I collect management consultant jokes. Most are funny, some are all-too-true. Like this one: "Question,
What's the difference between a management consultant and a eunuch? Answer: Not much. Both know what TO do, but just can't DO."
In defense of my fellow management consultants, the point is that too often as a consultant you report what should be done, but once you hand in your report , you don't get the chance to follow through in making sure that your suggestions are implemented properly . . . and not just tossed in somebody's desk drawer (often somebody who finds your results threatening).
Which is why Karen Klein's article in Business Week is intriguing: "Not a consultant, an interim executive." What if, instead of doing your consulting and then flying away into the sunset, you had the chance to stay and see things through? Go to that Business Week article
Next question: How do you get started as an interim executive?
First answer: by following through on the selling tips in this SellingFaceToFace.com website. (Yeah, I suppose that does sound a little-self serving, but no matter– it's true.)
Second answer: Alternately, by getting listed on the rolls of a firm specializing in putting together client firms needing short-term executive help with people who have appropriate experience in matching areas. The Business Week article mentioned Cerius Interim Executive Solutions. It was new to me till I read this article; interestingly, Cerius has just opened an office in my old area, Washington.