PO Box 6136, Long Jetty, NSW, 2261
Behind the Business: Jacq Hackett
The Solo Consultant Masterclass is a comprehensive online course for start up consultants to the public sector.
After a decade working in the public health sector, I started my solo consulting business seventeen years ago and have never looked back. I specialise in providing expert advice to address complex issues in health organisations, and in evaluating the effectiveness of health services and programs.
I have recently launched the Solo Consultant Masterclass, a comprehensive online course for start up consultants to the public and community sectors.
If you’ve recently started your consulting business and are struggling with the learning curve, then the Solo Consultant Masterclass will provide you with the support and guidance you need to build your skills, your confidence, and ultimately your business.
It is built around my 9-step system, developed over my 17-year career consulting to the public and community sectors in Australia.
Step 1 – Win the project
Step 2 – Establish project governance
Step 3 – Undertake first level briefing
Step 4 – Commission new information
Step 5 – Consult stakeholders
Step 6 – Distil findings
Step 7 – Produce report
Step 8 – Manage the project
Step 9 –Manage the business
"Jacq's masterclass was a godsend! The 9-step program was comprehensive and full of valuable information and tips that demystified all the critical aspects of successfully setting up and running a solo consulting business. The rich supporting toolkits and step-by-step guides gave me the skills and confidence to develop my new business and remain an invaluable online resource that I revisit frequently.”
Steven Vlahos, former Assistant Auditor-General, Victorian Auditor-General's Office.
"I found this Master Class invaluable as someone starting out as a solo consultant. I’ve spent more than 15 years in senior government policy and project roles. The 15 modules in this Master Class are a veritable treasure trove of information, particularly in unfamiliar areas and possible pitfalls one faces working as a consultant. But there were even things I learnt about areas in which I already had long experience. Jacq Hackett has distilled 17 years of experience into sound, accessible, and practical advice. Couple this with the generous addition of tools and templates, and you have an indispensable resource. "
Julie Letts, Director, Letts Consulting
"As someone who is just starting out on consulting projects, Jacq Hackett’s Masterclass provided invaluable information on how to get work, complete projects, and manage your business. I’m sure I will go back to the modules time and again as I expand my consulting work and hopefully be able to avoid making some beginners’ mistakes as a result!"
James Kite
Your consultancy business is six months old. The first project was tough, the work is not flowing, and your anxiety levels are high. You don’t want to go back to employment but are struggling to keep the faith.
To succeed as a consultant, you need to decisively step out of employee mode and wear the mantle of consultant – even if you’re not yet comfortable with it, writes Jacq Hackett.
In this first in a series of articles for Flying Solo, Jacq Hackett talks about why sound listening skills are at the heart of every successful consultant.
One of the key differences between a successful consultant and one who is going to struggle, is their capacity to interpret a consulting client’s needs. Quickly, accurately and without much hand-holding.
When it comes to managing workflow as a solo consultant, it can be feast or famine. In this article, Jacq Hackett outlines five tips to help manage your workflow and your anxiety levels.
I talk to a lot of new consultants and their biggest worry (by a long shot) is ‘will I win enough business [and earn enough money] to stay afloat’? Here are 5 practical strategies for winning business to help ease your mind.
Reports are the only tangible legacy of a consultancy project; make it a positive one that strengthens your reputation.
Making the leap from employment to consulting is exciting and rewarding. But to make a success of it, you'll need to shed a few habits that served you well as an employee but are now redundant as a consultant.
Have you just swapped your public sector career for one in consultancy? Your first hurdle will be what to charge.