To help you select a consultant who’s right for you, The Consulting Exchange offers the following general guidelines.
Define your goals
Know what your goal is. The more specific you are, the more likely your consultant can help you achieve your objective.
Evaluate alternatives
Working with consultants is like working with anyone else: the more comfortable you are with that person, the more productive the relationship will be. Interviewing multiple candidates will help you find the person who is the best match.
Look for experience
One of the main reasons for hiring consultants is because you need special expertise. Look for someone who can transfer their experience from other engagements to your case.
Look for learners
Good consultants constantly learn. They’re open minded and they’re intellectually engaged. They’re experts, but they’re also confident enough to say when they don’t know something.
Ask for input
By all means, invite your candidates to share their thoughts about the engagement being discussed. They may even help you refine your goals. But be careful not to ask the candidate to do the work before you actually engage him or her.
Ask for a proposal
After you’ve met with one or several candidates who you feel could help, ask for a written proposal. This is an opportunity for candidates to demonstrate their understanding of your business problem and provide outline a framework for addressing it.
Check references
This is always a good idea. While references will always speak positively (or else they wouldn’t be offered), be sure to find out how the consultant handles unforeseen problems. This often is when people show their true colors.
Be honest
If something is nagging you about a particular candidate, say what’s on your mind. It will clear the air, and it’s a great way to get the relationship off to a good start.
==> To get started finding the consultant who is right for you, fill out a Client Request Form
http://www.cx.com/guidelines.htm
You are here: UKAS / Information Centre / FAQ
http://www.ukas.com/information_centre/faq.asp
Monday, June 22, 2009
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
how to become a Business Consultant
Imagine having a high paying career where executives turn to you for direction in running their businesses. As a business consultant you will help businesses and other organizations identify problems, and you will recommend solutions to those problems.
Business consultants are respected and relied upon in every industry in every country. Consultants are admired for both their expertise and their independence. As a business consultant (also known as a management consultant) you can choose to specialize in a variety of areas, including:
communications consulting
e-business consulting
human resources consulting (HR consulting)
operations consulting
marketing consulting
organizational development consulting
small business consulting
strategic planning consulting
technology consulting (IT consulting)
any other areas organizations need professional advice According to research from Harvard Business School, the business consulting industry generates about $100 billion in annual revenues from U.S. consultants. Especially in a slow economy, companies need business consultants to help them increase revenues and cut costs.
It is no wonder business consultants are among the most highly paid professionals. A recent survey by the Association of Management Consulting Firms found entry-level consultants earn an average of $65,000 annually while senior partners earn an average of over $300,000 (including bonuses and profit sharing). Self-employed business consultants may earn $35 to $400 per hour depending on their market.
As long as you have the desire, you can become a business consultant. No special education is necessary to break into this career and succeed. (According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 28% of consultants do not have a degree of any kind.)
If you would like to be paid to give advice to companies, the FabJob Guide to Become a Business Consultant is for you! In this e-book you will discover how you can get started and succeed in this rewarding career.
Lead author Craig Coolahan is a journalist who has written for the Times Higher Education Supplement. Co-author and business consultant Marg Archibald is former director of corporate communications for an airline and has taught university courses on business consulting. Co-author Tag Goulet is a leading career expert who has consulted for multi-national corporations and conducted business training programs for organizations such as American Management Association International.
