The New Consultant's Quick Start Guide

Acknowledgments Introduction to the New Consultant's Quick Start Guide 1. First Things First: Why Consulting? Chapter Overview Consulting: What Is It? Why a Consulting Career? Explore Your Experiences Inventory Your Competencies Assess Your Consulting Aptitude Pull It Together: Your Initial Consulting Focus Entrepreneur Attitude: Do You Have What It Takes? Quick Start Action: Questions to Ask a Consultant Quick Start Lists 2. Planning Your Consulting Future Chapter Overview Your Preferred Future Will Consulting Lead You to Your Life Goals? Professional and Personal Considerations Identify the Changes You Will Need to Make Quick Start Action: Create Your Personal Expense Plan Quick Start Lists 3. Dollars and Sense Chapter Overview Establish a Start-Up Budget Put a Price on Your Head Calculate Required Revenue Quick Start Action: Setting Your Fee Fill Out Financial Forms So What's It Take to Get off the Ground? Quick Start Lists 4. Taking Care of Business Chapter Overview Getting Started What's in a Name? Hire the Best Accountant and Attorney Quick Start Action: Find an Accountant and Attorney Determine Your Business Structure Explore Your Banking and Insurance Needs Check Local Zoning Laws, Licenses, and Taxes File Legal Documentation Quick Start Action: Your First To-Do List Quick Start Lists 5. Your Business Plan Chapter Overview Are Business Plans Really Necessary? Write Your Plan Plan to Use Your Business Plan Quick Start Action: Plan a Review Quick Start Lists 6. Make the Switch Painlessly Chapter Overview Gain Consulting Experience Before Leaving Your Job Determine Your Transition Plan Quick Start Action: Plan with Your Family Quick Start Lists 7. Setting Up Your Office--or Not Chapter Overview Office Location Options Set Up Your Office Paper, Paper Everywhere! What About a Website? Quick Start Action: The App Age Quick Start Lists 8. Finding Clients Chapter Overview Determine Your Market Niche Quick Start Action: Is There a Client Base? Who's Your Competition? Identify Your First Clients Land Your First WorkQuick Start Action: make a Sale to Solve a Problem Quick Start Lists 9. Marketing Chapter Overview What Is Marketing? The ABCs of Marketing Create Your Marketing Plan Build Your Marketing Plan Marketing on a Shoestring Budget Quick Start Action: Grab Attention with Your Headlines Write Winning Proposals Track Your Clients Tips to Become a Better Marketer Quick Start Lists 10. Surviving the First Year Chapter Overview Take Care of Your Health Manage Your Time Establish Good Business Habits Delight Your Clients Balance Your Life Did You Hear the One About the Consultant . . . ? Quick Start Lists 11. So, Now What? Year Two and Beyond Chapter Overview Assess Your Progress Quick Start Action: Review Your First Year with Your Family Plan Your Next Steps Bring It All Together ebb's 13 Truths to Ponder Quick Start Action: Review Your First Year with a Colleague Quick Start Lists Electronic Resources Reading List About the Author Index