Planners as Consultants: The Business Side of Planning

Course description

Planners are trained to analyze policy, land use and community needs; but few receive guidance on the practical realities of running a consulting practice.  In this workshop, the facilitator will draw on her experience as owner of a successful 30-person consulting firm to address the business skills you need to thrive as a consultant or firm owner. Real-world case studies, candid insights and hands-on exercises will illustrate the learning and equip you with tools you can use.

The topics will include:

• the foundations of starting and growing a consulting practice, including business models, team-building and financial sustainability
• marketing planning services, building a professional brand and competing for projects
• pricing strategies, proposal writing and contract negotiation 
• managing client relationships including balancing ethics, client expectations and personal sustainability as an independent professional