This is a "play book" or guide on how to become a successful consultant. It is intended to help those considering a career change into the consulting field to make the leap in an informed, planned, and effective manner. It is also intended for people who are already practicing consultants to sharpen their skills, focus on developing those things that "work" and eliminating the many barriers to success. The book is content-rich in terms of specific suggestions, tools, techniques, and approaches that have proven to be successful in real-life situations.

Image Consulting has been identified as one of the top home-based professions for the new millennium. This is the first book that outlines in detail how to design an image consulting business, the training you will need and how to market and promote your services. Also included is a section on resources, sample documents, media lists and consulting tools and training. This is a MUST HAVE if you want to start a successful image business.

In this comprehensive, step-by-step guide, author Sandy Bradley draws on her many years of experience as an organizer and auctioneer for nonprofits and arts organizations. Learn how to
- determine what kind of event is best for your organization
- find an ideal location
- hire an effective auctioneer
- develop a strategy to get your supporters to attend
- solicit donations of good and services to sell
- generate a catalog and bid sheets
- train volunteers so the event will run smoothly
- set up your event for maximum profits
- wrap up for guaranteed success at your next auction

Are employee attitudes correlated with financial success? Unequivocally yes! according to consultant and bestselling author David H. Maister. Based on a worldwide survey of 139 offices in 29 professional service firms in numerous lines of business, Maister proves that companies perceived by their employees to practice what they preach in matters of client commitment, teamwork, high standards, and employee development are more successful than their competitors. Put simply, employee dedication causes improved financial performance.

Through in-depth interviews, Maister explores the crucial role of the individual manager in promoting high morale among employees. Practice What You Preach boasts specific action recommendations from the managers of these "superstar" businesses on how to build an energized workplace, enforce standards of excellence, develop people, and have fun -- all in the name of profit. As a result, Practice What You Preach can help any manager increase profitability, and provides proof that great financial rewards come from living up to the standards that most businesses advocate, but few achieve.

The Consultants Big Book of Organization Development Tools provides consultants with tools, interventions, and activities they can use to solve individual, team, and organizational performance problems.

This book offers incredible value for the consultant looking to use structured interventions as a vital part of the consultation approach. Many of the tools consist of a simulation or other structured activity consultants can use with leaders in the client organization to address the soft issues in a nonthreatening way. And most include downloadable, customizable handouts that they can freely reproduce and use with clients.

In The Philosophic Consultant, acclaimed business consultant, philosopher, and author Peter Koestenbaum links deep insights of philosophy with practical business issues. Throughout this one-of-a-kind resource, Koestenbaum shows consultants and human resource practitioners how they can foster philosophical leadership within their organizations to positively affect the business environment. The book promises tangible results— credibility, trust, and thoughtful attention— and demonstrates how to apply philosophy, share knowledge with others, and use this newfound thoughtfulness to achieve bottom-line results.

Since SAP R/3 exploded on the North American scene in 1993, the SAP consulting market has been phenomenal. As the market moves into a mature phase, SAP consultants need new strategies and tactics to further their careers. In this eagerly-awaited handbook, the authors - an SAP practice director and an SAP recruiter - combine forces to offer in-depth advice on everything from how to get a start in SAP consulting to balancing multiple job offers. This book is a must for anyone involved in the field of SAP consulting.

Finally, the real story about corporate America with its increased reliance on consultants. Since the 1990s, consulting solutions have become the de facto standard for solving business problems and providing cover for corporate decision makers. This is not the typical CEO whitewash, or business management primer. Steve Romaine offers a view never before shared with management or stockholders as he takes a hired gun's journey beginning at the outside looking in, and ending at the pinnacle of a corporation's power.

As both a manager and a consultant who has played a critical role in some of the largest corporations, Romaine provides real-world insights that will increase the effectiveness of corporate leaders in hiring and managing outside experts, and will show them ways to maintain the loyalty of their employees while providing incentives for better consultant collaboration with employees. Most important, he highlights a growing problem and helps managers avoid it in the future: "Manage them, or they will manage you."

Romaine provides many insights into the complex manager-consultant relationship based on his experience of working for IBM, his later role as a self-employed consultant, and finally his responsibilities as senior vice president for NationsBank, as it positioned itself for the takeover of Bank of America, becoming one of the largest and most powerful financial institutions in the United States. This book is a must for anyone involved with the consulting business.

The eConsultant--written by bestselling author of the foundation text in IT consulting, The IT Consultant--is a hands-on guide for enhancing your consulting skills and helping your clients create successful strategies for the Network Economy. Freedman works with consulting companies and clients around the world, helping them prepare their businesses to win on the Web, and The eConsultant brings you the best of this extensive real-world experience. You'll learn lessons from the champions on the Internet, and discover how to help clients avoid the errors of the Internet "gold-rush." You'll read in-depth interviews with thought leaders of the Network Economy, including leading venture capitalists, eConsultants, and IT analysts. The eConsultant provides a complete course in the theory and practice of guiding clients to success in the next phase of the Internet revolution.

