When I set out on my own as an independent consultant in 2000, one message was writ largely in all that I did. Profitability is the name of the game.
Let me explain for the benefit of budding consultants. There is no point in having a high top line of revenue if your actual income falls sharply because of the weight of expenses required to conduct business. I would prefer, as an independent consultant, to have a lower top line but with higher profitability.
People at Work & Play 