The Complete Idiot's Guide(R) to Consulting (Paperback)

"If I ask you what a police officer does, you'd be able to give me a coherent, informed answer..." (more)
Key Phrases: onsulting business, professional discussion lists, client mindset, Consultant Crashing, The Least You Need, Working Words (more...)

Product Details

• Paperback: 1 pages
• Publisher: Alpha; 1st edition
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0028642716
• ISBN-13: 978-0028642710
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 7.4 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,019,455 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars If you want to get into consulting, this is the book., April 22, 2002

By	John Woods (Madison, WI) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Every chapter in Robert Bacal's book rings with authenticity. It's clear he knows a lot about being a consultant. The book is very complete and has tons of practical advice for anyone contemplating becoming a consultant in any field. In fact, the book has real value to anyone thinking about going into business for him or herself, regardless of whether as a consultant or some other small business. It talks about realistically assessing your strengths, marketing yourself, consulting ethics, what the actual engagement will be like, dealing with clients (including the client from hell), what to charge, how to take advantage of the Internet to market your services and gain additional income streams and lots more. I can't imagine a book that would be more helpful to a potential consultant. And being a title in The Complete Idiot's Guides series, it's really easy to read. I highly recommend this book.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Useful for both new consultant and pro, January 15, 2006

By	John E. Lincoln "www.jelincoln.com" (St. George, UT United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I too am a consultant with over 10 yrs full time, medical device / regulatory consulting. I must disagree w/ the one somewhat negative review. I too have a degree w/ minor in business, but I found much in the book that is useful. True, there is "nothing new under the sun" (including this quote -- Eccl 1:9b), but I found much useful information. And I have read (and own) most of the consulting books. Bacal's sections on ethics, website design and purpose, and people skills / explanations of real problems using not-so-fictitious dialog add to the genre. And it's all "field-tested". Most of us still aren't applying all the basics in our practice, so any reminders are always useful, and beneficial if applied. I recommend it to both new and established consultants.

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A great resource--even for those who aren't idiots!, May 9, 2002

By A Customer

I've been a consultant for 10 years now, but wanted to take an objective look at how I've been doing--this book helped me do that and gave me some great ideas that I need to try.

Not only was it a refresher for me; it was an eye opener. It's an easy read and incredibly detailed too. A great resource to refer to time and again for new ideas.