Spot the Gaps Others Miss and Launch Your Consulting Business Now

Setting Up a Consulting Business in Times of Uncertainty

A few days back, a friend called me in panic: “Everything’s changing, tariffs, regulations…how do we survive?” 

I felt that fear; it’s real, and the consequences are serious. 

Governments, big corporations (imo), and global systems play a role in these disruptions, and yes, they carry responsibility. 

But here’s the hard truth: your future isn’t theirs to control. 

Amid all the uncertainty, if you want to survive,  you will have to take ownership, spot the cracks in the chaos, and turn them into opportunities to build your businesses.

Disruption doesn’t have to be scary; it’s an opportunity waiting for those who are prepared. 

The latest tariffs, tech changes, and regulatory shifts are causing businesses to scramble, but for sharp thinkers like you, these moments are a chance to step in and offer value in a way that others miss.

The key is knowing where to look.

Spot the Shifts, Not Just the Trends

Every headline, every policy change, every new technology launch is a shift. It’s a sign that things are changing, and with change comes new demand. 

While the world gets lost in the noise, you can tune in to the subtle signals that indicate where the opportunity lies.

For instance:

• An AI breakthrough? Companies are scrambling to integrate it into their systems.

• A tariff or trade restriction? Supply chains are being disrupted, and businesses are panicking.

These aren’t just challenges; they are golden entry points for consultants. 

You don’t need to be an expert in every field. What you need is the ability to spot where the pain is and figure out how your skills can relieve it.

Align Your Skills with the Pain Points

First, let’s talk about raw skills, the abilities you already have. Maybe you’re great at operational strategy, project management, finance, or communications. These are your starting points.

Now, during disruptions like new tariffs or regulations, companies aren’t calmly “adjusting.” They scramble. They panic. And every scramble exposes gaps, urgent problems that need solutions.

This is where you layer specialization on top of your raw skills. By adding that layer, you turn what you already know into a skill set that solves real problems caused by disruption.

For example, your operational strategy skills can be specialized to help companies:

• Reevaluate supply chains under new tariffs

• Identify domestic alternatives for imported materials

• Optimize operational costs to maintain profitability

• Communicate price changes effectively to customers

Instead of saying, "I offer operational strategy consulting," you now say:

“I help businesses adapt to new regulations and supply chain disruptions without losing efficiency or profitability.”

Here’s a framework to start assessing and applying your skills:

1. Watch for shifts – Train your eye to spot the gaps.

2. Identify the pain – Observe where companies are struggling in real time.

3. Specialize your skill – Layer your raw skills with expertise that directly solves that pain.

4. Step in confidently – Offer solutions that make the problem disappear.

With tariff headlines coming at us fast, I’ll use them as a case study to demonstrate this framework. I’m no tariff expert—but I do have experience (and a track record 🙂) in spotting the business opportunities hiding in the chaos.

What I want to highlight is this: most people read headlines like this, grumble, and move on. 

Here are what appear to be common tariff-related pain points companies face right now:

• Increased cost of imported raw materials

• Supply chain disruption from overseas vendors

• Need to source domestic alternatives

• Lack of tariff compliance knowledge

• Uncertainty in pricing due to shifting tariffs

• Decline in international sales

• Reworking product mix for profitability

• Need for new vendor relationships

• Operational cost optimization

• Customer communication around price changes

Every one of these problems is a potential entry point for a consultant with the right specialized skills.

Train your eye to spot the gap, add the specialization layer to your raw skills, and you can turn disruption into your advantage.

Offer Clarity in a Time of Chaos

When disruption hits, people are overwhelmed. They’re facing uncertainty, confusion, and even fear. In these moments, they don’t need more complexity; they need someone who can cut through the fog and offer a clear path forward.

The value of a consultant isn’t always about having the deepest expertise. Sometimes, it’s simply about being the one who says, “I’ve got you. Here’s the plan.”

This is where you can stand out. As the world scrambles, you can offer the clarity and calm that businesses need to thrive.

The Opportunity is Yours, If You’re Ready to Seize It

There’s no shortage of disruption in the world. But more importantly, there’s no shortage of opportunity. The businesses that survive and thrive are the ones that can recognize shifts, align their skills with emerging pain points, and provide clarity when everything seems chaotic.

This isn’t about waiting for the perfect time; it’s about creating your perfect time by spotting the opportunities that others miss.

It’s Time to Stop Waiting for Someday. Take Action Now!

I’m sure you’ve read articles like this before, stories of people capitalizing on opportunities in chaos. 

But here’s the truth: most people talk about taking action someday. They wait for the perfect moment, the perfect circumstances. And they end up doing nothing.

But how do you turn disruption into opportunity?

I created a video, “The Ultimate Guide to Starting a Consulting Business”, where I walk you through the exact steps to build your consulting business, offering real, actionable advice that you can start applying today. 

If you’re tired of hearing about success without knowing the practical steps to get there, this video is your blueprint.

Ready to take the first step? Watch the full video now and start building your business today.

Check out my YouTube channel (@StartUpWithFeras).