Working with people may be one of the reasons why you became interested in the field of case management consulting. After all, a case manager is somebody dedicated to helping people manage their medical, emotional, and physical concerns with a specialized course of action. But, a simple desire to help others won't be enough to make your fledgling case management consultant services company a success.

Before you begin to look for new clients, try to learn as much as you can about management consulting cases by following these tips:

1. Professional case management consulting organizations can help to launch or build your business.
2. Being familiar with literature specific to medical case management consulting will be invaluable.
3. A network of people who are currently providing consulting in case management services is a great source for support and new clients.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Join a professional case management consulting organization dedicated to helping case managers

Being part of a group of case management professionals will help your career. A professional organization can help you advertise your consulting services, help you to grow and learn, and provide you opportunities to demonstrate your case management capabilities.

I recommend: The Case Management Society of America offers national and regional meetings, educational opportunities, accreditation and certification. The Commission for Case Manager Certification also offers certification. Potential clients will be looking for accredited case management consultants, so look into becoming certified before offering your services to the general public. Although targeted to case managers working in hospital settings, check out what the American Case Management Association has to offer.

Regularly read the most recent literature and publications for case management consultants

Case management is a growing field, and as a business owner you can't allow yourself to be left behind. To be competitive, make sure you offer the same services as similar firms, and more!

I recommend: Professional Case Management is the official journal of the Case Management Society of America, and every issue is full of information for fledgling case manager consultants. Care Management Journals focuses on the needs of general case managers, as well as those working with the homebound elderly population. If you are considering targeting your case management consulting services towards the older adult, be sure to include this journal on your reading list.

Network with other case management consultants

It is important to realize that other case management consultants in your area, especially when you are just starting out, can either be your competition or your friends. Take advantage of the opportunity to learn from their successes and their failures. Also, being open to giving advice to others on starting their own case management consultancy will serve to promote your own business in return.

I recommend: An easy way to find others to network with is to join a chapter affiliation of a national group. The American Case Management Association has regional chapters, as does the Case Management Society of America. If you aren't certain networking face to face is for you, try to meet people via email. Learning Link is an e-mail discussion list from the American Case Management Association that will connect you with advice from others without even leaving your home.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Starting a new business is never easy. Don't assume you know it all. Check out general work.com guides on starting a business, to ensure you are doing everything possible for your case management consulting firm to be a success.