In this guide the authors share with you insider tips and expert advice from more than 20 successful consultants to help you become a business consultant. The guide covers topics of vital importance to anyone who wants to become a business consultant, including:
How to Do Business Consulting
Step-by-step overview of how to carry out a business consulting project (also known as an engagement), including:
Conducting a needs analysis (includes a list of sample questions to ask clients)
Determining project specifics including the scope of services to be provided, timeline, team, and budget
Conducting a gap analysis (to identify the gap between "where we are" and "where we want to be")
Identifying possible solutions
How to present your recommendations to the client (includes a sample presentation outline)
Implementation of your recommendations
Post-project review (includes a sample client feedback questionnaire)
How to use both quantitive and qualitative research and information-gathering techniques in your consulting projects, including:
Observation
Case studies
Interviews
Focus groups
Surveys (includes a sample survey)
How to conduct a SWOT Analysis (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats) of a business situation
Samples of consulting assignments How to Develop Your Consulting Skills and Knowledge
How to develop the skills employers and clients are looking for in business consultants, including:
Critical thinking
Problem-solving
Communication skills
Project management
Leadership
Additional skills that can give you a competitive edge in getting hired
Traditional educational programs including the top MBA programs (plus tips and resources to help you apply and get accepted)
How to get educational credentials more quickly or conveniently through:
accelerated, executive, part-time, or mini MBAs
distance learning
business seminars
The best resources (books, periodicals, websites, etc.) to teach yourself business consulting
How to quickly get practical experience to build up your credentials and help you get hired as a consultant, including:
Internships (plus how to get an internship if you are not a student)
Volunteer opportunities
Consulting for your current employer
Other opportunities for hands-on experience
Links to many valuable resources you can use in business consulting including project management software
Information and resources on business ethics
How to identify emerging business trends that may affect your clients
Getting a Consulting Job
Job titles and entry-level positions in consulting
Types of employers and how to find them:
Large firms (includes links to more than 30 top consulting firms)
Small firms or boutique firms
Internal consulting for corporations
Other types of organizations that hire management consultants
A type of employer that business consultants should beware of
How to find job openings
Where consulting jobs are advertised
On-campus recruitment
Finding job openings through referrals
How to create a consulting job with your current employer or a new employer
What you need to know about recruiters or employment agencies
How to write a winning resume including sample resumes for:
An experienced consultant
A career changer (this sample shows how to create an impressive resume without a business degree or previous paid consulting experience)
An internal consultant
How to prepare a cover letter including sample letters for applying to a consulting firm and a corporation
Advice to help you ace the interview
How to prepare for an interview (what to bring, what to wear, and more)
Samples of questions to expect
Advice and resources for succeeding in a case interview
Following up after a consulting job interview (includes a sample thank you letter)
Considering a job offer (includes resources with salary information to help in salary negotiations) Starting Your Own Business Consulting Firm
How to start a part-time or full-time consulting business for little or no money
Information about business matters affecting consultants including insurance, licenses, legal structures, etc.
Items to include in your business plan
Choosing a name for your consulting business
How to set up an office for your consulting business
Sources of start-up financing if you want to spend more on your consulting business (e.g. leasing an office instead of working from home)
Pricing your consulting services, with information on:
How to set your hourly rate
Daily rates
Per project fees
Monthly retainers
Pay for performance
How to invoice clients
Getting a deposit before you start a project
Getting reimbursed for expenses
What to include in a client contract or agreement
How to select strategic partners
Finding potential clients for your consulting business
How to market your consulting services effectively through
Advertising
Networking
Direct contact
Free promotional opportunities
What you need to know about preparing proposals for consulting work
How to make a sales presentation to prospective clients
Helpful samples for your consulting business (sample contracts, sample invoice, sample letter of proposal, and more)
Plus, you will discover:
How to be certified as a "professional" consultant
How to increase client satisfaction
Valuable resources (including the top professional associations for consultants)
Tips for getting testimonials to help you attract new clients
Samples of everything you need to launch your business consulting career, including:
Sample questions to ask clients when conducting a needs analysis
Sample resumes for business consultants
Sample cover letters to apply for a consulting job
Sample thank you letter
Sample time tracking record
Sample consulting fees
Sample invoice
Sample scripts of what to say when talking to prospective clients
Sample contact sheet
Sample letter of proposal
Sample consulting contracts (sample letter of engagement and sample agreement)
Sample presentation outline
Sample employee survey
Sample client feedback questionnaire
Links to templates for creating business stationery and marketing materials
Worksheets and checklists to help you keep track of expenses, project tasks, and your time
And much more! (including free updates) You can have all this and more for an incredible price. People pay up to thousands of dollars for business training programs. The FabJob Guide to Become a Business Consultant contains some of the best career advice you could get from other sources, plus much more.
It can save you many hours of research, help you avoid costly mistakes, and give you information you need to break into business consulting. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, competition is expected to remain keen in the consulting industry through the year 2012. So your investment in this guide can help give you a competitive edge.
This guide has been selling for up to $39.95 U.S. for an e-book alone. SPECIAL OFFER # 1: If you buy the e-book today, Monday, May 26, 2008 you can have this valuable insider information for the incredible price of only $29.97.
SPECIAL OFFER # 2: Although this guide has previously only been available as an e-book you can now get a print copy together with a CD-ROM that includes sample proposal, forms, contracts and more. This 2-in-1 Book and CD-ROM Set is only $5 more (plus $5 shipping). Plus, as a bonus, you will also receive an e-book so you can read it immediately.
NOTE: Only a very limited number of copies of the latest edition of this popular guide have been published in print, and are available on a first come first served basis. Most FabJob print books sell out, so if you would like to have a print copy of the new edition, we strongly suggest that you purchase it immediately.
You can earn back the price of the guide your first day on the job or in business. And this guide can help you get hired as a consultant or start your own consulting business much more quickly and cost-effectively.
