 The Consultants Forum
is a
special interest group (SIG) jointly sponsored by two
chapters of the American Society for Training and
Development, the Eastern Pennsylvania Chapter and the
Reading Area Trainers Organization.
Its purpose is to provide a forum for independent
consultants in the training and development field to
come together to discuss issues relating to running
their businesses, staying current in their fields and to
find support among like spirits.
The first meeting was held in Kutztown in November 1998.
The initial members selected the name "The Consultants
Forum" and set upon the task of developing a code of
ethics and membership criteria, along with the other
necessary structures to maintain the group.
Membership is limited to those in consulting firms of
five employees or less, or those who are considering
going out on their own and want to explore consulting as
an option. A participant may attend two meetings as a
guest but then must join one of the two sponsoring ASTD
chapters. Members are invited to showcase their
businesses so that as business opportunities arise,
Forum members can refer internally. The CF List
encourages participants to remain connected to the group
on a regular basis in between monthly meetings.
The tone and format of the meetings are intentionally
informal – there are no officers, and networking and
helpful problem-solving are preferred to structured
programs. Flexibility is one of the foundations to being
able to provide mutual support as needed. |
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