Consulting is a cyclical industry. The stock market bust of 2000-2001, particularly in the technology and telecommunications sectors, caused a major setback in the consulting business. Startup companies that were once lucrative consulting clients disappeared under crushing financial losses. Consultancy's posted significant growth from 2005 through 2007. Global consulting industry revenues (including HR, IT, strategy, operations management and business advisory services) were about $330 billion in 2008; however, 2008 marked the beginning of a challenging period, in light of the global economic slowdown and shrinking corporate budgets. Corporations, large and small, have been slashing spending, employment and capital investment in a sometimes desperate attempt to pay down debt while cutting costs. This has been particularly hard on some consulting sectors, since corporations and governmental agencies are prime clients for consultancies. How would you nourish and grow your own consulting niche? Should you focus on specific business segments or geographical locations? And, should you focus on specific areas like business continuity market or IT security?

Our Sponsors:
Perkins Coie LLP, AztecSoft, Keiretsu Forum, Silicon Valley Bank
Event Sponsor: TIE Seattle