If you believe you deserve to have the career of your dreams, this guide is for you. It gives you what you need to know to become a business consultant.
Don't miss the opportunity to have the career of your dreams. If you are undecided, take advantage of our guarantee. Buy it, read it, and if you are not satisfied, your money will be refunded.
Ordering is fast, easy and safe. You will receive your e-book within minutes.
An e-book is an electronic book which you can immediately read on your computer. It includes photos, color, and you can adjust the type size to make it as pleasant to read as possible. You can also print a copy from your computer. FabJob.com donates a portion of the proceeds from the sale of each guide to protecting the rain forests.
Click here to order your copy of the guide now
Satisfaction guarantee: We are so confident that this guide can help you achieve your dreams, we will give you a refund if you decide within 30 days of purchase that you are not satisfied with the information contained in the guide. Buy now.
277 pages
Availability: You can have the e-book within minutes. Ordering is fast, easy, and safe. We have a limited number of copies of a 2-in-1 print book and CD-ROM set (includes sample proposal, forms, contracts and more). Most FabJob print books sell out, so order today to avoid disappointment.
FabJob Guides have been featured in stories at The Wall Street Journal and Entrepreneur Magazine sites
"The FabJob Guide to Become a Business Consultant will teach you the fundamentals of consulting and starting your own business consulting firm. There are chapters devoted to developing your consulting skills, getting hired as a business consultant, and starting your own consulting business, along with advice and insider tips from professionals in the consulting industry to help you succeed in your new career as a business consultant." - Brenna Pearce, Editor
"One thing I like about the FabJob books is the depth of information they provide for making a change to a new career. They provide actual samples you can use as templates, including: sample resume, sample of what to say when talking to a prospective client, sample invoice, and sample contract." - Jill Florio, Editor www.BellaOnline.com
"If you've ever thought about being a consultant, do yourself a big favor and read FabJob Guide to Become a Business Consultant. From focusing on what you do to selling what you do, you will find a wealth of insight in these pages about finding clients, organizing your business, running that business, and yes, charging for what you do.
This guide is a must-read for anyone considering entering (or even already in) the world of business consulting." - John Baldoni Author of How Great Leaders Get Great Results Baldoni Consulting, LLC www.johnbaldoni.com
"This is the greatest value I’ve ever seen in a resource for consulting business success. It provides step-by-step instructions and tools which will be of value to the beginner, or the seasoned professional. I wish I would have had the FabJob Guide to Become a Business Consultant when I was starting out… it would have saved me a TON of time, money, and aggravation!" - Marty M. Fahncke FawnKey & Associates www.FawnKey.com
"I bought the FabJob Guide to Become a Business Consultant and want to say you have done a very good job in providing a complete picture about this profession by covering all the topics and providing many useful links. I am very satisfied and I hope to buy other guides from you in the future." - Vamsi Krishna Bangalore
"Make more money. Look to your strengths to come up with ways to make extra money at FabJob.com." — From the "2008 Money & Investing Guide," by Tamara E. Holmes, Essence Magazine, January, 2008
FabJob Guides have been featured in stories at The Wall Street Journal and Entrepreneur Magazine sites
more
Business consultants are respected and relied upon in every industry in every country. Consultants are admired for both their expertise and their independence. As a business consultant (also known as a management consultant) you can choose to specialize in a variety of areas, including:
communications consulting
e-business consulting
human resources consulting (HR consulting)
operations consulting
marketing consulting
organizational development consulting
small business consulting
strategic planning consulting
technology consulting (IT consulting)
any other areas organizations need professional advice According to research from Harvard Business School, the business consulting industry generates about $100 billion in annual revenues from U.S. consultants. Especially in a slow economy, companies need business consultants to help them increase revenues and cut costs.
It is no wonder business consultants are among the most highly paid professionals. A recent survey by the Association of Management Consulting Firms found entry-level consultants earn an average of $65,000 annually while senior partners earn an average of over $300,000 (including bonuses and profit sharing). Self-employed business consultants may earn $35 to $400 per hour depending on their market.
As long as you have the desire, you can become a business consultant. No special education is necessary to break into this career and succeed. (According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 28% of consultants do not have a degree of any kind.)
If you would like to be paid to give advice to companies, the FabJob Guide to Become a Business Consultant is for you! In this e-book you will discover how you can get started and succeed in this rewarding career.
Lead author Craig Coolahan is a journalist who has written for the Times Higher Education Supplement. Co-author and business consultant Marg Archibald is former director of corporate communications for an airline and has taught university courses on business consulting. Co-author Tag Goulet is a leading career expert who has consulted for multi-national corporations and conducted business training programs for organizations such as American Management Association International.