"Internet consulting is a broad and complex topic, and Freedman has done a great job of covering the range of strategic issues consultants must deal with. Rick has written another valuable book that belongs on every IT consultant's bookshelf."
--Larry Tanning, president, and CEO, Tanning Technology Corporation

A collection of papers exploring the development of knowledge and value in management consulting. The papers are divided into three sections on: the management consulting industry; trends and techniques in management consulting; and reflections on management consulting.

A study of trends in management consulting at the beginning of the new millennium. The contributions are divided into three sections addressing: the consulting industry; trends and techniques in management consulting; and reflections on management consulting.

ADVANCE PRAISE FOR Grantseeker's Toolkit.

"For most worthy nonprofits to fulfill their missions, passion and dedication are simply not enough. Securing financial resources requires that 'the case' for support be made in a clear and persuasive fashion. Beyond their skill in winning grants, New and Quick also know how to effectively coach others, in a conversational, step-by-step manner, to do the same!"—Dr. Janice B. Yost President Mary Black Foundation, Inc.

"Grantseeker's Toolkit is an outstanding and comprehensive reference document for the grantseeker and writer. Cheryl and James have created a valuable resource for both the novice and the experienced grantseeker/writer."—Marlene L. Ritter Unit Head, Leadership Development Office of Quality Educators Louisiana Department of Education.

"Grantseeker's Toolkit is a breath of fresh air. This book should provide a recipe for community-based organizations and small universities that have spent thousands of dollars hiring writers to develop proposals. Several copies of this book should be on file in the business or grants office of every community-based organization and community college or university. Cheryl and Jim should be commended for developing this tool."—Arlene A. Granderson, M.P.H. Director of Operations, Office of Rural Health Policy Department of Health and Human Services, Rockville, MD.

"Grantseeker's Toolkit is a very valuable resource on the complex process of grant development. It will be useful for all grantseeking groups or individuals. Mr. Quick and Ms. New's advice and direction is useful across the full range of grant proposal development, from the simplest grants to the most complex."—Geraldine Ritter Director, Grants Administration Wake County Public School System, North Carolina.

ON THE DISK The enclosed disk contains forms and exercises that help you develop the skills you need to design grant proposals customized to fit both your organization's needs and your potential funder's requirements.

This guide describes and evaluates consulting from a client's perspective, placing stress on principles and practices that make the difference between effective and wasteful consulting projects. It should be useful for managers and entrepreneurs, as well as for consultants who wish to better understand their client's needs. Milan Kubr is the author of "Management Consulting: A Guide to the Profession".

"Armed with this invaluable book and a bit of perseverance, you will be well on your way to tapping into available sources." —Joan Hamburg

Laurie Blum knows everything there is to know about the five billion dollars in grant monies available to finance a wide array of ideas and projects. With clear explanations and proven strategies for success, her indispensable guide will help you develop a game plan to get the grant you need. Here's where you'll find complete details on:

• Shaping your idea to attract funding.
• Preparing your funding campaign—from research and organization to budgeting and marketing.
• Finding the right resource—building a prospect list, using basic references, and keeping data sheets.
• Writing your proposal.
• Following up on responses—what to do if you receive a grant and what steps to take if your request is turned down.

Susan Golden provides not just another book on proposal writing, but one which provides a realistic view of proposal writing with practical step-by-step guidance towards success -- useful for both novice and experienced grantwriters.
?Patricia F. Lewis, ACFR, president and CEO, National Society of Fund Raising Executives

Drawing on more than 20 years of experience with more than 100 organizations, Golden arms fundraisers with the grantsmanship skills they need to successfully navigate the grantmaking process. From conducting effective prospect research and making initial conversations count to preparing, submitting, and following up on grant proposals, Susan Golden offers a focused, step-by-step method for reliably achieving success in any fund raising activity.

All new resources ... 24 activities, 6 instruments, 18 presentation and discussion resources
* Resources?Experiential learning activities, instruments, and presentation and discussion resources covering a variety of topics. And all can be customized for your specific needs.
* Contributors?All materials are written by active HRD practitioners. And just like you, they are consultants, university professors, and private industry professionals. You get a variety of perspectives from well-known and up-and-coming professionals from all over the world!
* Topics?You get materials for a variety of needs, from team building to improving processes to implementing organizational change.

Be prepared for the new training year with this must-have resource?exclusively from Pfeiffer!

Build a thriving business while holding down a full-time job.

Do you yearn to strike out on your own, take charge of your destiny, and create a better, more independent lifestyle for yourself? Read this book and learn how to start your consulting business while you still have the security of a regular job.

