I am curious, how did you guys get into consulting? Considering it is a word of mouth business. I currently work for a company, but have become disillusioned with the lack of respect that is shown for the engineers at my company and have been thinking about going out on my own. I guess what I am asking is how did you guys start out?

I know of a few that got into consulting because they heard about a project and took it, then when that project ended they found nothing locally and went broke.

Getting into consulting requires one thing (at least initially): If the job is in Timbuktu, go there.

Consulting is not for the geographically locked.

If you are TOTALLY mobile, try sending your resume to a few consulting agencies, they will all tell you GREAT, we'll have something soon and you will get offers that are waaay out left field as far as matching what you know. If, however, you get a few offers that make sense, you will know that there is a market for your skill. Then start chasing companies that make electric/mechanical thingies, find an electronic improvement and approach the SALES division with your idea - be vague, it may be stolen. Then, if you are ready to go broke if necessary, take the plunge.

The above not to scare you, but to open your eyes.

Erik

btw: why approach sales?. Because Engineering typically do not want anything done they do not understand.

"I am located in an electronic hotbed location, why do I need be mobile?"
Because in "electronic hotbed location" there are already 4711 consultants chasing the same job. In Podunk, there probably is none.