The successful consultant is very good at mental arithmetic - it is necessary and it’s good for your credibility.
See if you can readily do these sums in your head - no calculator!
1. “In year 2007 sales were £24.2 million. We’re looking for double digit growth in 2008, say 15%”
“OK - so sales will be around £?????”.
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2. “We have 180 people on the payroll and staff turnover is running at 4% p.a. How many new staff will need to be recruited and trained this year if we are to maintain the 180 level?”
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3. “We aim to win 10 more major customers this year each bringing in at least £2,000 of business per month. Gross margins are 30%. What extra gross profit will the new customers give us in the year?”
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If any of those questions took more than a minute to think through, you need to make up your own examples - 5 a day - and practice, practice, practice. Being quick on the numbers is a vital skill for the successful Management Consultant.