Umbrex Academy

 

Getting started with your own independent consulting practice

Consultants from global consulting firms - even deeply experienced consultants including Partners and Directors - often have questions about the practical matters related to starting an independent consulting practice, e.g.,

• How do I generate business outside of the big firm context?

• What kind of insurance do I need?

• Where do I go for research support, admin, IT?

• Where can I get visual production support?

• If I need to assemble a team, where can I find capable Associates?

 

Nearly every member of the Umbrex community has benefitted from the lessons learned of colleagues who had already established a practice and gave us advice when we were getting started.

 

We've created the Umbrex Academy to help other top tier consultants establish their own practice.

 

The Academy is not designed to teach core consulting skills. The Academy is designed to help experienced consultants make the transition from big firm consulting or industry to running their own independent practice.

 

Description of the Academy

The Academy consists of two parts:

 

1) Six monthly sessions conducted via WebEx.  Topics covered include: 

• Practical factors of establishing a firm, e.g., selecting a name for the firm, domain name, email, LLC, insurance, accounting

• Generating leads

• Converting leads into signed contracts

• Proposals and contracts

• Replicating the resources of a big firm (research and admin support, Associates, visual production, etc.)

 

2) Each student in the Academy is assigned an experienced independent consultant who serves as an on-call personal advisor

 

Eligibility requirements

Must have at least two years of experience at a top tier consulting firm.

Must commit to attend all six online sessions.

Must be willing to "pay it forward" and serve as instructor or advisor in a future Umbrex Academy session.

 

Cost

$1000

 

Upcoming start dates:

Class of 2016: Starts January 2016. Apply by December 1, 2015

Class of 2017: Starts January 2017. Apply by December 1, 2016

 

Apply

Send a resume to academy@umbrex.com.

In your email, describe your current situation and plans regarding independent consulting.

 

Why are we helping the "competition"?

We don't see you as competition. We think the demand for experienced, independent consultants is rapidly growing, and we believe that building a community helps us better serve our clients. We expect to learn something from you.