Hi, I'm Robyn Haydon, Principal Consultant of Winning Words.

I started my own proposal strategy and writing practice in 2001. Since then, I have met many other specialist consultants who operate their own practices, and networking is something we always seem to end up talking about.

Anyone who runs a small business knows that networking is important, and consultants are no exception. Unfortunately, most networking groups for small businesses just aren't right for us.

That's because we face unique challenges and opportunities in growing and operating our consulting practices. We seek and exert influence at the highest level within organisations, not just at a transactional level. We do important but specialised work that not everyone understands. And we need to be on top of a host of complex issues, like professional indemnity, growing and protecting our intellectual property and professional reputation, finding the right clients and assignments, and many others.

I think the time is more than right for independent consulting professionals to have a networking group of our own.

What is ConsultantNet?

ConsultantNet is a not-for-profit peer networking group for consultants in small and solo practices. Membership is by invitation only but there is no cost to become a member. A small fee will be charged to cover the cost of attending meetings, which will be held regularly in Melbourne .

What is a ‘consultant’?

A consultant is a professional who provides advice in a particular area of expertise. This expertise is usually built up over many years and many assignments, working with many different clients. Consultants solve particular problems at particular times and, in many cases, offer deeper levels of expertise than our clients choose to retain in-house.

If this sounds like you, and you run a small or solo practice, you are welcome to join ConsultantNet.

What's in it for you?

Informal professional development: All ConsultantNet members will be experts in their chosen field and will be invited to share their knowledge with the group. You'll get a chance to learn from very experienced professionals at very little cost.

Peer support: No matter what your area of expertise, you will benefit by meeting others who share your challenges and have been there, done that in their own practice.

Referrals: As consultants, we work closely with our clients and are ideally placed to find opportunities for others. A true referral based on respect for your expertise is a priceless gift that can't be bought by expensive memberships. ConsultantNet operates on the principles of reciprocity and abundance; that what you freely offer returns to you in kind.

What's in it for me?

Exactly the same as what's in it for everyone else. I'm starting this group because I want to belong to it.

Years ago I co-founded the Melbourne chapter of Connect, which began life as a networking group for marketing professionals. I have experienced the benefits of a peer network first-hand. ConsultantNet is a not-for-profit group and is not a business venture for me.

Be part of the launch event

The launch event will be in Melbourne and is free of charge but attendance is by invitation only. To register your interest, email me at consultantnet@winningwords.com.au before 30 September 2008.

Let's build something great together.

Cheers

ROBYN HAYDON
Principal Consultant
Winning Words

P.S. Spread the word! Let's get as many independent consultants to the first meeting as we can. If you know someone you think would be interested, send them a link to this page, or email me and I'll make contact.