2 of 4

Write now Article Tools

Page 3 of 4

your client will soon realize that the tasks you are entrusted with are too big for your consulting shoes.

Second, consulting is often a lonely business, obviously for the sole proprietorship, one man/woman business. Working solo is not for everyone, especially if you tend to thrive in a group environment. A whole lot of self-discipline and focus is necessary to go it alone. So if you don't think you can spend weeks on end working on your own (especially in foreign assignments, away from family and friends), try to skip consulting. To be sure, an experienced consultant has peers and knows how to network professionally and socially, but it is not an effortless undertaking.

Third, to be a successful consultant you need to be experienced, knowledgeable and formally qualified in at least one professional field. You will need to have a good understanding of methods, "how-to" research and analysis, interview, manage, monitor and/or evaluate processes, projects and of course, people. Just like a tradesperson, you will have your "tool box" of consulting methods and approaches ready when you produce and present your proposal to your client.

Fourth and in my view certainly not last, attitude, or even consulting philosophy matters, a whole lot. Consulting is a business, yes, but most of all it is also a service and a way of helping people manage and solve problems in such a way, that they can be better prepared when the next problem comes along. Ideally a consultant (eventually!) strengthens skills and capacities of his clients to such a degree, that they can do the job by themselves. Consulting services are more effective when designed as diagnostic interventions, rather than provided as one-time advice or management support. Success factors for commercial consulting services are usually negotiated in terms of reference and thus accountability to the service user should be a priority.
What defines you as a consultant?
As in any regular profession, there are countless specialists to call upon to provide consulting services suitable to meet client needs. When deciding on which consulting services are most appropriate for specific tasks, final choices a potential client makes will consider:
o the different types of available development consultants
o track-records and proven capacities
o the methods used
o cost of services.

In your proposal to a perspective client, already advise the client that it is a helpful idea to ask themselves if a consulting job requires a "doctor, a pharmacist,

• << previous page
• 1
• 2
• 3
• 4
• next page >>

Add your voice

Know something about Types of companies you can start with little or no initial expenditure?
We want to hear your view. Write now!