An Insider's Guide to Building a Successful Consulting Practice

by Bruce Katcher, Adam Snyder (Primary Contributor)

Do you relish your independence and autonomy? Are you looking for a job that makes use of your energy and expertise? This invaluable resource is the guide you need top get started. Industrial psychologist, consultant, speaker, and author Bruce Katcher combines his years of experience and insights with real stories from a range of other independent consultants to guide you on your journey of growing a consulting practice--whether they’re beginners just starting up or veterans looking for new ways to invigorate their businesses. In An Insider’s Guide to Building a Successful Consulting Practice , you’ll learn simple yet powerful strategies for success, including how With applicable data and tangible advice gleaned from the survey results of professionals in a diverse range of industries, you’ll not only learn how to keep plenty of work in your pipeline--you’ll be able to adapt your consulting practice to thrive in any market.

Genres: Business, Entrepreneurship

272 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2010

Reviews

[Kris · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was "ok" but it didn't really give the nuts and bolts of running a successful consulting practice in the way that I was hoping.

So many of the very few "consulting" books on the market tend to gloss over things like accounting practices, insurance, employees, taxes, etc. This book is no different. I'm sure there are a few things here and there that would be helpful to a variety of people ... especially those involved in finance or sales of some sort. I'm interested in finding out consulting information for a much different business (engineering) so this fell a little short for how to run that kind of endeavor.

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this guide practical and a good start to beginning my own consulting business. It gave me a foundation in understanding different consulting business models and choosing one that best suit my needs. Although, it is difficult to obtain a perspective in the field you may be consulting in, as I did find that a challenge throughout the book. Recommend for those thinking about consulting as their career.

[Anne Lutomia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Using vignettes, bullet points, tables and short paragraphs the author clearly explains the ropes and practice of becoming and practicing consultants in detail. A good and quick read for consultants and prospective ones.

[Lindsay Wall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book.

[Chris Munson · Rating 5 out of 5]

As I look back upon my career, I realize that I have a ton of knowledge and experience to share. I also have realized that I can't make full use of this experience with a single employer. So, as part of my overall 5-year plan, I want to look into starting an independent consulting firm. So, that's why I picked up "The Insider's Guide to Building a Successful Consulting Practice." I will say it is probably the most realistic and most useful book I've read around becoming an independent consultant. The author addresses the issues that are most important to becoming a consultant (including whether or not it is a good idea, sales and proposal writing). It is well researched (including opinions from real consultants) and provides excellent insights using real examples that present problems and solutions around running a consulting practice. You can read it cover to cover, but its real value is as a reference book to accompany you on your consulting journey. A great and valuable read.

[Laurie Neighbors · Rating 3 out of 5]

Got this on the very cheap. Useful enough, and certainly less arrogant than it's big competition.

[Vedran Pavlic · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is a good book to get you thinking about all of the aspects of the work you will have to do to support your consulting practice.