Men and women from all walks of life with all manner of experience and expectations have reasons for becoming independent consultants. Some are leveraging their knowledge to help their clients, and others are simply tired of working for someone else. Still others are looking for a way to make some extra money. The new model for modern-day business calls for skilled workers who can be brought into an organization on short notice, fix a problem, and then move on to another organization in need.Consulting For Dummies hits home with both new and experienced consultants, and consultants-to-be. New consultants and aspiring consultants can find everything that they need to know to be successful and as widely sought as their wildest imaginings. Experienced consultants can enjoy reason to shift their perspectives and take a fresh look at their philosophies and techniques – what’s working for them and what’s not. Whether you're a novice or a practiced professional, this indispensable guide can help youFigure out the value you can bring to clientsPromote your skills and servicesPut together proposals that yield results and returnsBuild productive relationships with your customersDo the kind of job that makes it easy to ask for testimonials and referralsTo be a successful consultant, you have to develop a variety of key skills. Consulting For Dummies walks you through ways to build a thriving consultant practice, including the business ofMaking the most of your research and reporting timeCommunicating confidently and completely via different mediaNegotiating and drafting contractsHolding client meetings and giving presentationsBilling for your services and paying your billsUsing the latest technology to your advantageConsultants – especially ones who are just learning the ropes – are often at a loss as to what they need to do and when they need to do it. Featuring advice gathered from interviews with consultants in various fields and areas of expertise, Consulting For Dummies is your trusted friend in the business of being in business for yourself. Read Less