So You Want to Be a Consultant? Mike Bacon, CFRE Bacon Lee & Associates.
Post on 26-Mar-2015
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So You Want to Be a Consultant?
Mike Bacon, CFREBacon Lee & Associates
Why?
Broad & Deep Experience In Fundraising
Impact Beyond One Organization
Flexibility In Your Life
Transition Between Jobs
Treat It Like A Business!
Good Traits For Consultants
Outgoing, Organized
Self-Starter
Willing To Market Yourself
Known In Your Community
Ability To Listen
Strong Writing Skills
Public Speaking Prowess
How To Get StartedIncorporate As A Small Business
(dba)
Partner with Someone
Affiliate With An Established Company
Subcontract Work To Others
The Basic EquipmentHome Office Versus Professional Space
Laptop Computer With Internet Access
Phone Line (Land or Cell)
Fax Line/Fax Machine
What Can You Offer?
Grant Writing
Annual Fund
Capital Campaigns & Major Gifts
Planned Giving
Strategic Planning
Board/Staff Training
General Versus Specialization
A Philosophical Decision…
Strategy
Versus
Implementation
Marketing Today
Prevents Famine
Tomorrow
Marketing Moves
Join Professional Organizations
Present At Conferences & Meetings
Network Constantly
Word of Mouth / References
Establish Group of Advisors
Social Media: Linked-In
Web Site
Serve On Boards (Watch for Conflict of Interest)
How Much Do You Charge?
Reasonable Costs: Culmination of Years of Your Experience
No Freebies…this is your jobOrganizations Rarely Value Free…
Options For How To ChargeHourlyProject BasisRetainer
Working SmarterWritten Proposal Not Verbal
Simple Contract
Work Plan: Agreed Upon ExpectationsTasksTimelineYour RoleClient’s Role
The Forgotten Client: YouQuarterly Taxes
Insurance – Liability
Book Keeping- A Good Accountant
Your AccountsOperatingSavingsTax AccountSelf-Employment Pension Plan
If You Want to Get Paid…Signed Contracts
Good Legal Advice
Payments based upon milestones or timeframe
Invoicing On A Monthly Basis
Expect Slow Payments…
You May Need To Chase
Never Forget Who Hired YouWho Are You Accountable To?
Executive Director? Board / Board Chair?
Are You Willing To Change Your Advice To Protect Someone?
What Do You Do If The Client Does Not Take Your Advice?
What Do You Do if Client Uses Your Advice “Falsely”?
Juggling It All…
All About The Pipeline
Hustle, Hustle, Hustle
Professional Development Still Matters
Ethics Are Even More Important Now
Resources For You
Association of Fundraising Professionals www.afpnet.net
Association of Philanthropic Counsel www.apcinc.org
Institute of Management Consultants www.imcusa.com for daily tips
Million Dollar Consulting: The Professional's Guide to Growing a Practice by Alan Weiss (2002)
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