The decision of becoming an independent SAS consultant is a difficult one. Many programmers in the field of data analytics give a try to become an independent consultant. They may be mid-career employees who are trying to escape the dissatisfaction from the jobs or freshers who want to begin a new start-up and live their dreams. Whatever be the reason, the recipe to become a successful independent SAS consultant requires three crucial ingredients;
-A marketable skill
-Desire to succeed
-Persistence
However, before taking a step towards becoming an independent SAS consultant, one must get SAS certification to associate legitimacy with their work. Hence, if you don’t have SAS certification, try to enroll yourself in a SAS course in Delhi or Noida and get SAS certification.
Factors to Consider For Becoming A SAS Consultant
To become a successful consultant, your SAS skill is paramount. Some other factors that are essential include proper knowledge of SAS, business preparation, marketing skills, selection of clients and financial considerations.
As an independent consultant, you will find projects where you can work individually. However, there will also be times when you will require a team. People skills are one of the most important qualities a consultant must have; they help the consultant in retaining their clients for a longer period.
Steps to Become A Top-Class SAS Consultant
-Get SAS Certifications
The SAS Institute provides proper certification testing of the skills of individuals, taken in a controlled environment in various areas of SAS programming. If you are planning to become a SAS consultant, you need to get two-core certifications; base and advanced. Both the certification exams will gauge your skills of individuals and knowledge in the following areas of SAS system;
-Accessing data
-Creation of data structures
-Management of data
Reporting
-Efficiently working within the SAS environment
Therefore, if you attain a valid certification, the clients will be assured of your effective skills while working on SAS systems. They will prefer you over a consultant who does not have SAS certification. And if you do not have a certification, you can take SAS course in Delhi or Mumbai online and get certified easily.
-Financial Considerations
A detailed financial plan and estimation are necessary if you wish to be an individual SAS consultant. The plan must state the funds that are needed to cover your business and financial expenses for at least 5-6 months. As you do not fix clients during the launch of your career, cash flow is slow in the beginning. There are many things that a detailed financial plan must have:
-Day-to-day expenditures on travelling if required
-Office supplies
-Equipment costs
-Licensing fee
-Other business expenses
You must also have extra savings to cover your expenditures between assignments, or if there is a delay in the payment on the client side or downtime in the work timeline due to your inefficiency to work. Many times, licensed equipment and business expenses are covered by the client, so you must inquire about them before signing the contract.
-Obtain Leads
A good consultant is always ready on his/her feet to grab opportunities that come their way. Obtaining opportunities and leads faster than others is a crucial step for consultants to be successful in this cut-throat competition. However, finding leads is a hectic task and requires a lot of dedication and attention. You can start prospecting for leads which involves collecting substantial information from potential clients, their requirements, problems, and solution to those problems. Moreover, you can also look for sources on local newspapers, seminars, association directories, employment databases, government publications, newsletters and the internet.
-Maintain a Code of Ethics
Maintaining a code of ethics is an important part of any business. Code of ethics includes the standard of conduct between a service provider and their client. Every day we hear about ethical charges being brought by one person over others. It not only spoils the business deal but also puts a full stop on other dealings of the consultant. This is why it is crucial to work out the details in the contract so that no problems occur during dealings. There are many difficulties that you will face when you plan to become an independent SAS consultant. However, if you stay dedicated to your goal and work efficiently, you will achieve success. Make yourself eligible by joining a SAS course in Delhi or Gurgaon and attain the required skills to survive in the cut-throat competition. The independent consulting business is with both upside and downside, but it is where you get to make your own choices.
