The Practice of Professional Consulting

The Practice of Professional Consulting

Author: Edward G. Verlander

Publisher: John Wiley & Sons

Published: 2012-09-28

Total Pages: 324

ISBN-13: 1118283112

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The Practice of Professional Coaching Change is the life-blood of consulting just as organizations endure only through successful change. The reality of this mutual need lies at the heart of what consulting is all about. Consultants solve problems created by the powerful forces of change in an organization's environment and in so doing, create change themselves. The Practice of Professional Consulting is a comprehensive examination of what has been called "the world's newest profession." In this practical resource Edward Verlander offers an overview of the industry and includes the most useful processes, tools, and skills used by successful consultants to produce solutions for their clients. The book also reveals why consulting is a growing and attractive career option. The best practices used by leading consulting firms are included in the book as well as the capabilities skillful consultant use in each stage of engagement. Verlander also recommends ways to ensure a consultant can solve a client's problems in a systematic, professional way. At the very heart of the book is the emphasis he puts on what is needed to become a truly trusted consultant. Filled with a wealth of must-have information from a wide range of consulting professionals, the book includes: a model of the consulting cycle; a diagnostic instrument for assessing consulting roles; ideas of how to develop political intelligence to navigate client organizations; tools for managing consulting meetings, risk assessment, and skills transfer; techniques in communications, emotional intelligence, presentations, and listening; and much more. Written for anyone wishing to start a consulting business, new employees at established consulting firms, facilitators of consulting training programs, and faculty at business schools, this important resource provides an easy way to understand the stages, roles, and tasks of consulting found in any type of consulting and it provides simple and easy-to-use techniques and templates for implementation.


An Insider's Guide to Building a Successful Consulting Practice

An Insider's Guide to Building a Successful Consulting Practice

Author: Bruce L. KATCHER Ph.D.

Publisher: AMACOM Div American Mgmt Assn

Published: 2010-03-15

Total Pages: 273

ISBN-13: 0814414370

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Whether you’re a beginner just starting up a consulting practice, or a veteran looking for ways to invigorate your existing business, An Insider’s Guide to Building a Successful Consulting Practice is an invaluable resource. Featuring real stories from consultants in diverse industries, the book offers simple yet powerful ways to: Identify a market and narrow your focus • Make a smooth transition from employee to independent consultant • Sell effectively even if you’ve never sold before • Establish visibility through speaking, writing, and networking • Build credibility by leveraging the credibility of others • Set prices based on value • Develop a marketing strategy and divide your time between marketing and delivering your services • Keep plenty of work in your pipeline • Adapt and thrive in any market condition • And much more Complete with the results of an original survey of 200 successful independent consultants, this handy guide provides the kind of real-life advice you need to build a thriving business.


Performance Consulting

Performance Consulting

Author: Dana Gaines Robinson

Publisher: Berrett-Koehler Publishers

Published: 2008-04-01

Total Pages: 289

ISBN-13: 1576757773

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In 1995 the first edition of Performance Consulting introduced a concept which has since become a cornerstone of the human resource, learning and organizational development fields: training and HR solutions do not take place in a vacuum but must be tied to an organization's business goals. Performance consulting is a process in which a client and consultant partner to achieve business goals by optimizing workgroup performance. In this updated edition, Dana and Jim Robinson draw on what they've learned since the first edition was published twelve years ago, providing both a robust conceptual framework and improved tools and techniques to help the reader move from the traditional role to that of a Performance Consultant. They show readers how to form partnerships with management, help to identify performance required to ensure that business goals are achieved and assist management in taking actions needed for performance to change. They also illustrate the “how-to’s” for assisting management to identify the performance required to achieve business goals; and determining the degree to which the work environment supports and encourages the performance required. Effective HR and learning consultants master both the “science” (the analytical and assessment techniques) and the “art” (the consultative and partnering practices) of performance consulting. For the science of performance consulting, dozens of analytic tools, templates and assessment techniques are provided in the book. Regarding the art, the Robinsons describe the concepts and practices of ACT—building Access, Credibility and Trust—with business managers. In addition, two brand new chapters are dedicated to the skills of reframing requests for solutions into discussion of business goals and performance requirements; and Initiating business goals discussions with business managers and identifying strategic opportunities to partner with those managers in a proactive manner. Performance Consulting Toolkit - The second edition of Performance Consulting references graphic and adaptable tools that can be downloaded to support the performance consulting work the Robinsons describe. These tools are available to purchase and download from this product page. See the Table of Contents link for the full listing of the tools. Some tools (in Adobe PDF) can be printed and shared; others (in Microsoft Word) can be adapted to your specific needs and application requirements.


