Seven C's of Consulting [Paperback]

During 15 years as a business consultant, Mick Cope developed a structured yet flexible framework for action that he believes will benefit others likewise "employed to help solve a problem for someone else." In The Seven Cs of Consulting, he lays it out in a way that should prove useful to beginners as well as the more experienced. Everything is oriented toward gaining control of a project from beginning to end while delivering consistent results that can be comparatively measured and continually advanced. Focusing on method, not people, the book spans the entire event from "meeting the client to closing the contract and saying goodbye." Its primary themes are grouped under alliteratively dubbed and clearly defined taglines like Clarify, Create, Change, and Continue. In the Client section, for example, it addresses orientation (when "how they make sense of the world" must be assessed and processed) through contract negotiation (which, hopefully, leaves everyone "genuinely happy"). Additionally, the Confirm section (for substantiating "that what was wanted has actually been delivered"), the Close section (for ensuring "that the change finishes with style and grace"), and the others all include step-by-step recommendations that can easily be adapted to different situations. --Howard Rothman

"It is a significant body of work and wide-ranging and detailed treatment.  I am also impressed with the way that is seeks to pull together a variety of different strands of theoretical thought into a coherenet model with practical application."- Mike Mister, Ernst & Young "I have been in consulting for many years and read many books, but this is the one I wish I read years before the others."- Pam North, Independent Consultant "This book is essential for anyone interested in consulting. It is jam packed with all the things I know but sometimes forget and a whole lot more besides."- Angela Barst, Phoenix Training "A very rich, diverse source of informative consultancy approached whose power lies in being grounded in everyday reality and spiced with humour and common sense."- Ray Taylor, Changing Landscapes "A companion that takes you by the hand and leads you in a simply way through the complexitities of consulting."- Doug Odgers, Fellow of the Institute of Professional Sales "I would recommend this book to any consultant starting in the business along with the most experienced consultant as a reference."- Edward M Kohl, BCM Consulting "Excellent navigation for the consultant's journey."- Michael Wright, Institute of Management Consultants "A fresh and challenging look at the nitty gritty of a difficult profession. Full of good ideas."- Bob Dixon, Consultant  

For any consultant aiming to survive and grow in this complex world, they need to have a clear and concise change model to hand, one that can guarentee delivery of a wide range of change projects. Based around the author's 7C's model (Client, Clarify, Create, Change, Confirm, Continue, Close), this book offers both budding and experienced consultants a solid and robust framework to enhance their ability to manage any consultancy assignment.  - from understanding the client's needs, through to successful assignment completion and developing new business out of that success. With the help of the crib notes on the pull-out back pocket guide, the 7 C's model will show you how to improve your professionalism, and deliver clear and demonstrable results to clients, bringing them back for more.

Mick Cope has been a consultant for 15 years, working in the field of buisness transformation.  He has managed both front and back office activities across in-house and commercial organizational development programmes, including systems integration, strategy, development, project management, change management, total quality, ISO 9000, process management, Investors in People, European Quality Award, Stephen Covey Seven Habits and a wide range of personal development programmes.