Hi Michelle ---

I was an independent for many years. I don't think that there is any hard rule on how long you are programming...consulting is far more than just being technical. I knew a guy who did really well at it while being a technical disaster. How? See below:

What you do have to be is a good self-promoter. You also have to master walking into a potential client with steely-eyed confidence. Clients get nervous about you if you're nervous.

As to what you should learn: Learn the theory behind what you're already doing (OOP,RDBMS theory, Codd, etc). Learn a server database like SQL Server. Learn VBA at the least, if not VB. Learn enterprise development concepts.

Finding a partner who is more outgoing is not a bad idea if you know someone you can work with. Partnerships are like marriages.

Good luck!