You're an ERP professional looking to break into consulting. How can you get your foot in the door?

Transitioning from ERP consultant to business consultant involves broadening expertise beyond technical aspects. It requires a deep understanding of business processes, industry dynamics, and organizational behavior. Business consultants excel in analytical skills, strategic thinking, stakeholder management, and communication. They guide clients through strategic decision-making, organizational change, and sustainable growth initiatives, offering holistic value beyond ERP implementation. To succeed, consultants must continuously improve their networks to learn and unlearn, staying abreast of evolving trends and methodologies in both technology and business practices.

# Gain Experience: Offer your expertise with small businesses or nonprofits to build a portfolio and demonstrate your consulting capabilities. # Demonstrate skills: Establish an online presence by writing articles, participating in events, and contributing to industry blogs on ERP consulting. Demonstrate your expertise through case studies. # Target consulting firms that specialize in ERP projects. Emphasize your ability to solve complex business challenges and deliver value through ERP solutions. # Be consistent: Getting into consulting can require patience. Be prepared to face rejection and setbacks but stay focused on your goal. Improve your skills, expand your network, and take opportunities that align with your career goals.

As a business consultant specializing in ERP implementation, you delve into a dynamic role that offers invaluable insights across diverse business domains. This encompasses an intricate understanding of supply chain dynamics, financial transaction intricacies, streamlined business processes, robust internal control mechanisms, risk mitigation strategies, and the cultivation of essential interpersonal skills. Thus, your journey in this field entails a rich tapestry of knowledge and expertise essential for driving organisational success and innovation as a CONSULTANT

It's absolutely amazing to be into ERP Consulting.. been into it for two decades...understand the business processes...work directly with clients...be a problem solver...build up client relationships while you work with them..find solutions for areas where they face issues proactively..propose and implement solutions that will fix their problem forever and are scalable..try to guage the impact of your solutions after you have implemented them..this way you know you have done your job well

Breaking into consulting is all about connections, especially in the ERP industry. Knowledge of the product still stays the 1st thing to possess. Platforms like LinkedIn or in-person events are where these connections flourish. It's not just about showcasing skills – my own experience tells me that genuine connections stem from offering help and advice. Networking isn't just a transaction; it's a give-and-take, a way to build real relationships. In my journey, it's been about shared value and trust, not just seizing opportunities.

Be prepared to start at the bottom. If you are moving into a new specialty then be ready to do some leg work and cut your teeth on support / functional tasks.

Um currículo claro, sucinto, que foque na experiência e nos projetos relevantes desenvolvidos. Se possivel, e com a autoriza??o formal das outras pessoas, mencione os parceiros dos projetos relevantes, principalmente gestores e colegas com alta reputa??o profissional, isto amplia a rede e permite ao contratante diálogos sobre você.

Delivering value on a project ...can then be clearly expressed in your CV and if you have delivered your network will grow as a result. When trying to get your first contract there will be immediate opportunities for short term jobs which will lead to longer bigger contracts as long as you deliver.

. Adquira conhecimento sólido em sistemas ERP, incluindo treinamento formal, certifica??es e cursos relacionados. Após isso, descreva esse conhecimento adquirido no seu currículo; . Demonstre sua experiência prática e os trabalhos e projetos que implementou, de ERP ou em fun??es relacionadas. . Sendo um especialista, aprenda a usar palavras chaves para divulgar seu trabalho e ser licalizado.

Update your resume with the new knowledge you have, your new experiences, your new activities, studies, certifications, there is a lot of important information that enriches your resume and makes you more attractive. As long as you can provide reliable and supported information, without becoming too generic, the better.

Crafting a dynamic portfolio is a compelling way to establish ERP expertise. Utilize diverse elements like case studies, testimonials, and work samples to create a comprehensive showcase. Personally, I've found that having a dedicated website or blog for this purpose provides a centralized platform. Regular updates with fresh content not only demonstrate ongoing relevance but also maintain engagement. A well-curated portfolio serves as a visual testament to your skills and accomplishments. It's not just about attracting clients but also about conveying your unique value proposition. In a competitive landscape, a distinctive portfolio becomes a powerful tool to stand out, showcasing not just what you do but how you deliver results.

