Professional service firms differ from other business enterprises in two distinct ways: first they provide highly customised services thus cannot apply many of the management principles developed for product-based industries. Second, professional services are highly personalised, involving the skills of individuals. Such firms must therefore compete not only for clients but also for talented professionals. Drawing on more than ten years of research and consulting to these unique and creative companies, David Maister explores issues ranging from marketing and business development to multinational strategies, human resources policies to profit improvement, strategic planning to effective leadership. While these issues can be complex, Maister simplifies them by recognising that 'every professional service firm in the world, regardless of size, specific profession, or country of operation, has the same mission statement: outstanding service to clients, satisfying careers for its people and financial success for its owners.'

A proven approach to revenue-generating marketing and client development Professional Services Marketing is a fully field-tested and research-based approach to marketing and client development for professional services firms. The book, now in its Second Edition, covers five key areas that are critical for firms that want to grow and become more profitable: creating a marketing and growth strategy; establishing a brand and reputation; implementing a marketing communications program; executing lead generation strategies; and developing business by winning new clients. You will also read real-world case studies that illustrate major points, as well as quotes and stories from well-respected professionals in the industry. The Second Edition features new research and updates throughout, including new chapters on social media and online marketing, as well as new case studies and interviews Authors Mike Schultz and John E. Doerr are the coauthors of the Wall Street Journal and Inc. Magazine bestseller Rainmaking Conversations and Professional Services Marketing; Lee W. Frederiksen is coauthor of Online Marketing for Professional Services Will be widely promoted via multiple online routes and direct mail marketing Firms of any size can use this proven approach to marketing and client development to attract new clients and grow their professional service businesses.

An innovative approach to winning more profitable sales in the growing professional services industry In recent years, professional services providers have had to rethink their sales methods and adapt to profound changes in the way clients buy services. In response, Winning the Professional Services Sale argues for fundamental changes in the seller's mindset and sales strategies. Rather than pressing the sale, salespeople must help clients buy--the way that works best for each client. This new approach gives buyers what they now want in a services seller: a consultative problem solver, change agent, and solution integrator, all rolled into one. Author Michael McLaughlin presents a strategy for winning new business with a holistic approach to each client relationship. Only by fully understanding a sale from every angle, including its impact on the client's business and career, can salespeople thrive in the new era of the service economy.

Companies worldwide continue to seek new growth opportunities by establishing professional services to complement their current company portfolio. These professional service organizations are being chartered to secure high margin streams of revenue, improve customer satisfaction, and solidify customer loyalty. However, many of these companies have little experience building and managing a professional services organization. This lack of experience is creating incredible organizational pain. Not just product companies are struggling in their attempts to create profitable and effective professional service organizations. System integrators and value added resellers that must incorporate complicated technologies into their service offerings are struggling to scale service capabilities. Outsourcing and managed service providers that now want to provide consultative support are learning there are significant differences in these service lines. Many times, the current professional service strategy for these companies is simply not sustainable. Mastering Professional Services is the first book to guide acompany through the process of designing a viable services strategy that complements a broader company portfolio. From the author of Building Professional Services: The Siren's Song, this book continues the tradition of providing practical tools and techniques to manage professional services when it is not the core offering of the company.

Professional services marketing is undergoing a revolution. More and more, firms are being found and vetted online, and traditional techniques for generating leads and nurturing prospects are growing less effective. In this groundbreaking new book readers will understand the changing landscape and how to lay the foundation for a powerful online marketing program. Based on primary research of over 500 professional services firm executives, this book offers easy-to-understand, practical advice, as well as real-world examples of firms that are using online marketing today to build their businesses.

How engaging technology and relationships can help you stand out, attract business and achieve a more dynamic professional life The technological landscape has reshaped the way white collar workers cultivate and promote their businesses. The Transformation of Professional Services is an engaging look at how licensed experts are adapting to today's dynamic economic environment. From Ari Kaplan—a recognized advisor on business and career development— Reinventing Professional Services: Building Your Business in the Digital Marketplaceoffers insights on taking advantage of enterprising techniques to stand out and position one's self as an insightful chameleon rather than as an isolated purveyor of facts and figures. Details the importance of offering resources instead of simply selling Reveals strategies for increasing one's searchability and distinguishing one's self in an economic downturn or recovery Offers advice readers can immediately use to strengthen client relationships Written in a straightforward and accessible style, this book provides engaging guidance for anyone in the professional services field—from business consultants, financial advisers, and lawyers to accountants, real estate brokers, and appraisers.

DeLong and Nanda's Professional Services: Text and Cases is the first casebook to be published on the management of professional service firms (law firms, architecture, financial services, consulting). It includes a comprehensive selection of case studies that span these industries broadly. Although much has been researched and written about managing service firms generally (e.g., food service, hotels, banking and other consumer services), very little has been compiled on managing professional services. Professional Service firms have a highly educated employee base and these firms offer both consumer and commercial services that involve managing, supporting and improving their clients' intellectual assets. Delong and Nanda have developed this text to demonstrate to students the unique challenges and opportunities attendant upon this market segment of our economy.