Start and Run a Profitable Consulting Business: A Step-By-Step Business Plan (Self Counsel Business Series)

Now in a fully updated seventh edition, "Start & Run A Consulting Business" by Douglas Gray is the perfect step-by-step instruction guide for setting up and operating a profitable consultation business. All of the relevant issues are addressed including self-assessment and skill level, identifying market opportunities, relevant governmental regulations and laws, selecting business and professional advisers, preparing a business plan, setting fees and billing clients, taking advantage of tax laws, avoiding professional liability and preventing losses, writing proposals, even how to effectively hire sub-consultants. Enhanced with an accompanying CD-ROM that includes samples and worksheets, "Start & Run A Consulting Business" is the ideal and thoroughly user-friendly 'how to' manual for anyone contemplating starting up their own consultation service.

This book provided very good information and priorities for novice consultants, as well as experienced one. The book is very easy to read and provides many good and usable samples.

This book was made for beginner or potential consultants. It follows step-by-step guidelines that are easy to comprehend. It has an excellent chapter on writing consulting proposals and includes a sample proposal format. There is a helpful chapter on setting fees and how to legally minimize paying taxes. I found the chapter on "Essentials of a valid contract" to be very useful, along with the outline of a sample contract. This book is a wonderful learning tool for any new consultant and a great reference guide for those already immersed in the business.