Getting started in consulting can be a tricky prospect. How much should you charge? What type of language should exist in the contract? How can you find clients? Written by a veteran consultant with hundreds of consulting engagements to his credit, "How to Make it Big as a Consultant" is filled with detailed advice on every aspect of starting up and maintaining a highly lucrative consulting career. The book helps readers: - get a handle on the legal, tax, and insurance issues involved in setting up and running the business - understand what clients really need - create the structure for an assignment (proposals, pricing, contracts, scheduling) - market the business - solve clients' problems using the Harvard Case Study Method Completely updated and revised throughout, the fourth edition features new chapters on developing strategies for clients, leading consulting teams, and more. This trusted guidebook will help any aspiring reader become the kind of outstanding consultant that clients will turn to again and again.

Does your organization need to reduce costs, increase profitability, improve productivity, and simplify its operational complexity? Whether in times of bounty or times of belt tightening, successful organizations are constantly looking for ways to maximize efficiencies. The Executives Guide to Cost Optimization provides a detailed overview of the steps your organization can execute to optimize existing practices alleviating the need for high cost consultants and engaging in expensive project implementations. The authors have compressed over 30 years of successful executive and management consulting experience into an easy-to-follow guide. Their trade secrets are revealed in this practical guide that empowers you to add value to your bottom line. Cost Optimization will transform the CFO into a genius, the CIO into a wizard of technology, the COO into a master of production, thereby, raising the overall effectiveness of the CEO. This useful book contains something helpful for every executive in your organization. The Executives Guide to Cost Optimization offers focused, actionable guidance to executives looking for ways to extract more out of their current resources. This is achieved by understanding the keys to success outlined in informational roadmaps covering the following top eight areas for cost optimization: 1. Application Rationalization 2. Enterprise Performance Management 3. Green IT Management 4. Internet Marketing 5. Process Optimization 6. Project Governance 7. Strategic Sourcing 8. Virtualization - Authors, Venae Sears-Ellis and Nicole Smith, VeNi Consulting - www.veniconsulting.com

A volume in Research in Management Consulting Series Editor Anthony F. Buono, Bentley College Boards and Management Consultants, the eighth volume in the Research in Management Consulting series, explores the growing complexity associated with the growing demands on boards of directors and the challenges raised by evolving expectations of what constitutes ""good"" governance. As a way of better understanding the ramifications for management consulting, particular-and timely-emphasis is placed on the evolution of expectations and needs in relation to boards and their operation. The chapter authors, as noted above a truly international group of experts, more than succeed in raising the reader's awareness of the consequences that the evolving nature of corporate boards are having on the function of directors, how this function is being redefined by the players themselves-and what all of this change means for consultants and the realm of management consulting. Significant questions are raised and explored throughout the volume, from the extent to which these changes will lead to new social, moral, ethical, and professional challenges and opportunities, to how the relationships between consultants and their traditional clients-managers, administrators and employees-might evolve. As management consultants become more actively involved in governance issues, their role will clearly change, but will such changes enhance or constrain the role they have traditionally played in organizations?

