Customer Reviews

The Ultimate Consultant: Powerful Techniques for the Successful Practitioner (Ultimate Consultant Series)

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

I've read a lot of books on consulting. They're usually long on theories and short on examples. Not this one. Alan Weiss gives you DETAILS. You will want to buy this book for the dozens of case studies alone. These case studies aren't generic. They come with names, dollar amounts and interesting success and disaster stories. I found myself learning the best and most interesting way...vicariously through the experiences of Alan Weiss and other consultants.

Plus, Weiss gives you sophisticated how-to's. Again, not theories, but proven techniques that he illustrates how and why they work. I've been able to immediately apply many of the ideas in the book. Guess what? They DELIVER. I loved this book so much I am giving it to my consulting and "going solo" friends.

Like me, you may have read MILLION DOLLAR CONSULTING or MONEY TALKS: HOW TO MAKE A MILLION AS A SPEAKER, also by Alan Weiss. I found THE ULTIMATE CONSULTANT to be a great follow-up. The material was fresh and current. It expanded upon ideas in the previous books, and wasn't just a rehash of material.

The best thing is THE ULTIMATE CONSULTANT is the start of a series. If you buy this book, I guarantee you will be like me...eagerly waiting for the next book installment!

If you are serious about expanding your consulting business, this is the book you want. I believe that, which is why I am putting my name down for this review.

Save your money on this book because it's the same old Weiss books repackaged under a new publisher.

This hardback is the best looking book, aesthetically, that he's written. However, his content about passive marketing, upsells (books, tapes, etc.) and value based fees he's done already. (Strategies which most consultants already practice.) This advice is no different than Peter Drucker's work circa 1985 (See "Flawless Consulting") This book is supposed to be for "advanced consultants" but the basics of the book are no different than his previous books. I'd like to see some fresh content from him. Hopefully, this is not part one of a seven part series of the same old rehash from Weiss. Or worse yet, a series devoted to "consulting case studies."

Anyone need a used copy?

Prior to purchasing Weiss' new book, I saw the ratings and read the reviews -- then bought it anyway. Contrary to some comments that this is a rehash of his previous points, I found value in it. Perhaps I value these type of books differently than others. True 'there's not a lot new under the sun', and that is true of books on consulting. But consider this, especially if you're a practicing consultant as I am. I purchase books for 4 reasons that add value: 1)They discuss standards/laws/regulations; 2) They discuss basic techniques common to an industry/profession; 3) They discuss techniques the author particularly found valuable; and/or 4)The most valuable -- they provide positive affirmation that what I've chosen to do is worth doing, even when in a down period/slump. I believe that if you finish a book (or workshop/seminar) with one point that will be used, then the ($) for a book [or ($) for a workshop] is money well spent. And if the idea/point is one that we've seen before, but the way it's currently presented now causes us to finally ACT on it, then the value to us is incalcuable. All of Weiss' books cause me to act on a point or two. Hence its value to me. I look forward to others in the series.

After having spent almost twice the money for this book than Alan's "Million Dollar Consulting", I found little to no new information. Take my advice: buy a copy of Alan's wonderful "Million Dollar Consulting" and spend the savings elsewhere in your practice. Good luck.

I have read other books by Alan Weiss, and each has lead me implement changes to my business that represent an exponential move forward. Maybe its just the stage I am now at, but while "Million Dollar Consulting" provided me with many of the basic nuts and bolts to increase my sales, the "Ultimate Consultant" lead me in a new direction. One where I questioned why I was still offering some of my old services, and why my business model was so labor intensive. My initial goal for the year was to triple my income. Reading and really taking the time to think about what Dr. Weiss was saying has already enabled me to keep my current income level with 1/3rd of the effort, and that works for me! Alan has succeeded in provoking me to, in his words, "raise the bar and not merely fix things."

This is the second of Dr. Weiss' books that I have read. I have been a consultant for over 20 years and this book provided me with some insights I had not thought of before. Have already taken some of the pointers in the book and included them within my practice.

The book is OK, but repeats his previous efforts. Go buy his previous book (already in paperback)and save $$.

This book is a must for the consultant who wants to increase their earning potential and move their career to the next level.

It has been an invaluable resource to me personally and I have been able to apply the techniques and practices to my day-to-day work as well as to my overall career management.

After reading through a large volume of books regarding consulting I can strongly recommend this book and many of the other titles that Alan has produced over the years.

While Alan Weiss has written Getting Started in Consulting for the newcomer, and Million Dollar Consulting for the consultant with experience beginning a solo practice, this book is for far more sophisticated consultants who are already doing well but wish to get to the next level. As always, Weiss is practical about finding the buyer the first time, setting high fees, writing brief proposals, and acting ethically, and also includes advice on how to enjoy the fruits of your success. This book also is the first in an excellent seven-book series specializing on issues such as fees, sales, life balance,and so on. It's a terrific resource for the successful consultant looking for even greater growth.

Alan Weiss is as purposeful of a writer that I've ever seen. Everything in "The Ultimate Consultant" provides rock-solid value. He offers brilliant insight on what springboard marketing is and illustrates ways to minimize labor-intensive requirements that make you wonder what you've been doing in business for all this time. As cliche as it may sound, the book epitomizes what working smart is all about. Important: a prudent approach to reading this is to absorb it slowly, take notes and methodically implement its principles---because they flat-out work. I've reviewed a countless number of self and business improvement books and the content and style of "The Ultimate Consultant" is way up at the top.