The Future of Consulting: Low Carb Consulting

 


The Future of Consulting: Low Carb Consulting by


Claire Arnold, Co Founder and Partner of Maxxim Consulting


My name is Claire Arnold and I am a management consultant. Are these words that should be spoken with a sense of pride or are they a source of embarrassment - a confession to be muttered at that guilty morning croissant or the trust-circle at workaholics anonymous amid the bankers and politicians?


The world of management consulting has come under a good deal of considered attack in recent months. For example, Francis Maude at the Cabinet Office singled out consultancy as one of the simplest savings open to the Civil Service in its efforts to reduce overspending in the Public Sector. How has a profession that positions itself as a thought leader dedicated to making organisations effective become such an easy hunting ground for negative press and generalised opprobrium?


The answer lays in the economics and culture of global businesses - the drivers of scale and the roots of power. Initially, many consulting businesses were advisory offshoots of big accounting firms; with their access to and relationships with the board members of client companies, they sought to extend the management letter that accompanied the accounts into an advisory service. When this practice was outlawed and firms divided, they sought a new annuity income as a platform on which they could afford to offer advice. The platform was IT. This is a capacity rather than a capability play - one supported by an invading army of systems specialists and fraught with danger for the client. IT system implementations are billed as platforms on which massive change can be achieved in businesses, whereas in truth they are a huge burden on organisations, not to mention a comfort-blanket for executives who would rather not grasp the nettle of leadership.


There are two essential dangers here. In making custom and practice electronic, businesses code in the overall muddle and inefficiency that people manage around on a day to day basis, and in doing so remove the people who add that vital dose of common sense or local knowledge needed to make things work. Worse still, it hands over the day to day control of activity and prioritisation to a team of outsiders whose loyalty is not to your business but to theirs. This has become the way in which the global armies employed by these big firms are kept busy, and just like the English at Agincourt, or the British in India, they don’t just seek to win the initial engagement - they want to move in and govern.


So, is there a future for consulting or will more organisations ‘do a Maude’ and ask the legions of technologists to move their applications off the lawn and reconsider their contract arrangements? The answer will depend on leadership and honesty at the top of both consulting firms and businesses. A new model for consulting is emerging, one based on valuing capability over brute capacity and automation - capability developed on the firm foundations of expertise and research. At its heart is the knowledge that there are only three things in any organisation: the product or service that you sell or provide, the processes by which you make decisions, and your people. Between these three elements there lies the essential truth that if you don’t pay real respect to your people no amount of systematisation will make the place work any better or cheaper.


Respect grows from the top. “Employee engagement” will not be achieved just because you’ve put in the best software, but because the leadership has made it clear what the goals of the organisation are, that these goals are supported by firm principles and that these principles guide decision making. So, if cost cutting is a driver, it is much more powerful to ask what we will and what we will not do in the future than it is to pass the buck down and suggest that it’s possible to do it all minus a third of the workforce. That isn’t to say that once the initial question is addressed your team won’t tell you, when asked, that they could easily make things work with fewer people - but it would be their decision.


As a result the New Consultancies are smaller, and staffed by people of experience both in running businesses and in working on projects through which they have developed deep insight and innovative approaches to provide clients with educated choices. At the heart of these consultancies is expertise and intellectual property combined with a deep and abiding drive to get to the heart of the matter. Above all, there is a new reliance upon personal integrity and honest, straight talking relationships. At Maxxim we are proud of an individual approach to organisational challenges that resolves strategic issues and that looks to connect systems and data to the real people in an organisation – its own employees.


Consulting armies march on their stomachs. Our aim is to swap carbs for protein, and show that at Agincourt, ‘the fewer men, the greater share of honour’..


www.maxximconsulting.com  


 

"The Proposal" Movie Review

"The Proposal" (my 0-10 rating: 6)
Director: Anne Fletcher
Screenplay: Pete Chiarelli.
Cast: Sandra Bullock, Ryan Reynolds, Mary Steenburgen, Craig T. Nelson, Betty White
Time: 1 hr., 47 min.
Rating: PG-13 (sexual content, nudity and vulgarity)


Yes, it's old, old material but as always, it ain't the joke, it's the way it's delivered. "The Proposal" is solid entertainment, well-romanced by reasonable but not sizzling chemistry between Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds. I can't, however, really give it a "good" rating because it's fairly devoid of any romance-comedy imagination and a bit loaded with shaky contrivances.


A lot of reliable charm pervades this movie, with intimacies -- like nude scenes -- delivered cautiously to avoid the R rating. Director Anne Fletcher seems to hold a cannily calculated grip on the intrinsic appeal of each scene, that built-in essence that attracts you at subliminal levels regardless of quality of substance or total predictability of plot direction.

Going to this film is like going home, taking yourself back into the warmth of your heart where you are reassured that love can work even if details are missing.

Unquestionably, there's a significant problem is having Sandra Bullock in there as a witchy type. She's just not that. But early on, you get it: this is not a film to be picked apart. It's just good old honest fun. Fact is, she and Reynolds leave little more to be desired in every interaction, clicking flawlessly, if not inspirationally.


Andrew (Ryan Reynolds), the brow-beaten assistant of aggressive New York book editor Margaret (Sandra Bullock) for the past three years, at last may see the tables turned. Seems she's Canadian and she's caught in a sudden unexpected bind. Advised that she's about to be deported, she has to think fast, coming up with the blatant fiction that Andrew is her fiance and that they'll forthwith be wed.


