AI副業

How to Start AI Consulting as a Side Business [2025 Guide] From Beginner to Expert

January 2025

Have you ever thought, "I know a lot about AI - can I turn that into a business?"

AI consulting is about advising businesses and individuals on how to use AI effectively. There are countless companies thinking "We want to adopt AI but don't know where to start."

This article explains how to start an AI consulting side business. We'll cover concrete steps for beginners and tips for landing clients.

*Consulting involves providing expert advice. Start within the scope of what you can responsibly handle.

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What is AI Consulting? Why Is There Demand Now?

An AI consultant is an advisor who helps businesses adopt and use AI. The role isn't about technical implementation, but rather proposing "what to use and how to use it."

Why Demand Is Growing

1. Surge in Companies Wanting AI

Since ChatGPT's launch, companies thinking "We need to use AI too" have multiplied. But many don't know specifically what to do.

2. No In-House AI Expertise

Especially for small and medium businesses, there's often no employee who understands AI. They're looking for external advisors.

3. Too Many Tools to Choose From

ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, Midjourney... With so many AI tools available, many companies don't know which to use.

4. Want to Avoid Failure

With stories of "AI adoption failures" circulating, there's demand for expert advice before getting started.

Main Duties of an AI Consultant

  • - Current State Analysis: Understand client workflows and identify AI opportunities
  • - Tool Selection: Recommend AI tools suited to their goals
  • - Implementation Support: Teach how to use the tools
  • - Prompt Design: Create and provide effective prompts
  • - Impact Measurement: Measure post-implementation results and suggest improvements
  • - Staff Training: Conduct AI training for employees

Types of AI Consulting Side Business and Pay Ranges

AI consulting comes in several forms. Choose based on difficulty and compensation level.
*Pay ranges are general estimates and individual results vary.

1. Spot Consulting (One-Time Sessions)

Difficulty: Low

One to two-hour consultation sessions. For individuals or small businesses asking "How should we use AI?"

Potential Income

$50 - $200/hour

Varies by expertise and track record

Where to Find Clients

  • - Upwork / Fiverr
  • - Clarity.fm (expert consultations)
  • - LinkedIn ProFinder
  • - Your own network

Easy to Start: Each consultation is self-contained, making it low risk. Build experience while creating a track record.

2. Monthly Retainer Agreement

Difficulty: Medium

Provide ongoing advice at a fixed monthly rate. Support AI adoption through regular meetings and chat support.

Potential Income

$500 - $3,000/month

Varies by time commitment and service scope

Service Examples

  • - 2 online meetings per month (1 hour each)
  • - Chat support (3 days per week)
  • - Prompt template library
  • - Monthly progress reports

Tip: Build trust through spot consulting, then propose ongoing retainer arrangements to satisfied clients.

3. AI Implementation Projects

Difficulty: High

Comprehensive support for a company's AI adoption project. From analysis to implementation to training.

Potential Income

$3,000 - $10,000+ per project

Varies significantly by scope and duration

Project Examples

  • - AI chatbot implementation for customer support
  • - AI adoption for sales team (proposal efficiency, etc.)
  • - Internal operations automation consulting

4. AI Training & Workshop Facilitation

Difficulty: Medium

Conduct AI training for company employees. Teach everything from basics to business applications in workshop format.

Potential Income

$300 - $1,000/half-day, $500 - $2,000/full-day

Varies by participant count and content

Training Topic Examples

  • - ChatGPT Basics (all employees)
  • - AI for Sales Workshop
  • - AI for Marketing Training
  • - AI Strategy Seminar (executives)

Skills Needed for AI Consulting

Essential Skills

  • Check
    Hands-On AI Tool Experience

    Proficient with ChatGPT, Claude, Midjourney, etc.

  • Check
    Prompt Engineering

    Can design and optimize effective prompts

  • Check
    Business Understanding

    Can understand client operations and challenges

  • Check
    Communication Skills

    Can explain clearly to non-technical audiences

Helpful Additional Skills

  • +
    Industry-Specific Knowledge

    Healthcare, finance, real estate, etc.

