Getting laid off is scary. For consultants, sometimes it’s easy to see coming; after a certain amount of bench time, firms can no longer justify keeping someone on payroll if they’re not billable. Other times, a consultant can walk into the office the morning after wrapping up a project to find a surprise pink slip awaiting them. Regardless of the reason, a layoff can feel like a huge career setback. But that’s not always the case. In fact, getting laid off might be the push you need to really g...
Q1 is coming to a close and all those resolutions to be more organized and timely may be slipping past where you’re comfortable. With all the time in the world now, we can all afford to tighten up when it comes to our practice, here are a few areas of education and professional development that you can focus on to improve your consulting:
Think you found your perfect consultant match? Here’s 4 Q’s to ask before defining the relationship.When it comes to hiring a consultant, there is a lot at stake. Not only are you investing in the cost of their services, but what they tell you, and the insight they provides can dictate the future of your business as well. It only makes sense that before you commit you have a strong grasp on the services they can offer you and are able to verify they are going to be the right fit for the job. Ask...
Business consultants help organizations to solve issues, create value, maximize growth and improve business performance. Whether its in IT, finance, legal, or PR, they use their business skills to provide objective advice and expertise and help an organization to develop any specialist skills that it may be lacking.Consultants are primarily be concerned with the strategy, structure, management and operations of a company, working to identify options for the organization and suggest recommendatio...
5 Tips to Deal with Scope CreepIn the event that you’re building a consultancy practice, at some point you'll all around likely be working in a venture based condition – pitching for and leading hopefully long-term ventures. You have to truly sharpen your project management skills if you're going to make an accomplishment of it.Overseeing venture scope is one of those precarious issues that will in general keep consultants up at night. What's more, a key part of this is dealing with your client’...
3 Tools to Help Independent Consultants Step Up Their GameAs an Independent Consultant, you’ll find yourself working as mission critical client support. Organizations will hire you to gain perspective on the health of their business, likely expecting you to to deep dive into process or technological solutions at a granular level. Clients will also utilize you to supplement the talent required to build a highly efficient team that drives company initiatives beyond defined outcomes.With millions o...
A major part of standing out as an independent consultant is learning how to effectively market your services. Don’t waste your money on ineffective campaigns and expensive pay-per-click ads. Here are the steps to building a powerful and cost-conscious marketing plan:Map out your territory.We’ve said this before, but the foundation of your marketing plan as an independent consultant should always be a tailored definition of your area of expertise. Not only will this distinguish you from other co...
Learn How to be the Best Team Player in a Client Consultant RelationshipYou probably already know the root of every successful partnership is a foundation built on trust and respect. The interaction between client and consultant is no different. If you’re wondering how to make your relationships stronger in an effort to gain more clients and foster your business growth, look no further than adopting these three basic techniques.Treat Your Client as an IndividualAs an Independent, the work you de...