Well, . . . OK, he responds, he'll put on the act but only under certain conditions. She's to be required to come visit his family in Sitka, Alaska for a weekend. The idea here is that they can use this up close and personal time to get to know a little more of each other's eccentricities, like, for instance, tattoos, allergies (to pine nuts and a wide variety of emotions) plus lots more.


But the dominating change in their individual lives is that Margaret is now plainly on Andrews' turf. First of all, his family appears to own most of the town (interiors and almost all locations were shot in Massachusetts). And his family is a mite quirky. Mom, Grace (Mary Steenburgen), is welcoming, but imposing dad, Joe (Craig T. Nelson), who has an abiding bitterness over his son's rejection of the family business, resents this distraction who Andrew has brought home. Grandma Annie is about to celebrate her 90th birthday and there will be a hastily contrived wedding and, not surprisingly, an immigration official on their trail.


Ryan Reynolds more than fills the screen in most of his scenes, his poker-faced demeanor a decided plus. Sandra Bullock delivers a very professional role, up to every nuance. Bit by bit she exposes the pain in her stridency, the career-contrived surface which she has always projected, in which we can realize her emotional wounds that make her assaults on Andrew, as she sees them, necessary. Andrew and Margaret become totally real.


A pleasant experience, if that works for you.





Related Proposals For Small Businesses Articles

Analyzing Business Consulting Services

Running a business is difficult, especially if your company is struggling to reach its potentials. If you're tired of dealing with this dilemma and long for better solutions, maybe it's time to look for professional assistance. Business consultants help Philippine business owners improve their strategies and processes, allowing them to perform better and reach their goals.

In focus: business consultants

Business consultants assist companies on the different aspects of running a business. They are instigators of change offering outside perspective for firms in need of improvements. Consultants can either specialize in helping startups, small businesses, and large companies.

Their role in startups is usually to analyze and make suggestions on business plans. Some entrepreneurs may even hire them before making any move or starting a business.

Once this happens, consultants become advisors. Business consultants inspect business plans and oversee how feasible the plans are in terms of finances, product or service offered, and goals set by the prospective company owner.

Business consultants operate as authorities out to inspect various areas of the business. This may include examining processes for accounting, inventory control, overhead, and marketing procedures. Their responsibility is to recognize problem areas and come up with better processes.

Consultants may offer the same services to big companies. Although most big corporations usually just need certain improvements on processes, especially when they feel some areas are experiencing delays or slowdowns.

Consultants generally have backgrounds on business administration. Many of them currently run or previously ran their own companies. Most, if not all, are backed up by educational credentials and hands-on experience. These qualities are important when looking for consultants to hire.  

Benefits of hiring a consultant

Productivity and better workflow are the prime benefits provided by companies providing business consulting. Philippine company owners who have tried such services often note how changes brought better results. Some owners suddenly found themselves having more time to focus on other things, as they were able to delegate work effectively. Others report better staffing that translates to lesser overhead costs on salaries and overtime pay. There are also those who began experiencing better workflow, bringing in more sales opportunities and higher profits.

Cost of hiring consultants

Rates depend on time and service allotted for business consulting. Philippine companies needing more help can expect bigger charges given the demand they ask from consultants. For example, if you need to restructure the entire organization to improve work processes, they might charge you higher. This happens because more people and time are required to respond to the challenge.

If you're planning to hire consultants, make sure to check their experience and years in the business. Check out the fees offered by different companies engaged in business consulting. Philippine consultancies' expertise reflects on their past and current clients so don't forget to inspect this, too. Once you've found a company to work with, demand a contract to understand the services you're getting.  

Business Analyst's Role For Small Business

Small business owners or management may not consider they require the service of a business analyst. They are often caught up in trying to survive and fail to notice key elements in their success. The analyst can in fact come in and apply his expertise to make out what the business is required to expand. There may be times when the analyst sees the big picture where the management only sees the bottom line.

The business management can take help from the analyst in a number of ways. As a specialist, he may be able to present an unforeseen income-generating avenue. The present marketing techniques may be proving ineffective or not generating the required revenue to justify the cost of marketing. The analyst may be able to recommend a different effective marketing method. May be the business could aim for specific clients instead of a general population. The analyst may be able to propose point of sale income not thought of by the business management. Other elements this expert could suggest would be repackaging in different sizes, where appropriate. Providing complimenting sales items may have not occurred to the management. The business analyst is there to explain a different perspective.

The business analyst will be able to examine the business and decide what business decisions must be made. He or she can educate the owner of new programs available. The analyst will be able to suggest new knowledge the small owner is not taking advantage of. Thus, a good business analyst can support the small business in numerous ways.

The business analyst is a visionary. He or she can show the business owner how to put into practice revolutionary business techniques. These techniques may not have thought before by the business owner. The business analyst can view the broad scope of things to determine a need by the customer. The owner may have no idea that these areas of opportunity exist. It is up to the analyst to show the owner what will work and what will not work for his venture.

Generating income and building customer relations are the two key components that every business is concentrating. A good analyst is a specialist in his field and will be able to combine these two key elements into a plan of action for the business. This expert can act as the liaison between the business and the customer to establish that the business fulfill customer needs.

The business and its customers can take advantage from the knowledge a business analyst brings to the table. Generally, the added expenditure of an analyst is justified by the increase in income generated by utilizing his expertise.

