A New Brand of Expertise: How Independent Consultants, Free Agents, and Interim Managers are Transforming the World of Work [Paperback]

Dennis Russell (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 7, 2001

A New Brand of Expertise uniquely clarifies the dynamics of the red-hot "free agent" workplace and teaches the new skills and employment strategies independent professionals must master to succeed. In today's quick and turbulent markets, companies often need specialized professional talent on an interim basis to solve specific business problems, a major trend creating huge opportunities and an alternative career track for many professionals.

A New Brand of Expertise clarifies for independent professionals why companies need interim talent and how to develop a skill set that matches market needs. Readers will learn effective methods for uniquely marketing and branding themselves in order to develop a sustainable and successful free agent career.


Explains the booming market for "free agent" professional talent
Details effective workplace strategies for both experienced and new independent professionals, such as consultants and laid-off managers

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Marion McGovern knows what it takes to add value in today's zip-zap world of commerce. After all, she was among the early visionaries who not only predicted the 'free agent nation' and the globalized 'new economy,' she literally helped shape them! A New Brand of Expertise is long-awaited wisdom from the source."
-Dr. Louis Patler, author, TILT! Irreverent Lessons for Leading Innovation in the New Economy

"Independent consulting as a lifestyle and career choice is destined to thrive as another force shaping the new economy. The leading talent agent for independent consultants shares industry insights of value to both companies and individuals who are readying to catch the wave." --Martin Babinec, Chairman and CEO, TriNet

"This dynamic book doesn't just describe from on high the increasingly interim nature of work in today's economy. A New Brand of Expertise draws from the experience of a key player aiding the transition, and will be of invaluable help to anyone trying to work in the new economy." --Tom Ehrenfeld, author of The Startup Garden: How Growing a Business Grows You

From the Publisher

A New Brand of Expertise is an informative new guide to the "free-agent" marketplace that explains how businesses can enhance their competitive advantage, and how independent consultants can develop a successful consulting practice. It demonstrates why companies need interim talent, now more than ever, and provides case studies and practical suggestions for how to use independent talent effectively. For new and experienced independent consultants, it offers proven methods for uniquely marketing and branding themselves to develop a sustainable and successful "free-agent" career. The author, a leading expert on independent consulting, draws on nearly 15 years of experience working with independent consultants and clients to clarify how businesses can capitalize on this new breed of flexible, highly experienced professionals.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 200 pages
• Publisher: Butterworth-Heinemann (February 7, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0750672927
• ISBN-13: 978-0750672924
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,222,079 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Not bad, but there are better books out there, November 28, 2001

By 

"eric_in_idaho" (Idaho USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: A New Brand of Expertise: How Independent Consultants, Free Agents, and Interim Managers are Transforming the World of Work (Paperback)

While there is good information here I would strongly recommend some other titles. For anyone who is considering a free agent / consulting career, "Free Agent Nation" by Daniel Pink provides a good "big picture" view of what you're in for. And for advice on consulting, books by Alan Weiss are killer stuff. I read "Million Dollar Consulting in the early 90's and thought it was excellent. And I recently purchased "Getting Started in Consulting", which takes the themes from his early books and translates them into a step by step roadmap. Straightforward, succinct, practical insights into how to build a business.

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very Interesting and Informative, March 3, 2001

By 

Milarepa (CA USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: A New Brand of Expertise: How Independent Consultants, Free Agents, and Interim Managers are Transforming the World of Work (Paperback)

As an established career consultant and coach, I advise my clients about current work and labor trends to help them make wise and profitable career choices. Long-term employment is gradually being replaced by short-term, project-oriented work. Knowing about this trend is important but knowing how to survive and thrive in this new environment is crucial and this book provides a useful step in understanding the change. This book is an outstanding resource for both workers and employers who want to thrive in the new world of work. A "Must Read."

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars a "roadmap" for consultants, April 29, 2001

By 

miriam (Petaluma, California) - See all my reviews

This review is from: A New Brand of Expertise: How Independent Consultants, Free Agents, and Interim Managers are Transforming the World of Work (Paperback)

A New Brand of Expertise is definitely an easy read and filled with all sorts of practical tips for both consultants and clients. As a veteran consultant, I found myself in agreement with many of McGovern's comments. When consulting works well, it sures beats "working for a living," as one of the consultants featured in the book mentioned. This book gives the rookie consultant a lot of solid advice on how to get started and be successful. I wish this book existed when I first made the transition to consulting.