Time to hand back the watch?

Last night I went to see Southside Johnny and the Astbury Jukes. The venue was dire and the performer well past his prime, it made me wonder who tells performers when they ought to hand up their microphones? You would suspect falling audiences and record sales but obviously despite being in a 5th rate venue Johnny isn’t getting the message.

So what you wonder has this got to do with consultancy? Well, it made me wonder who tells a consultant it is time to hand the watch back? If our clients aren’t happy with what we do then they don’t renew a contract – quite telling and something to make us think. But when that happens do we think well I must brush up on my skills or think about diversifying? Probably not to start off with but we should as consultants not just offer up our tried and tested expertise but also learn to embrace new methods of working that will continue to excite and captivate both existing clients and help us to reach out to a wider audience.

As consultants we can gather this sort of information anecdotally from our trusted network but I feel we should take some time out occasionally to add to our knowledge and to perhaps network with new people, some of whom having never met us before (like me last night with Johnny) won’t be afraid to show us where our ways of working could do with a little revision.

So for me the best event in the calendar is the Skillfair conference as it brings together at least 50 and often more consultants both as delegates and speakers with a fabulous array of topics which I would otherwise have to look far and wide over many days to cover.

Unlike Johnny who has lost a potential fan and the respect of a long term admirer I will be observing what my audience is saying to me.

Five weeks till Skillfair Conference!

Now that the main UK political party conferences are out of the way, the UK’s media and press will no doubt turn its full attention onto our own Skillfair annual conference.  It’s now only FIVE WEEKS to conference.

This is possibly the most important opportunity you will get this year to learn more about  how to network, influence,  market, and deliver your consultancy and advice. We have a really unmissable line-up and the peer-networking will,  as usual, be a core feature of the information-packed full-day’s programme.

We are keeping the familiar format of short talks in the morning followed by Open Space where you get a chance to steer the direction of the subjects covered and  after lunch, the elective workshops sessions will take place.

Many delegates in the past have said things like “I wish I could have attended ALL the afternoon workshops” and while we can’t quite manage that, this year we are running TWO afternoon workshops with some being run in both slots so there should be more flexibility to see more of what’s most important to you in developing your own business.

This week we feature Stuart Blake who will be presenting a workshop entitled: Impress with your CV/Business Profile

 Stuart Blake founded and manages Plan Your Career and Regardez Consulting. His team has over 85 years combined experience in the global staffing marketplace. They specialise in a full suite of CV writing, career planning and coaching services for individuals at any stage of their career, and in all industry sectors. With their expertise and guidance, individuals can maximise their full potential through effectively marketing their skills and experience.

Stuart began his career in 1986 at Robert Walters Associates, the leading financial recruitment business. He then became UK Managing Director of Harrison Willis, a multi-disciplined multi- site recruiter and later, Managing Director of Greatfleet (Fleet Search and Selection).

Whilst many of Stuart’s clients are individuals, he has also worked extensively with the Armed Forces and within the Public Sector. Described by former employers as “a great motivator and manager” with the ability to “inspire and encourage” people in their careers, Stuart’s session will be key to helping consultants impress their prospective clients.

See the entire timetable and speaker list here : Skillfair Conference 2011