How To Succeed As An Independent Consultant

Publisher Description

“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 "AMUST 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 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 o

This sequel has been thoroughly updated to cover current government procurement rules affecting consultants along with a broad range of marketing, financial, professional and ethical issues. Features the latest in computer and office equipment with tips on purchasing the right product. A complete ``Reference File'' contains suggested books, periodicals, consultants' organizations, public speaking contacts and much more.

This sequel has been thoroughly updated to cover current government procurement rules affecting consultants along with a broad range of marketing, financial, professional and ethical issues. Features the latest in computer and office equipment with tips on purchasing the right product. A complete ``Reference File'' contains suggested books, periodicals, consultants' organizations, public speaking contacts and much more.

Presents a clear road map for starting and maintaining a successful consulting business. Whether you are already a consultant or thinking about becoming one, this guide has everything you need. This book shows you how to: - Create a business plan - Set your rate - Select the legal form of your business - Set up retirement funding - Choose appropriate insurance - Market on the Internet - Understand basic record keeping Also included is a recommended resource list and sample worksheets to help you start and maintain your consulting business. If you are an experienced professional at a crossroads in your career, this book can point you in the right direction.

Written in an easy-to-read style, this work is suitable for anyone who operates as a consultant. How to Succeed as an Independant Consultant contains strategies and techniques for increased success by focusing on key topics such as: self-promotion, communication, building credibility and building and maintaining relationships.

How can you take your skills and expertise and package and present it to become a successful consultant? There are proven time-tested principles, strategies, tactics and best-practices the most successful consultants use to start, run and grow their consulting business. Consulting Success teaches you what they are. In this book you'll learn: - How to position yourself as a leading expert and authority in your marketplace - Effective marketing and branding materials that get the attention of your ideal clients - Strategies to increase your fees and earn more with every project - The proposal template that has generated millions of dollars in consulting engagements - How to develop a pipeline of business and attract ideal clients - Productivity secrets for consultants including how to get more done in one week than most people do in a month - And much, much more