FAQsGeneralWhat is Women In Consulting?Women In Consulting® (WIC) is a dynamic organization of seasoned professional consultants in a broad range of more than 30 specialties, ranging from engineering to financial advising and marketing to web design. Our members are a premier resource for businesses seeking expert consultants to deliver specific, high-quality results. A nonprofit corporation, WIC was established in 1998 as a collaborative community to help foster successful consulting practices and to build stronger businesses. We provide education and enable the sharing of best practices, resources and expertise. Why is this a group for women?Our goal is to create and maintain a place where women can come together and feel comfortable sharing ideas and experiences about running a consultancy or independent business. Men are also welcome to join our community and leverage our network to get and give referrals and expertise, and attend meetings. Company PerspectiveHow is WIC run? What services are provided?WIC is a volunteer-led 501(c)6 nonprofit professional and educational organization. The board members are nominated each year to deliver outstanding services to members. Services include a listing in the WIC directory, educational and mentorship programs, and access to our community email list to share resources, expertise and advice. What need does Women In Consulting fill?Bay Area businesses need access to top-notch talent to help solve mission-critical business issues. WIC offers a convenient and free resource to businesses to help identify skilled talent through our online searchable database of consultants. Consultants from different disciplines are easy to identify and contact through the WIC directory. WIC also provides education and support for consultants and independent business women to share best practices, advice, resources and camaraderie. Why should I hire a consultant?Working with highly skilled consultants can reduce your time to market, increase sales and produce results more quickly. Consultants can give you expertise that isn’t available in-house while gaining valuable, objective insights. You get quick results from seasoned professionals who are adept at developing creative business solutions. Consultants are variable business expense resources—they can be retained for only the duration of the project, and don’t require the overhead associated with permanent employees. Consultants are invaluable when you have a:
Why would I use WIC over another network of consultants?
What rates do WIC consultants charge?Rates are set by each consultant. They are based on the complexity of the project, the specific deliverable and timeline involved. Contact WIC consultants directly for details regarding pricing. (Note: We do not allow discussion of fees, nor do we become involved in the setting of rates, as that is considered price fixing and is illegal.) Are WIC consultants national, regional or local?The majority of WIC members are located in the San Francisco Bay Area. However, many of them work with national or international teams to deliver project objectives. WIC has regional satellite groups in the South Bay, East Bay, and on the Peninsula, and continues to assess new geographic locations. Are there specific requirements to become a WIC member?Women In Consulting is committed to support the ongoing effectiveness of independent women consultants’ businesses and to provide a forum to discuss their business needs and provide education. There is no formal screening process. However, WIC memberships are structured to encourage regular participation in meetings and educational events. Individual consultants and business owners are encouraged to engage and commit wholeheartedly. As a result, WIC members are serious about running a sustainable consulting practice or business, not in between full-time positions. Member PerspectiveWhat need does Women In Consulting fill for a consultant like me?No other organization provides the dynamic energy and proactive approach toward supporting members in growing their business. Meetings include opportunities for structured networking to encourage affiliations, and share resources with other participants. Topics relevant to today’s consulting issues are addressed by compelling speakers who are encouraged to offer insight and practical, actionable solutions to difficult business issues. The email discussion forum provides an immediate resource for critical issues on an as-needed basis. Participation is the key to our success. Our members are committed to delivering high-quality products and services to their clients, and they learn how to improve their skills through active participation in Women In Consulting. WHY WIC?
Who should join Women In Consulting?Membership is designed for consultants and independent business owners who want to get the most out of Women In Consulting by attending a majority of the meetings and getting to know other WIC members. Face-to-face dialogues with other members provide a more targeted, individualized opportunity to gain advice and information that will allow you to succeed in your consulting practice. Participating in WIC’s educational programs and leveraging its access to subject matter experts also help you strengthen your business. How many people attend the monthly events?Monthly attendance consistently ranges between 25 and 60 people per meeting.
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