In this guide the authors share with you insider tips and expert advice from more than 20 successful consultants to help you become a business consultant. The guide covers topics of vital importance to anyone who wants to become a business consultant, including:
How to Do Business Consulting
Step-by-step overview of how to carry out a business consulting project (also known as an engagement), including:
Conducting a needs analysis (includes a list of sample questions to ask clients)
Determining project specifics including the scope of services to be provided, timeline, team, and budget
Conducting a gap analysis (to identify the gap between "where we are" and "where we want to be")
Identifying possible solutions
How to present your recommendations to the client (includes a sample presentation outline)
Implementation of your recommendations
Post-project review (includes a sample client feedback questionnaire)
How to use both quantitive and qualitative research and information-gathering techniques in your consulting projects, including:
Observation
Case studies
Interviews
Focus groups
Surveys (includes a sample survey)
How to conduct a SWOT Analysis (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats) of a business situation
Samples of consulting assignments How to Develop Your Consulting Skills and Knowledge
How to develop the skills employers and clients are looking for in business consultants, including:
Critical thinking
Problem-solving
Communication skills
Project management
Leadership
Additional skills that can give you a competitive edge in getting hired
Traditional educational programs including the top MBA programs (plus tips and resources to help you apply and get accepted)
How to get educational credentials more quickly or conveniently through:
accelerated, executive, part-time, or mini MBAs
distance learning
business seminars
The best resources (books, periodicals, websites, etc.) to teach yourself business consulting
How to quickly get practical experience to build up your credentials and help you get hired as a consultant, including:
Internships (plus how to get an internship if you are not a student)
Volunteer opportunities
Consulting for your current employer
Other opportunities for hands-on experience
Links to many valuable resources you can use in business consulting including project management software
Information and resources on business ethics
How to identify emerging business trends that may affect your clients
Getting a Consulting Job
Job titles and entry-level positions in consulting
Types of employers and how to find them:
Large firms (includes links to more than 30 top consulting firms)
Small firms or boutique firms
Internal consulting for corporations
Other types of organizations that hire management consultants
A type of employer that business consultants should beware of
How to find job openings
Where consulting jobs are advertised
On-campus recruitment
Finding job openings through referrals
How to create a consulting job with your current employer or a new employer
What you need to know about recruiters or employment agencies
How to write a winning resume including sample resumes for:
An experienced consultant
A career changer (this sample shows how to create an impressive resume without a business degree or previous paid consulting experience)
An internal consultant
How to prepare a cover letter including sample letters for applying to a consulting firm and a corporation
Advice to help you ace the interview
How to prepare for an interview (what to bring, what to wear, and more)
Samples of questions to expect
Advice and resources for succeeding in a case interview
Following up after a consulting job interview (includes a sample thank you letter)
Considering a job offer (includes resources with salary information to help in salary negotiations) Starting Your Own Business Consulting Firm
How to start a part-time or full-time consulting business for little or no money
Information about business matters affecting consultants including insurance, licenses, legal structures, etc.
Items to include in your business plan
Choosing a name for your consulting business
How to set up an office for your consulting business
Sources of start-up financing if you want to spend more on your consulting business (e.g. leasing an office instead of working from home)
Pricing your consulting services, with information on:
How to set your hourly rate
Daily rates
Per project fees
Monthly retainers
Pay for performance
How to invoice clients
Getting a deposit before you start a project
Getting reimbursed for expenses
What to include in a client contract or agreement
How to select strategic partners
Finding potential clients for your consulting business
How to market your consulting services effectively through
Advertising
Networking
Direct contact
Free promotional opportunities
What you need to know about preparing proposals for consulting work
How to make a sales presentation to prospective clients
Helpful samples for your consulting business (sample contracts, sample invoice, sample letter of proposal, and more)
Plus, you will discover:
How to be certified as a "professional" consultant
How to increase client satisfaction
Valuable resources (including the top professional associations for consultants)
Tips for getting testimonials to help you attract new clients
Samples of everything you need to launch your business consulting career, including:
Sample questions to ask clients when conducting a needs analysis
Sample resumes for business consultants
Sample cover letters to apply for a consulting job
Sample thank you letter
Sample time tracking record
Sample consulting fees
Sample invoice
Sample scripts of what to say when talking to prospective clients
Sample contact sheet
Sample letter of proposal
Sample consulting contracts (sample letter of engagement and sample agreement)
Sample presentation outline
Sample employee survey
Sample client feedback questionnaire
Links to templates for creating business stationery and marketing materials
Worksheets and checklists to help you keep track of expenses, project tasks, and your time
And much more! (including free updates) You can have all this and more for an incredible price. People pay up to thousands of dollars for business training programs. The FabJob Guide to Become a Business Consultant contains some of the best career advice you could get from other sources, plus much more.
