A classic revised and updated for the twenty-first-century consultant
Revised and updated for consulting in the twenty-first century, this new edition is for anyone who wants to know what consulting is really like as a career, as a living, and as a life. Geoffrey Bellman reveals how to make the job rewarding both financially and personally as he examines the practical issues of managing time, clients, and money as well as such broader concerns as how to balance work with family life. At once practical and personal, this book is for all types of consultants, all those who work with consultants, and all those who dream of being consultants.
Geoffrey M. Bellman (Seattle, WA) has consulted to organizations of all sizes, from the inside and outside, including numerous Fortune 500 companies. He is the author of several well-received books, including Getting Things Done When You’re Not in Charge the bestselling book that has sold more than 80,000 copies.

This book provides a new perspective on innovation in consultancy firms. Focusing on how consultancy firms can innovate in the modern era, it exposes and discusses key drivers for innovation in the industry. These are broken down into 5 dimensions - or 'Poles' - relating to forms of capital (human capital, social capital, and three types of organizational capital) that consultancy firms can use in order to innovate, both for themselves and for their clients. Readers of this book will not only gain insight into the "innovative consultancy" from the perspective of each of these Poles. They will also discover how consultancy firms need to find the right way of connecting these Poles together in order to produce the desired innovation. Readers will learn about the dangers of misaligning the Poles, as well as implications of innovative consultancy for ethics, academic research in the field of consultancy, and for careers. In addition to the academic literature, the book draws from real-world examples, cases and practice insights from various parts of the world. This book will be of great use to those interested in pursuing a career in the consultancy industry, whether they are undergraduate and postgraduate Business & Management students, students not necessarily studying in Business Schools, or others seeking a career move into consultancy. It will also be valuable to seasoned consultants and managers of consultancy firms seeking new ideas on how to develop innovative capabilities in an increasingly competitive industry.

The definitive guide to getting out of the office and getting into consulting Getting Started in Consulting, Fourth Edition is the acclaimed real-world blueprint to professional and financial freedom. For nearly two decades, this invaluable resource has helped thousands of people quit the daily grind and become their own boss. This practical and motivational guide provides the tools and knowledge to control your future and secure your fortune. From establishing goals and sorting out the legal and financial paperwork, to advanced marketing strategies and relationship building techniques, this indispensable book offers step-by-step instructions for you to establish and grow your own consultancy business. This extensively revised and updated fourth edition includes new and expanded coverage on topics including utilizing informal media, changes in legal and financial guidelines, key distinctions of wholesale and retail businesses, and much more. Author Alan Weiss delivers expert advice on how to combine minimal overhead with optimal organization to produce maximum income. Every step in the process is clearly explained, including financing, marketing, bookkeeping, establishing your fees, and more. This guide is a comprehensive, one-stop source for everything you need to prosper in the rapidly expanding world of private consultancy. Adopt a pragmatic and profitable strategy to achieve incredible results from your consultancy business Learn to identify and address the most commons issues facing your prospects and clients Leverage technology to reduce labor, maximize profitability, and increase discretionary time Access sample budgets, case studies, references and appendices, downloadable tools and forms, and online resources The modern business landscape presents unique opportunities for those willing to take the leap from corporate offices to home offices. Getting Started in Consulting, Fourth Edition is the must-have guide for anyone seeking to cut their own path to their own consulting business.