Amity International School In Saket

Education in the value of democracy is essential. Self-discipline, responsibility, freedom of thought and speech are encouraged as students learn to appreciate the value of cultures, languages and religions other than their own and see themselves as genuinely international citizens.

Children are the most precious possession of any nation. They are the seeds of the future. They have to be nurtured conscientiously.  True education helps the child to ignite the hidden sparks of excellence.

"Education is learning what you didn't even know you didn't know" By Daniel J. Boorstin.

Amity International School, Saket the fundamental objective is the full development of every pupil - academic, physical, cultural and spiritual. This goal is duly reflected in the unique curriculum which is not only comprehensive in nature, but also enables holistic development.

AIS boast of a well-developed, progressive resource base and an excellent infrastructure that promotes interactive learning. The school provides an effective environment empowering each child to understand the world around him, explore it and learn from it. Computerized Libraries, Digital Labs, and Amitranet – an intranet facility, allow students & parents to access attendance records, past papers, homework and provides a first-hand experience in all practical subjects. All the labs in the school are well equipped with latest apparatus, techniques, and instruments. Students have access to the following state-of-the-art laboratories in the school.

Sports is an integral part of total curriculum at Amity school, hence the school provides all the basic facilities for development of positive sports environment through very famous and professional coaches.

The AIS Saket believes on experimental learning not believe on only bookish education.Students discover their latent talent through participation in diverse extracurricular forums, clubs, societies (robotics, astronomy etc.), leadership training camps and various inter-institutional events for instance – International Science Forums, Mathematics and Science Olympiads, Model United Nations etc.

In striving to achieve a balance between self-improvement and self-sacrifice in the interests of others, Amity develops in the pupils qualities of skill and care. The pupils are educated in concepts and practice of service to the needy. There is an active concern for the environment, and in tackling environmental problems. We are committed to train the appreciation of physical health and moral fortitude through the challenge and adventure of outdoor pursuits.

The Amity International philosophy works on itself belief of, "Vidya Dadati Vinayam", meaning knowledge gives humility. The school is a symbol of the indomitable power and humility that knowledge imparts. The school has a strong belief that knowledge alone imparts light, harmony, humility and peace. Every effort is made to impart an education that will inculcate in the new generation of nation builders the humility to rise above their individual needs, serve mankind and become success driven achievers.

Amity international school is the chain of Amity International Schools, affiliated to the Central Board of Secondary Education, New Delhi.

Law Firm Ny Tax Attorney Proposes ? 10 Ways To Reduce Tax Burden For your Small company

An perfect lawyer will not just have a very string of impressive credentials or gold lettering on his door. He / she will be caring, concerned, and dedicated to their work. You need to think carefully prior to laying your trust in a lawyer after all occasionally your life, future, money or property will be in his hands.


Apart from doing extensive research to short list feasible lawyers you should ensure that there isn’t conflict of interest, which you understand every thing the retainer agreement states, and you have checked the references and details concerning the practice.


You will understand the law firm ny tax attorney you have chosen is the perfect one if:


1. He makes an effort to spend time to comprehend your case himself. He’ll almost certainly not assign a legal assistant to think about facts of the case down.


two.

From experience and knowledge he’ll know precisely what is relevant and what exactly isn’t. He will set aside and ignore irrelevant facts, opinions, and personal emotions that cloud the case on hand.

three. He will insist that the footwork for the case be done thoroughly. All facts must be checked for accuracy and solid arguments jotted down with backing of earlier rulings.


4. He won’t just focus on the problem at hand but examine the issue from all sides. This may create a complete picture highlighting all factors of relevance and the different ways one can certainly approach the case.


5. He will use his foresight and anticipate moves by the opposition or opinions of the jury or judge and plan way ahead. As being a master chess player he will plan the case not by the day but by many hearings ahead.


6.

He won’t waste time beating around the bush or produce verbose statementsmany words strung together which look impressive but mean nothing. He’ll insist that the case and its arguments be clearly stated.

7. He will probably be self-disciplined, thorough, and self confident. Courteous at all times he’ll almost certainly respect you as well as all the staff who work for him.


8. He is recommended by not only his friends and relatives but by other professionals of good standing and from his field.


9. He won’t only present to you his victories but be able to tell you why and how he lost certain cases.


10. He will lay the cards on the table and let you know clearly whether your case stands to win or loose. He will not claim that winning is guaranteed. He will be honest and upfront about his opinions and advice.


The bottom line is that the lawyer must be worthy of your trust. Use your inborn instincts and dont pass by the lawyers good looks or nice automobile or office. After all it is competence in law plus court that’s of essence to you.


Everyone worries about taxes and looks for ways and means of reducing the tax burden. When you have got a small business of your own you must up date your knowledge of tax laws that have to do with small businesses. As a business owner you should comprehend clearly about accounting systems and tax planning. Sit down using your accountant and plan on ways of maintaining company expenses, filing receipts, planning on tax saving investments, and a strategy for running the company in the best way.


Did you know that:


1. According to law manhattan tax attorneys you can certainly reduce your tax liability by hiring family members to carry out work in your business. Pay your sons or daughters and spouse to perform assigned duties. This way you can easily shift from higher tax rates to reduce ones.


2. Consider hiring independent contractors instead of employees. You’ll save on payroll taxes. However ensure that you meet the IRSs criteria.


3. Think about deferring income postpone receiving money to January rather than December. This means that payments received will be up for tax calculations a year away. However ask your accountants advice as the benefits are based on profit and losses for the year as well as your corporate legal structure.