Organizational Consulting

Organizational Consulting

Author: Alan Weiss

Publisher: John Wiley & Sons

Published: 2003-04-21

Total Pages: 274

ISBN-13: 0471470031

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The expert guide to effective internal consulting This book guides internal consultants through the steps necessary to bolster their credibility, build relationships within the organization, develop internal marketing abilities, and apply proper methodologies to their work. Alan Weiss, an experienced consultant, provides practical techniques the internal consultant, internal human resources practitioner, and any other internal change agent can use to excel at work, advance their careers, and become valued assets to their organizations. Some of the major subjects covered include setting up the proper environment for success and establishing peer-level interactions. Alan Weiss, PhD (East Greenwich, CT), has consulted with hundreds of organizations around the world, including Mercedes-Benz, Hewlett-Packard, Merck, and Chase. He lectures widely and appears regularly on radio and television to discuss productivity and performance. He is the author of twelve books, including Getting Started in Consulting (Wiley: 0-471-38455-0), The Ultimate Consultant (Jossey-Bass: 0-7879-5508-6), How to Acquire Clients (Jossey-Bass: 0-7879-5514-0), and Process Consulting (Jossey-Bass: 0-7879-5512-4).


Building the IT Consulting Practice

Building the IT Consulting Practice

Author: Rick Freedman

Publisher: Pfeiffer

Published: 2002-10-14

Total Pages: 0

ISBN-13: 9780787955151

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Building the IT Practice is a clear and practical guide organized to help design, build, and manage lucrative consulting practices. Building on the advisory methodologies described in the author's previous book, The IT Consultant, this book goes beond the personal practices and behaviors presented in that work to offer a roadmap to the creation of an IT Professional Services business. This book focuses on the basics of building a consulting business, dicussing such core issues as the creation of a unique marketing message, the design of a firm-wide delivery methodology, and the recruitment and retention of world-class sales and talent.


Principles and Practices of Professional Consulting

Principles and Practices of Professional Consulting

Author: Steven C. Stryker

Publisher: Government Institutes

Published: 2011-01-16

Total Pages: 191

ISBN-13: 1605907227

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Although consultants influence the outcome of major endeavors in the fields of management, finance, government, and engineering, few attempts have been made to establish the tenets and techniques of consulting. In Principles and Practices of Professional Consulting, author Steven C. Stryker outlines the basic tools required of this critical skill. In doing so, he looks into the history of consulting, the consulting process itself, and the key practical skills and techniques that are needed for successful consulting. Case examples based on real-life situations aptly demonstrate the applicability of the material to current consulting activities. After introducing the topic and presenting some background information, this book goes through the process of consulting from meeting and securing clients, to planning and implementing a proper strategy, to terminating and evaluating assignments. It provides techniques and principles at each stage of the process which are sure to improve one's consulting practice. This book presents much crucial information that can be immediately used by professionals and students in various disciplines. It is both comprehensive, covering all the essential aspects of professional consulting by uniting theory and practice into a single resource, and accessible, presenting this information in a clear-cut manner that allows it to be easily used by anyone wishing to learn more about the important art of professional consulting.


Consulting on the Inside, 2nd ed.

