A clear, concise resource for entering this lucrative career field 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.

Whether you’re a beginner just starting up a consulting practice, or a veteran looking for ways to invigorate your existing business, An Insider’s Guide to Building a Successful Consulting Practice is an invaluable resource. Featuring real stories from consultants in diverse industries, the book offers simple yet powerful ways to: Identify a market and narrow your focus • Make a smooth transition from employee to independent consultant • Sell effectively even if you’ve never sold before • Establish visibility through speaking, writing, and networking • Build credibility by leveraging the credibility of others • Set prices based on value • Develop a marketing strategy and divide your time between marketing and delivering your services • Keep plenty of work in your pipeline • Adapt and thrive in any market condition • And much more Complete with the results of an original survey of 200 successful independent consultants, this handy guide provides the kind of real-life advice you need to build a thriving business.

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 include: What’s a Consultant?– Deciding to set up and finding a business direction The Consulting Process– How to create a business proposal, analyse the data, develop recommendations, present the findings, and make sure they’re implemented Key Consulting Skills– Presenting a professional image, time-management and organisation, communication skills, writing reports and presentations, using technology Setting up your Business– setting fees, drawing up contracts, setting up a home office, keeping track of time and money, multiplying effectiveness with support services Marketing– Promotion, getting new clients, using referrals Plus, 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.

Want to try something different and have more fun? And start getting paid what you deserve? Becoming a professional consultant allows you to leverage your expertise, be your own boss, and make a great income. But you need to know what to do and how to do it if you want to be successful from day one. Adrian Partridge walks you through how to pursue a career as a consultant, sharing the secrets hes learned since venturing out on his own more than twenty-five years ago. Learn how to: set up a consulting business; get the projects you want at the rates you deserve; avoid pitfalls that trip up many consultants; work on your own terms while having fun. Filled with examples of what has worked and what hasnt worked for consultants, this guide highlights how you can work for yourself, be your own boss, sell your services, and take control of your destiny. Consulting is like any other business: There are simple steps you can take to improve your chances of success. Find out what they are with Consulting Made Easy.

Small Business Marketing For Dummies helps you promote your business. It is designed specifically for the busy small business owner, giving you simple but powerful ways to spread your message - all at little or no cost. It shows you how to build your company's profile, attract new customers and keep them coming back for more. Inside you will learn how to: Create an achievable marketing plan Use social media and the web to attract and keep customers Communicate with your customers through winning emails, newsletters, blogs and more Make use of affordable advertising solutions in print and other media Get great PR for your business.

Tips on making your call center a genuine profit center In North America, call centers are a $13 billion business, employing 4 million people. For managers in charge of a call center operation, this practical, user-friendly guide outlines how to improve results measurably, following its principles of revenue generation, efficiency, and customer satisfaction. In addition, this new edition addresses many industry changes, such as the new technology that's transforming today's call center and the location-neutral call center. It also helps readers determine whether it's cost-efficient to outsource operations and looks at the changing role and requirements of agents. The ultimate call center guide, now revised and updated The authors have helped over 60 companies improve the efficiency and effectiveness of their call center operations Offers comprehensive guidance for call centers of all sizes, from 20-person operations to multinational businesses With the latest edition of Call Centers For Dummies, managers will have an improved arsenal of techniques to boost their center's bottom line.

The Complete, Authoritative Guide to Getting Started in Tax Consulting Tax consulting and return preparation is a fast-paced, dynamic industry-one that promises high earning potential. In this book, tax advisor Gary Carter shows you just what it takes to become an in-demand tax consultant. You'll discover how to break into the tax business, even with relatively limited education and training, and build a path to your new career with Carter's five-step formula for success. Brimming with expert advice from tax professionals and featuring up-to-the-minute coverage of everything from qualifications and employment opportunities to Internet resources, Getting Started in Tax Consulting shows you how to: * Assess your personality fit for the tax profession * Formulate your business plan for starting a tax practice * Find a niche for your tax services * Choose between a sole proprietorship, a partnership, a C corporation, an S corporation, and a limited liability company * Set your fees and market your services * Perform research-an essential skill of the tax professional * Make the IRS your partner and advisor-not your adversary * Start a Web-based tax service