Book Description
Men and women from all walks of life with all manner of experience and expectations have reasons for becoming independent consultants. Some are leveraging their knowledge to help their clients, and others are simply tired of working for someone else. Still others are looking for a way to make some extra money. The new model for modern-day business calls for skilled workers who can be brought into an organization on short notice, fix a problem, and then move on to another organization in need.

Consulting For Dummies hits home with both new and experienced consultants, and consultants-to-be. New consultants and aspiring consultants can find everything that they need to know to be successful and as widely sought as their wildest imaginings. Experienced consultants can enjoy reason to shift their perspectives and take a fresh look at their philosophies and techniques – what’s working for them and what’s not. Whether you're a novice or a practiced professional, this indispensable guide can help you Figure out the value you can bring to clients Promote your skills and services Put together proposals that yield results and returns Build productive relationships with your customers Do the kind of job that makes it easy to ask for testimonials and referrals

To be a successful consultant, you have to develop a variety of key skills. Consulting For Dummies walks you through ways to build a thriving consultant practice, including the business of Making the most of your research and reporting time Communicating confidently and completely via different media Negotiating and drafting contracts Holding client meetings and giving presentations Billing for your services and paying your bills Using the latest technology to your advantage

Consultants – especially ones who are just learning the ropes – are often at a loss as to what they need to do and when they need to do it. Featuring advice gathered from interviews with consultants in various fields and areas of expertise, Consulting For Dummies is your trusted friend in the business of being in business for yourself.


Book Info
Shows you how to: Assess your skills, abilities, and areas of consulting expertise, Collect data, analyze research and provide your clients with valuable feedback, Build your business through client referrals and new client contracts and more. Paper.


From the Back Cover
"Go for it — whether you're a wannabe or an old pro!" James H. Kennedy, Founder, Consultants News Praise for Consulting For Dummies® "Crammed with practical, proven tips and techniques to attract clients." — Bradley Zehner II, Ph.D., Professor, Pepperdine University, and Founder, Zetec, Strategy Marketing and Consulting "Provides easily digestible sound bites on popular management topics. It's good for new managers and as a refresher." — Computerworld Magazine Includes road-tested tips and strategies for consulting success Find out how to promote yourself and attract clients Downsized? Rightsized? Reengineered? Regardless of your situation, you're ready for your own gig. And this friendly guide can get you there with tips to help you maximize your time and communicate effectively. So, whether you're a novice looking for your first client or an experienced consultant searching for new techniques, you'll find the answers here! Discover how to: Determine what you're worth Promote yourself Write proposals that get results Anticipate your clients' needs Keep in touch with clients Ask for testimonials and referrals Get smart! www.dummies.com Register to win cool prizes Browse exclusive articles and excerpts Get a free Dummies Daily™ e-mail newsletter Chat with authors and preview other books Talk to us, ask questions, get answers


About the Author
Bob Nelson, founder of Nelson Motivation, Inc., has published 17 books on business and management. Peter Economy, a business consultant, has authored numerous books and articles on business topics.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Have you always wanted to be your own boss? Do you possess a skill or area of expertise that may be valuable to other businesses around the world? If you're ready to test your entrepreneurial spirit by starting your own consulting business but aren't sure where to start -- Consulting For Dummies has the answers.

Filled with plenty of hands-on tips, techniques, and practical advice, this book will show you how to turn your dreams into a profitable and rewarding consulting business!

Inside, you'll discover how to Assess your skills, abilities, and area of consulting expertise Polish your problem-solving and proposal-writing skills Collect data, analyze research, and provide your clients with valuable feedback Develop recommendations, present them with confidence, and assist with the implementation Deal with all the logistics of setting up your home office, establishing fees, and drafting contracts Build your business through client referrals and new client contacts Stay one step ahead of your competition with the latest trends in technology

SYNOPSIS

Have you always wanted to be your own boss? Do you possess a skill or area of expertise that may be valuable to other businesses around the world? If you're ready to test your entrepreneurial spirit by starting your own consulting business but aren't sure where to start — Consulting For Dummies has the answers.

Filled with plenty of hands-on tips, techniques, and practical advice, this book will show you how to turn your dreams into a profitable and rewarding consulting business!