Johanna Rothman has worked as an independent consultant since 1994 and written 21 books on management, consulting, and professional writing, including Successful Independent Consulting.

Johanna uses the Consulting Role Grid from Champion, Kiel and McLendon (1990) to draw a distinction that matters for every experienced professional: hands-on experts who take no responsibility for client growth are really contractors, not consultants. 

She explains the nine consulting roles from reflective observer to trusted advisor, why retainer agreements serve both consultant and client better than hourly billing, and how continual planning replaces rigid annual plans. 

The conversation includes her reader journey mapping technique for nonfiction books, adapted from Jeff Patton's user story mapping, and her approach to time-boxing daily work.

For experienced independent professionals, this episode maps the practical mechanics of building consulting practice around deep expertise.

Mentions and references:
Successful Independent Consulting by Johanna Rothman
Free Your Inner Nonfiction Writer by Johanna Rothman
Consulting Role Grid — Champion, Kiel & McLendon (1990)
Jeff Patton — user story mapping, adapted for reader journey mapping

Connect with Johanna: Website: jrothman.com | LinkedIn: Johanna Rothman

Wisepreneurs explores how independent professionals turn accumulated expertise into sustainable practice.

Support the show

Connect with Nigel Rawlins
Website: https://wisepreneurs.com.au/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nigelrawlins/

Free assessments for independent professionals: https://wisepreneurs.com.au/field-guides/

The Wisepreneur newsletter, practical thinking for experienced independent professionals, every Tuesday: https://wisepreneurs.com.au/newsletter

Support the show: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2311675/supporters/new