Grantwriters often have little or no training in the practical task of grantseeking. Many feel intimidated by the act of writing, and some don't enjoy writing. In Storytelling for Grantseekers, Second Edition, Cheryl Clarke presents an organic approach to grantseeking, one that views the process through the lens of the pleasures and rewards of crafting a good story. Grantseekers who approach the process as one in which they are connecting with an audience (grantmakers) and writing a narrative (complete with settings, characters, antagonists and resolutions) find greater success with funders. The writing process becomes a rewarding way to tell the organization's tale, rather than a chore, and their passion and creativity lead to winning proposals.
This book walks readers through all the main phases of the proposal, highlighting the creative elements that link components to each other and unify the entire proposal. The book contains resources on crafting an effective synopsis, overcoming grantwriter's block, packaging the story, and the best ways to approach the "short stories" (inquiry and cover letters) that support the larger proposal.
Clarke also stresses the need to see proposal-writing as part of a larger grantseeking effort, one that emphasizes preparation, working with the entire development staff, and maintaining good relations with funders. In Storytelling for Grantseekers, new and experienced grantseekers alike will discover how to write and support successful proposals with humor and passion.
New edition features:
* Overall updates as well as both refreshed and new examples
* Workshop exercises for using the storytelling approach
* New chapters onthe application of the storytelling method to other fundraising communications like appeal letters and case statements, as well as the importance of site visits
* Example of a full narrative proposal

""I wish this book had been available when I began my independent career. There's only one word for it - PRICELESS ""

-Shay McConnon, psychologist, trainer, coach, magician and mentor

""Grounded in common-sense and humour and very clear about what can send you off track."

- Norman Walker, former global head of Human Resources for Novartis, now an independent senior executive coach and consultant on leadership

"A"MUST read, for anyone thinking about life outside the organisation""

- Goran Hultin former Deputy Director General at the ILO (International Labour Office), now a successful independent consultant

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HOW TO WORK FOR YOURSELF AND MAKE IT WORK

Are you thinking of starting up on your own and working for yourself? Do you need to know the nuts and bolts of setting up; marketing yourself and prospecting for new business; keeping things running on a day-to-day basis? Have you already made the leap and want to get more work, new clients, higher fees? This practical, no-nonsense book pulls no punches and gives you all the guidance you need to set yourself up and get work in the first place, plus all the know-how you need to survive, prosper and expand once you're up and running.

See the book's website at www.pearson-books.com/startinguponyourownfor up-to-the minute financial and tax information for small businesses and the self-employed.

This book was previously known as "Smarter Consulting."

IF YOU NEVER WANT TO WORK FOR SOMEBODY ELSE AGAIN, YOU NEED "STARTING UP ON YOUR OWN "

Chances are that if you're looking at this book you are at least thinking about taking the big step of going it alone. Or you're already in business as an independent and you want to get better at it. Well, you've come to the right place. "Starting Up On Your Own" covers everything you need to get ready to work for yourself and, once you've taken the plunge, how to develop your business and stay the course.

If you're not already in business, the first step is to decide if this is the right path for you. To help you with this critical decision, this book takes you through the reality of what's involved and has a unique self-assessment quiz to help you check out your suitability for the independent working lifestyle.

You're probably an expert in your chosen field. That's great: you'll be selling your expertise. But when you're working for yourself you have to be good at a whole lot of other things too. "Starting Up On Your Own" covers everything you need to do to make money and survive as an independent.

* Where do I start?

* How should I market myself?

* How can I get repeat business from my clients?

* How do I win new clients?

* What should I charge and what do I need to do to make sure I get paid on time?

* When can I put up my fees? (And when shouldn't I?)

* Can I work from home?

* How much will I need to invest?

* Should I hire someone else to work for me?

* How shall I organise my time?

The answers to all these questions and more are right here. What are you waiting for?

Mike Johnsonbegan life as an independent, freelance consultant in 1982, before founding a corporate communications firm in Brussels and London, following a career in journalism and corporate communication for multinational corporations. In 1999 he started again as an independent consultant and freelance. This book is about what he has learned on his freelance journey. His focus today centres around the world of work, talent management and corporate communication for both private and public organizations The author of eleven books on business and management issues, including "Winning the People Wars," "Talent Magnet" and "The New Rules of Engagement," Mike also developed a series of World of Work studies for the "Financial Times" and "The Economist""and for many international corporations and consulting firms." A frequent speaker at conferences and seminars around the globe, he is the founder and chairman of the independent global think-tank the FutureWork Forum (www.futureworkforum.com). Oh, yes, he's also quite good at working for himself

