An Insider's Guide to Building a Successful Consulting Practice Paperback – March 10, 2010

I have not even completed reading this book and I can give it 5 stars. The author is ultra practical in his approach which I really appreciate. Too many books talk too much on concepts. He really gives it to you in plain English. As a consultant for about 10 years, I can say that he hits the nail on the head almost every time (thus far) which respect to screw ups that can be made. Heaven knows I have made more than a few. I wish I had this book 10 years ago.Once of the most important points coming out from the book is the ability of any consultant to find a proper niche. Dangerous to be a jack-of-all-trades in this business. And this is something I had to correct just a few years ago. And it has made a big difference.Two thumbs up on this work.

This might be the first book I've ever written a review for, but I couldn't resist. This book is incredible: clear, concise, and informative. It's hard imagine a better overview of the subject. Each chapter covers a concept that's vital to think through before getting started and by the time you get to the end of it, you will have a general idea about the direction of everything you never even knew you'd have to think through.If you're thinking about becoming an independent consultant, this is where you should start.

This is a very good guide for those entering, or with a little experience in, consulting. The author describes alternatives, and their pros and cons, very well. It provides advice on important choices a consultant will have to make. It is also easy, and enjoyable, to read.There is one reason I gave it four, rather than five, stars. In Chapter 3, the author states that consultants should focus on a narrow niche, rather than generalizing. He writes that consultants should not provide a wide variety of services. I have known other successful consultants who state that a specialist niche can be restrictive; and that being a generalist is good. The truth is; the trade-offs depend on the consultant and the consultant’s field. It is unfortunate that the author did not describe the various reasons a consultant might tend towards generalizing or specializing, as he did with other issues.

This is a great book on consulting services. It serves equally well aspiring consultants as well as experienced professionals in the consulting business. The book offers practical advice with plenty of great tips that I have not found so abundantly in other best-selling consulting books. I have read Getting Started in Consulting by Alan Weiss and The Business of Consulting by Elaine Biech, and although these are good books, I found Successful Consulting Practice to be extremely useful and pragmatic. The Kindle edition is fine despite poor readability of some charts. In general, this is a excellent purchase.

Diving back into consulting after a long hiatus was daunting. I needed practical, "how-to" steps rather that I could model and modify. Bruce Katcher's guide very quickly became my reference of choice. Well organized, it's one of those books that can be opened anywhere and used immediately. Not only that, but Dr. Katcher himself seems readily available for follow-up questions and quick advice. Both the book and its author are dedicated to the success of the profession. I've recommended to my friends and colleagues. Now I recommend it to you.

The book was a good source for very basic information and some insightful ideas; however, if you've been in a business (not even consulting) you'll know most of the material. That being said, it's a good way to shore up that knowledge.

Complete in the sense that key areas of concern are addressed, this book covers every facet of establishing an independent consulting business. You'll have more research and reading to do, but by taking this book chapter by chapter, you'll know where to go to fill in the blanks. Many of the references are "older"--1990s--and I don't know whether they are considered definitive works (ala Carnegie and Drucker) or if there's an opportunity to update with more recent data and information. Summing up: Buy it, read it, do it.

If you are considering becoming a consultant of any kind you should read this book. If you are already a consultant but not kicking the goals you need to then you should buy this book. It is a book about the basics and it will help ensure you have considered a wide range of questions you need to ask yourself and other stakeholders as you decide whether or not to take the plunge. If you are not performing well as a firm or solo consultant, this book will help you go back to a bit of scratch and look at things practically.