New volume provides expert advice to consultants.
(Alexandria, VA) May 28, 2024—The Association for Talent Development (ATD) released ATD’s Handbook for Consultants, edited by consulting and leadership expert Elaine Biech, at the ATD 2024 International Conference & Exposition in New Orleans, Louisiana, on May 20. Beginning with a consideration of AI’s potential to transform the consulting landscape, this handbook provides potential, newly minted, and experienced consultants with key knowledge, guidance, and tips for successfully starting, developing, and reinvigorating their consultancy practices.
With constant changes in the workplace, many companies cannot fill their hiring needs and embrace the experience and flexibility that consultants bring. They often lack staff with the specialized skills and expertise to handle their growing needs or require additional support and flexibility to complete special projects that require more resource hours. They appreciate the value of the consultant’s fresh new ideas and outside opinions, as well as the speed and efficiency that comes with bringing in an expert.
Elaine Biech comments, “As the Bureau of Labor Statistics cites consulting as one of the fastest growing industries of this decade at $320+ billion, this resource could not be timelier. Many people are leaving traditional nine-to-five jobs for more agile roles. The shift away from the full-time employment model toward contract, freelance, and other nontraditional arrangements has made it easier for those who prefer a more flexible, self-directed work life. Consulting is at the top of the list of career paths for talent development professionals and others who have unique skill sets and expertise. This comprehensive resource is designed to empower both aspiring and seasoned consultants as they navigate the dynamic world of consulting.”
Written by experienced consultants and luminaries, the volume explores a variety of career options including being an independent consultant, joining a boutique consulting company, and working for a large firm. Its 35 chapters are organized into five sections that cover exploring being a consultant, creating a plan to get started, delivering results, finding and keeping clients, and focusing on the future. This volume provides more than 50 tools and 100 consulting tips.
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About the Editor
Elaine Biech, CPTD® Fellow, is a consultant, facilitator, and author of the Washington Post’s number 1 bestseller, The Art and Science of Training. With four decades of experience and 89 published books, ATD calls her “one of the titans of the training industry.” She delights in supporting leaders to execute their vision, building teams to maximize their performance, and guiding organizations to address large-scale change. She is a dedicated lifelong learner who believes that excellence isn’t optional. Elaine is the recipient of numerous professional awards including ATD’s Bliss Award, Torch Award, Staff Partnership Award, and 2020 Distinguished Contributor. She served on ATD’s board of directors and executive board, CCL’s board of governors and executive board, and ISA’s board of directors. She received the WI Women Entrepreneur’s Mentor Award and ISA’s highest awards, the Spirit Award, and Thought Leader Award. As ATD’s first CPTD Fellow, Elaine is a consummate TD professional who has been instrumental in guiding the consulting and TD professions throughout her career.
About ATD and ATD Press
The Association for Talent Development is the world’s largest association dedicated to those who develop talent in organizations. ATD’s members come from more than 120 countries and work in public and private organizations in every industry sector. ATD Press publications are written by industry thought leaders and offer anyone who works with adult learners the best practices, academic theory, and guidance necessary to move the profession forward. For more information, visit td.org/books.
ATD’s Handbook for Consultants
ISBN: 9781957157344| 528 Pages
To order books from ATD Press, call 800.628.2783.
To schedule an interview with Elaine Biech, please contact Kay Hechler, ATD Press senior marketing manager, at [email protected] or 703.683.8178.