Consulting on the Side is for the professional who longs for independence but can't simply walk away from a steady paycheck and company health benefits. Successful consultant and business author Mary F. Cook shows you how to build a thriving consulting practice gradually, without leaving your full-time job. Drawing upon her own experiences and those of others who established successful consulting practices on the side, she covers all the bases and offers sound, practical advice on everything from logistics to finances, ethics to personal issues. You'll learn how to:

• Build a healthy client base while working a 9-to-5 job
• Market your services effectively without spending a fortune
• Respond to outside clients while staying productive at your current job
• Set fees and negotiate contracts
• Handle non-compete agreements and conflict-of-interest issues
• Develop an accounting/financial system that keeps your personal and business finances separate
• Set up and run a home office
• Learn to handle the stress of working two jobs
• Know when the time is right to quit your job and become a full-time consultant

Consulting on the Side helps you realize your dreams of financial independence without gambling with the job security you've worked so hard for.

Erfolgreiche Beratungsprojekte sollten die Regel sein - dieses Buch zeigt den Weg dazu auf. Die Implementierung einer Consulting Governance liefert die Grundlagen, um nachhaltig erfolgreiche Projekte zu ermoeglichen - fur Berater und deren Kunden. Die Elemente, Strukturen und Prozesse von Governance in Beratungsprojekten werden systematisch und praxisbezogen begrundet. Adaptierbare Frameworks, Referenzmodelle und Fallstudien unterstutzen den Transfer in die Praxis. Chancen, Risiken sowie ein Blick in die Zukunft von Consulting Governance verdeutlichen ihr Potenzial. Eine Checkliste der notwendigen Schritte zur Implementierung einer eigenen Consulting Governance rundet das Werk ab. Das Buch richtet sich an Berater, Coaches, Trainer und Mediatoren sowie Fuhrungskrafte und Projektleiter, die fur die Durchfuhrung von Beratungsprojekten verantwortlich sind.

At last, a complete business plan guide just for independent consultants!

. . . And who better to write it than North America's #1 bestselling author on consulting?

Unlike most general business plan books that focus on raising capital and applying for loans, this unique do-it-yourself guide concentrates on defining services and products. Written by Herman Holtz, the nation's leading expert on making it as an independent consultant, it tells you everything you need to know to develop a realistic, workable business plan that prepares you for any contingency and helps guide your day-to-day decision making as your business flourishes and grows. Numerous illustrations and worksheets guide your every step and save you the drudgery of starting from scratch. From mission statements and start-up decisions to identifying clients and products, from marketing plans and rate structures to prospects for diversification and income projections, this book covers all business planning topics of crucial concern to consultants, including:

• Gathering data for your plan
• Working up a general outline
• Defining your products or services
• Market research and sales strategies
• Rate structures and income projections
• Worksheets to help you create objectives and set goals
• Sample business plan

Gib deinen Mitarbeitern Tatigkeiten, die sie gerne tun und verhilf ihnen zu Jobgluck - und sie werden dich glucklich und erfolgreich machen. Dieser Ratgeber zeigt auf, wie die Steigerung des Jobglucks anderer der eigenen Karriere dienen kann. Die dargestellten Wirkmechanismen basieren auf aktuellen wissenschaftlichen Erkenntnissen aus der Neuropsychologie, Neurobiologie, Positiven Psychologie und angrenzenden Disziplinen, sowie auf zahlreiche lebenspraktischen Fallbeispielen. Sehen Sie selbst, wie sich Erfolg einstellt, wenn eine Fuhrungskraft das Jobgluck ihrer Mitarbeiter tatsachlich in den Vordergrund ihrer Betrachtung stellt. Erfahren Sie, welchen fundamentalen Einfluss die Zufriedenheit der Mitarbeiter auf den Erfolg hat und wie sie in Zukunft ein Generalschlussel fur Erfolg sein kann. Erkennen Sie, warum die Haltung der Fuhrungskraft der essenzielle Schlussel zum Jobgluck des Mitarbeiters ist. Dazu stellt der Ratgeber, der auch als Haltungsentwickler bezeichnet werden kann, das Bild von Fred, einem exemplarischen Mitarbeiter vor, mit dessen Hilfe der Leser versteht, dass das Jobgluck seines Mitarbeiters eine hoechst individuelle und besonders sensibel zu behandelnde Variable ist. Er verdeutlicht, welche Faktoren positiv oder auch stoerend auf das Mitarbeitergluck einwirken und wie das Fuhrungsverhalten angepasst werden kann. Die anschaulich prasentierten, lebensnahen Beispiele aus dem Arbeitsalltag mit glucklich-erfolgreicher Fuhrung ranken sich um samtliche Lebensphasen eines Mitarbeiters im Unternehmen, vom Bewerbungsgesprach bis zur Beendigung der Zusammenarbeit. Zielgruppen: Alle an Fuhrung und Jobgluck Interessierten, sowie alle Fuhrungsverantwortliche. Zum Autor: Dipl. Kfm. Dr. phil. Achim Pothmann ist Speaker und Berater und begeistert seine Zuhoerer und Kunden fur eine neue Art der (Zusammen-)Arbeit.