Complete Guide to Consulting Success [Paperback]

Howard Shenson (Author), Ted Nicholas (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1997

Corporate downsizing and outsourcing have created tremendous opportunities for millions of professionals to own and manage their own businesses. With the explosion of inexpensive home office technology, it is easier than ever to set up shop. For those about to take the plunge as consultants, the newly revised edition of this popular guide shows how to make the leap successfully.

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

Today it seems everyone is taking potshots at consultants. A regular target of Scott Adam's "Dilbert" comic strip, consultants were also recently skewered in a trio of articles in Fortune. Estimated to number more than 31,000, consultants seem to be everywhere, and consulting seems to be the career of choice for downsized and outplaced executives. It's not surprising, then, that the late Shenson found a niche advising would-be consultants on how to get started, find clients, and set fees. His works include How to Select and Manage Consultants (1990), The Successful Consultant's Guide to Fee Setting (1980), and How to Strategically Negotiate the Consulting Contract (1977). Coauthor Nicholas is the prolific author of those "how to form your own corporation for less than . . ." guides. Pooling their expertise, they wrote The Complete Guide, which proved to be a standard for the profession. This newest edition has been updated with the assistance of National Training Center founder and consultant Paul Franklin. David Rouse

Product Details

• Paperback: 243 pages
• Publisher: Dearborn Trade; 3 edition (January 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1574100556
• ISBN-13: 978-1574100556
• Product Dimensions: 10.7 x 8.4 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #936,552 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars solid info that you need and cant find elsewhere, August 6, 2001

By 

A Customer - See all my reviews

This review is from: Complete Guide to Consulting Success (Paperback)

shenson was the consultants consultant

this book tells you how to do it but also gives you the metrics you need to make sure that you do it right

this was the first full coverage consulting book. there was a groundbreaking one some years earlier by another author but it did not cover as many considerations nor give any solid numbers.

this book covers all the aspects you need to be successful. if it does nothing more than keep you from charging too little then it was worth the price.

i have used the advice when i was a consultant and found that it works.

if you have an interest in being an independent consultant you must read it. if you are only a contract employee you could still gain by reading it.

ted nicholas is a master marketer and his inputs strengthen a book taht was already the best. . .

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I have made so many mistakes in the past, but no more!, March 16, 2002

By 

Justin Hitt "Helping B2B technical services c... (Williamsburg, VA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Complete Guide to Consulting Success (Paperback)

I have read other consulting how-to guides, but this one really puts me on the path of more satisfied customers and greater profits. Besides going over contracts, it covers useful elements for websites, strategic marketing plans, and even provides methods to market your services (with examples too)! I should have bought this book when I have my first consulting gig in 1992 it would have saved me thousands.

If you can't afford this book right now, get a used copy while they are available, go to the library, but what every you do get this book. Consider that my free advice to consultants, if you would like to discuss this further, consultations are available.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Indispensable for new and experienced consultants, September 5, 2000

By 

Suresh Peram (Atlanta, GA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Complete Guide to Consulting Success (Paperback)

Generally IT consultants do not have extensive marketing experience. This books provides excellent insights to indirect marketing techniques that work. Consultants, IT consultants in particular, will derive keen marketing insights from this book. The book is written in an easy-to-read style and structured very well. When bulleted items are presented, they are immediately followed by an explanation, one for each item.