Real-world tools to build your venture, grow your business, and avoid mistakes Startup, Scaleup, Screwup is an expert guide for emerging and established businesses to accelerate growth, facilitate scalability, and keep pace with the rapidly changing economic landscape. The contemporary marketplace is more dynamic than ever before--increased global competition, the impact of digital transformation, and disruptive innovation factors require businesses to implement agile management and business strategies to compete and thrive. This indispensable book provides business leaders and entrepreneurs the tools and guidance to meet growth and scalability challenges head on. Equal parts motivation and practical application, this book answers the questions every business leader asks from the startup ventures to established companies. Covering topics including funding options, employee hiring, product-market validation, remote team management, agile scaling, and the business lifecycle, this essential resource provides a solid approach to grow at the right pace and stay lean. This book will enable you to: Apply 42 effective tools to sustain and accelerate your business growth Avoid the mistakes and pitfalls associated with rapid business growth or organizational change Develop a clear growth plan to integrate into your overall business model Structure your business for rapid scaling and efficient management Startup, Scaleup, Screwup: 42 Tools to Accelerate Lean & Agile Business Growth is a must-read for entrepreneurs, founders, managers, and senior executives. Author Jurgen Appelo shares his wisdom on the creative economy, agile management, innovation marketing, and organizational change to provide a comprehensive guide to business growth. Practical methods and expert advice make this book an essential addition to any business professional's library.

Based on the authors' twenty-five year experience of consultancy in the public services, this book develops an empowering approach to thinking about and doing consultancy with public services. It challenges the traditional view that the consultants are brought in as experts and instead examines ways of using consultancy to empower staff, patients, service users and members of the public, so that they can take part in developing, changing, innovating and ultimately transforming these services. The book includes chapters explaining consultancy, on preparing bids, on negotiations and on the importance of assessment and review which are geared towards the needs of those working in public and third sectors, either as or with consultants. It includes a glossary, abbreviations, helpful contacts and websites which are valuable for quick reference and to aid further understanding.

Consultants are called upon more and more to help implement needed organizational changes, fill gaps in workforce capabilities, and solve significant business problems. As the demand for consultants increases, it is critical that practitioners differentiate themselves and understand how they can be most successful, for themselves and their clients. The Basic Principles of Effective Consulting details what effective consultants do and provides a step by step process of just how they do it. The Second Edition of The Basic Principles of Effective Consulting is fully updated with real-life cases. End-of-chapter summaries foster both mastery and engagement, as well as providing a quick reference throughout a consultant's career. In addition, each chapter includes a section "From the experts" written by successful consultants and users of consultants' services. These experts share ideas and tips about their own consulting experiences that relate to chapter material. The book is written for entry level and seasoned consultants, project managers, staff advisors, and anyone who wants to learn (or be reminded of) the basic principles of effective consulting. The book is well suited as an excellent textbook for college courses on consulting, organizational training, and a lifetime go-to consultant's resource.

CONSULTING DEMONS Inside the Unscrupulous World of Global Corporate Consulting "What is a Management Consultant?" the prized MBA candidate asked. "The best of us -- and that could be you -- know without ever needing to ask. Wea re a breed apart," the consultant observed, arrogance and irony in perfect balance. "Okay, so that could be me, but what does that mean?" the MBA persisted. "Of course therea s money involved," the consultant offered. "Great deals of money. World travel, first--class living. A chance to influence every corporation on the planet. Virtually no limits to whatever secrets and appetites you feel you need to indulge". "Yes, but what is it that we do?" the recruit tried one last time, his doubts rapidly evaporating. "Youa ll see" In this book Lewis Pinault takes a humorous and insightful look at the world of management consultants in this no--holds--barred view of the business. ai...For aspiring consultants, this is an unvarnished look at the life of a consultant, with essential, darkly revealing guidelines on how to get ahead and an enlightening perspective on the brutal infighting that can engulf even the most civilized consulting firm. ai...For current executives and potential clients, Pinault reveals what consultants are really thinking and scheming, and explores the unscrupulous lengths to which a consulting firm will go in order to protect and increase its own lucrative fees. ai...For the general reader, this is a rollicking yarn brimming with vignettes drawn from a consultanta s daily work, including such characteristic consulting activities as "benchmarking" (deep--cover corporate espionage), "business transformation" (mass brainwashing), and "client entertainment" (global debauchery) ISBN 0--471--496--197 JOHN WILEY & SONS, LTD Chichester New York Weinheim Brisbane Singapore Toronto

