'This is a practical and essential guide for anyone contemplating establishing their own business. Johnson captures all the key elements which allow a successful transition and is very clear about what can send you off track. Grounded in common-sense and humour.' Norman Walker, former global head of Human Resources for Novartis, now an independent senior executive coach and consultant on leadership. I wish this book had been available when I began my independent career. There's only one word for it PRICELESS!!!' Shay McConnon, psychologist, trainer, coach and mentor. Chances are that if you've picked up this book you are at least thinking about taking the big step of going it alone. Well, you've come to the right place. This book is about both getting you ready to be a successful independent consultant and, once you're set, developing your business and staying the course. Many go-it-alone consultants fail within two years, so if you're serious about becoming a successful independent you'll need all the help you can get. Smarter Consulting offers you practical, hands-on advice from people who've been there and who have survived to tell the tale. Smarter Consulting will talk you through everything you need to do to get started from the planning phases, to selling your business offer to setting up your own business. You can also find out whether you're cut out for independent consultancy with its unique self-assessment quiz so that you can test the water before you take any risks. Smarter Consulting will give you all the essential guidance you need on every aspect of setting up as an independent consultant including: * How do I market myself? * How can I get repeat business from my clients? * How do I win new clients? * What should I charge and what do I need to do to make sure I get paid on time? * When can I put my prices up? * Can I work from home? * How much will I need to invest? * How shall I organise my time? If you never want to work for somebody else again, you need Smarter Consulting

Table of Contents

Chapter One - Why do you want to do it ? Chapter Two - Are you an entrepreneur ? Chapter Three - Getting out and getting going Chapter Four - Planning the successful start-up Chapter Five The life of a salesman Chapter Six Marketing yourself Chapter Seven New business: getting it, charging for it, getting paid for it Chapter Eight Developing the business Chapter Nine Creating YOUR workplace Chapter Ten The travelling independent consultant Chapter Eleven Counting the cost (and the profit) Chapter Twelve What's next for the independent consultant?

Author Biography

Mike Johnson is the managing partner of Johnson & Associates, a corporate communications firm that he founded in 1982 in Brussels and London, following a career in journalism and corporate communication for multinational corporations. His work today centres around talent management, organisational development and corporate communication for private and public organisations. He is the author of nine books on business and management issues, including "Winning the People Wars", "Talent Magnet" and "The New Rules of Engagement". He has developed a series of World of Work studies for the "Financial Times" and "The Economist". Mike is a regular at conferences and seminars around the globe, at which he lectures on emerging issues and trends in the world of work and he is the founder of the Independent, Global think-tank and The Future Work Forum.