An Insider's Guide to Building a Successful Consulting Practice - by Bruce Katcher (Paperback)

About the Book

Whether you're just beginning a career in consulting or you're a veteran of the industry, this invaluable resource provides practical, real-world advice based on 200 independent consultants' survey results to help you build and maintain a thriving business.

Book Synopsis

Do you relish your independence and autonomy? Are you looking for a job that makes use of your energy and expertise? This invaluable resource is the guide you need top get started.

Industrial psychologist, consultant, speaker, and author Bruce Katcher combines his years of experience and insights with real stories from a range of other independent consultants to guide you on your journey of growing a consulting practice--whether they're beginners just starting up or veterans looking for new ways to invigorate their businesses.

In An Insider's Guide to Building a Successful Consulting Practice, you'll learn simple yet powerful strategies for success, including how 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;
• set prices based on value;
• develop a marketing strategy;
• and divide your time between marketing and delivering your services.

With applicable data and tangible advice gleaned from the survey results of professionals in a diverse range of industries, you'll not only learn how to keep plenty of work in your pipeline--you'll be able to adapt your consulting practice to thrive in any market.

From the Back Cover

Do you relish your independence and autonomy? Are you looking for a job that makes use of your energy and expertise? How about a career that allows you to avoid the incessant layoffs due to downsizing, mergers, and acquisitions?

Whether you're an experienced independent consultant, just beginning your career, interested in consulting part time, or tired of working for other people, An Insider's Guide to Building a Successful Consulting Practice is the reference for you.

This practical, comprehensive guide gives you everything you need to understand the economic realities of independent consulting; choose the right business model; develop and implement a marketing plan; market your services through writing, speaking, and networking; write proposals that lead to business; and much more.

Each chapter is self-contained and can be used as a reference to address a particular area of interest or problem. Every chapter also begins with a real-life story that focuses on a specific challenge.

In addition, the book includes a special survey, conducted by the author, of The Consulting 200(TM), a group of successful independent consultants. Interspersed throughout the book are their responses to such questions as:

- Why they went independent

- How long it took to recover full income from their previous job

- What types of insurance they purchased in their first year

- How they charge for their services

Bruce Katcher, Ph.D., is an industrial/organizational psychologist and founder and president of The Discovery Consulting Group, Inc., a management consulting firm based in Sharon, Massachusetts. He has consulted to more than 100 clients and authored the award-winning book, 30 Reasons Employees Hate Their Managers: What Your People May Be Thinking and What You Can Do About It. In addition, he offers training and mentoring to aspiring and experienced independent consultants. Learn more at CenterForIndependentConsulting.com.

Adam Snyder is a freelance business writer based in New York. He has been published in dozens of national business publications, written numerous business books, and is president of Rembrandt Films (www.Rembrandtfilms.com).

Review Quotes

"If, like many in the current economy, you've been considering striking out on your own as a consultant, An Insider's Guide to Building a Successful Consulting Practice should be a must-read" --Accounting Today

"Katcher lays out a practical and comprehensive plan for going it alone....This book is a must for anyone who is looking to become their own boss." --Consulting Magazine

About the Author

BRUCE L. KATCHER, PH.D., (Sharon, MA) is founder and president of The Discovery Consulting Group. His client list covers a broad range, from Fortune 500 names such as Revlon, Johnson & Johnson, Alcoa, and Merck to successful smaller companies. He is the author of the award-winning book 30 Reasons Employees Hate Their Managers (978-0-8144-0915-2).