This thoroughly research-based book— written by two experts in the field Fred Massarik and Marissa Pei-Carpenter with contributions from other well-known professionals— reestablishes the connection between theory, research, and practice and affirms core OD values. They emphasize the "personhood" of the consultant and client, the relevance of "feel" and intuition combined with fact and technique, and the importance of real people doing real things in real time holistically. In addition to these core ideas, the authors outline new viewpoints that are especially relevant in today's rapidly changing world. They explain that quick-fix linear approaches are not likely to bring substantial lasting results and OD must be rooted in the vast knowledge available about the human condition-recognizing the complexity of real life. They also show how value is the essential cornerstone of organization development.

Management Consultancy is the definitive reference guide for all management consultants. Covering all aspects of the management consultant's role, this essential handbook covers everything you need to know. This book provides: guidelines on best practice, expert contributions, helpful case studies, and a complete overview of the industry. Management Consultancy also explores the principles behind the application of specialized management techniques to the consultancy process. This book also seeks to promote an understanding of the dynamics of the client-consultant relationship. Comprehensive in its coverage and full of practical advice, techniques and useful information, Management Consultancy is of equal value to the MBA student, sole practitioner or professional in a large multi-national consultancy. This title is also the recommended reading for students on the MSc in Management Consultancy. The book is recommended by the Institute of Management Consultancy and the Management Consultancies Association. The book is also endorsed by the Association of MBAs.

Obtain the Best Consulting Services for Your Business

In this chaotic age of new technologies, downsizing, and reengineering, managers and executives are relying more and more on the consultant. Hiring the right consultants for your company and making effective use of them is a vital skill, and yet there has been a lack of guidance on this topic–until now.

How to Use a Consultant in Your Company delivers expert advice and practical guidelines on how to successfully create and manage the client/consultant relationship–to your advantage. John McGonagle and Carolyn Vella provide up-to-the-minute information on:

• Defining your consulting needs
• Finding and selecting the right consultants
• Managing the paper trail–corporate policies, contracting issues
• Working with an individual consultant or an entire firm
• Handling disputes, lawsuits, and complaints
• Evaluating consultants

Including forms and other materials for help in developing formal policies, billing procedures, and more that you can adapt to fit your own situation, How to Use a Consultant in Your Company is the one-book-fits-all solution for anyone responsible for getting the most out of their company’s consultant.

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.

Reveals emerging techniques for answering the challenges senior managers face today: improving organizational quality, inspiring team performance, and creating powerful long-range strategy. Presents a proven model for understanding organizations and demonstrates how it can be used to effect positive change in organizational systems.

This timely volume provides innovative perspectives on the management advice industry from leading contributors in critical theory, organizational behaviour, sociology, psychology, actor-network theory and narrative analysis. It addresses such fundamental questions as:
What is management knowledge?
How is it created and sold?
What is the role of consultants, gurus, academics in this process?
Does the management advice industry add value?
What is the nature of the client-consultant relationship?

The development of interest in the management advice industry, both within the business press and the social sciences, reflects the need to answer these questions. The critical analysis presented here evaluates what management consultants offer as well as investigating the emergence of their industry as a contemporary social phenomenon.

