Independent consultants play a large role in assisting NGOs, consulting firms and donor agencies in their activities, and many professionals with technical expertise are striking out on their own in favor of this flexible and often lucrative option.
Whether you’re just starting out as an independent consultant or have a long list of satisfied clients, knowing what’s expected of you as a consultant can be the most challenging part of any professional relationship. Good consultants must stay one step ahead of client expectations — even when clients don’t seem entirely sure what they want.
Here are five habits successful consultants use to build and maintain clear, long-lasting client relationships.