Consultants in Action – Do we really look like this??

The other day, I was putting together a PowerPoint deck to talk to some senior level directors from both the lines of business and from corporate IT. As I was going through some stock photos and ClipArt to embed into the slides (you know, to ‘Jazz’ things up), I slowly realized something: Business-related pictures are just so goofy looking!

So I thought I’d scour the wonderful land of Google and put up a few images that come back from the keyword ‘Consulting’. Let’s take a look, shall we?

I’m guessing most of you have already seen this beauty. How I love the folks from Despair Inc. I’m sure I spewed coffee all over my laptop the first time I saw this. This one’s a classic.

Now, who thought this was a good idea? Some guy in a suit shaking hands with…well, just an arm. That’s just creepy. I’m guessing the consultant’s the guy on the left since he’s the one smiling. The guy on the right must not like him well enough to invite him inside or to take the extra effort and step out of his office. Either way, I think its a terrible picture.

OK – If you haven’t noticed by now, apparently the universal symbol for consulting is two arms reaching for each other, in most cases to shake hands. However I saw this photo and thought: “Wow, when was the last time I played with a jigsaw puzzle?”. I think it was probably 25 years ago. I get what they’re trying to say in the context, but seriously? Somethings are better left unsaid, or rather not photographed.

Did I mention that the second most universal symbol for consulting is a bunch of people huddled around a conference table all eyes glazed on a printed document? Well apparently it is! I love this photo for the sheer reasons that these have to be some of the most beautiful looking consultants I have ever seen. Talk about photogenic! If the woman on the right is single and available, email me – I think I’m in love.

Welcome fellow roadwarriors

Hi, my name’s David Pembata and I’m an IT Management consultant currently working in the Midwest. As a 10 year veteran in the industry, I’ve worn many hats throughout the years, including Project Manager (PM), Business Analyst (BA), and Technical Analyst (TA).

Over the next several thousand characters, you’ll read about my experience living the dream(!?) that is the consulting lifestyle. Hopefully we can share some useful tips and tricks to help regain some of that work-life balance we keep hearing about.

This blog is NOT intended to cover the business of consulting. You will not read about the latest firm mergers and acquisitions, nor will you read about the latest best practices being sold to the highest bidder.

No, this is about the consultant lifestyle, and how to make the most of it.

Welcome to my life…Welcome to our life…