4. Take good thing regarding tax deductions allowed for charitable donations. Make donations in November or December instead of January so that you can include the donations for tax deductions in the current year.


5. Maximize your expenditure on equipment and office supplies. Buy in advance for a quarter and use the tax deductions allowed in the current fiscal year.


6. Include expenses of business related travel in the current year.


7. Pay all bills thanks prior to the end of the year. Payment to cell services, rent, insurance, and utilities in connection with the business can be included for accounting and applicable tax waivers.


8. Plan a retirement plan and make payments prior to the end of the year. This will decrease your income for the year and proportionately the tax thanks. Be sure to examine on the limits. Plan a feasible and beneficial strategy with your accountant.


9. Be sure to deduct from your taxable income money paid to licensing fees, businesses taxes, and annual memberships to businesses related organizations. Be certain to deduct interest paid on borrowings for running the business and related fees. Insurance premiums paid to insure the business office and machinery qualify for tax deductions. Create a list of your memberships and look at which ones are eligible for tax deductions.


10. Look at whether you have deducted management and administration expenses and also money spent on maintenance and repairs of equipment.


Decide whether a cash accounting system or accrual one will benefit your company. The tax deductions are different depending on the system you use. When setting up your enterprise take the advice of a tax and accounting professional regarding which accounting system would be most suitable.

Leadership Development - A Strategic Need?

Leadership is vital for any organization's sustained success. A great leader at top makes a big difference to his or her organization. Everyone will concur with these statements. Experts in human resources field mention the importance of leaders at all levels, and not just that of the leadership at the top. Rightly so. It is not without reason that companies like 3M, Proctor & Gamble, GE, Coca Cola, HSBC etc. have known to put in place processes for developing leaders continuously.


Mention this subject, however, to a line manager, or to a sales manager, or any executive in most organizations and you will probably deal with diffident responses.


Leadership development -a strategic need?


The subject of leadership is dealt with in a general way by many organizations. Leadership is usually understood in terms of personal attributes such as charisma, communication, inspiration, dynamism, toughness, instinct, etc., and not in terms what good leaders can do for their  organizations.  Developing leaders falls in HR domain.

Budgets are framed and outlays are used with indicators like training hours per employee per year. Whether the good intentions behind the training budgets get translated into actions or not, is not monitored.

Such leadership development outlays, that are based on only good intentions and general ideas about leadership, get axed in bad times and get extravagant during good times. If having great or good leaders at all levels is a strategic need, as the above top companies demonstrate and as many leading management experts assert, why do we see such a stop and go approach?


Why is there skepticism about leadership development programs?


The first reason is that expectations from good (or great) leaders are not defined in operative terms and in ways in which the outcomes can be verified.

Leaders are expected to 'achieve' many things. They are expected to turn laggards into high performers, turn around companies, charm customers, and dazzle media. They are expected to perform miracles. These expectations remain just wishful thinking. These desired outcomes can not be used to provide any clues about gaps in leadership skills and development needs.

Absence of a comprehensive and generic (valid in diverse industries and conditions) framework for defining leadership means that leadership development efforts are scattered and inconsistent in nature. Inconsistency gives bad name to leadership development programs. This breeds cynicism (these fads come and go....) and resistance to every new initiative. This is the second reason why the objectives of leadership development are often not met.


The third reason is in the methods used for leadership development. Leadership development programs rely upon a combination of lectures (e.g. on subjects like team building, communications), case studies, and group exercises (problem solving), and some inspirational talks by top business leaders or management gurus.


Sometimes the programs consist of outdoor or adventure activities for helping people bond better with each other and build better teams. These program generate 'feel good' effect and in some cases participants 'return' with their personal action plans. But in majority of cases they fail to capitalize on the efforts that have gone in. I must mention leadership coaching in the passing. In the hands of an expert coach a willing executive can improve his leadership skills dramatically. But leadership coaching is too expensive and inaccessible for most executives and their organizations.


Leadership -a competitive advantage


During my work as a business leader and later as a leadership coach, I found that it is useful to define leadership in operative terms. When leadership is defined in terms of what it does and in terms of capabilities of a person, it is easier to assess and develop it.


When leadership skills defined in the above manner are present at all levels, they impart a distinct capability to an organization. This capability gives a competitive advantage to the organization. Organizations with a pipeline of good leaders have competitive advantages over other organizations, even those with great leaders only at the top. The competitive advantages are:


1. They (the organizations) are able to solve problems quickly and can recover from mistakes fast.


2. They have excellent horizontal communications. Things (processes) move faster.


3. They tend to be less busy with themselves . Therefore they have 'time' for outside people. (Over 70% of internal communications are about reminders, error corrections etc . They are wasteful)


4. Their staff (indirects) productivity is high. This is one of the toughest management challenges.


5. They are good at heeding to signals related to quality, customer complaints, shifts in market conditions and customer preferences. This leads to good and useful bottom-up communication. Top leaders tend to have less number of blind spots in such organizations.


6. It is easier to roll out programs for strategic shift and also for improving business processes (using six sigma, TQM, etc.). Good bottom-up communications improve top-down communications too.


7. They require less 'supervision', since they are strongly rooted in values.


8. They are better at preventing catastrophic failures.


Expectations from good and effective leaders should be set out clearly. The leadership development programs should be selected to develop leadership skills that can be verified in operative terms. Since leadership development is a strategic need, there is a need for clarity about the above aspects.





