Course Description

The "Business Consulting: Becoming a Trusted Advisor" workshop is designed to provide an integrated approach to learning the fundamentals of consulting while presenting practical approaches for evaluating the applicability of a technology for a client. The workshop is structured around the tools and techniques of consulting including functional, analytical, and client relationship management skills, which are essential for gaining credibility as a "trusted advisor."

The workshop format combines instructor-led presentations with a detailed case study and exercises, enabling participants to practice their newly acquired "trusted advisor" consulting skills. This highly interactive format enables active discussion of the case while discovering opportunities for technology initiatives through market, competitor, customer, and value chain analyses.

Overall, the 3 days will enable Engagement Managers, Solution Architects, Business Development Managers, Opportunity Consultants and Service Delivery Managers to undertake initial discussions with prospective and existing clients about the potential impact of a technology on their business, how to evaluate the ROI of a technology solution, and the implications for managing and operating the complete "Life Cycle" of a solution.

Course Goal

The goal of this workshop is to provide Engagement Managers, Solution Architects, Business Development Managers, Opportunity Consultants and Service Delivery Managers with fundamental consulting skills required to establish a trusted advisor status enabling them to help clients determine where technology initiatives can impact their business.

Course Objectives

• After completing this workshop, the participants should be able to:
• Understand core functional and analytical skills expected of a business consultant
• Add value by approaching the client's situation from a strategic business perspective
• Help clients determine where technology can impact their business objectives
• Identify client relationship management skills needed to gain credibility as a trusted advisor

Course Outline

Day 1: Functional Skills Framework

• Functional Consulting Skills Overview
• Data Gathering
• Desk Research & Interviewing Techniques
• Data Analysis & Diagnosis
• Presentation of Recommendations
• Engagement Management Best Practices
• Process Design & Mapping Overview

Day 2: Analytical Skills Framework

• Strategy Overview
• Visioning's Role in Strategy Development
• Strategy Management Fundamentals
• Activity Analysis & Core Competencies
• Market Analysis
• Competitor Analysis
• Customer Analysis
• Financial Analysis

Day 3: Client Management and Engagement Management Skills Framework

• Wireless strategy
• Mobility and wireless offerings
• Managed Services wireless direction
• Impact of Technology on Business Models
• Client Management Fundamentals
• Becoming a Trusted Advisor
• Random Thoughts

Target Audience

The targeted audience for this 3-day course are:

• Engagement Managers
• Solution Architects
• Business Development Managers
• Opportunity Consultants
• Service Delivery Managers

Prerequisites

No prerequisites are defined at this time.