CIPD launches new individual consultants survival guide

The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) has launched a new book, The Independent Consultantís Survival Guide, by Mike Johnson aimed at helping independent consultants start a business. It also offers consultants advice in terms of how to survive in an increasingly competitive environment and what to consider when growing the business.

Mike Johnson highlights some of the challenges independent consultants face and offers clear advice in terms of how to deal with them. The book is divided into three parts:

getting set to go on your own
how to survive once you are an independent consultant
an in-depth look at the financial and legal implications and obligations

Mike Johnson, author of The Independent Consultantís Survival Guide, says, ìIndependent consultancy is by no means easy and becoming a consultant in human resources or personnel is no different ñ it is the consultants responsibility to make recommendations to the organisationís management team but ultimately it is then up to the organisation to decide whether they use these recommendations.

ìIndividual consultants have to want their business to work. They must research carefully and then use their skills to plan and organise the business to make it work. Once the business is up and running it is important to keep up-to-date. The immediate market constantly moves and is overcome with new ideas, trends and opportunities therefore it is vital to know what is going on ñ only then will clients be able to put their trust in the consultant.

ìWorkplaces are changing and we are now entering an age where long-term consultant-client relationships will practically cease to exist. Independent consultants must adapt their workstyle to this emerging model. Networking will need to expand and business development activity increase just to get the business.î