Books and Resources to Start Strong
Before you invest in equipment, invest in knowledge. These books provide the frameworks and strategies that will make your consulting practice credible and profitable. They’re written by practitioners who’ve built successful consulting businesses, not theorists selling fantasies.
The Consultant’s Handbook by Jeff Davidson
This book covers the practical side of running a consulting business—how to price your services, manage client relationships, and structure your delivery. For project management consulting specifically, you’ll learn how to package methodologies into billable services and avoid the trap of undercharging for expertise. It’s direct and cuts through the noise.
Shop The Consultant’s Handbook on Amazon →
The Project Management Institute’s PMBOK Guide
If you’re serious about project management consulting, you need the PMBOK (Project Management Body of Knowledge). This is the standard reference used across industries. Clients will ask whether you follow PMBOK frameworks, and you need to know them cold. It’s dense, but it’s the credential backing your advice.
Getting to Yes by Roger Fisher and William Ury
Project management consulting involves negotiating scope, budgets, timelines, and stakeholder expectations constantly. This book teaches interest-based negotiation—how to find solutions where everyone feels heard. You’ll use these techniques in client conversations, scope discussions, and conflict resolution every week.
Shop Getting to Yes on Amazon →
Crucial Conversations by Kerry Patterson, Joseph Grenny, Ron McMillan, and Al Switzler
A huge part of your value as a project management consultant is helping teams talk through difficult decisions—missed deadlines, budget overruns, scope creep, and team conflicts. This book teaches the framework for having those conversations without damaging relationships or authority. It’s applicable in every client engagement.
Shop Crucial Conversations on Amazon →
Equipment You Need
Project management consulting is less equipment-heavy than many businesses, but you need the right tools to work professionally and stay organized. Most of your startup costs go toward software and computing power, not physical goods.
Computer and Peripherals
- Laptop: You’ll work at client sites and your own office. A reliable laptop with good processing power and battery life is essential. Windows or Mac both work; choose based on what your clients use.
- Monitor: For desk work and virtual meetings, a second monitor increases productivity significantly. Most consulting work involves multiple documents, spreadsheets, and communication platforms open simultaneously.
- Keyboard and mouse: Comfortable peripherals reduce fatigue during long days of documentation and analysis.
- Webcam and microphone: Client meetings happen over video increasingly. A quality setup ensures you look and sound professional.
Shop business laptops on Amazon →
Project Management and Collaboration Software
- Microsoft Office 365 or Google Workspace: Non-negotiable. Clients send Word documents, Excel spreadsheets, and PowerPoint presentations. You need native compatibility and cloud access.
- Asana, Monday.com, or Microsoft Project: You need to demonstrate competency in modern project management platforms. Most clients use one of these. Budget for at least one subscription to learn it deeply.
- Slack or Teams: Real-time communication with clients and collaborators. Often provided by clients, but you should have your own workspace for your business.
- Zoom or Google Meet: Video conferencing. Both are reliable; most clients accept either.
Shop Microsoft Office 365 on Amazon →
Business Operations Tools
- Client relationship management (CRM) software: HubSpot free tier or Pipedrive tracks leads, proposals, and client communications. This keeps your business organized as you grow.
- Invoicing and accounting software: FreshBooks or Wave handles invoicing, expense tracking, and basic bookkeeping. You’ll need accurate financial records for taxes and business decisions.
- Time-tracking software: Toggl or Clockify tracks billable hours by project and client. This data is critical for understanding profitability and setting accurate rates.
- Document storage: OneDrive, Google Drive, or Dropbox keeps files organized and accessible from anywhere. Security matters when handling client data.
Office Supplies and Documentation
- Notebook and pen: Even in digital work, capturing notes by hand during client calls and site visits is faster and shows engagement.
- Project templates: Create or purchase templates for project charters, status reports, risk registers, and stakeholder plans. These save hours and look professional.
- Presentation materials: Printed copies of your credentials, case studies, and service offerings for in-person meetings.
What to Buy First vs Later
Your first purchase should be a reliable laptop and software subscriptions. Everything else can wait until you land your first contract.
- First (before you take on clients): Laptop, Microsoft Office 365, one project management platform you want to master, Zoom or Google Meet account, basic business email through Google Workspace or Microsoft 365.
- In your first month (as contracts arrive): CRM software, invoicing tool, time-tracking software, domain-specific tools your clients request.
- Within 3 months: Dedicated phone line, professional stationery, second monitor if working from a home office, additional software subscriptions as you take on more clients.
- As revenue grows: Backup systems, upgraded subscriptions to handle team collaboration if you hire subcontractors, specialized industry-specific tools.
New vs Used Equipment
Buy new laptops and computers. Used equipment can fail unexpectedly, and the cost of a client meeting interrupted by hardware failure far exceeds what you’d save. A laptop is your main business asset; don’t gamble on it.
Software subscriptions are always subscription-based, so there’s no used market. However, be strategic about which tools you pay for initially. Start with essentials only—Office 365, a project management platform, and basic email. Add specialized tools when specific client work justifies it. Many tools offer free trials; use them to test before committing.
Office furniture and supplies can be used. Desk, chair, filing cabinets, and shelving from online marketplaces or local used office furniture dealers work fine. Comfort matters for your back and focus, so if buying used, test it first or choose items known for durability. Don’t cheap out on your office chair—you’ll spend 6-8 hours daily in it.
Where to Buy
- Amazon: Laptops, monitors, keyboards, mice, webcams, headphones, office supplies, and notebooks. Fast shipping and easy returns.
- Best Buy: Computers and peripherals with in-store support and extended warranty options if you want additional protection.
- Software vendor websites directly: Microsoft, Adobe, Asana, and other platforms sell subscriptions directly. Sometimes cheaper than third-party resellers, and you get official support.
- Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist: Used office furniture and equipment. Meet locally, inspect before buying, and negotiate firmly.
- Office supply stores (Staples, Office Depot): Notebooks, writing supplies, and paper. Good for last-minute needs but often pricier than Amazon.
- Local tech support shops: For setup help with networking, backup systems, and security when you’re ready to scale beyond your home office.