(52c) The Pros, Cons, and Challenges of Consulting

The challenges of starting and maintaining a successful consulting business vary with the nature of the specialty, the target customers, long term plans for the business, resource availability, family support, resources required, and stage of career at which the business is started.

This presentation will review the development of a consulting business which has lasted 15 years and has morphed over time as different opportunities have developed and customer needs have changed. The business focuses on introductory chemical engineering training and TRIZ inventive problem solving training, two totally disconnected subjects that rarely overlap, both overlapping with AIChE activities. This presentation will review how these opportunities developed, which include lessons in identifying consulting business opportunities. Suggestions on some of the practical aspects of starting a consulting business and being flexible over the long haul will be presented.