Overview

Turn to the Definitive Guide for All Your Consulting Questions ATD's Handbook for Consultants unpacks what it takes to run a successful consulting practice that delivers world-class solutions for clients all with the benefits of a self-directed work life. As companies and organizations become increasingly strategic with how they use employee resources, more are engaging external consultants as highly skilled temporary labor when they lack the specialized expertise to handle their growing needs. Without the staffing flexibility to complete special projects that require more employee hours and specialized skills, companies recognize the benefits of fresh perspectives, new ideas, outside opinions, and the speed and efficiency of an expert consultant who in many cases has already tackled similar challenges with other companies. Consulting is at the top of the list of career moves for talent development professionals and others who have unique skill sets and expertise. Whether you're considering branching out on your own, you've just launched and are struggling to keep yourself afloat, or you're looking to take your business to the next level, this book will help you clarify your ""why"" and make your transition a soft landing. Learn to set a business strategy, write winning business proposals, and market your products and services. Gain perspectives on multiple consulting career paths-from forming an independent consultancy to joining a boutique consulting practice to consulting with a large company. Edited by consulting powerhouse Elaine Biech, this book is broken into five parts: Exploring consulting: So you want to be a consultant Getting started: Plan your consulting future Delivering results: The work of a consultant Developing business: Find and keep clients Focusing on your future: Define success your way Tap into the sage wisdom, actionable takeaways, and practical tools in this book, and set yourself apart from the competition on your journey to becoming a successful consultant.

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9781957157344

Table of Contents

Reviews

"""ATD's Handbook for Consultants is another winner! Packed with guidance from more than 35 renowned experts, this book is full of brilliance and inspiration. Read it!"" --Ken Blanchard, Co-Author, The New One Minute Manager and Simple Truths of Leadership ""I remember my move from graduate school to working in a consultancy. I had academic expertise but needed a guide to help me unlock the consulting relationships in front of me. This handbook would have been a lifesaver! The content and tools meet you where you are on your growth continuum. You will speed your productivity as you access the world's leading advisors in our field and amplify your career."" --Tacy M. Byham, PhD, CEO, Development Dimensions International (DDI) ""What a compendium of consulting information. With the level of detail for those that are starting out in this business, there is no more authoritative source. This handbook nails down all the essential elements of the consulting business."" --RADM (ret.) JB Godwin III, President and CEO, Mercy Medical Angels ""The consulting experts who contributed the tips and tools to these chapters make it an invaluable resource for anyone at any stage in their consulting career. It is the ultimate guide to helping you be the best consultant you can be for yourself and your clients."" --Jeff Hayes, President and CEO, The Myers-Briggs Company ""This book is an absolute treasure for any experienced consultant, brand-new consultant, and anyone in between. Elaine has used the power of her own established consulting career to gain real gems from her wide circle of colleagues. A must-have for your bookshelf."" --Bev Kaye, Author, Keynote Speaker, and Recipient ATD Lifetime Achievement Award ""Elaine Biech expertly navigates the complexities of consulting, offering insights and strategies that are both innovative and grounded in theory and real-world experience. This book will equip you with the tools and knowledge to make your practice successful."" --Kimo Kippen, Aloha Learning Advisors; former CLO, Hilton Hotels and Resorts ""Looking for a rehash of traditional consulting best practices? You've come to the wrong place. Instead, Elaine and her cadre of performance and mission-based contributors offer powerful new consulting methods that promise to keep up with a rapidly changing world."" --Jim Kirkpatrick, Co-Author, Kirkpatrick's Four Levels of Evaluation; Senior Consultant, Kirkpatrick Partners ""In today's complex and competitive environment, it is essential for consultants to be successful and deliver the results desired by clients. This book will show you how."" --Patti and Jack Phillips, CEO and Chair, ROI Institute; Co-Authors, Maximizing the Value of Consulting and The Consultant's Scorecard, 2nd Ed. ""ATD's Handbook for Consultants brings together experienced consultants and luminaries in the field, offering both a long-term perspective and a present-day look at the business of consulting. Whether you're new to the business or an old-timer like me, this is a book you'll want to keep within arm's reach for years to come. I know that I will."" --Jim Kouzes, Co-Author, The Leadership Challenge; Fellow of the Doerr Institute for New Leaders, Rice University. ""Become a trusted advisor, shape business strategy, or even hang out your shingle as an independent consultant with the ATD's Handbook for Consultants as your go-to guide. This compilation of insights from consulting trailblazers will help you find your niche, your network, and your income as a TD consultant."" --Becky Pike Pluth, CEO, The Bob Pike Group ""Elaine has been an invaluable asset to AGI as we have scaled our business and invested in the development of our leadership team of over 100 managers and executives. Her deep knowledge, extensive consulting experience, and vast network of talented experts make her an unparalleled authority on leadership in the corporate world. --Craig Rohde, President and CEO, Architectural Graphics ""This is the ultimate road map for navigating the exciting world of consulting! Whether you're a fresh-faced newcomer or a seasoned pro, this handbook sheds light on the hidden secrets that make consultants truly shine. Prepare to unlock doors to success, boost your confidence, and dominate the growing gig economy--one insightful page at a time."" --Martin Schneider, President and CEO, Center for Creative Leadership ""This book will supersize your consulting, intellectual capital, extend your career, and grow your business for years to come. All you need to know about being a results-focused, successful consultant is in this gem of a book. Thank you, Elaine!"" --James Smith Jr., CSP, CEO and President, Dr. James Smith Jr. ""You've got smarts and ambitions: That's a great start, but it's not enough. This book offers many insights and tools to better serve your clients, amplify your impact, and keep your humanity."" --Michael Bungay Stanier, Author, The Coaching Habit ""This book is the one I wish I had before I started my consulting business, and it will make a remarkable difference in how others start, run, and thrive in their business in the future."" --Eddie Turner, Leadership Consultant, EDDIE TURNER ""From my experience in the military working with consultants, I find this handbook highly valuable. It covers all the key issues to take you to consulting success."" --Karlheinz Viereck, Lieutenant General (Ret.), Germany, Head NATO's Joint Forces Education, Training, and Exercises ""If there was ever a 'can't miss' book, this is it."" --Jack Zenger, CEO, ZengerFolkman"

Author Information

Elaine Biech is president and managing principal of ebb associates inc, an organizational and leadership development firm that helps organizations work through large-scale change. Her 30 years in the training and consulting field includes support to private industry, government, and non-profit organizations. She's written 89 books with 14 publishers, including the Washington Post number 1 bestseller, The Art & Science of Training. Elaine lives in Virginia Beach, VA.

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