This volume provides the first critical evaluation of the different actors and activities that comprise the management advice sector, and will be invaluable both to those teaching courses in consultancy and to analysts who are trying to make sense of the explosion in the management knowledge industry.

Even though corporate clients continue to spend millions of dollars on consultant-based solutions, the success rate of these high-priced remedies is far from what it should be. No matter how wise and creative the input of a consultant, says Robert H. Schaffer, it will pay off only if the client does what is necessary to benefit from the advice. But often there's a big "implementation gap" between what client's must do to make a project succeed and what they are actually able and willing to do.
In this new and revised edition of the landmark book "High-Impact Consulting," Robert H. Schaffer reveals how senior managers unwittingly collude with their consultants to perpetuate the great waste inherent in "the five fatal flaws of conventional consulting." Drawing on his own work with companies-- Motorola, Rio Tinto, IBM, General Reinsurance Corporation, The World Bank, and other successful organizations-- Schaffer offers a field-tested approach to working with consultants that has proven to get results. He identifies the key elements of an effective project design?particularly that project objectives are defined in terms of client results rather than just consultant deliverables. The process enables clients to be certain that the work is carried out in ways that ensure success.
The author explains the importance of accomplishing results quickly and then using these "rapid-cycle wins" as vehicles for sharpening management skills, strengthening work disciplines, and introducing new technology. In addition he tells managers and consultants how they can build on these early successes and tackle larger accomplishments and organization wide improvements.
This thoroughly updatededition features valuable new insights and illustrative cases. It also includes a wealth of practical new tools that make the book a user-friendly, quick reference for both client managers and their consultants.

While family businesses have existed for millennia all over the world, it is only in the past few decades that professional consultants have been utilized to help them function more effectively. This engaging, up to the minute volume explores the varied and complex world of family enterprises as they now exist in the third decade of the 21st century. Attention is given to the factors unique to family businesses in their attention to perpetuating family values, traditions, loyalties and their legacy to future generations. Consultants may be drawn from law, finance and accounting, organizational psychology, or family psychology (with its special emphasis on understanding the family relationship system). The book describes methods of assessment and how to effectively communicate the results as well as techniques of consulting and provides an invaluable description of what is necessary to be and become a family business consultant. Readers will benefit from explorations of A new model featuring 8 inter-related business domains Cybersecurity issues and how to handle them Working collaboratively with financial and legal professionals Comprehensive coverage of research based assessment instruments Given that over 85% of the businesses in the world, from small to multinational in size and scope are family businesses, the enormous amount of information conveyed in this volume can be extremely valuable to professional consultants and those in the C Suite (CEO's, CFO's, COO's) in helping businesses operate at maximum efficiency, productivity, profitability and satisfaction to all involved. "Throughout this well organized and well written book, the authors raise the pivotal questions that form the basis for becoming and being an exceptional family business consultant. Psychologists can learn to transform family business conundrums into healthy interactions between the family members of the enterprise before, during, and after transitions of the company. The various aspects of serving as a consultant are fleshed out in the carefully-researched chapters. Case studies show the patterns of behavior that can lead to continuing multigenerational successes or hard dissolutions. Their new model entitled "The Dynamic Interactive Multifactorial Family Enterprise Ecosystem Model" constitutes a major contribution to the field. The best part of the book remains its celebration of the importance and richness of family businesses across generations that will inspire any reader." G. Andrew H. Benjamin, JD, PhD, ABPPPast President, American Academy of Couple & Family Psychology Past President, American Board (ABPP) of Couple & Family Psychology Clinical Professor of Psychology & Affiliate Professor of Law, University of Washington

