Tips for Successful Consulting

#11
Thanks, Kev. I think it should be a BeeZers project to find some of the early long-posts and feature them in the hive. https://www.bebee.com/group/the-beezers-hive Reply

#12
Thanks, Don, for the link. It's a great video, makes an important point. I would say that one should consider some spec or reduced-rate work ONLY if one does not have a sufficient portfolio of past work to demonstrate what one can deliver. Once you have such a portfolio (and recommendations -- which are so important), there is absolutely no need to do spec work, and the request for same should be a red flag to doing business with the firm in question. When I was managing an engineering firm several years ago on consulting contract, the Navy put out a full RFP in connection with its troop ship-to-shore combat ferrying program. (The SSC-1 program). After dozens of firms put together proposals at a cost in the tens and hundreds of thousands of dollars to the "bidders", the Navy changed its mind, modified the requirements, and threw out all of the proposals. Put several firms out of business. The others refused to bid again. The key in submitting consulting proposals is to include sufficient teaser information to demonstrate that you know what you're talking about, but not so much as to enable the potential client to take your plan to a "cheaper" source for execution. For among other problems with that, make no mistake, you will own the failure, whether or not you got paid for the work. Cheers! Reply

Phil Friedman More good advice and now it's time to haul out this video on speculative work which is always tossed out to the consultant as 'opportunity'! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=essNmNOrQto Reply

#10
It's always good to resurrect the gems Phil... There are so many producer posts now, that I know I miss some great ones. Reply

In the spirit of a suggestion by Gert Scholtz, here is my redux for the day in the area of small business. Cheers to all! Reply

#6
Thank you, Elizabeth, for reading and commenting... and for the kind words. Cheers! Reply

@ Irene Hackett - to continue our discussion, Irene, I agree, as well, that we are in the midst of a growing transition away from the historical model of long-term, full-time employment toward one of limited-term contractual employment. However, I think it a mistake to conflate the situation in respect of upper-level execs cast out of FT employment with that of middle and lower level people joining the ranks of unemployed. Highly paid top level execs often have the option of joining the ranks of business owners and entrepreneurs (not the same thing, BTW) whereas middle and lower level people will be seeking to reinvent themselves as consultants and contract workers. I submit that it is important to recognize and understand the differences and nuances. Cheers! Reply

Thank you, Fatima, for the kind words, and for reading and taking the time to comment. Cheers! Reply

@Phil Friedman Thank you for these amazing tips on Successful Consulting. Your Knowledge, experience and the way you articulate your ideas enriches my mind. Reply

#1
Thanks Chris, for the kind words, and for reading and taking the time to comment. Cheers! Reply

Excellent article Phil Friedman. Reply