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Last day to get the Consulting Start-up Course for $127

admin — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 18:42:18 +0000

Today’s the last day to get the Consulting Start-up Course (Become a Consultant – How to Make the Leap) for just $127. That’s 35% off the regular price!

The course includes audio lessons, worksheets, exercises, discussion forums and a full guide. You also gain access to the full Consultant Journal library – Discover Your Inner Consultant, Consulting Fees, Become a Consultant and more. The ebooks alone are worth more than the $127 tag, so this is a great opportunity.

Just use discount code jan12 at checkout – offer expires tonight at midnight!

How to use LinkedIn to build expert status

admin — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 08:01:06 +0000

How to use LinkedIn to build expert status – Are you wondering whether LinkedIn can help you build your expert status? Curious whether LinkedIn is anything more than just a fly-by-night social media portal?

LinkedIn is a unique social media site that can be a powerful tool when used appropriately. And one of the most effective ways to use LinkedIn is as a tool to help you build expert status.

Here are five tips to help you build your expert status on LinkedIn:

1. Be a valuable member of influential groups

Have you joined a LinkedIn business-related group yet? If not, a quick browse in LinkedIn offers a window into many online business groups.

But don’t just join industry organizations. Consider frequenting complementary groups and becoming known as the resident expert in that group in your niche.

And don’t just post your own status updates. Answer others’ questions and demonstrate your expertise by giving back.

Not sure where to start when it comes to LinkedIn groups? Check out which groups your peers and colleagues have already joined.

2. Share your favorite book recommendations

Check out the LinkedIn "Amazon Reading List" application. It’s a great little app that allows you to share the business-related books that you like. Your chosen books are displayed right on your LinkedIn profile. Or, better yet, if you’re a published author, you can load your reading list with your own books–peppered in with a few other useful picks, of course!

Displaying your reading list on your LinkedIn profile is an effective yet subtle way to demonstrate that you’re active in your industry and that you’re an expert in your field.

3. Officially associate yourself with the movers and shakers in your industry

Are there big-wigs in your niche? Use your existing LinkedIn network to ask for an introduction from one of your existing connections so that you can be connected with the movers and shakers in your niche.

Become an expert by affiliation.

4. Ask for referrals from your best clients

You know who they are: the clients who think that you’re the greatest. The clients who love your work and what you do.

Don’t be afraid to request a recommendation or testimonial from your biggest fans. Nothing speaks louder than what someone else has to say about you!

5. Fill out the LinkedIn Honors and Awards section

If you’ve been nominated or won awards, don’t be shy. List ‘em in LinkedIn!

Never been nominated for anything? No problem. Why not join the board of an industry association instead?

Take action on at least one of these tips on how to use LinkedIn to build expert status to see results today. Increasing your expert status can do wonders for your business, so have the confidence to see yourself as an expert!

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8 reasons the economy means opportunity

admin — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 08:01:45 +0000

Worried about the economy? Don’t be.

When you’re a consultant you’re in control. You create your own business, your own contacts and your own client list. Being in control is one of the many reasons why consulting rules.

Here are 8 reasons the economy means opportunity for consultants:

1. Layoffs mean gaps that need to be filled

Fewer employees in the workforce mean that there are unmet company needs that can’t be filled by regular employees.

2. Less competition

When the economy is threatening to go sour many on-the-fence consultants looking for a change take the opportunity to get back into the regular 9-to-5 workforce.

3. More short-term contracts and one-off projects

Many companies are hesitant to take on new employees during so-called "bad" economic times and turn to consultants instead.

4. During a down-turn companies get serious about growth

During a shaky economy companies tend to get serious about marketing and planning their future. This can mean more work for consultants who offer strategic advice.

5. Opportunity to diversify your client base

If your regular source of work dries up during tough economic times it can be a great time to tweak your primary target market. Try government or healthcare or other industries who are less affected by the economy.

6. Look for new opportunities that weren’t there before

Downturn in the economy? Consider the market and whether that downturn has opened up a new opportunity in your service offering.