At a time when divisiveness and racism are on the rise, the need and demand for diversity training and trainers has never been greater. The authors - with more than 25 years of combined experience in diversity and social justice work - conceived this book in response to constant requests for advice on how to get started in, and develop a career as, diversity consultants. This succinct cookbook - with the additional wisdom of fourteen well-known and respected practitioners who offer the lessons they have learned - provides the guidance to get you going and succeed. The cookbook metaphor reflects the delicate nature of diversity consulting where the little things can make a significant difference in the final outcome. As with cooking where a dash of seasoning, the choice of temperature, or cooking time, impact the final dish, so the wrong balance in creating an environment that is welcoming and constructive while addressing issues that may be disorienting for the audience can ruin a presentation before it gets started. Like a cookbook, this book is set out in small chunks. It covers the need to need to audit and enhance your skills and knowledge, establish your brand and what you distinctively bring to the table, develop your outreach and contacts, and learn to listen to clients to determine what interventions will achieve their long-term goals. It addresses the need to develop your strategic plan with a clear sense of mission, vision, and values; moves on to topics such as financial planning, pricing, contracts, scheduling, and considerations about presentation styles and handouts; and gets down to the specifics of marketing, with ideas on business cards, websites, networking, and even how to dress. For anyone contemplating embarking on a career as a diversity consultant - either part-time while holding an existing position or as a full-time endeavor, this is an invaluable guide for getting started, and for keeping at your side as you develop your practice.

The purpose of this book is to investigate the innovative process in engineering of consulting firms as a knowledge-intensive service sector. Extant literature in a resource-based view of the firm calls for empirical studies to illustrate the process of how human resource systems provide organisations with a competitive advantage. The key issue is on how the different elements of human resource systems interact. The evidence unveiled in this book does just that. Likewise, it has been suggested that resource systems as a source of a competitive edge should not be viewed as a static phenomenon. Sustained competitiveness requires an organisation to constantly adjust itself according to the evolving market conditions. Such dynamic capability has been illustrated in cases within this book. On the other hand, literature on innovative studies indicates that new analytical approaches applicable to both manufacturing and service industries can be beneficial to future research in this field. The tactic adopted in this book can serve as a prelude to such an attempt.

As a professional, you can't just apply your expertise. You need to present solutions in a way that best suits your clients. You have to work with a wide variety of people: team members, subject matter experts, top executives, and others. Working effectively with associates--while keeping an eye on budgets, schedules, and results--requires a collaborative outlook."Successful professionals today need more than technical skills-- they need to know how to foster and nourish relationships with clients. Consultative skills are essential in this process. The tools outlined in The Consultative Approach have proved to make a difference for our professionals in dealing with their clients."
--Jon Olson, partner, Arthur Anderson
"This book is rich, not only with specific suggestions and step-by-step instructions, but also with commentary and illustrations from [the authors'] own client organizations. It is a useful book about a very important subject."
--William Bridges, president, William Bridges & Associates
Working consultatively enables you to:
* Know how to work effectively with all types of people
* Use a strategic and collaborative communcation process
* Apply your expertise in ways that show your value . . . and more!
The Consultative Approach is a how-to handbook that will enable you to reap the benefits of partnering. You'll find informative case studies, easy-to-use assessment tools, enlightening exercises, and practical worksheets. Plus, you'll get flow chart planning guides and a partnering strategy action plan that will enable you to chart your communication growth. The Consultative Approach has it all! Plot your path to consultative success withthis comprehensive guidebook.

'No freelance stone is left unturned with this book. I wish this book had existed when I started freelancing 20 years ago' - Paul Jarvis, author of Company of One Award-winning entrepreneur and freelancer, Alison Grade, guides you through absolutely everything that you need to know to start your successful self-employed life. Starting from day one, she will help you develop your personal brand, pick up the financial essentials, grow your client base, manage your work-life balance, negotiate deals and value your time as you become more established. This is your complete guide to turning your talent into a fulfilling and sustainable career. 'If you have talent and passion this is a very practical guide to turning that into a career, from someone who's not just done it but taught many others how to do it too' - Mike Southon, co-author of The Beermat Entrepreneur and Entrepreneur in Residence, Cass Business School