  • +
    Basic Programming

    Useful for API integrations and automation proposals

  • +
    Project Management

    Can drive implementation projects

  • +
    Training & Presentation Experience

    Can excel as a workshop facilitator

Important: You don't need to be an "AI expert." Being "a bit more knowledgeable than your client" is enough to provide value. What matters is understanding client challenges and proposing solutions.

How to Start AI Consulting [5 Steps]

1

Become a Power User of AI Yourself

First, become a heavy AI user yourself. Master major tools like ChatGPT, Claude, Perplexity, Canva AI, and Midjourney.

Use ChatGPT Plus intensively for at least 3 months

2

Choose Your Specialty Area

"AI expert for [industry]" is more marketable than "I can do anything." Choose an area based on your experience and interests.

Examples: AI for restaurants, AI for real estate, AI support for content creators

3

Build a Track Record (Free or Low-Cost)

Start by offering free or low-cost consulting to people you know. Build case studies with concrete results like "Improved workflow efficiency by 30%."

Create 3-5 case studies before scaling your service

4

Package Your Services

Define your service menu (spot consulting, monthly retainer, etc.), pricing, and deliverables. Prepare a portfolio and case study collection.

5

Find Clients

List services on Upwork, Fiverr, or Clarity.fm. Posting on social media (X, LinkedIn) is also effective.

5 Tips for Landing Clients

1. Build Your Online Presence

Share AI tips on X (Twitter) and LinkedIn. When people think "This person knows AI," it leads to consultation requests. Aim for one post per day.

2. Show Concrete Results

Show metrics like "30% revenue increase with AI" or "Cut inquiry response time in half." Before/after case studies are most compelling.

3. Build Trust with Free Content

Publish AI know-how through blog posts, YouTube videos, or free webinars. "If the free content is this good, the paid service must be amazing."

4. Ask for Referrals

Ask satisfied clients: "Do you know anyone in your industry who might need help?" Word-of-mouth has the highest conversion rate.

5. Go Niche

"AI consultant for restaurants" lands better than generic "AI consultant." Build a reputation in a narrow field first, then expand gradually.

Important Considerations

Don't Overpromise

Don't make claims like "AI will triple your revenue." Explain realistic expectations and manage client expectations appropriately.

Keep Up with Technology Changes

AI technology evolves rapidly. Best practices from 3 months ago may already be outdated. Stay current with the latest developments.

Decline Work Outside Your Expertise

Be honest about technical development or areas outside your expertise. Taking on work you can't handle hurts both the client and yourself.

Handle Confidential Information Carefully

You'll be handling client business information. Use NDAs (non-disclosure agreements) and maintain strict information security.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to be an IT engineer?

No, you won't be doing technical development, so engineering background isn't required. What matters is being able to use AI tools and understand business challenges. In fact, sales or marketing backgrounds can be advantageous for understanding client needs.

Do I need certifications?

There are no required certifications for consulting. However, track record and trust are important. AI-related certifications (like Google Cloud certifications) can help build credibility.

What if my employer prohibits side businesses?

Check your company's policies. Consulting might conflict with non-compete clauses, so be careful. Get permission or limit consulting to completely different industries.

What should I charge when starting out?

Without a track record, starting at $30-50/hour is recommended. Gradually increase rates as you build experience. High rates are difficult at first, but possible once you can demonstrate value.

Summary: Start Your AI Consulting Side Business

AI consulting is a side business that leverages your AI knowledge.

The demand for AI adoption support is growing. There are countless businesses thinking "I want to talk to someone about this." Start small and build your track record.

Action Items for Today

  1. 1. Dive deeper into major AI tools
  2. 2. Choose your specialty area
  3. 3. Offer to help someone you know for free

Turn Your AI Skills into a Side Business

Start by mastering AI tools

ChatGPT Guide Consulting Side Business Guide