When it comes to successful consulting projects, there are several key elements that must be taken into account. Business training and preparation are essential for any project, as is the development of a comprehensive business plan. Additionally, marketing materials, positioning, and image must be carefully crafted to ensure the project's success. Furthermore, the choice of service areas and the setting of a billing rate or price are also important considerations.
Project management can be a daunting task for in-house project managers, but for outside consultants, the challenges are even greater. In addition to the typical responsibilities of defining tasks, resources, durations, and dependencies, consultants must also take into account their client's policies, procedures, organizational structures, and internal politics while remaining focused on the project's outcomes. To work for a management consulting company, it is essential to have excellent communication skills. Consultants must be able to interact with their clients, their client's employees, and other consultants in a professional manner.
It is also important to be emotionally intelligent in order to adjust one's language according to the person they are dealing with. Senior management will expect a more formal approach while frontline workers may appreciate a friendlier disposition.
