Consulting Group Projects Stronger Business Growth in 2004

Prospects for a significant economic revival in 2004 are strong, according to The Society for Advancement of Consulting (SAC), an association of independent management consultants.

The reasons for the optimism include:

• Increased hiring and decreased layoffs, particularly in "white collar" positions,
• Renewed spending in efficiency-related technologies,
• Expanded international operations of U.S.-based companies,
• Continued growth in the export of knowledge and knowledge management expertise,
• Controlled, gradual growth in the U.S. stock market, and
• Reduced unemployment.

SAC president Alan Weiss, Ph.D. notes, "Our members tell us that 'dormant' clients have initiated new projects for the first time in over a year. Firms that are now quite lean from downsizing are reaching out to independent consultants for assistance. Obtaining situational services from the outside is more economical than hiring resident staff consultants for these projects."

An estimated 400,000 people in the U.S. call themselves "consultants," but only 150,000 or so are solo practitioners, who make a full-time living from consulting. SAC is the professional association representing such independent, professional consultants.

SAC is an association of solo practitioners in various consulting disciplines with members in six countries. For more information contact info@consultingsociety.com, http://www.consultingsociety.com, or 800/825-6153.