Banding Together: Working Smart, Avoiding Downtime

Time can be a consultant's best friend or worst enemy - depending on how much billable work there is available. During peak times there simply aren't enough hours available in the day. In a down period, consultants may find themselves twiddling their thumbs. Now, recent talk from economists indicates that many small business owners may have plenty of time on their hands as customers cut back spending. But, experts are also weighing in on how businesses can avoid, or minimize, the pitfalls of a sluggish economy. For consultants, working smart to avoid fewer billable hours means collaborating with other professionals.

Consider expanding your network of consulting peers and identify those who offer complementary, not competing, areas of expertise. You may both be able to expand your businesses by expanding the range of services you provide. But, dont' limit collaboration to the consulting arena. Other types of businesses or professionals may offer you the oppoturnity to cross-promote services to their customer base. For example, a marketing consultant may work with website designers and offer that company's clients a discount for developing a marketing plan or similar services. Likewise, you would want to offer your clients the same type of deal with the web designer. Of course, working together with other professionals can be beneficial anytime so don't waste any time getting started!