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LCA Independence Readiness Assessment

Ready to go independent? Let's assess your readiness.

1. Where are you right now in your journey to independence?

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A

1 - Still in a firm - I'm not sure if independence is right for me

B

2 - I want to go independent but haven't worked out how

C

3 - I've decided - I'm working through the practicalities

D

4 - I'm already independent or about to make the move

2. How strong is your client base?

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A

1 - I rely on my firm's work - I don't have portable client relationships

B

2 - I have some relationships but I'm not sure clients would follow me

C

3 - I have good client relationships I believe are portable

D

4 - I have a strong, loyal client base ready to follow me

3. What's your timeline for making the move?

*

A

1 - Exploring the idea - more than 12 months away

B

2 - Getting serious - 6 to 12 months

C

3 - Moving within the next 6 months

D

4 - I'm moving now or have already made the jump

4. Have you mapped out the financial side?

*

A

1 - Not yet - I wouldn't know where to start

B

2 - I have a rough idea but haven't done the numbers properly

C

3 - I've done some calculations and have a picture forming

D

4 - Yes - I know my costs, target rate and what I need to earn

5. How clear are you on your practice area and what you'd offer?

*

A

1 - I'm not sure what I'd take with me or how to package it

B

2 - I have a sense of my area but haven't defined my offer

C

3 - I have a clear practice area and a sense of my ideal clients

D

4 - I have a defined niche, clear offer and know exactly who I want to work with

6. What kind of support would suit you best right now?

*

A

1 - I want to learn the full framework and work through it at my own pace

B

2 - I'd like structured guidance but I'm happy to do the work myself

C

3 - I want someone to look at my specific situation and help me make the right calls

D

4 - I need a personalised plan — there's too much at stake to figure it out alone

7. How do you feel about the idea of finding your own clients?

*

A

1 - The thought of it stops me in my tracks - I wouldn't know where to begin

B

2 - I know I'll need to do it but I'm nervous about it

C

3 - I'm open to it and have some ideas about how I'd approach it

D

4 - I already do it - BD feels natural and I have a pipeline or strong reputation

8. How visible are you in your field?

*

A

1 - I don't really have a profile outside my current firm

B

2 - I'm on LinkedIn but haven't really built a presence

C

3 - People in my network know what I do and occasionally refer work to me

D

4 - I have a strong reputation - clients and referrers seek me out directly

9. How do you feel about the financial uncertainty of going independent?

*

A

1 - It's my biggest fear - I need the security of a regular salary

B

2 - I worry about it but I know others make it work

C

3 - I've thought it through and I have a plan or some financial runway

D

4 - I'm not concerned - I have savings, clients, or other income to fall back on

10. If you're already independent (or close to it), what's your biggest challenge right now?

*

A

1 - I'm not there yet - this doesn't apply to me

B

2 - Getting consistent work / keeping the pipeline full

C

3 - Knowing what to charge and holding my rate

D

4 - Scaling beyond just me - systems, capacity, reputation

What is your email address?

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