Becoming an instructional design consultant is exciting. You finally get to work on diverse projects, choose your own clients, and use your skills in fresh, creative ways. But shifting from employee to consultant isn’t just about updating your LinkedIn title. It comes with a new set of expectations and a few common traps that many new consultants fall into.
The good news? These mistakes are avoidable. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to sharpen your consulting game, here are the top missteps new instructional design consultants make and what to do instead.
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Mistake #1: Misunderstanding Your Value—Both High and Low
New consultants often struggle to find the right balance when positioning themselves. Some undervalue their expertise, pricing too low or saying yes to everything just to land a contract. Others overvalue their experience, expecting top-tier rates, special treatment, or employee-like perks such as onboarding sessions, guaranteed hours, or paid holidays.
Why it’s a problem:
Undervaluing attracts bargain-hunting clients who are unlikely to respect your expertise. Overvaluing can create unrealistic expectations and friction with clients who hired you for a project—not a permanent seat on the team.
How to avoid it:
- Research fair market rates for contract instructional designers at your experience level.
- Remember: You no longer receive benefits or paid days off. A smart rule of thumb? Price as though you’ll be working 75% of a full-time schedule because you just might.
- Position yourself based on the value you deliver, not just your years of experience.
- Practice saying “Let me think about it” before accepting work that doesn’t align with your skills or business goals.
Mistake #2: Jumping Into Design Without Enough Discovery
When you’re eager to impress a new client, it’s tempting to start designing right away. But skipping the discovery phase, where you ask questions, clarify goals, and define success often leads to a good-looking course that misses the business target.
Why it’s a problem:
You risk designing the wrong thing. You might choose the wrong modality, overload the learner, or misunderstand the real performance gap.
How to avoid it:
- Start with discovery, not development. Ask questions like:
- “What business goal does this training support?”
- “What will success look like to stakeholders?”
- “What does the learner already know?”
- Use a kickoff checklist with every new client or subject matter expert.
- Don’t be afraid to challenge assumptions; clients will respect your thoughtful approach.
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Mistake #3: Under-Communicating with the Client
Some consultants take a “heads down” approach, working quietly until they have something finished to show. But that can leave clients wondering what’s happening and can create bigger problems if your work is off base.
Why it’s a problem:
Lack of communication erodes trust. And if the first deliverable you show the client is not what they expected, you’ve lost time and credibility.
How to avoid it:
- Set regular check-ins (weekly or biweekly is common).
- Share outlines, storyboards, or prototypes early—even rough drafts help the client feel involved.
- Send short status updates. A quick email that says “Here’s what I completed this week, here’s what’s next” goes a long way.
Mistake #4: Taking On Projects Outside Your Skill Set (Without Support)
When starting out, it’s tempting to say yes to every opportunity. You might accept a job designing VILT, designing leadership development content, and developing a full eLearning module even if you’ve only done one of those before.
Why it’s a problem:
You might stretch yourself too thin, deliver subpar work, or burn out trying to learn everything at once.
How to avoid it:
- Be honest with yourself and your client about what you do best.
- Upskill between projects, not during them.
- Better yet, get connected with a specialty staffing firm like TrainingPros. They’ll match you with projects that fit your strengths and help you avoid being dropped into a role that doesn’t match your background.
Mistake #5: Ignoring the Business Side of Consulting
As an employee, you probably didn’t worry about invoicing, time tracking, or project paperwork. As a consultant, these are your responsibility and neglecting them can cost you real money.
Why it’s a problem:
Late invoices, missed timesheet deadlines, and poor documentation create confusion and stress. You may even underbill yourself without realizing it. In addition, if you are late with your timesheets or invoices, you create havoc for your client which will affect your likelihood of being re-engaged on the next project.
How to avoid it:
- Use tools for time tracking. Even a simple excel spreadsheet you keep open all day will work.
- Set auto reminders on your calendar telling you when to invoice clients or when to fill in online time sheets for agencies.
Mistake #6: Neglecting Your Professional Visibility and Growth
When you’re fully booked, updating your portfolio or networking can feel like a low priority. But if you wait until the contract ends, you’re already behind.
Why it’s a problem:
Consultants rely on visibility and connection to land new projects. If you disappear from the market, clients may forget about you.
How to avoid it:
- Keep your portfolio current, update it as you finish projects (as much as confidentiality allows).
- Block time every month for learning. Try a new tool, watch a webinar, take a LinkedIn Learning course, or read an industry book.
- Share quick updates or tips on LinkedIn. You don’t need to be an influencer, just show you’re active.
- Attend industry events to network with peers and hear what skills are trending.
- Listen to podcasts like Learning Leader Spotlight to stay inspired and market-aware.
Conclusion: Mistakes Are Just Milestones
No consultant gets everything right at the start. The difference between someone who flounders and someone who thrives isn’t perfection, it’s reflection. By recognizing common pitfalls and setting yourself up with the right systems, relationships, and mindset, you can build a consulting business that’s sustainable and successful.
And remember: You don’t have to do it alone. Working with a team like TrainingPros gives you the project alignment, client support, and consultant community that helps you do your best work.
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