Phil Friedman

7 years ago · 6 min. reading time · ~10 ·

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Tips for Successful Consulting

Tips for Successful Consulting

from
Small Business Primer
by Phil Friedman

CONSULTING IS VERY DIFFERENT FROM TERM EMPLOYMENT...


I read recently that the workplace and job market are shifting paradigms, from the employer/employee model to one in which work is being performed more and more on limited term contracts.

However, it seems to me that there abounds significant confusion concerning the terms “contract employee” (or “contractor”) and “consultant”. Consequently, I would like to present to you with several tips on consulting, gleaned from more than a few years earning a living as a consultant.


When marketing yourself, be specific and clear as to your skills, experience, and the work status you are seeking.

LEARN TO ENGAGE
WITH CONFIDENCE

To schedule an appointment for a free 1/2-hour consult email:   info@learn2engage.org

Text Copyright © 2016-2017 by Phil Friedman — All Rights Reserved
Images Credits:  Stuart Miles, FreeDigitalPhotos.net



#SMALLBUSINESS #CONSULTING #CONSULTINGAGREEMENTS #BUILDINGYOURSMALLBUSINESS #SMALLBUSINESSPRIMER #CONTRACTEMPLOYMENT

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Comments

Phil Friedman

6 years ago #11

#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

Phil Friedman

6 years ago #10

#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!

don kerr

6 years ago #9

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

Kevin Pashuk

6 years ago #8

#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.

Phil Friedman

6 years ago #7

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!

Phil Friedman

7 years ago #6

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

Phil Friedman

7 years ago #5

@ 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!

Phil Friedman

7 years ago #4

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

🐝 Fatima G. Williams

7 years ago #3

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

Phil Friedman

7 years ago #2

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

Chris Spurvey

7 years ago #1

Excellent article Phil Friedman.

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