It can save you many hours of research, help you avoid costly mistakes, and give you information you need to break into business consulting. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, competition is expected to remain keen in the consulting industry through the year 2012. So your investment in this guide can help give you a competitive edge.
This guide has been selling for up to $39.95 U.S. for an e-book alone. SPECIAL OFFER # 1: If you buy the e-book today, Monday, May 26, 2008 you can have this valuable insider information for the incredible price of only $29.97.
SPECIAL OFFER # 2: Although this guide has previously only been available as an e-book you can now get a print copy together with a CD-ROM that includes sample proposal, forms, contracts and more. This 2-in-1 Book and CD-ROM Set is only $5 more (plus $5 shipping). Plus, as a bonus, you will also receive an e-book so you can read it immediately.
NOTE: Only a very limited number of copies of the latest edition of this popular guide have been published in print, and are available on a first come first served basis. Most FabJob print books sell out, so if you would like to have a print copy of the new edition, we strongly suggest that you purchase it immediately.
You can earn back the price of the guide your first day on the job or in business. And this guide can help you get hired as a consultant or start your own consulting business much more quickly and cost-effectively.
If you believe you deserve to have the career of your dreams, this guide is for you. It gives you what you need to know to become a business consultant.
Don't miss the opportunity to have the career of your dreams. If you are undecided, take advantage of our guarantee. Buy it, read it, and if you are not satisfied, your money will be refunded.
Ordering is fast, easy and safe. You will receive your e-book within minutes.
An e-book is an electronic book which you can immediately read on your computer. It includes photos, color, and you can adjust the type size to make it as pleasant to read as possible. You can also print a copy from your computer. FabJob.com donates a portion of the proceeds from the sale of each guide to protecting the rain forests.
Click here to order your copy of the guide now
Satisfaction guarantee: We are so confident that this guide can help you achieve your dreams, we will give you a refund if you decide within 30 days of purchase that you are not satisfied with the information contained in the guide. Buy now.
277 pages
Availability: You can have the e-book within minutes. Ordering is fast, easy, and safe. We have a limited number of copies of a 2-in-1 print book and CD-ROM set (includes sample proposal, forms, contracts and more). Most FabJob print books sell out, so order today to avoid disappointment.
FabJob Guides have been featured in stories at The Wall Street Journal and Entrepreneur Magazine sites
"The FabJob Guide to Become a Business Consultant will teach you the fundamentals of consulting and starting your own business consulting firm. There are chapters devoted to developing your consulting skills, getting hired as a business consultant, and starting your own consulting business, along with advice and insider tips from professionals in the consulting industry to help you succeed in your new career as a business consultant." - Brenna Pearce, Editor
"One thing I like about the FabJob books is the depth of information they provide for making a change to a new career. They provide actual samples you can use as templates, including: sample resume, sample of what to say when talking to a prospective client, sample invoice, and sample contract." - Jill Florio, Editor www.BellaOnline.com
"If you've ever thought about being a consultant, do yourself a big favor and read FabJob Guide to Become a Business Consultant. From focusing on what you do to selling what you do, you will find a wealth of insight in these pages about finding clients, organizing your business, running that business, and yes, charging for what you do.
This guide is a must-read for anyone considering entering (or even already in) the world of business consulting." - John Baldoni Author of How Great Leaders Get Great Results Baldoni Consulting, LLC www.johnbaldoni.com
"This is the greatest value I’ve ever seen in a resource for consulting business success. It provides step-by-step instructions and tools which will be of value to the beginner, or the seasoned professional. I wish I would have had the FabJob Guide to Become a Business Consultant when I was starting out… it would have saved me a TON of time, money, and aggravation!" - Marty M. Fahncke FawnKey & Associates www.FawnKey.com
"I bought the FabJob Guide to Become a Business Consultant and want to say you have done a very good job in providing a complete picture about this profession by covering all the topics and providing many useful links. I am very satisfied and I hope to buy other guides from you in the future." - Vamsi Krishna Bangalore
"Make more money. Look to your strengths to come up with ways to make extra money at FabJob.com." — From the "2008 Money & Investing Guide," by Tamara E. Holmes, Essence Magazine, January, 2008
FabJob Guides have been featured in stories at The Wall Street Journal and Entrepreneur Magazine sites
more
Saturday, February 14, 2009
bar on H-1B hiring
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