You are not signed in. Sign in.

List Books: Buy books on ListBooks.org

Getting Started in Consulting »

Book cover image of Getting Started in Consulting by Alan Weiss

Authors: Alan Weiss, Weiss
ISBN-13: 9780470419809, ISBN-10: 0470419806
Format: Paperback
Publisher: Wiley, John & Sons, Incorporated
Date Published: March 2009
Edition: (Non-applicable)

Find Best Prices for This Book »

Author Biography: Alan Weiss

Alan weiss is a consultant, speaker, and bestselling author. His firm, Summit Consulting Group, Inc., has consulted with such clients as Merck, Hewlett-Packard, GE, and Mercedes-Benz, among many others. His thirty other books include the bestseller Million Dollar Consulting. For more information, contact him at his blog, www.contrarianconsulting.com, or Web site, www.summitconsulting.com.

Book Synopsis

Declare your independence with the new, completely updated Second Edition of Getting Started in Consulting

Consulting is big business these days. And with more companies outsourcing more functions and a growing population of professionals pursuing the dream of self-employment, it’s a field that will only continue to grow. This book provides all the information you need to start your own consulting practice.

This revised edition of Getting Started in Consulting offers focused, practical guidance on starting a consulting business, and shows how low overhead and a high degree of organization can add up to a six-figure income. Revised for 2004, this edition includes a new chapter on getting started even quicker, and presents the latest advice on networking and getting the most out of technology. Packed with helpful charts and tables, this expert guide also covers:

  • How to finance a consulting practice
  • Marketing consulting services to corporate clients
  • Writing proposals that sell
  • Legal requirements for consulting practices
  • Setting fees, billing, bookkeeping, and more

Whether you’re a retired professional seeking a second career or a corporate consultant ready to get out on your own; whether you want to build a part-time or full-time consultancy, Getting Started in Consulting, Second Edition is an invaluable resource for making your dream of professional independence come true.

Table of Contents

Introduction to the Second Edition
Acknowledgments
About the Author
Ch. 1Establishing Goals and Expectations: You Will Be What You Decide to Be, Nothing Less, Nothing More1
Ch. 2Physical Space and Environmental Needs: Act Like You Have a Business and You'll Have One23
Ch. 3Sorting Out the Legal, Financial, and Administrative: First, Let's Kill All the Lawyers47
Ch. 4Fundamental Marketing: Creating a Gravity for Your Business71
Ch. 5Advanced Marketing: Creating a Brand95
Ch. 6Initiating the Sales Process and Acquiring Business: Building Relationships117
Ch. 7Closing the Sale: How to Write Proposals and Cash Checks137
Ch. 8Establishing Fees: How to Make Them Beg to Pay You More165
Ch. 9Moving to the Next Level: How to Grow Your Business Dramatically187
Ch. 10What Do You Do with Success? How to Continue to Grow by Paying Back209
Ch. 11The Quick Start: How to Hit Consulting Ground Running at Full Speed231
App. ABusiness Plan to Attract Investment257
App. BSample "To Do" Lists259
App. COffice Equipment Recommendations261
App. DTrade Associations, Professional Groups, Publicity Sources264
App. ESample Biographical Sketch for a New Consultant267
App. FSample Position Paper: Accepting Equity for Your Services: Or Why the Craps Tables Suddenly Look Good269
App. GSources for Listings and Advertising275
App. HSample Magazine Inquiry Letter277
App. I101 Questions for Any Sales Situation You'll Ever Face279
Glossary291
Index295

Subjects