Becoming an Independent Information Professional

Foreword
Loida Garcia-Febo, International Librarian, Consultant, and Educator
Introduction: How to Use This Book to Get Where You Want to Be
Melissa M. Powell, BiblioEase
Chapter 1. Is Consulting Work for You?
Nancy Bolt, Nancy Bolt & Associates, and Liz Bishoff, The Bishoff Group
Why Do Libraries Hire Consultants?
Four Basic Types of Consulting
Presenting and Teaching
Facilitating or Managing a Process
Conducting Research or Evaluation
Unique Expertise
What Kind of Consultant Are You?
Worksheet A: Deciding Your Consulting Role
Worksheet B: Aptitudes Important for Consulting
Worksheet C: Putting It All Together
Using These Worksheets
Challenges You Will Face
A Balanced Life
Distractions
Travel
Partnerships
Maintaining Your Reputation
Dealing with Negative Recommendations
Delivering on Contracts
Summary
Chapter 2. Values-Based Consulting
Carson Block, Carson Block Consulting, Inc.
What Is "Values-Based Consulting?"
"I Want to Be a Consultant"
The Why of Values-Based Consulting
How Does This Play Out?
You Are the Future of Values-Based Consulting
Chapter 3. The Map of Your Marketplace
Pat Wagner, Pattern Research, Inc.
Part One: The Independent Point of View: It's Different from Being Employed
The Ideal Customer versus the Real Customer
How Different Are Potential Customers in Different Library Workplaces?
What Works to Find and Reach Them, Regardless of Who They Are
How Do They Fit into Your Strategic Plan and Business Model?
What Do Potential Customers Have in Common?
Part Two: The Customer
Individual Customers
Library Institutions
Conferences
Library Support and Membership Organizations
Applying Your Skills Outside of the Library Community
Conclusion
Chapter 4. Know the Numbers That Tell Your Story: The Legal and Financial Aspects of Your New Business
Denise Shockley, Independent Consultant
Developing a Business Plan
Choosing a Business Structure
Sole Proprietorship
Partnership
Corporation
Subchapter S Corporation
Limited Liability Company
Taxes
Bookkeeping and Accounting
Bank Accounts
Bookkeeping and Accounting Basics
Conclusion
Chapter 5. Company Culture
Jamie Hollier and Tynan Szvetecz, Commerce Kitchen and Anneal, Inc.
What Is Culture? (Hint: Not a Ping Pong Table or a Beer Fridge)
How You Do One Thing Is How You Do Everything
Seeing Yourself
Leadership Styles (Both Internal and External)
The Authoritative Leader
The Neglectful Leader
The Permissive Leader
The Authoritarian Leader
The People: Jazz as a Model
The Roles
Individual Owner or Partnership
Hiring (Fit over Skills, Trust, etc.)
Vendors and Partners
Where You Are Can Affect How You Are
Home Offices
Coffee Shops
Co-Working Space
Your Own Office Space
Conclusion
Chapter 6. Marketing and Branding
Crystal Schimpf, Kixal, Inc.
Defining Your Brand
Designing a Logo
Creating a Web Site
Marketing with E-mail
Utilizing Social Media
LinkedIn
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
SlideShare
Other Social Media Channels
General Social Media Tips
Targeting Marketing to Specific Audiences
Engaging in Volunteerism and Professional Activities
Networking with Other Professionals
Conclusion
Chapter 7. Pipelines and Charging for Services
Melissa Stockton, Quipu Group
Pipelines
How Much in the Pipeline?
How to Fill the Pipeline
Responding to an RFP/RFI/RFQ
Getting the Word Out
Repeat Clients
Charging for Services
Pricing Models to Think About
When and How to Say No
Conclusion
Chapter 8. Getting It Done: Project Management Tips for Library Consultants
Emily Clasper, Suffolk Cooperative Library System
Project Management Methodologies
Project Management Superstar Tactics
Setting the Stage
Project Scope
Scheduling
Communication
Building Your Toolbox
Epilogue: A Few Last Things Before You Begin Your Journey
Melissa M. Powell, BiblioEase
Appendix A: Specific Types of Consulting
Appendix B: ASCLA Library Consultants Code of Ethics
About the Editor and Contributors
Index