Some people feel uncomfortable talking to friends to find consulting work. If you fall into this category, seriously consider not becoming a consultant. If you don't believe in yourself enough to convince your friends that you can do the job, you probably won't be able to convince strangers.

By talking to your friends, you are not doing anything that should make you feel uncomfortable. In fact, you are helping them while they are helping you. Take your friends out to lunch. Ask them if there is a position in their companies that you could fill as a consultant. If so, you are doing them a favor by filling a need for their companies. They may get recognition or a raise, or it may simply help them complete their work by filling in an important missing piece. And they are helping you find work. It is truly a win-win situation.