Getting Started in Consulting summary
Book Summary & Synopsis
What's it about?
This book explains how to build a successful consulting business through careful financial planning, effective time management, a productive workplace, sound legal and organizational decisions, consistent marketing, strong branding, flexible proposals, value-based fees, and lasting client relationships.
Who is it for?
- Aspiring consultants who want to build a stable business around their expertise.
- Consultants seeking practical guidance on attracting clients, pricing services, building credibility, and achieving sustainable growth.
About the author
Alan Weiss is the author of Getting Started in Consulting, which presents practical guidance on establishing, marketing, managing, and growing a consulting practice.
From the Introduction & First Chapter
Introduction
Getting Started in Consulting by Alan Weiss Success in consulting comes from strategic planning and expert execution. Do you dream of being your own boss and leveraging your expertise? Many aspire to consulting for freedom and financial reward. Yet a significant number of new consultancies fail, often because of a weak foundation and poor planning.
This summary will show you how to avoid common pitfalls and build a thriving consulting business.
saving and planning
Saving and Planning. To launch your consulting career, prioritize saving and planning. It can take 6 to 12 months to establish a consultancy. During this initial period, financial rewards are typically minimal.
Set aside enough funds to cover your living expenses for a year. This financial cushion allows you to focus on your new venture. Plan ahead by reducing monthly expenses where possible. Calculate your estimated annual needs, then create a dedicated fund to support yourself for that year.
Sources can include home equity, savings, or credit lines. Prioritization is also key to managing your time effectively. List all professional and personal tasks that need completion. Then tackle each task when you are in the best position to do so.
Delegating can significantly lighten your workload. Pass on tasks that are time-consuming or require specific skills. This frees you to concentrate on core consulting activities.
Table of Contents
- 1 Introduction 0:36
- 2 saving and planning 1:09
- 3 establishing your workplace 1:05
- 4 legal and organizational questions 1:15
- 5 networking and marketing 1:04
- 6 building your brand 1:12
- 7 closing client deals 1:08
- 8 fees and client relationships 1:04
- 9 sustainable growth 2:48
