Mike A Johnson - Consultant and Author

The Independent Consultants Survival Guide

This is NOT a book about how to consult – it IS about how to be a consultant. As a successful independent consultant for more than 20 years, Mike Johnson tells – though anecdotes and real experiences – what you need to do to succeed in the professional world of the consultant.

This book offers everything, from building networks and dealing with clients to how to get the business and then get more.

This is a unique, practical, get-out-and-do-it guide that is an invaluable companion to anyone starting out on this most perilous of careers. Don’t leave home without it.

Praise for 'The Independent Consultants Survival Guide'

“This is a practical and essential guide for anyone contemplating establishing their own business. Johnson captures all the key elements which allow a successful transition and is very clear about what can send you off track. Grounded in common-sense and humour.” 

Norman Walker, former global head of human resources for Novartis.

“I wish this book had been available when I began my independent career. There’s only one word  for it – PRICELESS!!!”

Shay McConnon, psychologist, trainer, coach, mentor and magician.

“If you are thinking seriously of making the transition from corporate life to independent consultancy, I recommend you beg, steal or borrow a copy of this book if you can't find one at your bookstore. Mike Johnson writes in such a clear style that even the most ardent activist will find a benefit in reading before leaping into action. Having taken this route six years ago, I can vouch for several of the pitfalls he describes - had a copy of this book been around then, my original planning may have been more strategic. It is reassuring to see some of your own experience mirrored in the advice, coming not just from the author - himself a successful independent of some 20 years - but also from a number of other independents.

The guide is also a handy reminder to established consultants who will find themselves stuck at some point in their independent careers. It is not just dealing with recessions as they come along, but also preparing for the sudden changes that come with the many mergers and acquisitions our clients are faced with. You will also pick up new ideas and suggestions and - if you are not already doing so - focus on what you need to do for the future.

The chapters are clearly structured to cover everything you may need, from financial illustrations to marketing and strategy guidelines. I read the book deliberately looking for areas I thought might be missed and was slightly disappointed that I couldn't find any. Mike Johnson also covers many of the more interpersonal factors that most of us have found out about the hard way - dealing with the loneliness of working from home; establishing support networks; remembering, even in the midst of a heavy workload, to continue marketing for the next tranche of business. This isn't a book covering all areas in depth, but it does flag up what you need to know and point you in the right direction to get more specialist advice.

Perhaps the most useful part of the book for anyone who is thinking about independent consultancy is to persuade you to do an assessment of whether this is the right move for you to make at the stage you are at in your life. Unlike many other guides for consultants, this one concentrates on who you are, rather than the idea you have for your business. Finally, there is also a section on developing an exit strategy for retirement and downshifting.”

Eleanor Halsall, Writing in People Management, Director, HalsAllan Ltd

Amazon Reviews

“As an HR Manager I've read a couple of Johnson's earlier books and always found them engaging and full of nuggets of great advice so when I started thinking seriously about leaving the security of the corporate world and going solo I was pleased to see he'd just published this book.
It's great! I've seen a few other books on the subject but they seemed to be either (a) American or (b) just full of mind-numbingly obvious checklists. The exception is Cope's Seven Cs of Consulting which is a very sound book on the consulting process - this one is even better because it concentrates on you the (wannabe) consultant.
The best bits (for me) were the first chapter that forces you to ask some really hard questions about whether you are really cut out for the independent life and the section on the reality of working alone - from mundane things like who gets the stationary (that'll be you) to who do you turn to when you need to bounce ideas arround. If you're thinking about going solo you'll find this book engaging, entertaining, inspiring and full of priceless advice that will help you on your way.” 

Pardo

“As in his previous books on people management, Mike Johnson's new book on independent consulting is a very useful and readable book. If you are considering a move into independent consulting - and Mike's book indicates that more and more of us are - then this book is a must read. The book starts with a self-complete questionnaire to establish whether you really have thought this idea through enough. It then goes on to describe the practical issues you will face, from the pros and cons of working at home to an outline of the tax implications of incorporation or sole trader status. It's all the more credible and useful because Mike Johnson has actually been an independent consultant for many years. The book is written in a very approachable style and avoids the legalistic and often demotivating approaches of similar guides.” 

Giselle Bodie