In order to address the unique needs of consultants and other independent professional service providers and to share the lessons that I have learned from serving executives in a number of the world’s leading companies, I provide two advisory programs.  If you would like to learn more about these programs, please contact me at ryan@rpreid.com or +1.312.880.REID (7343).

Consultant Advisory Program

Clients who participate in the program are high performers who deliberately seek outside support as a source of counsel and experience. They are results-oriented individuals who are open to considering alternative approaches, accepting constructive feedback, and changing behavior as necessary.

Some of the areas in which I provide advisory support include

  • Progressing from commodity staff augmentation contractors to executive business partners
  • Creating high-value offers and improving proposal effectiveness
  • Building long-term value-oriented relationships with clients
  • Working more effectively and avoiding common consulting missteps

I work with clients on strategic issues (market positioning, offer development, fee structure, etc.) as well as tactical ones (proposal critique, preparation for key meetings, overcoming project obstacles, etc.). The level and type of engagement is customized for each client; there are no predetermined processes or blanket assignments. The focus is on responding to specific and timely needs.

How the Program Works

The Consultant Advisory Program provides unlimited access by email and telephone, and I respond to messages and calls within two hours during the business day.  We can also meet in person if it is convenient for both of us.  The duration is six months, though clients can reenroll as appropriate. This allows sufficient time to understand the causes of success or failure and to create and tune approaches.  It also provides a natural point of disengagement and helps keep interaction focused on specific objectives.

In order to generate the focus and commitment necessary to drive desired changes, all fees are payable in advance with no refunds. However, the program can be put on hold if external challenges arise that prevent clients from making use of the service.  Fees start at $3,000 for six months.

I offer two free initial meetings by telephone to help us understand if the program is a fit for your needs. In the first meeting I describe the program, and we discuss your specific needs, objectives, and challenges. We will identify areas to focus on, and I will provide a link to an online assessment that will help us diagnose issues and shape a course of action. Areas of assessment include

  • Consulting aptitude
  • Offering development
  • Marketing and business development
  • Client engagement
  • Delivery effectiveness
  • Personal effectiveness

In the second meeting we will review the results of the assessment and discuss an action plan. At that point we will determine the most effective way to proceed.

Contracting to Consulting

To enable me to serve a broader audience, I have created an entry-level program requiring minimal investment to help independent contractors develop their high-value consulting practices. The program is designed to address specific needs, such as

  • Assessing aptitude for independent consulting
  • Defining market positioning and developing offerings
  • Identifying needed skills and creating development plans
  • Working effectively with recruiters
  • Commanding higher rates
  • Building relationships with clients and selling directly to prospects
  • Delivering as a high value executive partner
  • Navigating the mechanics of an independent consulting practice

How the Program Works

Contracting to Consulting is a standardized program focused on improving marketability and fees as an independent contractor and executing a plan to provide services directly to clients as an independent business partner. The program begins with the free assessment described in the Consulting Advisory program.  Clients who enroll in Contracting to Consulting receive two telephone meeting per month in which we will pursue specific actions and timelines for improving results as a contractor and moving toward independent consulting. In order to provide focus to sufficient achieve results, our engagement will be directed toward a single objective, such as

  • Developing resumes, websites and other promotional materials
  • Improving effectiveness in working with recruiters
  • Successfully negotiating contracts and fees
  • Developing high-value relationships with clients
  • Improving consulting delivery
  • Effectively targeting potential clients and developing opportunities

The fee for participation is $500 per month for up to three months. This nominal fee is typically recouped easily through higher consulting fees, and it helps to identify participants who are serious about building their practice. Clients who desire continued support or a greater level of engagement can apply the fees paid toward a transfer to the Consulting Advisory Program at any time.