This course is a valuable guide to setting up and operating a consulting business in any profession. Experts are always in demand by business, government bodies, public organisations and private individuals.

Everyone needs help from time to time from someone who has greater expertise than themself. If you have training, and/or significant experience in just about anything;  you may have the potential to become a consultant in your field of expertise.

There are 8 lessons in this course:

1. Determining If a Consultancy Practice is for You
2. Planning a Consultancy Practice: Part 1
3. Planning a Consultancy Practice: Part 2
4. Knowing What to Charge
5. Setting Up Your Consulting Practice
6. Keeping Accounts and Records
7. How to Generate Business & Keep It
8. Maintaining Your Consultancy Practice

Each lesson culminates in an assignment which is submitted to the school, marked by the school's tutors and returned to you with any relevant suggestions, comments, and if necessary, extra reading.

• Analyse current industry requirements and your individual needs to determine if opening a consultancy is appropriate.
• Determine the business structure appropriate for your consultancy practice.
• Produce a business plan and implementation schedule
• Determine costs involved in setting up a practice and how to set fees.
• Describe different communication and marketing techniques.
• Describe different administrative procedures including invoicing and maintaining records and accounts.
• Determine industry best practice for obtaining and keeping your customers
• Recognise responsibility towards yourself and employees in maintaining and expanding your practice, and to develop strategies to cater for increased demand.