After authorization from relevant parties, the portfolio can include the ERP projects completed or in progress. For each project, there is the client company name, the industry type, the ERP name and modules, the project start and end dates whenever applicable, your role, the project scope, budget, team structure, a succinct description of your tasks, achievements and lessons learned. It is advised to show the variety of accomplished tasks like client ERP requirements gathering and definition, gap analysis, configuration, integration, customization, data migration, training, testing, go live, support and maintenance. This portfolio describes clearly your ERP knowledge and work experiences. It must certify that you are ready for consulting.

Just as important as the list of ERPs you have mastered, and the business sectors in which you have worked, is your ability to stand back during project management, and your past capacity to be agile during crises. You should never hesitate to highlight the problems encountered with each ERP deployment. These issues can be much more meaningful than you think for your future customers.

Putting forward a hefty portfolio can really help if an ERP professional decides to step into consulting since its a different ball game altogether. Its about providing solutions pertaining to an ERP and getting the client to adopt a new approach, which is really challenging at times. So, for any professional who wises to jump into consulting he/she must realize the importance of a good portfolio.

Create a strong online presence by sharing your knowledge and insights on ERP systems and related topics. Write articles, contribute to industry blogs, or speak at conferences to establish yourself as a thought leader in the field.

It does not take long to understand a potential employer the current trends or business drivers in your chosen industry or functional area. If you can not take the time to do this then why should an employer take you seriously. And try to concentrate on what is real not on hype the employer will probably be dealing with real issues , costs late deliveries, slow closing of accounts etc not hype

Keep your skills sharp and relevant by consistently enrolling in online courses, earning certifications, and actively participating in industry webinars. This proactive approach ensures you stay ahead of the curve with the latest ERP trends and technologies. By continuously expanding your knowledge base, you'll be well-prepared to deliver innovative and effective solutions that meet the evolving needs of your clients in ERP consulting.

Tive a oportunidade de gerenciar um grande projeto com mais de 100 consultores (SAP, redesenho de processos, BI, perfis de acesso, etc...) e pude constatar que os melhores consultores de ERP apresentavam muito mais do que habilidades técnicas. As habilidades comportamentais contam demasiadamente, haja visto que se trata de um ambiente que propicia mudan?as de forte impacto nas pessoas e na organiza??o a que ele se destina. Dominar os principais conceitos de change management, entender e praticar uma comunica??o fluida, efetiva, tangibilizando os impactos, construindo treinamentos eficientes e amigáveis aos usuários, compreender a cultura organizacional, o negócio - s?o algumas das a??es comportamentais que diferenciavam estes profissionais.

1) In my experience one of the most important aspects to observe and understand is customers business cycle, existing pain points, customer emotion, budget. 2) After understanding above parameters consultant should be able to analyse product fit & should be able to make customer understand what are the reason to go with the recommended ERP by him. 3) Execution team or Implementation lead person should be able to control the customer and their internal teams requirements or else ERP project will never go live and conclusion will be that project got failed.

In my opinion, before taking any action, it's essential for consultants to enhance their ability to accurately depict the reality of organizations to their senior management. This entails being capable of offering sound advice regarding the organization's preparedness for ERP implementation. If the assessment of an organization's readiness for ERP implementation yields unfavorable results, it's crucial to inform management accurately about this issue. Additionally, consultants should propose solutions to enhance the readiness of these organizations.

Apply for projects once you understand what the project and customer needs are. Try to network with people who are into similar projects, understand better, identify problems, think of options / solutions. Look at what you can contribute in the project and how it can help you and organization grow.

Taking the initiative, I sought out consulting opportunities within my organization. Even small-scale projects allowed me to gain hands-on experience and demonstrate my consulting capabilities. These experiences were pivotal in building my confidence and competence in the consulting domain.

Based on our knowledge and contacts, paths to different projects open up for us, in some of them we can see that we fit better, or we would feel more comfortable in a specific position, so at some point we must decide on a project and apply. our participation. It must be a project that excites us, that motivates us, that demands us and that is a nice challenge to face.

Cela permet à l'intégrateur de développer son portefeuille de clients, d'acquérir de nouvelles opportunités commerciales et de continuer à cro?tre en tant qu'entreprise. En postulant pour des projets, un intégrateur ERP peut démontrer son expertise, sa capacité à répondre aux besoins spécifiques des clients et à fournir des solutions efficaces. De plus, chaque nouveau projet peut offrir une occasion d'apprentissage et de développement professionnel, renfor?ant ainsi l'ensemble des compétences de l'équipe. En fin de compte, postuler pour des projets est essentiel pour maintenir la croissance et la viabilité d'une entreprise d'intégration ERP.

