That’s according to over 300 consultants polled by M Squared, a California-based provider of independent business consultants.
Asked about their outlook for 2006, 70% of the consultants forecast an up-tick in business. The high level of optimism is a result of a perception by more than 60% of the respondents that clients are launching new projects which need consulting assistance.
This increased demand helps explain why more than 40% of the consultants expect to raise their rates this year, though changes are expected to be in rates--not pricing strategies. Less than 10% of the consultants plan to shift from the hourly rate to project-based billing.
The M Squared survey respondents were largely based in California, and included consultants practicing in many areas of the industry.
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