They could purchase their own computers, access the same kind of information and produce similar output to the big guys. An employee generally works on a regular basis providing services to one person or organization, in return for a fixed amount of money provided at regular intervals. A consultant is an independent contractor who generally works for a number of organizations, often at the same time, and is compensated by each on an hourly, daily, project or contract basis according to the type or amount of advice, knowledge, ideas or services provided. Those are the technical definitions. Consultants occasionally work at client premises, but head office is their own office.
Consultants establish their own style of work.
Consultants set their own hours. Consultants work with an ever-changing roster of clients, colleagues and suppliers. And then there's the difference in financial responsibilities. Consultants also have different relationships with their business colleagues. Their relationship is not one of superior and subordinate, but of equals.