This morning I went down to Santa Clara to enjoy some fine IHOP breakfast and the company of a dozen other consultants. I was pleasantly overwhelmed with the responses I got when I asked the group for advice on marketing my training services. Most everyone was aghast when I told them that I’m currently giving some classes away free.

Rosemary Hossenlopp was the first one to arrive, and the first to offer me helpful advice. Melissa Stacey, a professional organizer, did an excellent job of facilitating the meeting. Rogene Baxter, the president of Northern California Chapter of theInstitute of Management Consultants USA, was there and made a point of giving me some personal encouragement after the meeting.

Other folks I met included:

• Karen from Perceptive Technologies
• Carl Angotti, a product development consultant
• Mary Ann Gustafson, founder of Alliances Plus Consulting
• Alastair Hood, who does both strategic management and product development work
• Dan Farkas, a success coach
• Barb Tobias Chappell, a marketing communications consultant

Many thanks to everyone for sharing their experiences and advice.