Related Strategic Consulting Articles

Business Marketing Consultant Engagement

Online Marketing is the process of promoting your website on the Internet to increase its visibility in Search Engine Rankings. The better is its rank on search engine, more no of people will visit the site. My Marketing aid, marketing consultancy in Manchester take care of all your needs like Developing and managing the implementation of your marketing strategy.


Managing the planning process and developing your marketing activity plan.


Internet and online marketing strategy.


Delivering direct marketing campaigns.


Managing your advertising and PR.


Developing your corporate identity and branding.


You can outsource all your marketing activity to us and our marketing consultancy will help you out in the areas where you need most assistance. As a specialist marketing consultant we are able to flex the service we provide dependant upon your needs.


Latest SEO and promotional techniques for online marketing are:


1. Search Engine Optimisation (SEO): Organic SEO increases your search engine rankings for your website. Natural SEO includes creating targeted keyword phrases and optimised content for every page.


2. Search Media Marketing (SMM) : Social Media Marketing is the process of setting up Web 2.0 components on your website makes it more user friendly. SMM processes include Blogs, RSS Feeds, Widgets, Tags etc.


3. Keyword analysis : Keyword Research is the most important part of Search Engine Optimisation. Finding the right keywords to optimise your website can be the difference between success and failure for your business. So, keyword research is most important tool of seo.


4. On page optimization : On Page Optimisation performed to a web page will help it rank higher for your keyword phrases. The top of Search Engine Results Pages is where you want your web page to appear, and On Page Optimisation will take you there.

Search Engine Optimization Consultants

Search engine optimization consultants are widely utilized and very popular. As search engine optimization (SEO) marketing continues to dominate the Internet advertising spectrum, SEO consultants provide optimal services to a range of clients. With years of extensive industry experience, search engine optimization consultants specialize in a wide array of online marketing and advertising services. This includes search engine optimization which is designed to drive traffic to your website, blog or online forum. It is also designed to help your online business secure higher visibility while effectively establishing brand validity and online awareness. With SEO, customers have access to a vast selection of marketing tools and cutting-edge techniques. One of the most common, yet effective tools is content marketing. Content marketing enhances existing web content while utilizing strategic keywords to attract potential clients and customers.

These keywords are marketed to local, regional, national and even international customer bases, while linking specific search queries back to your website or online venue. As a result, web traffic is increased, along with leads, sales, revenue and business.

There are several ways to secure the services of search engine optimization consultants. This includes conducting an intricate web search or even accessing the business white pages. You can also speak to business associates that have worked with SEO firms in the past. With countless SEO marketing firms in the industry, they can truly achieve all your desired results within a specified time and budget. Once you find the right SEO firm, an SEO consultant will be assigned to help you. Depending on your specific needs, a strategic plan will be created to help promote your online business including sites, products and services. This may even include website design or redesign, promotional videos, banners and even social media integration. With the latter, your promotional materials will be showcased to mass audiences across vast networks. From Facebook to Twitter, you can instantaneously market your sales, promotional discounts and even new products to a wealth of online users and customers. This helps generate a buzz while securing lasting clients and recurring customer patronage.

From new to existing commercial entities, SEO consultants can truly extend your company’s reach online. In addition to content marketing, pay-per-click advertising is also a multi-faceted service that ensures lasting results. With PPC marketing, banner ads are placed alongside online search results. When a user clicks on a particular banner ad, your company generates revenue and greater online visibility. This SEO method is also known as link building which is designed to drive customers and online users to your website. Banner ads also contain keywords which help connect online users to specific brands and products. One of the most popular PPC formats is Google Adwords. This service allows you to create and run business ads which are compatible with any existing or new online marketing endeavor. SEO consultants can also connect you to web graphic specialists and graphic designers. With all the benefits of SEO marketing, why settle for costly traditional advertising methods? Simply contact one of the many SEO consultants today and reap the awards!

How International Management Consulting Can Make Your Company Prosper

Finally being able to launch your own company is a dream come true for you. You have worked as an employee for ten years, saving money to finally be able to do this as early as possible. Now that it is at hand, you feel giddy, excited, nervous and intimidated all at the same time. You are fully aware that success is not a given. It has to be worked for and deserved. You cannot wait to face all the challenges ahead of you, yet you cannot help but question yourself if you are indeed ready and equipped. Has the thought of investing in international management consulting ever crossed your mind? This type of investment can do wonders in terms of spearheading your companys trajectory towards success. Having a global business strategy consulting partner will provide you with an ally whom you can work with in attaining your short-term and long-term goals. With such an investment, you will gain a valuable partner that can help you build and strengthen your company.

Investing in a global business strategy consulting firm will give you the opportunity to work with a dependable, knowledgeable and competent business partner with the well-being of your own company always at heart. An international management consulting partner can acquaint you with some of the most profitable, smart and result-oriented business strategies. They can train you to formulate such tactics which can prove to be significant contributors to your companys stability and success.

Your international management consulting partner will brainstorm with you and help you identify the strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement of your business. They will train you in easily identifying these so that the necessary courses of action could be promptly implemented. Global business strategy consulting investment will make available to you some of the most brilliant tactics and stratagems employed efficiently through the years by successful businesses around the globe. With such dependable and competent partners to back you up, you will be able to make bolder, well-informed steps towards achieving your goals.