The Definitive Guide is a practical guide to the real world of Business Cases. Its focus are the necessities of building actual Business Cases, yet without cutting short on the theoretical background as far as it is needed. The described Business Case methodology is beneficial for case builders and decision-makers and assumes no prior background in finance or business planning.For more than 15 years, Solution Matrix has helped thousands of business professionals in organizations like BMW, Cisco Systems Inc., Ericsson, SAP, and Siemens to understand the essentials of a Business Case and deliver Business Case results that score high in credibility, accuracy, and practical value. This book enables you to profit from their experience and specific Business Case method to get your budget approved.The Definitive Guide has various advantages: - 30 Case Studies from 10 different industries are enclosed- The comprehensible method is applicable to any project- A free 140 Days Trial Version of Crystal Ball(c) Oracle worth $360 is included- You can start building your Business Case immediately, while reading the book- It is an introduction for Business Case beginners and a handbook for those more experienced in building Business CasesAfter having read the book you will know: - the essentials of a strong Business Case- how to prepare a Business Case scientifically- how to calculate the Return on Investment (ROI) and other financial metrics- how to measure even soft benefits of your project in monetary terms- how to validate your results statistically- how to present the Business Case convincingly to the decision-makersContent: By offering an easy example of an actual Business Case throughout, the book ensures that all parts of the method are understood profoundly. The book covers the entire process of building a solid Business Case step by step.Part I - Influence Matrix: A tool for reducing the project's complexity while grasping the most important components of the entire project in respect to the outcome which is to be measured: How to capture any complex project completely and yet structured enough so that the entire Business Case is valid, verifiable, and convincing.Part II - Financial Model: The "core" of the Business Case is about more than just filling in the right numbers. How to build a structured financial model based on the Influence Matrix? How to structure it? Which data to use? From whom is data to be obtained in which form? How to fill it into the financial model?Part III - Risk- and Sensitivity Analysis: Validating the numbers statistically is the key to a sound Business Case. Basic statistical knowledge that is necessary for building and interpreting a solid Business Case is given. What is the difference between risk and sensitivity analysis? How to run a risk and sensitivity analysis? How to interpret it?The appendix includes a library of 30 Influence Matrices from 10 different industries. They offer direct practical guidance to similar projects you might be working on.The 140 day trial version of Crystal Ball(c) Oracle which is needed for a substantial risk and sensitivity analysis allows you to complete your solid Business Case right away.An extensive index makes this book not only a practical handbook for Business Case beginners but also for those who are already very experienced and wish to use it for checking specific details only.Our companion publication, Building Return on Investment (ROI) and Business Case Analysis Video Training on DVD, provides a practical, step by step DVD training for Business Case builders and their organizati

People who strive to set things in motion within corporations and organizations, be it as managers or consultants, encounter stubborn resistance. Even though new strategies have been adopted, the desired changes do not materialize. A reorganization that was intended to finally produce clarity, creates only a new round of confusion. Wolfgang Schnelle, co-founder of the consulting firm Metaplan, learned from four decades of experience in the field that it pays to think of organizations and strategy within the context of opinions, interests, and power and trust relationships. His approach draws on organizational sociology and helps to shed light on the diverse realities of the players involved. If anything is to be accomplished, these realities must be moved toward convergence. Organizational and strategy consultants using a discursive approach think of themselves as leaders of processes that create shared understanding. This approach allows them to spot resistance early and overcome it through argumentation and discourse. New and often surprising opportunities for action emerge. The new concepts can then be implemented faster, because thought processes have taken place in the minds of those who will subsequently perform the actions.

If you've been searching for the key that unlocks the hidden money in your business, then you've picked up the right book at the right time. Here's why. In The Great Business Shape-Up Murray Priestley proves once and for all that the true value in your business begins with you and the way you think. Murray's practical style takes you on a journey. giving you the keys to building tremendous value into your business and creating a much more rewarding lifestyle. Are you ready to start thinking like an investor when it comes to your business? The Great Business Shape-Up takes thought provoking ideas and lessons from both successful and turnaround situations and boils them down to easy practical steps you can implement in your own business. Discover. The 4 easy steps to growing your business The first thing you must do to build a business worth selling The 5-step plan that clarifies your thinking and gives you laser focus making it easy to get what you want The biggest obstacle standing between you, your business and cashing out for a large multiple 10 Simple strategies to boost the value of your business And much more Murray Priestley brings out the power within you to change your life and business and place you firmly on the path to maximum profits.

This book examines the consultative process and what makes it effective when consulting to managers at institutions of higher education. Three case studies highlight issues, problems and solutions involving consulting firms and institutions of higher education that worked together during their consulting engagement. The cases allowed for the investigation and evaluation of the similarities and differences from one consulting engagement to another and one institutional experience to another. The results show that consultants and clients have a variety of perspectives, objectives, and expectations that must be considered to ensure the success of the engagement, and that consulting to institutions of higher education is a unique and at times complex process. The findings inform and recommend consulting strategies for effectively working with institutions of higher education.