Consulting on the Inside, 2nd ed.

Author: Beverly Scott

Publisher: Association for Talent Development

Published: 2011-04-01

Total Pages: 319

ISBN-13: 1607289121

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Are you an internal consultant—a staff member who serves in a consultative role within your organization? Then you need this hands-on guidebook to help you better understand your role and improve your performance. Whether you're a change agent, trusted advisor, or someone who serves in varying capacities, it's important to design your job, develop a formal agreement, and build your practice. Consulting on the Inside provides a solid background for internal consultants and serves as a roadmap for cultivating a successful career. You'll learn how to: maintain an outsider's objectivity while applying an insider's knowledge of the organization build relationships but be up-front about challenges and issues design your role to fit the client's needs and the organizational situation handle roadblocks and deal effectively with difficult clients market your consulting services within the client organization. You'll find a thorough examination of the eight phases of the consulting process, a comprehensive analysis of the differences between internal and external consultants, and success stories demonstrating the personal qualities you need to build trust and relationships. Consulting on the Insidealso provides a complete toolbox for getting the job done, including tips and techniques, checklists, forms, a sample hiring agreement, and ready-to-use agendas...


Individual Assessment

Individual Assessment

Author: Kristin O. Prien

Publisher: Psychology Press

Published: 2003-05-14

Total Pages: 310

ISBN-13: 1135643539

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Indiv. Assessment for selection & develop. is very important to organizations and managers. This book will provide a structure and core set of principles for teaching others how to do it. It can serve as a reference or supplemental textbook.


Million Dollar Consulting

Million Dollar Consulting

Author: Alan Weiss

Publisher: McGraw Hill Professional

Published: 2009-09-17

Total Pages: 419

ISBN-13: 0071626190

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The Long-Awaited Update for Buildinga Thriving Consultancy Completely updated for today’s busier-than-ever consultants, this classic guide covers the ins andouts for competing and winning in this ultracompetitive field. You’ll find step-by-step advice on howto raise capital, attract clients, create a marketing plan, and grow your business into a $1 million-per-yearfirm, plus brand-new material on: Blogging and social networking Global consulting Delegating labor Profiting in a troubled market Retainer business Internet marketing Praise for the previous editions of Million Dollar Consulting: “If you’re interested in becoming a rich consultant, this book is a must read.” Robert F. Mager, founder and president, Mager Associates, and member of the Training & Development Hall of Fame “Blast out of the per diem trap and into value billing.” Jim Kennedy, founder, publisher, and editor, Consultants News “The advice on developing price structure alone is worth a hundred times the price of the book.” William C. Byham, Ph.D., author of Zapp! “Must reading for those who are beginning a practice orseeking to upgrade an existing practice.” Victor H. Vroom, John G. Searle Professor, School of Management, Yale University


The Consulting Bible

The Consulting Bible

Author: Alan Weiss

Publisher: John Wiley & Sons

Published: 2011-04-05

Total Pages: 288

ISBN-13: 0470928085

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Everything you need to know about building a successful, world-class consulting practice Whether you are a veteran consultant or new to the industry, an entrepreneur or the principal of a small firm, The Consulting Bible tells you absolutely everything you need to know to create and expand a seven-figure independent or boutique consulting practice. Expert author Alan Weiss, who coaches consultants globally and has written more books on solo consulting than anyone in history, shares his expertise comprehensively. Learn and appreciate the origins and evolution of the consulting profession Launch your practice or firm and propel it to top performance Implement your consulting strategies in public and private organizations, large or small, global or domestic Select from the widest variety of consulting methodologies Achieve lasting success in your professional career and personal goals The author is recognized as "one of the most highly regarded independent consultants in America" by the New York Post and "a worldwide expert in executive education" by Success Magazine Whether you're just starting out or looking for the latest trends in modern practice, The Consulting Bible gives you an unparalleled toolset to build a thriving consultancy.