The Consulting Bible: Everything You Need to Know to Create and Expand a Seven-Figure Consulting Practice

Book description

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.

Note: The ebook version does not provide access to the companion files.

Table of contents

  1. Cover
  2. Contents
  3. Title
  4. Copyright
  5. Dedication
  6. Introduction
  7. Section I : Genesis
    1. Chapter 1 : Origins and Evolution
      1. The Role of a Consultant
      2. The Ongoing Need
      3. Various Forms
      4. Examples of Success
      5. The Future
      6. Notes
    2. Chapter 2 : Creation
      1. Legal
      2. Financial
      3. Administrative Support and Resources
      4. Emotional Support and Resources
      5. Two Available Structures
      6. Notes
    3. Chapter 3 : Philosophy
      1. Value Trumps Fee
      2. Reducing Labor Intensity
      3. Identifying True Buyers
      4. Conceptual Agreement
      5. Leveraging
      6. Notes
  8. Section II : Exodus
    1. Chapter 4 : The Journey
      1. Creating Gravity and Attraction
      2. Reaching Out Effectively
      3. Viral and Social Media Implementation
      4. Creating an Accelerant Curve
      5. Shameless Promotion
      6. Technology Strategies
      7. Notes
    2. Chapter 5 : Presence
      1. Creating and Nurturing a Brand
      2. Expanding Products and Services
      3. Considering Alliances
      4. Referral Business
      5. Retainer Business
      6. Global Work
      7. Notes
    3. Chapter 6 : Celebrity
      1. Thought Leadership
      2. Authorship
      3. Value-Based Fees
      4. Subcontracting, Franchising, Licensing
      5. Reinvention
      6. Creating Communities
      7. Notes
  9. Section III : Deuteronomy
    1. Chapter 7 : The Perfect Proposal
      1. Assuring Success
      2. Conceptual Agreement
      3. The Nine Components
      4. How to Submit
      5. How to Close and Launch
      6. Notes
    2. Chapter 8 : Implementation
      1. The Role of the Buyer and Champion
      2. The Key Stakeholders and Influence Points
      3. Avoiding Scope Seep
      4. Midcourse Corrections
      5. Notes
    3. Chapter 9 : Disengaging
      1. Demonstrating Success
      2. Obtaining Referrals
      3. Obtaining Repeat Business
      4. Creating Testimonials and References
      5. Long-Term Leverage
      6. Notes
  10. Section IV : Acts of the Apostles
    1. Chapter 10 : Interpersonal Methodologies
      1. Coaching
      2. Facilitating
      3. Conflict Resolution
      4. Negotiating
      5. Skills Development
      6. Notes
    2. Chapter 11 : Teams and Groups
      1. Leadership
      2. Succession Planning
      3. Career Development
      4. Teams versus Committees
      5. Communications and Feedback
      6. Notes
    3. Chapter 12 : Organization Development
      1. Strategy
      2. Change Management
      3. Cultural Change
      4. Crisis Management
      5. Innovation
      6. Notes
  11. Section V : Proverbs
    1. Chapter 13 : Ethics of the Business
      1. When Bad Things Happen to Good Consultants
      2. Financial Follies
      3. Protection and Plagiarism
      4. When to Refuse Business or Fire Clients
      5. Doing Well by Doing Right
      6. Notes
    2. Chapter 14 : Exit Strategies
      1. Building Equity
      2. Licensing Intellectual Property
      3. Achieving Life Balance
      4. Finding Successors and Buyers
      5. Transitioning
      6. Note
    3. Chapter 15 : Payback and Reinvestment
      1. Mentoring Others
      2. Advancing the State of the Art
      3. Participation in the Evolution
      4. The Future
      5. Notes
  12. Physical Appendix
  13. Virtual Appendix
  14. About the Author
  15. Index

Product information

  • Title: The Consulting Bible: Everything You Need to Know to Create and Expand a Seven-Figure Consulting Practice
  • Author(s):
  • Release date: April 2011
  • Publisher(s): Wiley
  • ISBN: 9780470928080