Apply for projects that have defined parameters. i.e. The customer is transparent on their needs, the timeframe is achievable by your expertise, and the project will help your resume. That's just the starting point. Now, be "picky. Think about the difficult client that may consume too much of your time and change the project criteria from first to third meeting unqualified. Measure your predicted "lost time" against financial gain against something you do not want on your resume. If it doesn't add up, you can just walk away.

In the ERP world consultants have to come with a tangible outcome for the business, after all the whole purpose of the ERP is not only implement a business process but how we bring efficiency to the business processes. Being in customer shoes and bringing options for the customer to choose from and recommending the one which can be of value. This is how a consultant has to be .. A great consultant is like a compass, guiding clients through uncharted waters. They listen intently, analyze deeply, and offer solutions that illuminate the path forward. Their expertise is matched only by their empathy, and their commitment to excellence is unwavering. A consultant doesn’t just solve problems; they empower others to thrive.

Delivering key value within an implementation, retained support, or training project is the best way to increase your reputation and gain further contacts, plus further retained work. This results in one of the most effective and oldest forms of marketing. 'Word of Mouth'. Your work speaks for yourself with new clients through testimonials and referrals. It's all about building trust to ensure that you are not just selling licenses, but you have the client's best interests at heart, and you are an extension of their team. It's how it always should be.

In my journey, delivering substantial value has been the game-changer. It's not just a transaction; it's about building trust, securing repeat business, and navigating the growth ladder in consulting. Seeking feedback isn't just a formality; it's a commitment to getting better. Clients remember impact, and consistently delivering value is the key that unlocks doors to new opportunities in the ever-evolving ERP landscape.

Be human, everything else comes with practice. To solve problems, you have to listen to people when they talk to you. Technical skills are not enough. Be human, everything else comes with practice.

Nos dias atuais estamos mergulhados em novas solu??es, novas ferramentas, novas IA's, mas para um profissional da área de ERP n?o pode faltar, FOCO, CURIOSIDADE E CRIATIVIDADE, tudo isso alinhado anima boa COMUNICA??O.

Consulting is beyond understanding how ERP works. It’s about problem solving, for which you need to have related process/industry experience. It is important to have deep listening skills accompanied with strategic thinking towards custom solutions. One needs to bring the experience of integrated ERP implementation into consulting field and therefore before plunging into the consulting world, collect all relevant experiences towards building your core capabilities. ERP experience provides a platform to catapult into the consulting world, based on the depth of industry knowledge gained during ERP implementation. Empathy is another skill that is relevant for consulting world which can be derived through ERP implementation experience!

Quando uma empresa deseja um consultor, ela valoriza mais a especializa??o do que o posicionamento generalista, ou seja, demonstre o conhecimento que você tem do ERP, a profunda experiência sobre o produto, mostre-se capaz de adequa-lo ao negócio e às metas da empresa.

The foremost capability and the first tool of any consultant worth her salt is “questions” the right ones though. As a consultant one should hone the capability to ask right questions, see beyond the obvious, challenge assumptions. To break into consulting sharpen your axes - e.g. 4-why, Simple & clear communication & presentation, connecting the dots, see through data and identify trends, patterns, listening skills etc. Take a consultant’s Socratic oath to question everything, analyse and seek the truth.

Seeking Mentorship or Guidance: Identifying seasoned consultants or industry experts who have successfully transitioned from ERP roles to consulting can provide invaluable insights and mentorship. Engaging with them for advice, networking opportunities, and guidance on navigating the consulting landscape can significantly accelerate your career transition. Mentorship can also offer personalized feedback on your approach, skills development, and overall strategy for breaking into the consulting field.

Em experiência vivida na área de consultoria, afirmo que o conhecimento de processos faz toda a diferen?a. Evidentemente que ser especialista numa determinada área fará a diferen?a no momento de pertencer à uma equipe de implanta??o, por exemplo, mas conhecer o funcionamento do todo tem muitos benefícios. Como é intrínseco do ERP justamente a integra??o de informa??es, ter a compreens?o e entendimento dos reflexos das a??es de uma área em outra, facilita o trabalho do consultor, contribui muito para a implanta??o como um todo e, por que n?o dizer, destacará seu trabalho na equipe.