Product 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.
From the Author
"Refreshingly irreverent and lucidly written..."
In his endorsement of Consulting For Dummies, James H. Kennedy -- the father of modern consulting -- had this to say: "Refreshingly irreverent and lucidly written...go for it whether you're a wannabe or an old pro!"
When Bob Nelson and I wrote this book, we started with the idea that <anyone> can be a consultant. Everyone has a skill or talent that can be turned into a fun (and lucrative) part-time or even full-time career. You can be your own boss and write your own paycheck. You simply have to believe in yourself -- and apply the skills that we describe in our book.
Consulting is one of the fastest growing and most lucrative professions today. Whether the reason is corporate downsizing, uncertain employment futures, or a desire to run their own companies, millions of people are now making a living as consultants.
Whether you're new to consulting, or you're a seasoned veteran, Consulting For Dummies is loaded with tips for building client lists, making presentations, obtaining referrals, developing a marketing strategy, running your consulting business, and much, much more. Without a doubt, Consulting For Dummies is the most comprehensive guide to consulting on the market today!
Bob and I really enjoyed writing Consulting For Dummies. We hope you enjoy reading it just as much!
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