An international management consulting investment will also acquaint you with the various vital factors which can greatly influence the flow of your business. A good example of this would be your work force. A companys work force is one of the major driving forces which can help dictate its success and failure. They are the front liners, thus due treatment and attention must be awarded to them. Your global business strategy consulting will update you with the latest trends and practices in people management. In order to keep abreast with the market and with your competitors, you have to offer attractive and just compensation packages to your employees and other workers as well who might want to join your company. An attractive package will help you keep a loyal, competent work force, and attract competent, dependable workers as well.

You actually have a choice with regards to managing your business. Keep in mind that its first few months will be very critical and challenging. Thus, it would be best to in vest in something that can make these times better and more manageable an international management consulting investment. Take the smarter route and take advantage of such a dependable support system for your business. A global business strategy consulting firm can be depended on to keep your companys interests at heart.






Find More International Consulting Articles

Hr Consulting Services

HR Consulting: The Greatest Way to turn Resource Management Smoother

Overview

Human resource management happens to be the secret behind all successful businesses. Presently, with the increasing competition among the corporate giants, all businesses are making huge investments in hiring the services of the best human resource management people. Intensive study in the field says that the most successful companies are often backed by the most efficient human resource management.

Let us talk about Human Resource Management and related affairs.

Human Resource management, to be specific, is all about recruiting the most suitable employees, ensuring that they are encouraged enough to deliver quality services and work together harmoniously. Moreover, the management requires putting in position structures that help the employees to upgrade their careers, raise work performance assisting them to climb up the corporate ladder within the organization.

But, the question is what does HR consulting aim at? To answer this question, it is necessary to tell you that, a healthy relationship between the employer and the employees is a must since it pushes up productivity. And it is the job of the HR consultants to ensure a healthy work environment, better employee care and provide best policies for serving employee interest. It is really amazing to notice that the best professionals in the industry love to be a part of the organization that promises growth and at the same time ensures a organized , hassle-free work environment.

There are infinite techniques in which a work place can be turned into a good place with a healthy work environment. Manifold HR consultancies provide their expert services and apply innovative processes to inspire the employees and help to see them their job professionally and positively.

Now, let us talk about the kind of the work performed by the hired HR consultants in some detail.

Must Have Traits of HR Consultants

The professional HR consultants must have the following traits :

Potency to work independently.

Fundamental business/office management skills - customer service, accounting etc.

Capability to market the company services

HR consultants must possess the expertise to show through their experience and background that they have the potential to accomplish targeted missions and objectives.

People Power India: A Celebrated Organization Offering HR Consulting Services

People Power India is one of the renowned professional services companies offering comprehensive and reasonably-priced HR consulting solutions. Situated in Kolkata, People Power India was opened with the aim to assist its customers to comprehend, develop, execute and quantify the effectuality of their present human resource policies.

Our Expertise

At People Power India, we specialize in HR service delivery and workforce behavior and programs, paired with our leading technology capabilities. We promise that we can assist you compose an effective human resource strategy, execute it and maintain it over time to deliver the outcomes you expect. Having conducted an thorough research on how human resource functions can work most efficaciously, we promise you the best HR consultancy services in the industry.

Our advice is an excellent combination of in-depth business knowledge, topical research, latest technology and precise benchmarking to aid you create the most efficient HR function for your company.

Our Achievements:

At People Power India, we have successfully worked with Indian entrepreneurial ventures and family-owned businesses of all sorts , big and small. We are proud to say that we have delivered the desired success and even more to our clients.

For more information on HR Consulting and People Power India, browse through the following link:http://www.peoplepowerindia.org/index.php

Tips For Developing Strategic Alliances

Are sales alliances successful?


Sales alliances are one of the new organisational answers to the increasingly difficult work of sales in the high tech field and other dynamic markets. This is an increasing area of interest for those attending leadership training courses.


Under the umbrella of an alliance, the field sales operations of two or more businesses co-operate as sales partners.


As you may well imagine, this kind of collaboration is not without its frictions. Whether or not it is successful in the long run depends on factors for which, on the one hand, the business and, on the other, the field salespeople are responsible.


A study of 175 field sales people has illuminated which problem areas need to be highlighted and where the pitfalls lie if an alliance is not to be doomed to failure.


At business level


The choice of the right partner, the timing of the alliance, the negotiated conditions, the development of a common culture and correct handling of sensitive information are absolutely decisive for success.


Difficulties also frequently arise when different sized businesses work together.


The sales leader of a small business clarifies the dilemma: "Especially as a small company we need to focus on our cash flows.

Our biggest cash flow problem is our partner who, as a point of procedure, only pays after 90 days."

A further problem with co-operations like this is the administrative burden that is normal for large companies. Small companies are not used to this 'paper mountain' and usually consider it unnecessary and unproductive.


The difference between the numbers of hierarchal levels in the field sales organisations of large and small companies has also proved a handicap.


One salesperson says on this subject: We are having to cope with so many people, levels of hierarchy and subsidiaries that on occasion, I am unsure as to who my partner actually is."


At employee level


With individual employees it is primarily a question of open, honest and trusting relationships between themselves.

In less successful alliances the field salespeople deliberately withhold information, blame each other for mistakes, doubt the competence and integrity of their colleagues in the partner company and publicly make negative comments about them. Therefore care management is required in these situations as covered on good leadership training courses.

Many salespeople report that they had to "test" several colleagues in the partner company until the chemistry was right. This demands a great deal of sensitivity from superiors concerned if they are to bring the right people together.


A hot topic is who, in the end, keeps control of a particular customer.