Dr. McCollum does an excellent job of delineating the major theories of organizational development with an emphasis on the strengths and weaknesses of these theories relative to change management and transformation.--Dr. Raghu Korrapati, editor-in-chief of the "International Journal of Applied Management and Technology."

Success as a consultant is not the result of spontaneous combustion. It takes hard work, dedication, and perseverance. "Successful Consulting: Mastering the Five Challenges that can Make or Break you as an Independent Consultant" is the fuel to get aspiring and struggling consultants fired up and on their way to success.

Authors and consultants Fred and Peggy Fisher detail five critical challenges that need to be conquered in order to build a successful consulting business. They include the following:

Personal and professional readiness factors The financial reality of selling your skills and knowledge one day at a time Putting together a successful marketing and business development plan Honing a wide range of interpersonal, group, and technical communication skills Building sustainable client relationshipsUsing their unique experiences in the profession, Fred and Peggy guide you through the process step-by-step. "Successful Consulting: Mastering the Five Challenges that can Make or Break you as an Independent Consultant" will help you discover your potential and tap your inner consultant. Don't wait another moment-achieve your consulting dreams today!

What do cockroaches, Gollum, Star Trek, and Descartes have in common? They are all used in these stories drawn from the life and experience of the author and turned into life lessons for all of us.

Follow these short columns from intro to story to application in just a few pages and you will learn something about yourself and the world we all live in.

This must-have handbook, by an image veteran, gives tried and tested secrets and well-honed tips to develop a successful image business. The book combines short articles, quotes and words of marketing wisdom for an easy, fun and fascinating roadmap to success.

"Getting Results From Your Analyst Relations Strategies" takes the many myths and half-truths surrounding industry analysts and exposes them through real-world examples. Louis Columbus' eighteen years of IT experience and over three years as an industry analyst translates into valuable advice for anyone looking to make the most of their investment in industry analysts.

"Getting Results From Your Analyst Relations Strategies" covers: Best and worst practices in analyst relations.Answers the question: Are Analysts Ethical?Building analyst relationships that deliver sales results.Defining an analyst relations strategy that delivers solid ROI.Why Public Relations and Analyst Relations are widely different.

"Getting Results From Your Analyst Relations Strategies" exposes the many worst practices companies make when trying to get analysts onboard with their vision and plans.

Who holds the upper hand when a company considers investing millions of dollars in a hot sponsorship property? All too often, sponsors find themselves considering what look like "take it or leave it" deals with little or no guarantee of a return on their investment. "Sponsorship's Holy Grail" levels the playing field for sponsors by providing an objective, step-by-step, process-driven methodology that assures that the relationship will deliver measurable results.

Whether considering a new sponsorship opportunity, monitoring performance of an existing relationship or entering into negotiations for renewal, "Sponsorship's Holy Grail" puts the prospective sponsor in an unprecedented position of strength.

Learn to negotiate based on business goals. Obtain the most essential sponsorship benefits without paying for unproductive frills. Compare opportunities with confidence. Best of all, be confident and prepared when the chairman calls to find out what the company is getting for its money. A ballplayer wouldn't think of stepping up to home plate without a bat in his hands. After reading "Sponsorship's Holy Grail," corporate decision-makers will be ready to knock their next sponsorship deal out of the park.

This book is a quick "how to" get your business and your thinking on the right track as it relates to making your business more profitable, more successful and of course, more organized. It's a quick easy read that will help you start thinking about the many ways to transform your business into a more profitable, lean business that is easy to operate and more fun to be in.

In this witty, eye-opening guide, Certified Financial Planner and Chartered Mutual Fund Counselor Rick Johnson shares his no-holds-barred approach to investing. Drawing on more than twenty years of experience in financial services, he shows hard-working Americans how to design successful investment portfolios and build financial strategies that are fully aligned with their personal values and life goals. plenty of practical advice and relevant, real-world techniques and secrets for: them) goals and accounting for future contributions, expenditures, and withdrawal needs

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.

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.

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.