7. More time on your hands? Get focused.

Finding yourself with a gap in your schedule due to a slow economy? Take the time time think. Have you been too reactive when it comes to accepting new clients? Why not take this opportunity to go after the clients that you really want–rather than take the jobs that come knocking on your door. If you’ve been running from project to project without a chance to catch up or plan strategically, get serious about your business and go after the clients that will really take your business to the next level.

8. Work-life balance

Many consultants take few vacations and operate on a boom and bust schedule, often working erratic schedules if they are driven to grow their business. Finding yourself with a bit more free time? Relax. And take a moment to catch up on your work-life balance.

So don’t get sucked into worrying about the economy. Focus on the opportunities that are out there and how you can provide value in your industry.

Do you agree with these 8 reasons the economy means opportunity?

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Interns should work for pay

admin — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 20:38:00 +0000

One my my favourite sites, Metafilter, has a post today about interns in the UK. What really stood out for me was the part about how, in some fields, you need wealthy parents if you want to ever get a job. That’s because interning – sometimes for years – means giving up a salary. When I was a student, I spoke out against internships. I was studying communication and journalism and many media outlets only took on unpaid interns. The problem is that this can go on for years. And that means only rich kids can become interns.

From what I’ve seen, unpaid internships seem to be concentrated in fields dominated by women. And fields dominated by women tend to be among the lowerst paid. Women tend to be less likely to ask to be paid what they’re worth, so it’s a vicious cycle. As an employer, I have a strict policy of paying my contractors, no matter where they are in their career. I believe minimum wages exist for a reason and it’s a slippery slope if we start requiring people to work for free. I suppose it’s different if you’re getting university course credit, but I’d expect a different arrangement then. Too often, I hear of consulting colleague who have interns working at an extra desk for a chance to "learn" the business. Meanwhile, the head consultant is billing for their work. I think that’s disgusting. Moreover, if you don’t value entry-level work in your own field, how well do you think clients will value the work YOU do?

What do you think about internships?

New year, new ideas

admin — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 05:10:38 +0000

Well, it’s the end of the first week of 2012. I have been correcting cheques (checks) all week. Ha ha. Usually, this far into the year, I’d have already planned out my resolutions for the year. I’m a bit behind this year. I took a vacation to a sunny place and, well, my mind is still there.

Actually, that’s got to be one of my resolutions. I need to take more vacations. I mean, sure, I take time off all the time. But I really love travelling and trying new foods. And while it’s been great to vacation throughout the Pacific Northwest in the past few years, I’d like to go further afield. So I’m going to build that into my plans. I’ve been a bit conservative on vacations since having kids, never sure if a long flight would be more work than it’s worth, but I think they’re at the age now where it’s manageable.

This year, I’m going to expand my marketing business. I’ve got meetings with lawyers and accountants this week, as I want to do my homework.

I’m also planning to do more public speaking and teaching. I’ve done a ton of that in the past several months, but I want to do more of it. I love teaching and the pressure to think on my feet makes me love my work even more. Plus I love seeing the sparkle in the eyes of entrepreneurs and professionals as they learn a new concept.

How about you? What are you planning for 2012?

Sample business plan for consulting

admin — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 08:01:10 +0000

Using a sample business plan for consulting - Is it okay to use a sample business plan for consulting, as opposed to creating one from scratch? Of course it is! In fact, starting with a template is wisest since it will save you time and give you a springboard to start from.

Compare apples to apples

There are many free business plan templates on the internet; the trick is to find one that most closely fits what you have in mind for your business.

Don’t just choose the first plan you see; make sure that you choose a sample business plan template from a similar industry. Why? Because a plan that applies to starting a retail business, for example, will not be easily applicable to starting a consulting business.

Choose a sample business plan template that best fits your needs and goals. Be sure to choose a sample business plan for consulting; it will provide you with the framework to create your own plan.

You’ve found a sample business plan for consulting. What next?

