Available for the first time in paperback, the quintessential manual for managers of accounting, legal, consulting, architectural, public relations...
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reviews
May 25, 2011
Quinton
rated it: 
Great book! A must read for anyone who wants to spend their career working in a professional service firm. Despite the date it was written, this book remains very relevant today. The first few chapters focus on ‘leverage’ for firms, with which it is actually referring to employees, and what balance between partner/employees that the firm should have. It compares the employees at the firm to leverage with a company in a different industry. The middle of the book is about marketing, where it
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May 18, 2011
Rick
rated it:
Although a bit outdated this book was very good. I typically don't enjoy reading books that have to do with work but this book provided some insight that is very useful in managing a professional services firm. In particular the notion of improving the leveragibility of existing/junior staff as opposed to hiring externally can generate revenue and increase margins. Also, the mix between the types of professional services firm provides insight on who/what the firm is that is insightful in terms o
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May 27, 2011
Patrick
rated it: 
This book is a business classic. Written in 1993, this book is almost 100% relative to professional services firms today. (With the hilarious exception of the few times he talks about how firms can use *computers*! The future is now!)
Maister walks through almost every part of running a consulting firm, and discusses the management strategies and challenges. He focuses a lot of effort on people issues - hiring the right staff and then growing them into the professionals you need. He a More...
Maister walks through almost every part of running a consulting firm, and discusses the management strategies and challenges. He focuses a lot of effort on people issues - hiring the right staff and then growing them into the professionals you need. He a More...
Mar 27, 2011
Mark
rated it: 
A collection of articles originally published in HBR, this volume has become, for good reason, the standard handbook for anyone in a leadership or management role in a professional service firm: consulting, law, accounting, etc. Each chapter provides a solid introduction into the most important aspects of firm management, from practice-building to compensation to how to lead other professionals.
Dec 03, 2008
Darcy
rated it:
For me this was a great introduction in how to manage a services business. I was recommended this book by my manager at the time.
I like the models/metrics the book introduced. For example, I liked the explanation of the Dupont formula and how to apply it to a services firm.
I like the models/metrics the book introduced. For example, I liked the explanation of the Dupont formula and how to apply it to a services firm.
Dec 15, 2011
Jeremie
rated it:
Good basic book on how to run professional service firms like consulting firms. Very interesting insights even if the book ages a bit.
Dec 06, 2011
Yu Tang
rated it:
Required reading prior to joining a professional services firm. At least you'll know what you're signing up for; no need to learn that the hard way.
Sep 30, 2008
Kelly
rated it:
It's a classic for a reason. The first several chapters are sloooowww going, but once he hits the clients and people sections, there are plenty of common-sense bits to actually apply and act on.
Nov 21, 2010
Beth
rated it:
Found my self nodding a lot while reading this, which is not a good thing to do when reading in public. However it makes such good sense I couldn't help myself!
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