Chair's Letter

Chair's Letter

David T. Norman, CMC, CBM

Expanding Your Skills and Knowledge at Confab

Some think consulting is just a temporary job. What creates this perception?

It’s easy to SAY you’re a consultant. It’s harder to BE one and to make a living as a professional. Why do only some consultants succeed at this?

Consulting is a business. Treat it like one and your chance of success will increase. Write a business plan. Include details about how you will get clients and generate revenue. Get feedback from experienced consultants.

IMC USA is the ideal place for this. Confab, our annual conference is all about learning from, and networking with, other consultants.

We have added a new program this year, Consultants Consulting Consultants (CCC). It is a simple concept. You get a confidential half hour with a senior consultant to discuss whatever you choose. Show them your business plan. Ask them how they made their business succeed. Use the half-hour any way you wish.

Like everything at Confab, this will be staffed by volunteers – consultants with at least 10 years of consulting experience, and is free to only the first 20 who sign up when they register for Confab. Seats are filling up fast.

Mistakes in your business can be costly, so here are a few other sessions to consider:

* Consulting 101: 20 Lessons Learned in 20 Years of Consulting

* Client Panel - What Clients Don’t Tell You

* The Next Decade’s Evolution of the Management Consulting Profession

For 34 years, Confab has been about consultants helping consultants. Come and see for yourself, but make sure you register by Oct 1 to save $100. Go to http://www.confabusa.org/

Stay tuned,

My best,

David