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Latest newsNews searchHealthFinanceFoodCareer newsContent seriesTry Devex Pro
    • Career
    • Career Advice: Consulting

    Consultants share their secrets: How to find clients

    Striking out as an independent consultant requires constant planning and networking. Find out how one experienced consultant frames conversations that eventually lead to contracts.

    By Kelli Rogers // 27 January 2015
    Donna Sherard, now an independent consultant, pitched her departure from her employer as a change in their relationship. She now has a two-year contract with the same employer in a different capacity — and credits careful planning for that and other work she’s gotten since. “I was managing my contacts before I knew I was leaving,” Sherard explained, adding that she planned her departure from her full-time position approximately 18 months in advance. Kate Warren, Devex’s senior director and editor of careers and recruitment, sat down with several independent consultants to discuss tips for building their business during a panel organized by Independent Consultants Working for a Better World. Gisele McAuliffe, who has worked as a consultant since 2001, credits networking for much of her business. Watch the video to find out how she frames conversations that eventually lead to contracts. Whether you’re a seasoned expert or budding development professional — check out more news, analysis and advice online to guide your career and professional development, and subscribe to Doing Good to receive top international development career and recruitment news every week.

    Donna Sherard, now an independent consultant, pitched her departure from her employer as a change in their relationship. She now has a two-year contract with the same employer in a different capacity — and credits careful planning for that and other work she’s gotten since.

    “I was managing my contacts before I knew I was leaving,” Sherard explained, adding that she planned her departure from her full-time position approximately 18 months in advance.

    Kate Warren, Devex’s senior director and editor of careers and recruitment, sat down with several independent consultants to discuss tips for building their business during a panel organized by Independent Consultants Working for a Better World.

    This article is exclusively for Career Account members.

    Unlock this article now with a 15-day free trial of a Devex Career Account. With a Career Account subscription you will get:

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    Read more career tips:

    ● 4 tips to build the best client-consultant relationship
    ● Plan for success: How to establish yourself as an independent consultant
    ● How to succeed as a development consultant

    • Careers & Education
    • Worldwide
    • Washington, DC, District of Columbia, United States
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    About the author

    • Kelli Rogers

      Kelli Rogers@kellierin

      Kelli Rogers has worked as an Associate Editor and Southeast Asia Correspondent for Devex, with a particular focus on gender. Prior to that, she reported on social and environmental issues from Nairobi, Kenya. Kelli holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Missouri, and has reported from more than 20 countries.

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