The IT Consultant: A Commonsense Framework for Managing the Client Relationship - Softcover

Über die Autorinnen und Autoren

Rick Freedman is the founder of Consulting Strategies, Inc., an IT training and consulting firm.

RICK FREEDMAN is a Regional Professional Services Manager for ENTEX Information Services. He manages, mentors, and coaches system consultants in providing technology consulting services to businesses throughout the U.S. Mr. Freedman has 15 years of experience as an Information Technology consultant, both as an employee of large corporate organizations like Citicorp and Dun & Bradstreet, and as a Principle Consultant for Cap Gemini America and ENTEX. He lives in Lenexa, Kansas, a suburb of Kansas City.

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"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 Software

You'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

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 yourself among this growing number of individuals, you've probably come up empty handed after searching for an IT consulting guide that addresses the complexities of providing your advice and services to clients.

That's because

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"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