Breaking into the consultant arena can be challenging, but it is not impossible. In fact, the current consulting climate may prove to be the most opportune time for new consultants to come onto the scene. For decades the world of consulting has remained relatively unchanged despite the changes in culture and business, but recently, consulting has had to face the reality that change is on the horizon, and adjustments now need to be made. (Cole, 2015)
One area a new consultant can focus on breaking into is change management. According to a survey performed in the UK, change management was indicated as an emerging market for consultants that has high demand, but is being inadequately addressed. (Czerniawska, 2011) For some organizational leaders who are experienced with consultant interaction, there is a cynicism that too often consultants develop project solutions for organizations, but the organizations are unable to integrate and assimilate the changes. (Czerniawska, 2011) Furthermore, consultants turn around and push organizations to purchase further projects, before the previous project is fully implemented and successfully creating change. (Czerniawska, 2011)
Unfortunately, this has created a bad taste for organizational leaders. Organizational leaders are looking for more than just completing consulting engagements, they are looking for help with organization-wide change. (Czerniawska, 2011)
It is here that new consultants fit in. New consultants can provide niche services that are focused specifically on implementing change throughout the organization. The way new consultants can build the necessary trust organizations need to allow change management to happen must be based in a solid relationship with the client. (Cole, 2015) Being a consultant in the future is more about building a relationship of trust and caring about how change occurs in the client organization, and this relational space is where new consultants can fit in.
References
Cole, D. (2015, April 14). The Future of Consulting: Thoughts on How the Industry Should Evolve. Retrieved July 25, 2016, from https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/future-consulting-thoughts-how-industry-should-evolve-douglas-cole
Czerniawska, F. (2011, December 16). The Outlook for Consulting. Retrieved from http://managementconsultingnews.com/interview-fiona-czerniawska/
