Name: The consulting Bible
ISBN: 9780470928080

The consulting Bible

"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."

What Hacker News says

garrickvanburenFeb 2022

1. Think of yourself as a small business, not an independent contractor.

2. Only then, book 1 client. It doesn't matter for how long, it just needs to be at a reasonable rate for something you're confident you can deliver on time for <20hrs/week.

3. Only then, in your remaining weekly capacity, start the sales process to land a second client (at a higher rate), and start setting up your business admin processes (invoicing, budgeting, accounting, etc)

4. Only then, pick up a copy of Alan Weiss's Consulting Bible or Million Dollar Consultant - for tips on pricing your services & writing proposals.

At this point, if you find out you don't enjoy sales or high rates - partner with a consulting firm. Otherwise, keep going.

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charleshmorseApr 2015

I am 24 and have been consulting for close to a year now, with no real end in site. However, each assignment includes problems and skills on a spectrum between pure dev and pure business. So your comment about not understanding what people are trying to accomplish worries me. However from my perspective, there is a lot of value from my confidence and being able to map out what my client SHOULD do (not necessarily what he wants or is trying to accomplish) and directing him down that path. You can't always get them there, but you really need to be able to read people well to bridge the gap from a potentially idiotic or doomed decision they are about to make and a much much better one.

Also, I recommend reading Alan Weiss's The Consulting Bible: http://books.google.com/books/about/The_Consulting_Bible.htm...

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ulisesrmzrocheJun 2013

I like the way Alan Weiss has on his book The Consulting Bible. It basically says that half the fee is due on acceptance, with the balance due in x days. Alternatively, offer a 10 percent professional discount when the full fee is paid on acceptance. Make it non-cancelable and that the agreed-upon payment terms are due as described. Let the client postpone or delay any part of the work as they think it's necessary. Guarantee the quality of your work and offer them a full-refund if it doesn't.

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mindcrimeJul 2012

There's a guy named Alan Weiss[1], who is widely regarded as an expert (maybe the expert) on consulting. He has written several very popular books, including Million Dollar Consulting[2] and The Consulting Bible[3]. You may find his work useful. However, note that he would probably not classify what you're talking about (if I understand correctly) as "consulting" at all.

His take is that consultant is someone who shares their knowledge of process and works strategically with the client's decision makers... not someone who is knee deep in doing the work of implementing a project. If you're talking about writing PHP code, you may be more setting yourself up as a one man staffing agency, not as a consultant. I'd suggest reading Weiss, think hard about what you really want to do, and go from there.

[1]: http://www.summitconsulting.com/about-alan/

[2]: http://www.amazon.com/Million-Dollar-Consulting-Alan-Weiss/d...

[3]: http://www.amazon.com/Consulting-Bible-Everything-Seven-Figu...

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