Consulting is an intense industry. There are a lot of opportunities to let projects and tasks slip through the cracks due to the transient nature of the job. But, if you don’t be careful, you too will slip through those same cracks. So, how does one become a fantastic consultant? Here are 3 things that will help you get to the top of this difficult industry.

Number 1: Follow Through

If a client or a coworkers is told they are going to recieve something on Monday morning and it doesn’t come, what happens? Trust is broken and whatever relationship was building is torn down. This seems hyberbolic but it is absolutely true. Even one missed deadline or one project that is turned in below the standard of excellence you should hold for yourself can change a client or coworker’s perception of you. And if that happens it can be hard to get things back on track, especially when you are just starting out.

Here’s the advice, set yourself up for success, not for failure. If you are overwhelmed don’t keep adding to your plate, this will leave you open to missing a deadline or being forced to cram out lower quality work. Instead, keep a careful schedule of all your responsibilities and when things get a little tight, don’t be afraid to ask for help early on. Don’t wait until the deadline to ask for help, ask for it when the project is assigned to showcase you are on top of your workload.

Number 2: Pay Attention

We spoke of globally paying attention in number 1, you can’t let a project get lost in the shuffle. It is also important to pay attention more locally on whatever particular project or assignment on which you are currently working. Ensuring that everything you turn in to a client or coworker is neat and free of errors is a great way to build confidence and trust in your abilities.

There are many strategies you can use to help you stay aware of the little details but the most important one of all is to review your work. Many times when we feel the pressure of a tight schedule we don’t take the time to look over what we put together. This can mean lots of little errors go unnoticed until it is too late. Add time for review and revision into your schedule and make sure to use it effectively! Having a trusted coworker go over very important documents and decks is a must.

Number 3: Be the Best

The consulting industry is rife with intelligent, highly qualified, confident people. So, how do you set yourself apart? The answer is by developing a very niche skill. Think about what area of consulting you are interested in pursuing, then think about what area of that area you are interested in. That is how specific you want to get. The idea is to be the most knowledgeable person in any room on that particular topic. Having a specialized skill like that is the way you add value to yourself. If you are the go-to person for a particular topic, then you are on your way to being remembered, respected and recognized!