of the spectrum are the 99 cents per minute psychic phone "consultants" that deliver advise on everything from love relationships to how to contact poor old uncle Buford who has a message of great importance for you (even though he died in 1975.)
As a consultant, you become an expert.
Here's my favorite definition of an expert: an ordinary fellow a safe distance from home.
Now whether that definition fits you are not, I can't say. But when you fit into the role of consultant, you take upon yourself certain expectations.
You are sitting in a position of authority and with that position you are expected to be honest, forthright, ethical, and loyal to your client, the customer.
In the next installment, we will discuss the consultant/client relationship and what it means for your information business. See you then . . .
