The Management Consultant: Mastering the Art of Consultancy

Description

"the definitive hands-on guide to building a consulting practice that thrives by putting your client first - from one of the acknowledged masters in the field." Dr Simon Dorris, Managing Partner, Lansdowne Consulting "a really informative description of management consulting. Great for the beginner and experienced consultant alike" Helen Routledge, CEO Totem Learning "A practical guide that, once read, will remain in your desk drawer for regular reference. Richard cuts through the noise and gives you insights that you can actually use." Ibi Thomson, Founder & CEO, Issoria - Change Management Consulting. The secret of being a successful management consultant is to focus on the genuine needs of the client and provide the best service to achieve and sustain results. The Management Consultant is your essential guide for both newcomers and practicing consultants to develop the skills that will help you understand your client's needs, identify gaps in knowledge and deliver real value to all parts of your business. Updated to meet the most recent changes in business and technology with the same comprehensive and clear approach, expert practitioner Richard Newton shows you exactly what you need to know, do and deliver to be a great management consultant. Whether you are a consultant, working with consultants or buying a consultancy, this is the only book you will need. Front Cover Half Title Page Title Page Copyright Page Contents Acknowledgements Preface Introduction About the Author part 1 Understanding consultants and consultancy 1 Consultants and consultancy 2 Why does anyone buy consultancy? 3 Transitioning to consultancy 4 Your consulting service 5 The three core processes of client-centric consulting part 2 Consulting engagements 6 Finding and winning work 7 Delivering consulting engagements and satisfying clients 8 The alternative approach – process consulting 9 Closing engagements and sustaining results part 3 High-performance consulting 10 Developing long-term client relationships 11 The ethical dimension 12 The language of consulting 13 Knowing when to say no 14 Key consulting tips 15 The client’s perspective – buying consultancy part 4 Additional resources for consultants A The tools and processes of a consultancy business B References C Sample proposal letter Index Back Cover