Consulting for Dummies

by Bob Nelson, Philip Albon, Peter Economy

Fully adapted for a UK audience by consultancy specialist, Philip Albon, this book is an essential guide for anyone considering making a career out of consulting. Offering practical advice on all aspects of setting-up and running a successful consulting business including; setting your fees, keeping track of time and money, building business with new clients, winning proposals and business networking, Consulting For Dummies is the easiest way to make a name for yourself and profit from your expertise. Sections will What's a Consultant?- Deciding to set up and finding a business directionThe Consulting Process- How to create a business proposal, analyse the data, develop recommendations, present the findings, and make sure they're implementedKey Consulting Skills- Presenting a professional image, time-management and organisation, communication skills, writing reports and presentations, using technologySetting up your Business- setting fees, drawing up contracts, setting up a home office, keeping track of time and money, multiplying effectiveness with support servicesMarketing- Promotion, getting new clients, using referralsPlus, new information on Business reality- preparing for tax audits and general small business finance This UK edition of Consulting For Dummies will fully update readers on current e-marketing techniques and the current opportunities offered to those using the Internet to promote their business and build a client list. It will also be adapted to include core UK business and finance information, crucial for those setting up alone. Topics such as bookkeeping and basic accountancy have been added, plus content on UK tax and how government policies affect small businesses. This new edition incorporates updated currency systems in order to cater for the UK market.

Genres: Business, Reference, Buisness, Nonfiction, Entrepreneurship

360 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 30, 2010

Reviews

[Russell Allison · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm generally a fan of the For Dummies and For Idiots books because they are the equivalent of a not-very deep but typically broad literature review on a topic.
This one is below average in that it tries too hard to consider all the different types of consulting someone might do, instead of focusing on a more limited range. A much much better book for someone considering this one is The Business of Consulting by Elayne Biech.

[Mo Ha · Rating 1 out of 5]

In short - Did not enjoy it at all.

I am not sure if its the topic or the authors way of using the "For Dummies" template that went wrong, (as I am NOT a knowledgeable person in the topic) . This book left me more confused than when I picked the book up.

PS: Anyone reading this Review, please feel free to leave suggestions on best books on consulting !

[Juliet · Rating 3 out of 5]

Skimmed to take what I need (turns out I got the UK edition) but big takeaways for me:
1. Rule of 1/3s: loved this and confirmed with what I've been doing currently.
2. The 5 steps of the "consulting process" breaks down on how you should approach consulting for a client (keeps you organized and to the point).
3. Heavy on how to approach clients which is something I've never done.

[Phil Simon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book definitely helped me back when I began consulting. Now, I probably have most of this content committed to memory.

[Amol Sampatrao Ramteke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good for motivation

Several ideas may motivate ... Today I have my own business after reading. All you need is available at one place from. Forming to Billing.

[Stephen Heverin]

Consulting for Dummies by Bob Nelson (1997)

[Ben Kellermann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Consulting For Dummies, 2nd Edition includes a reorganization and narrower focus of the topic, with new or updated information that delves into the specifics of running your own consulting business. There is greater emphasis on the business of consulting, along with financial and legal issues involved in setting up a consulting business, deepening coverage of consulting proposals, and entirely new chapters on higher-level consulting issues that more-established consultants are demanding.

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