A voice from the study says on this point: "As salespeople of the old school we naturally want to keep control of 'our' customers and make it our own business to ensure that this customer is given optimum service. It is extremely difficult to relinquish this control. It means that I must trust my partner absolutely and in turn they must trust me absolutely."


The results shown in the following table show how the factors discussed have a practical effect on the success of a sales alliance.


The influence of the success factors was calculated using a seven point scale from 1 = is not applicable at all, to 7 = completely applies in all respects.


Influencing factor slight medium great


Mutual trust 4.05 4.80 5.67


Mutual independence 3.64 4.40 5.99


Good co-operation 2.96 4.58 5.32


Open communication 3.54 4.67 5.67


Common goals 2.82 3.44 4.11


Fit of field sales organisations 3.60 4.17 4.31


Open communication, mutual trust and perceived mutual independence are the success factors of a sales alliance. Yet again it is the human side and less the organisational side that counts!


Good leaders are required in order for an organisation to develop successfully an effective good strategic allegiance,. These skills can be developed with leadership training.

Exalt Consulting Complaints

Bangalore is the capital of the Indian state of Karnataka. Bangalore is nicknamed the Garden City and was once called a pensioner's paradise. Located on the Deccan Plateau in the south-eastern part of Karnataka, Bangalore is India's third most populous city and fifth-most populous urban agglomeration. As of 2009, Bangalore was inducted in the list of Global cities and ranked as a "Beta World City" alongside Geneva, Copenhagen, Boston, Cairo, Riyadh, Berlin, to name a few, in the studies performed by the Globalization and World Cities Study Group and Network in 2008.


We are taking about a company Exalt consulting that is based in Bangalore. First of all lets understand what is consulting?

A consultant is a professional who provides professional or expert advice in a particular area of expertise such as management, accountancy, the environment, entertainment, technology, law, human resources, marketing, emergency management, food production, medicine, finance, life management, economics, public affairs, communication, engineering, sound system design, graphic design, or waste management. A consultant is usually an expert or a professional in a specific field and has a wide knowledge of the subject matter. A consultant usually works for a consultancy firm or is self-employed, and engages with multiple and changing clients. Thus, clients have access to deeper levels of expertise than would be feasible for them to retain in-house, and may purchase only as much service from the outside consultant as desired.

Now this company Exalt Consulting offers human resources. To better understand this please read below:

Human resources is a term used to describe the individuals who comprise the workforce of an organization, although it is also applied in labor economics to, for example, business sectors or even whole nations. Human resources is also the name of the function within an organization charged with the overall responsibility for implementing strategies and policies relating to the management of individuals. This function title is often abbreviated to the initials 'HR'.

Human resources is a relatively modern management term, coined as early as the 1960s - when humanity took a shift as human rights came to a brighter light during the Vietnam Era. The origins of the function arose in organizations that introduced 'welfare management' practices and also in those that adopted the principles of 'scientific management'. From these terms emerged a largely administrative management activity, cordinating a range of worker related processes and becoming known, in time as the 'personnel function'. Human resources progressively became the more usual name for this function, in the first instance in the United States as well as multinational or international corporations, reflecting the adoption of a more quantitative as well as strategic approach to workforce management, demanded by corporate management to gain a competitive advantage, utilizing limited skilled and highly skilled workers.

Now as we are dealing with real world, you will have a critic, which is very natural, I just found a blog talking about Exalt Consulting Complaints.
Human Resources Consulting Services



What is Complaint?

A complaint, in legal terminology, is a formal legal document that sets out the facts and legal reasons that the filing party (the plaintiffs) believes are sufficient to support a claim against another person, persons, entity or entities (the defendants) that entitles the plaintiff(s) to a remedy (either money damages or injunctive relief). For example, the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure that govern civil litigation in United States courts provide that a civil action is commenced with the filing or service of a pleading called a complaint. Civil court rules in states that have incorporated the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure use the same term for the same pleading.

In some jurisdictions, specific types of criminal cases may also be commenced by the filing of a complaint, also sometimes called a criminal complaint or felony complaint. All criminal cases are prosecuted in the name of the governmental authority that promulgates criminal statutes and enforces the police power of the state with the goal of seeking criminal sanctions, such as the State (also sometimes called the People) or Crown (in Commonwealth realms). In the United States, the complaint is often associated with misdemeanor criminal charges presented by the prosecutor without the grand jury process. In most U.S. jurisdictions, the charging instrument presented to and authorized by a grand jury is referred to as an indictment.

In many U.S. jurisdictions, a complaint submitted to a court must be accompanied by a Case Information Statement, which sets forth specific key information about the case and the lawyers representing the parties. This allows the judge to make determinations about which deadlines to set for different phases of the case, as it moves through the court system.

In some countries, (for example Australia and the UK and many countries of the European Community), the making of consumer complaints, particularly regarding the sale of financial services, is governed by statute. The statutory authority may require companies to reply to complaints within set time limits, publish written procedures for handling customer dissatisfaction and provide information about arbitration schemes.
For more information on Exalt Consulting Complaints you can visit http://www.exaltconsulting.com


Related International Consulting Articles

Business Consulting - The Importance Of Consulting

In the recent years, the small business industry has seen a massive boom. Many individuals saw their stars rise while some of them saw their stars plummet. It is true that initiating and running a small business is easier but there are a number of essentials that need to be focused on. People who fail in the small business industry are the ones who try and overlook the most important factors. It can give them a sneak peek of the quintessence factors of not only running a business but also being successful in it.

What exactly is small business management consulting?