Once you find a plan that you want to work with, study it closely. How much of it applies to you and your business? You will probably discover some great ideas and approaches that you can utilize in your own plan. Make notes of what you would like to incorporate in your plan and what might be missing.

Whatever you do, don’t copy the template word for word because odds are your business isn’t a cookie cutter business! Customize the sample business plan for consulting to make it reflect who you are, what you are offering, the vision you have created, and how you are going to achieve your goals.

Compare your sample business plan for consulting with this sample outline. Does your chosen template cover all the bases?

If you’re not sure how to get started, consider taking small business training. If you’d like a better understanding of consulting fees and how they’re calculated, take a look at our guide on consulting fees.

Remember … It’s beneficial to use a sample business plan for consulting rather than reinventing the wheel. However, customization is key. By finding a sample business plan that you like, and by changing it to suit your future consulting business, you are taking the first steps towards becoming a successful consultant.

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8 consulting lessons they don’t teach you in school

admin — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 08:01:40 +0000

8 consulting lessons they don’t teach you in school – From setting rates to firing clients, university curriculum doesn’t quite cover the ins and outs of consulting! Here are 8 consulting lessons that you won’t learn in academia:

1. Marketing doesn’t have to be a pain.

Marketing can be viewed as a necessary evil or as self-nurture. Marketing doesn’t have to hurt. Learn to love marketing and networking, and you’ll reap the rewards.

2. You don’t have to be outgoing to succeed as a consultant.

Shy? You can still build a business network even as an introvert. In fact, introverts bring special skills to their businesses. Learn to leverage your personality – be it an introverted or extroverted one.

3. Firing your clients is an option.

Not being treated with the respect you deserve? Is your client an annoyance or a money pit? As a consultant, firing your clients is always an option!

4. How to set consultant rates.

Setting consulting rates is one of the most important elements of your business. Find out everything you need to know about setting consulting fee rates right here.

5. Sometimes saying no can be the best decision you’ve ever made.

Every time you say yes to one thing you’re in effect saying no to something else as a result. Do you want to be a specialist or do you want to be a generalist? Should you "do windows"?

6. How to build your expert status.

Consultants get hired for their expertise. Here are some excellent tips on how to build your expert status–even if you’re not the world’s leading expert in your industry.

7. What to do when a client doesn’t pay.

It’s bound to happen eventually. Do you know what to do when a client doesn’t pay? Here is an outline of the steps you should take when a consulting client doesn’t pay.

8. Consulting rules: From work-life balance to choosing your own co-workers and clients, here are 8 reasons why consulting rules.

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Business plans for consultants

admin — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 08:01:42 +0000

Business plans for consultants – Are you considering starting your own consulting practice or repositioning your current consulting business? Have you put pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard) and started outlining your consulting practice in a business plan? If not, this article will help you structure your consultant business plan.

What will a business plan do for you?

Business plans for consultants should do the following:

1. Provide an estimate of costs before you start. Determine how much money you will need for start-up costs and for day-to-day operations. (Generally, I recommend keeping an emergency fund of 6-9 months at all times.)

2. Help you obtain financing. If you require any financing your lender will require a solid business plan before lending you money or establishing a business line of credit.

3. Clarify your business needs. What kind of advertising will you do? How much money do you think you’ll make in the first and second years? Business plans for consultants will provide you with the answers you need to start planning your consultancy.

4. Provide a framework for developing your business. Consultant business plans are roadmaps for you to follow.

5. Increase your chance of success. The time that you put into developing your business plan will pay off in the end. By fully researching your future consultancy business, you will be better prepared for any eventuality.

What’s in a business plan?

Are business plans for consultants different from other business plans? Yes and no.

The general format of business plans for consultants follow a normal business plan outline. Here’s a simple business plan template to get the ball rolling.

However, business plans for consultants also require some specialized sections. Are you putting together a business plan for consultants? To fast-track the completion of your business plan and to ensure you use accurate numbers, check out our guides, workbooks and courses in the Consultant Journal store, including the invaluable guide on consulting fees: Consulting Fees: A Guide for Independent Consultants. You may also want to consider taking small business training to ensure that all your bases are covered.

