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Start & Grow

Building a Consulting Business

A practical Business Nous course in the Start & Grow track.

8 sessions79 lessons4 hours of study Written lessonsWorkbook includedCertificate

What you'll learn

  • Planning Your Business
  • Getting the Work Done
  • Business Building Blocks
  • Crunching the Numbers
  • Test Driving
  • Creating a Sales and Marketing Strategy
  • What It’s All About

Course content

8 sessions · 79 lessons · ~4 hours · first 2 lessons free

▶Session One: Course Overview10 lessons
  • ▶OverviewFree3 min
  • ▶Course OverviewFree2 min
  • ▶Identify ways to stay on top of trends and changes2 min
  • ▶Before you start2 min
  • ▶What qualifications, education, and/or expertise do you have in this area?2 min
  • ▶Pre-Course Assessment2 min
  • ▶A person who provides expert advice professionally2 min
  • ▶All of the above2 min
  • ▶An employer with more than 10 employees2 min
  • ▶You need an expert to create your business plan2 min
▶Session Five: Planning Your Business10 lessons
  • ▶Why a Business Plan?2 min
  • ▶Other optional and helpful elements can include2 min
  • ▶Your logo2 min
  • ▶Developing Your Business Structure2 min
  • ▶President2 min
  • ▶Choosing Office Space2 min
  • ▶Designing Your Contact Information2 min
  • ▶Creating Promotional Materials2 min
  • ▶Social media pages2 min
  • ▶Gathering Resources15 min
▶Session Eight: Getting the Work Done33 lessons
  • ▶Activity2 min
  • ▶Reflect on the exercise15 min
  • ▶Can I deliver what the client is asking for?2 min
  • ▶Brokers and Agents2 min
  • ▶Consulting Websites2 min
  • ▶Networking and Word of Mouth2 min
  • ▶Cold Calling and Marketing Campaigns2 min
  • ▶At the minimum, the contract should include2 min
  • ▶Who is responsible for the project for the client and consultant2 min
  • ▶Breach of contract clause2 min
  • ▶Drafted By: Smith Consulting2 min
  • ▶Drafted For: Jones Manufacturing2 min
  • ▶Susan Killarney, Chief Operating Officer2 min
  • ▶Perform research into safety legislation2 min
  • ▶Amy Smith2 min
  • ▶One day2 min
  • ▶Sam Smith2 min
  • ▶Winnie Smith2 min
  • ▶Winnie Smith Martin Wallace2 min
  • ▶Total Cost2 min
  • ▶Avoiding Tough Situations2 min
  • ▶Dealing with Cancellations2 min
  • ▶Firing a Client2 min
  • ▶In closing2 min
  • ▶Building a Consulting Business2 min
  • ▶Identify new opportunities for learning and pursue them2 min
  • ▶I have these resources to help me2 min
  • ▶Recommended Reading List2 min
  • ▶Course Length2 min
  • ▶Post-Course Assessment2 min
  • ▶Twenty to thirty2 min
  • ▶The project is easy and you have some free time2 min
  • ▶Personal Action Plan2 min
▶Session Three: Business Building Blocks6 lessons
  • ▶Doing Your Research2 min
  • ▶Segment2 min
  • ▶Site2 min
  • ▶Bringing It All Together2 min
  • ▶Looking back at your preparation15 min
  • ▶Final Focus2 min
▶Session Four: Crunching the Numbers15 lessons
  • ▶Developing Financial Budgets and Projections30 min
  • ▶Transportation2 min
  • ▶Travel costs2 min
  • ▶Types of Fee Structures2 min
  • ▶Legal fees2 min
  • ▶Creating Rate Sheets2 min
  • ▶Hourly2 min
  • ▶Half-Day2 min
  • ▶Daily2 min
  • ▶Weekly2 min
  • ▶Travel Expenses2 min
  • ▶Minimum Retainer2 min
  • ▶Payment Terms2 min
  • ▶Flexibility is Key2 min
  • ▶You belong to a guild or union that dictates rate changes2 min
▶Session Six: Test Driving2 lessons
  • ▶Method2 min
  • ▶Land Line2 min
▶Session Seven: Creating a Sales and Marketing Strategy2 lessons
  • ▶The Purpose of the Plan2 min
  • ▶Leveraging Social Media15 min
▶Session Two: What It’s All About1 lesson
  • ▶Basic financial management2 min

About this course

A practical Business Nous course in the Start & Grow track.

Every lesson is written out in full — this is the complete course, not a summary. You read it, watch the narrated video, and do the exercise against your own business. The workbook is yours to download, print and keep. Finish the lessons and you earn a Business Nous certificate.

Who it's for

Small business owners, managers and ambitious employees who want practical know-how rather than academic theory. No prior study is needed — start where you are and work at your own pace.