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Office Requirements
One attribute common to most areas of consulting is the minimal requirements for office equipment to enter the field.  Whether you have a goal of being a full time broker or simply seeking to earn some additional income, you will likely begin your brokering experience from the convenience of a home office or the office of your current profession.  As they begin to generate income, most career-minded consultants will establish themselves in an executive suite or even within a bank to help establish a professional image.

Wherever you begin your business, you will need several pieces of equipment and software.

•  a computer (desktop, laptop, or both)
•  a printer (preferably printer, scanner, copier combo)
•  a fax machine or fax capability
•  contact management software (CRM)
•  a cell phone
•  adequate work and filing space.
•  business cards (lots of them)

Your Appearance
Throughout the IACFB you will notice we have included images of well dressed business people.  We have done so to help you understand the standards for appearance.  Commercial Finance Consulting is an extremely "professional" vocation and with the exception of those that intend to operate strictly through guerrilla marketing on the internet, you will need to look and act the part of a very successful financial profession...much like a stockbroker or banker.  According to the most recent industry statistics, over 50% of all new accounts put on the books are the result of referral or networking. When out meeting new prospects or those that can send business your way, you must be able to make a good first impression.

A Knowledge-Based Industry
As with all consulting careers, success in the business finance consulting industry will be based on industry knowledge.  Simply put, the more you know the better you'll do.  Lending officers, accounting professionals, and others capable of referring business your way will only do so if they feel you are competent.  At a minimum, you must have a very in-depth knowledge of factoring, asset-based lending, purchase order finance, and import-export trade solutions. Additional areas of focus will include equipment leasing, merchant cash advances, and even venture capital.  Acquiring this knowledge is essential to your success and will be a determining factor in your level of income.

Industry Outlook & Opportunity
Although the Commercial Finance Consulting industry is very well practiced throughout Europe, it is in its infancy in the United States.  With little competition, this is a "dream" profession for those that either come equipped with or are willing to develop the necessary sales tools required for industry success.  Our economy remains in a significant recession and banks are not lending.  More and more individuals are finding it necessary to start a small business due to the lack of good-paying job opportunities and the historic source of "seed" money to start such businesses, home equity" no longer exists.  The vast majority of such new small businesses with, therefor, require creative financing alternatives to operate.  With no improvement on the horizon, there has never been a better time to begin a commercial finance consulting career.