Business plans for consultants provide a detailed map of future business, reducing your risk of losing track of your goals. By following this map, you greatly increase your chances of success. As long as you’ve done your research, and taken the time to really plot your course, your business plan will be one of the best time investments that you can make.

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Marketing – Turn a necessary evil into self nurture

admin — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 08:01:09 +0000

Marketing – Do you look at marketing as a necessary evil? If so, stop thinking of marketing as a necessary evil. Instead, start thinking of marketing as an exercise in self nurture.

Marketing doesn’t have to feel like a necessary evil

When you think about "marketing," do you think of expensive advertisements, pushing your business on others or awkward business card exchanges? Do the words "cold call" send shivers down your spine? If so, you need to flip marketing on its head.

As a consultant, marketing doesn’t have to be a hard sell; it can be subtle. Marketing can be as simple as intentionally expanding your network of friends and contacts. As I wrote in a recent article, becoming a consultant is as much about knowing stuff as it is about knowing people.

Think about it. When was the last time you hired someone to provide a service for you? Odds are that you hired someone based on who you know–for example, someone in your social circle–or from a referral made by a friend or colleague.

Turn marketing into self-nurture

Expanding your social circle can be very self-nurturing. We are social animals, even those of you who consider yourselves shy. Needing to expand your network for marketing purposes can be an excellent reason to connect with inspirational, like-minded entrepreneurs and colleagues. And there are few things as pleasurable or self-nurturing as meeting new friends who share similar experiences, such as running their own consulting businesses.

Don’t get me wrong. There is nothing wrong with cold calling and sometimes it’s necessary. But there is no need to think of marketing as a hard sell where you push your services on absolute strangers. Instead, approach marketing as a reason to expand your network and enjoy some much needed social interaction during the process.

Putting together a business plan

admin — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 08:00:10 +0000

Putting together a business plan can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Don’t get hung up on the format or the end result. In fact, it’s not even the end result that is important. Rather, it’s the process of putting a business plan together that is the truly important step!

This is because by going through the steps of putting together a business plan you are forced to sit down and answer the tough questions about your business, such as "How will I differentiate myself from the competition?", "How much will I charge?", and "What will be my marketing strategy?"

Putting together a business plan:

1. Set aside some time to put together your business plan.

Putting together a business plan starts with setting aside time to do it. If you are busy, particularly if you are working another full-time job, it can be difficult to squeeze in the time.

Our tendency is to put off work that feels a little scary and out of our comfort zones, like putting together a business plan. Often it’s merely the thought of putting together a business plan that feels scary, but once you get into it it’s really as simple as answering a survey and then crunching a few numbers. So don’t let fear put you off. Schedule a few three-hour chunks into your agenda to work on putting together a business plan. And when the time to put together your business plan rolls around, don’t procrastinate. Get to work!

2. Find a business plan template that you can use as a guideline.

Putting together a business plan is much easier if you can use a template or boiler plate as a guideline. When putting together a business plan the idea isn’t to copy your template exactly. Rather, use the template as a jumping off point. Feel free to add or remove any sections as necessary.

To help you put together your business plan, here’s a bare-bones consulting business plan template to get you started.

3. Start putting together a business plan.

Putting together a business plan is as easy as sitting at your computer, putting your thinking cap on and starting to type. When you run into questions or sections that you don’t know the answers to, start doing a little bit of research.

However, it’s most effective for you to work on the business plan yourself and only ask for assistance on very specific questions that you are unable to answer.

Often there are community business organizations that will help point you in the right direction to resources and potential contacts who will help you complete the gaps in your business plan. Enlisting help and feedback from someone who is already doing the work that you plan to do is one of the best ways to approach putting together the difficult parts of your business plan.

Are you putting together a business plan? There are a number of resources that will help you hone in on your business in the Consultant Journal store, including an excellent guide to helping you set your rates to ensure your success. Start putting your business plan together today.

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