Consulting Service: Management & Business Consultants
I won't say I have a vast array of knowledge as a consultant...collectively I've only been doing it about 8 years. However, there are some things that I have observed that I think will be helpful to those of you who are new to the profession.
We will first dispel the myths and address the realities associated with being a Consultant, then we will address the commandments of being a good and valued consultant. CONSULTING: MYTH AND REALITY Myth Consultants are outsiders. Reality Consultants are only outsiders if they make themselves so. You don't have to be an outsider, go out to lunch with your co-workers...talk to them, and befriend them. Just know where to draw the line. Myth Consultants don't have to answer to anyone and can do whatever they want.
Reality Consultants have, not only the client to answer to, but also the company they represent. Myth Consultants can come and go as they please. Reality Consultant can come and go as they please, until the client gets sick of it and boots them out the door. Consultants are expected to work their hours, like everyone else, granted you have more freedom...just don't abuse it.
Myth Consultants make lots of money for doing nothing. Reality More is expected of consultants. Consultants are usually asked to come in and get a job done, fast and efficiently, using the clients standards even though they may not be made readily apparent to the consultant. Consultants have a shorter learning curve. Ask questions, because the client will take time to train an employee but that same regard will not be extended to a consultant.
Myth Consultants only do what they are assigned to do and no more. Reality As a consultant, you are given assignments to complete by the client. Consultants do what they are assigned to do. If you find yourself short on assignments from you client ask for more, it will make you more valuable in the clients eyes. Myth Consultants should know everything there is to know about their specialty. Reality Who are we Stephen Hawking? Consultants know what they know, just as anyone does. Anyone who thinks that they don't need the aid of a manual or a technical document of some type is only cheating himself or herself and setting themselves up for failure.
In short...READ A BOOK...IT WON'T KILL YOU. THE CONSULTANT COMMANDMENTS JUST DO IT (Nobody likes a "why"ny consultant) The client's way is the client's way...don't show a negative attitude about why things are done a certain way (see commandment 1 and 5) The client's time is valuable to them, don't waste it. Show up! Don't leave your client hanging by not letting him/her know if you are going to be coming to work until the last minute...it is not courteous and will lessen you value to them in the future. Don't detest...suggest.
Author : Yvette McDonald
About Author : Yvette McDonald has been a consultant in various capacities since 1996. Her website, http://www.Lord-McDonald.com, specializes in resources for consultants and small business owners. [email protected]
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