How To Select And Work Effectively With Consulting Engineers

This guide outlines the functions of the consulting engineer in serving a client, the types of services usually offered, the various methods of determining compensation for engineering services, and the general ranges of remuneration that competent consulting engineers receive for their services. A recommended procedure for interviewing and selecting a consulting engineer and guidance on contracts for engineering services are also provided. The manual is designed to serve the best interests of the client and the consulting engineer and to foster better understanding between them. The data presented for engineering charges, percentage fees, factors on payrolls, and so on, are provided as general guides to be used or not used, at the sole discretion of each user, to assist in evaluating compensation negotiated between clients and consulting engineers. The data is based on the experience of many consulting engineers as obtained in a recent national survey.

Rev. ed. of: How to work effectively with consulting engineers. 2003.

Consulting Engineering Made Easy!THIS GUIDE TO CONSULTING ENGINEERING SHOWS THE EASIEST WAY FOR ENGINEERS TO BREAK INTO THIS EXCITING FIELDBeing a Professional Engineer in private practice is exciting and challenging. Learn what is common to all engineering "specialties," such as building your reputation, finding and keeping clients, calculating lucrative fees, promoting new work, being selected over your competition, and managing your engineering practice profitably.Learn the answers to your most compelling questions about consulting engineering:* Is it the right career choice for you? Consider what this fascinating profession entails and how it will change your life.* Do you want to have your own engineering firm? If so, you will learn the step-by-step procedures to make it happen. * Would you like to be able to predict your first year's income and expenses? You will discover how to prepare a Business Plan.* Do you know how to calculate the best fee quote for each project? Learn the "insider" secrets to winning quotes that will make your projects profitable.* Do you want to become known in the engineering community and develop an impressive list of contacts, achievements, and awards? Learn how easy it is and how you can do it.* Do you want to be considered an "expert" in your specialty? If so, learn how to become a published author and how gratifying it can be to see your words in print. * Do you want to be part of an exceptional engineering practice? If so, you will learn how to make, both you and your firm, "outstanding."* Would you like to more than "double" your firm's selection rate for projects? Learn how to prepare the best marketing materials and implement effective marketing methods.* Would you like to add a "specialty" that allows you to charge one and one-half to two times your normal hourly rate. If so, consider the profitable and fascinating field of "forensic engineering."

In essence, readers discover "step-by-step" how to start & manage an "outstanding" Engineering Practice and exactly how to gain a reputation as an expert in their specialty. This is both a handbook for new engineers and a constant reference manual for seasoned professionals. The book is divided into "five parts" Preparation; Planning; Implementation; Managing; and Cashing Out. PREPERATION includes: Selecting a collage. Make sure that it has the right accreditation to allow you take the Professional Engineering license exam. (ABET-EAC accredited) Take the EIT exam. In your senior year at college, while the fundamentals of engineering are still fresh in your mind. Gain experience. A minimum of four (4) years of "certifiable" experience in engineering work. Join engineering societies. Become an officer; make contacts; gain credentials; and build a reputation in the industry. PLANNING includes: Recognize opportunities. Buying an existing practice; starting upon another engineer's retirement; becoming a partner in an existing firm; or hanging out your shingle. Consider ownership options. Carefully consider the pros & cons of being on your own verses having partners. Choose Specialties. Choosing between being a "single-discipline" or "multi-discipline" firm. Prepare a Business Plan. Learn how to write a "Business Plan" including how to estimate expenses & income for both start-up and your first year. Apply for a Business Loan. Discover the secrets to getting a Business Loan IMPLEMENTATION includes: Pre Start-up "Check List." Once you have made the GO decision, find out the initial steps to take & things to avoid. Start-up "Check List." Discover how to actually start your practice step-by-step. MANAGING includes: Acquiring service. Learn how to select the right Attorney & CPA and obtain the insurance coverage needed. Marketing. Discover the marketing materials & methods that will keep your firm busy. Expert. Learn the secret of gaining a reputation as an "expert" by publishing technical articles. Fees. Uncover the mysteries of preparing winning & profitable fee proposals. Forensic Engineering. Find out how to make this interesting & profitable litigation specialty part of your engineering practice. CASHING OUT includes: Selling your firm. Learn how to sell your practice for the maximum profit and retire comfortably. ###"

Consulting in a Book: The Ultimate Desktop Reference for Engineers and Scientists is a training resource that addresses the four key skills every consulting engineer or scientist requires to be successful: business development, client services, problem solving/decision-making, and success mindset. The book was written for both individual practitioners as well as consulting firms. For consulting firms, this book is an excellent in-house training vehicle that is inexpensive and effective. For example, a Supervisor provides copies to each of his direct reports. he assigns a chapter or sub-chapter to read. At a one-hour lunch period, he holds a discussion of the topic, which includes a number of tools and techniques. At the next lunch meeting a few weeks later, the Supervisor asks each staff member to select a technique or two that he/she will apply in their work over the next month. A month later, the staff report back on their progress. This type of training is very effective because of the repeatability and involvement of senior personnel. Managers will find a number of techniques that will be useful, including a unique win-win performance appraisal process, techniques for productive teams, and an unusual, but successful, method for making great new hires. Individuals can use the book as a reference when writing proposals, solving problems, or interacting with clients. The book contains a number of unusual topics not found in other training programs, including marketing psychology, improving communication style to enhance persuasion, and a unique method for writing proposals and giving presentations.