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Books:
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This is a compendium for beginner or veteran covering what to consider, possess, or create for a successful practice, with specific examples and templates to incorporate. -
"Breaking Through Writer's Block: Every Business Letter and Template You'll Ever Need for A Thriving Professional Services Practice." -
Alan's most definitive work on a subject he's become passionate about: blending life, work, and relationships into a holistic, fulfilling existence. -
Alan's only book written expressly for internal change agents, human resource professionals, trainers, and others who want to become more effective in internal change initiatives. -
This sixth book in "The Ultimate Consultant Series" provides the wisdom Alan has gleaned from his own practice--and from other veteran consultants--to help overcome both persistent problems and the challenges of reaching the next level of success. -
This is the first and most likely the only book that Alan Weiss will ever write on the methodology and techniques of consulting. This fifth book in "The Ultimate Consultant Series" is crammed with the detailed approaches Alan uses in all major aspects of consulting. -
The fourth book in "The Ultimate Consultant Series" from Jossey-Bass/Pfeiffer focuses on the acquisition of new business, of more concern for consultants today than ever before. -
This is the third book in the seven-book "The Ultimate Consultant Series." It contains everything Alan knows about value-based fees, a concept he pioneered over a decade ago.
Recent Comments:
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- Beyond Niche Marketing: I don’t see virtual meetings replacing get on the plane and endure airport security to...
- Daryl Mather: Alan, have a look at this from YouTube. Beyond the Virtual meetings that are mentioned here you can...
- מוצרי פרסום: I build backoffice interfaces for websites and I see the same thing, although having a complex...
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- Jay Ramirez: Hi Alan, I hear what you’re saying. The social media tools you mentioned are not smart investments...
- Chad Barr - Alan's Blog Implementer & Moderator: Great story Alan and I wish I was there listening to Bennett as...
- Chad Barr - Alan's Blog Implementer & Moderator: We are live on iTunes! Please see my post here:...
- Cam Beck: I prefer to mention the reason the 4th is special, as in “Happy Independence Day,” but even...
- Alan Weiss: Glad you’re enjoying it, and that’s a very rational, thoughtful response (as many of these...
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- Chris Brown, Branding & Marketing: Debbie, your comment #63 made me smile. Yes, I clearly remember the big...
- Jay Ramirez: I agree with your point and believe the cutting edge of web and application design is adapting to this....
- Michael Temple: Very timely post. I am sure this is all relative, but I am on track to have a record year for my...
- Alan Weiss: Wonderful post, thanks. Here’s a kick: I’ve written about being “blambushed.”...
- Barbara Saunders: My sense is that the “talking down to people” stance is part of Alan’s brand -...
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- Peter Bodifée: Excellent point Alan! When I consult with my clients on IT choices in situations where very...
- Florian Hollender: What dazzles me is that the person who blambushed you obviously found it more fulfilling to...
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- Bob.Smiley: Alan: I found your blog through your recent article in the July 2008 newsletter of Management Consulting...
- Alan Weiss: Nice work! It’s kind of addictive, isn’t it?
Capitalizing on Disaster
Immediately after the horrible bridge collapse in Minneapolis, I began receiving blast emails from PR firms advising me that “experts are wanted” for media interviews. Apparently, we were to apprise the PR firms of our availability, because psychologists, grief counselors, engineers, political analysts, and so on were needed to fill the media requests for commentary.
We were told that our visibility would be greatly enhanced and that rapid response was the key. The firms went on to tell us that they were the best at promoting their clients in the media and gaining publicity.
Perhaps I’m just out of the loop, but I find this akin to the horrible attorneys who solicit airplane crash victims’ families, and who advertise on television that if you’ve ever taken so much as an Aspirin™ and had so much as a hiccup, you could have the basis for a law suit.
People are due recompense for loss. But in the wake of such a tragedy with the deaths of so many so abruptly, is there a need to capitalize on the horror to the extent of mass emails reminding us that we can use others’ misfortune to promote our services and ourselves? I imagine that the TV, radio, and newspaper requirements for commentary will be very well met without emergency calls for expertise. There’s hardly a need to scream the equivalent of: “Is there a doctor in the house??!!”
I find this all repugnant. If someone approaches me because of a legitimate expertise I possess which might help others to understand a situation or cope with it, fine. But to aggressively seek out avenues to promote oneself in the wake of a cataclysm?
Count me out. I don’t need that kind of fame.
© Alan Weiss 2007. All rights reserved.
August 3rd, 2007 at 6:41 pm
I find these bottom feeders to be the scourge — a true blight — of professional service providers. Decency takes a back seat to monetizing tragedy. Most defend themselves with my personal favorite: “Well, someone’s going to do it, may as well be me.”
I’ve a better idea. Be one of the few that truly travel the high road. Paraphrasing Dr. Peck, “There are a lot fewer people there.”
Kevin Berchelmann
http://www.triangleperformance.com/leader