Here are 13 things I'd share with my younger self about launching, building, and leading Curiosity Tank, my user research consultancy.

1. Prepare for Hard Work and Fulfillment: Running your own consultancy will be the most challenging yet rewarding endeavor.

2. Embrace Industry Evolution: The user research field will grow and change in ways you can't predict. Stay adaptable.

3. Understand Business Fundamentals: Operating a small business is a continual education in itself, distinct from user research.

4. Acquire Diverse Expertise: Gaining knowledge in areas outside of research, like finance and legal, is crucial.

5. Develop Your Sales Skills: Your ability to sell your services and craft proposals will be key to success.

6. Nurture Your Reputation: Almost all your business will come from reputation and referrals. Nurture them wisely.

7. Find Your Financial Model: Discovering that retainers work best for you will be a game-changer.

8. Expect Fluctuating Work-Life Balance: There will be times when work takes over, but the balance will return.

9. Trust Your Instincts: Sometimes, making decisions from the heart rather than the head will lead to the best outcomes.

10. Value Generosity and Integrity: Offering more than you take and maintaining honesty will set you apart.

11. Cherish Your Professional Network: A circle of trusted colleagues will prove invaluable for support and growth.

12. Be Selective with Projects: Never regret passing on work that doesn’t align with your expertise or values.

13. Anticipate Surprising Joys: The projects, clients, and students that resonate most will often be the ones you least expect.

I’ll elaborate on the above, and more, in the "Freelance/Independent UX/UXR Consulting: Two hour interactive workshop with Q&A". If you are looking to leap into independence, or want to build on your existing independent practice, this workshop is for you. Registrants can join live or watch the recorded replay.

The link to register is below. Hope to see you there!