Rebel, thinking about going independent but worried you don’t know enough yet? Timon Spiesschaert made that exact leap, from an unlikely history-and-HR background into marketing consulting, and his biggest lesson might surprise you.
About Timon Spiesschaert
Timon Spiesschaert studied history before working in HR and content marketing, then went freelance in 2020, working with clients including Securex, Kinepolis, and SD Worx.
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Nobody Has It All Figured Out, Including the Confident-Looking Ones
Teams that look like they have everything sorted are usually just trying things and adjusting as they go. That’s normal, not a red flag about your own readiness.
“A lot of people don’t entirely know what they’re doing. They just hope for the best… they’re just trying a lot of things, trial and error, seeing what works.”
Timon Spiesschaert
- Stop assuming other consultants or teams have a perfect system, most are improvising too
- Use your “outside-in” perspective as an asset: ask naive questions that insiders stop noticing
- Interview 2-3 people at a new client “as if you know nothing” and note what’s actually unclear
Build Real Relationships, Not a Transactional Network
Most consulting opportunities come through people, not job boards. Genuine, unpressured relationships open doors months or years later.
- Reach out to 3 people you respect this week, just to check in, no ask attached
- Share what you’re working on in casual conversations, not just formal networking events
- Offer help before you need anything back
Set Boundaries Early, They Build Respect, Not Distance
Clients respect clear boundaries more than constant availability. Communicating your working hours and scope upfront prevents resentment later.
- Write out your working hours and response times, share them clearly with every client
- When a client crosses a boundary, respond calmly: “Let’s find a cadence that works for both of us”
- Treat boundary-setting as a sign of mastery, not a limitation
You don’t need to know everything to go independent. You need curiosity, real relationships, and the confidence to say “I’ll find out.”