Due to the nature of business, organization of projects can become a daunting task. Often entrepreneurs face such situations in which their clients are left disappointed. It is extremely important for the business owner to opt for management consulting services in order to be aware of the managerial aspects that are important for running a successful business. A small business management consulting firm can provide the business owner with strategies, tactics and the best practices of the industry. Also, one of the most significant issues discussed by consulting firms is of adapting to a Change. A Change is terminology is any change in consumer demands, the environment or a change within the organization such as hiring and firing employees and so on.

There are three major aspects of every business that are taken into consideration by firms to design an overall strategy for the business. Trends, changes and consumer demands are the three factors. Working on all these three factors, a consulting firm designs an overall organizational and operational strategy for the business to follow.

Who should opt for a business management consulting service?

Generally, any business whether it is a mid-sized one or a small one must go through the consultation process in order to know the areas that need to be focused on and why. They might not look as important initially but in the longer run, these minor factors make it impossible for the business to succeed. Every entrepreneur wants their business to succeed so a little professional help can go a long ways.

Using a service to help you manage or grow your business is sometimes hard to do. In many cases people are protective of this companies and they let pride get in the way. Those who take the leap of faith and decide to get professional help are those who are ready to take the steps towards success.

What Are Various Types of Business Proposal?

What is a business proposal?


A business proposal is an application in a business-related context. It is a partnership or joint venture of some sort. It is different from a business plan which is designed to raise money for starting up an enterprise. In a business proposal the aim is to earn money from all business transactions. Here, you answer your customer's queries and persuade them to select you. It should be more about the customer than you as a company.


Types of business proposals


There are two types of business proposals:
1) Solicited Proposal
2) Unsolicited Proposal


A Solicited Proposal refers to the one when the customer asks for a proposal. They are usually sent to customers who issue a "Request for Proposal" or RFP, Request for Quotation (RFQ), or an Invitation for Bids (IFB).


"Request for Proposal" (RFP) provides you with a description of what the customer wants.

They might ask for an evaluation criterion to make a selection. You can also give suggestion to a potential customer who might ask you to submit a proposal so that he can consider your suggestion. This counts as a solicited proposal as a customer is expecting it. Customers issue RFQs when they want to buy large amounts of a commodity. The price is not the only issue. For example, when availability or delivering or service are considerations. RFQs can be very detailed. Therefore, proposals written to RFQs can be lengthy. IFBs are issued by the customers when they are buying some service, such as construction. The requirements are detailed. However, the primary consideration is price. For example, a customer provides architectural blueprints for contractors to bid on. These proposals are lengthy. The cost-estimating data and detailed schedules are also mentioned. An unsolicited proposal is marketing brochures. They are always generic.

Business proposals do not directly refer to customer needs or specific requirements. Vendors often use them to introduce a product or service to a prospective customer. They are often used as "leave-behinds" at the end of initial meetings with customers or "give-always" at trade shows or other public meetings. They are not designed to close a sale but to introduce the possibility of a sale. It contains a description of a seller's products, services or capabilities. It has a buyer's specifications or needs and how they will be met. The cost of the offering and schedule for delivery of the products or services are mentioned. A proof of prior experience i. e. Testimonials from previous customers or Project descriptions of previous projects are also specified to convince the customer about the products and services of the seller.

Business Research Proposal

Writing academic papers is not easy as most students think. In academic writing, you must have writing skills and enough time so that you can develop something quality. Our writing company offers the best writings which are original and that are written from the scratch. Tutors aim at helping students think critically when they are assigned with custom essay writings where by they are required to complete their essays on time and following expected instructions. If you are in need of research proposal visit our writing companies where we offer writings that are original. Students from different parts of the world buy research proposals from our writing company for we have writings that are originally written by experts. All our papers are written from the scratch thus we have maintained the highest level of quality.


Writing research proposals enables tutors examine the intellectual abilities of students for they manage to know how students can reason.

Students are expected to develop some arguments there after support them and provide valid defense information. In order to develop a valid research proposal, ensure that you quality information and if you have low quality skills get essay writing help from experts. Below we have the structure of research proposal although it is applicable to other academic essay papers. Our qualified writers will provide you with premium services so that you can complete your business proposals at the right time.

Title and abstract


Having selected the topic on which you wish to do the research, you are required to develop the title of your paper.

Our essay writers will provide you with custom services. We help students in selecting topics thus develop researchable titles of their research proposal. Buy services from us and get papers which are original. Your abstract is aimed at providing the reader with the overview picture of what you have written. This helps the reader to make a choice whether to read or not. Our company provides you with custom services which will enable you develop the best abstract of your research proposal.

Introduction and literature review


Most students fail in writing their research proposal because they don’t know what they are expected to write. Our writing company will help you with custom services which enables you complete and write premium academic research papers. The introduction is meant to introduce your research topic where you let the audience develop the insight of what you are discussing. You identify the problem which you are going to research on thus enabling the audience get what you have researched on. Your literature review is very important in your research proposal for it enables you gather sources of information. This is the section that enables the readers know that the writer has some knowledge on the research he or she is doing. Our writing company will help you with the best research proposals which are valid.


Methods and conclusion


Your method section provides the reader with some of the activities or things that the writer plans to do during the research. Your research proposal should have the method section for it helps the reader know what you have planned. Your conclusion summarizes what you have discussed earlier. It gives an overview of what you have planned and at the same time gives recommendations on what is supposed to be done. Our writing company is there to provide you with premium and original research proposal.