It Consultant A Commonsense Framework for Managing the Client Relationship

"Few consultants fail for lack of technical expertise, many fail for lack of relationship skills. This unique book is the cure for that problem." -Dr. Peter C. Patton, Chief Technologist, Lawson SoftwareYou've got the technical expertise. Finally, here is a guide to the client-relationship skills you'll need to build a successful career as an IT consultant!"Freedman shares his trade secrets to achieving a successful IT consulting career based on his vast personal experience. The IT Consultant offers a refreshing approach to the advisory relationship: understand your clients' business goals and develop a collaborative solution. A surefire strategy for success!" -Elaine Biech, author, The Business of Consulting; coauthor, The Consultant's Legal Guide"A 'must-read' for any IT professional services manager attempting to upgrade the consultative skill set of their organization. Rick has done an exceptional job of articulating transformation areas and has provided real world examples that your staff can apply in the marketplace. The lessons learned here have a direct, linear relationship to the growth potential of your consulting practice or professional services organization." -Peter N. Van Zant, senior vice president and managing principal, ENTEX Consulting Services"The IT Consultant is not only an excellent guide for individuals wishing to grow from skilled technicians to consultants, but it reminds today's practitioners that consultants are trusted business advisors to their clients. Rick Freedman has produced a well-flowing read that talks about required skills and considerations for consulting, gives "how-to" examples, and leads the readers through his suggested approaches." -Mark Zemelman, regional consulting manager, ENTEX Information Services"The IT Consultant defines the skills necessary for IT consultants who want to launch their careers, while suggesting a framework for the IT consulting firm to adopt, evangelize, and practice for success. Rick recommends techniques and disciplines that I use to mentor and encourage my IT consulting team-disciplines that have helped make my career successful." -Jay A. Elder, regional network solutions manger, Colorado, Interlink Group Incorporated"The IT Consultant is a complete playbook for any consultant interested in improving their game. It demonstrates how a consultant can become recognized for delivering what the client really needs - answers to business problems. The processes presented here build on each other to guide the consultant through to a successful engagement. As I begin to plan for my next consulting engagement I will definitely have a copy of The IT Consultant on my desk to use as a blueprint." -Howard Wilkens, senior project manager, Sprint Paranet"Traditionally, those in the IT field have emphasized technical knowledge first and tend to reward these skills over the important communications that are really necessary. This is a refreshing and useful approach: business knowledge before technology. The IT Consultant provides valuable advice not only for those considering practicing IT consulting, but also for the IT industry as a whole." -Linda NeCastro-Pastel, software systems analyst, RS Information Systems; consultant, Office of Navel Research[Pfeiffer logo] 350 Sansome Street, 5th Floor San Francisco, CA 94104-1342 (415) 433-1740; Fax (415) 433-0499 (800) 274-4434; Fax (800) 569-0443 www.pfeiffer.com Business/Management ISBN 0-7879-5173-0[flap] At last! A book focused on the specific client-relationship skills you need to become a successful Information Technology consultant.In the age of corporate cut backs and downsizing, many IT professionals are considering careers as consultants. Many others must apply consulting practices to their jobs within a corporation. If you've found yourFreedman, Rick is the author of 'It Consultant A Commonsense Framework for Managing the Client Relationship' with ISBN 9780787951733 and ISBN 0787951730.