The Business of Consulting, (CD-ROM Included): The Basics and Beyond

I recently acquired this book among other similar titles. Ms. Biech is obviously a very competent and experienced author. The book was well written and seem like a Step-by-Step guide in its simplicity of content and presentation. However, because I am an experienced business person, at times I had no alternative but to eliminate the reading of certain pages that explained the day to day running of a business. Nevertheless, this does not detract from the very objective of the text which is to explain the Consulting Career and running it like a business.It is a good book for anyone thinking to get into the field from a business and career perspective.

My consulting practice is done out of a love of the work, not to make it big financially. However, I do need to eat. This book is a great resource for people like me who get wrapped up in the work and neglect to take time to focus on the business details that necessitate a good practice. I have found the advice helpful and immediately usable. It is a good read for new consultants.

I just finished this well written and easily accessible book. I would recommend it for individuals thinking of beginning a career/business as a consultant as a great tool to make the decision if it is right for them at this point in their lives. It is also a wonderful guide for someone starting a consulting business. I intend to use it in my own internal training curriculum to teach new associates the many competencies required of a successful consultant. I wish there were an updated third edition. Some references are out of date, but 90% of the material is timeless and very useful.

This is Elaine Biech's followup book to her 2001 "The Consultant's Quick Start Guide", which is an excellent book. In this new offering, Biech has obviously done more research, and presents a more thorough picture of the consulting business as a whole.Included in this book are her trademark checklists, forms, and samples. But the added value comes from her insights on topics such as how to get started, building client relationships, and growing a consulting business.This is a well-written book with a lot of good advice for new consultants. It offers more tips than her "Quick Start Guide", and poses many thought-provoking questions.Would I buy both books? Yes, I would. Biech is a leader in her field and her books are well worth the money.Mitch Paioff, Author, Getting Started as an Independent Computer Consultant Getting Started as an Independent Computer Consultant

To me most books are same this was prescribed by my University so I had to use it for assignments at the end of chapters.

It's not going to make you a master consultant but it will definitely point you in the right direction. The CD is an added bonus for those starting out and in need of samples and templates to start from. It's definitely an intro to the consulting career rather than some kind of extensive guide but if you don't understand the job, are new to the job, or just looking for a refresher while in the job then this will certainly meet your needs.

Very comprehensive and valuable. Especially so for a 35 year senior executive with one Fortune 500 company who is now, at age 57, stepping out and starting a new consulting business.My only wish is that a new updated version be released with more recent support technology resources included. Technology info is as of 2007 and much has changed since then as relates social media, etc. Wonderful resource nonetheless though.

Required reading for a college course. It is the kindergarten version for someone who has no idea what they might be getting into. The writing is well-done, however, as well as the editing.