Natacha: The day I decided to take the plunge

Spotlight on Natacha Robilliard, who decided a few months ago to launch her own business as an independent consultant. Here, she tells us all the details of this adventure, which may well tempt you too.  

Self-employed, employee, entrepreneur... In my ten-year career, I've changed status several times. Six months ago, I decided to set up on my own, becoming an independent consultant in strategy, transformation, project management and marketing.

I'm so happy to have regained my freedom, to choose my clients, my assignments, my pace... Of course, I didn't take the plunge overnight. It took me several months of reflection, discussions with other independent consultants and meetings with industry players, before I finally took the plunge.

I sincerely hope that if you're thinking of taking the plunge yourself, or if you're just looking for a better understanding of this status, the article below will help you.

How did I become an independent consultant?

After studying at the ESSEC business school, I started my career as a consultant with Capgemini Consulting: I enjoyed the job, but I couldn't see myself working for a company in the longer term. It has to be said that I'd had an entrepreneurial urge ever since my student days. So I embarked on an entrepreneurial project trading in agricultural equipment. I rediscovered the fundamentals of business: selling (a lot!) and managing cash flow. I felt independent and operational, a perfect complement to what I was missing in my practice. But, even if the business was profitable, it was difficult to make two full salaries (I was a partner with my brother), and the sector appetite wasn't quite there...

A headhunter then contacted me to offer me a position in Strategy and Transformation in a ready-to-wear company taken over by a new investment fund. I was enthusiastic about the project, which was a perfect blend of my two previous experiences. I held this position for several years, while I got to grips with my mission.

Then, what was I going to do? In what format? I quickly realized that I couldn't see myself in the salaried positions I was being offered: too routine for my taste. Start a new company? I didn't really have any business ideas... What I did know, however, was that I had real skills to offer companies, that I didn't want to commit to a permanent contract, and that I wanted to keep my independence.

A few friends of mine had started out as freelance consultants between jobs, so I began to find out about this famous status, its advantages and disadvantages, and the type of assignments I could do. A few months later, here I am!

How did I overcome my fears?

I asked myself a lot of questions:

• administrative and accounting aspects: Portage salarial or company? What type of company?
• Sales: Will I find it easy to find customers to launch my business?

I answered each of these questions by talking to a number of players in the ecosystem: independent consultants at network events, independent consulting platforms such as WEEM, and of course a freelance administration specialist and an accountant. In the end, a few interviews were enough to dispel my doubts.

I chose to create my company Narobi Consulting: a SASU because it best suited my financial needs at the time. Setting up a company has never scared me. There are examples of articles of association on the Internet, and the administrative formalities are described and simple: gather a few documents and fill in a Cerfa form: in an afternoon, it was done!

My biggest apprehension was sales prospecting: I didn't feel like selling myself or spending hours in prospecting meetings. I found a practical solution to this problem: the platforms, which act as business providers and genuine partners to help you develop your business. They act as intermediaries between potential customers and independent consultants.

How I took the plunge

What made me decide was simply the desire to work again! After leaving my previous salaried job, I took a few months' well-deserved vacation. It wasn't long before I wanted to take on new business challenges. I'd overcome my fears about self-employment, so all I had to do was take the plunge:

1. Referencing

I first started to get listed by several platforms by simply sending my CV or meeting with them.

I also started talking to my close network about it. It worked out well: I was quickly offered some very interesting assignments, for relevant customers and on a variety of issues, with an appropriate level of remuneration. I was immediately encouraged!

2. Creation

So I set up my own company, Narobi Consulting, because I knew it would come in handy very quickly.

3. Subscription

I then took two essential steps: I negotiated the accounting fees and took out professional liability insurance with my insurer. And that was it!

4. Launch

A few weeks later, I started my very first assignment as an independent consultant. I haven't stopped since. My transition period between two assignments allows me both to take time off and to develop personal projects. For example, I give courses to Bachelor Marketing students.

Any advice for those who are hesitant to take the plunge?

Exchange as much as possible with freelancers and platforms to ask them all your questions. They'll help you think things through and guide you in your operational questions!

"If I had to do it all over again? I don't think I'd have waited this long before taking the plunge!"

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