PATCA Announces Fall Seminar Series to Boost Consulting Skills

SANTA CLARA, Calif.--Sept. 5, 2006--As part of its ongoing commitment to keep PATCA members consulting at the expert edge, PATCA has introduced a fall seminar series designed to strategically expand the knowledge base of professional and technical consultants. Led by top-tier presenters who are prominent in their fields, PATCA's continuing education seminars offer consultants an unparalleled opportunity to enhance their skills, build professional credibility, and amplify client satisfaction in an innovative, peer-based setting.

"PATCA's fall seminar series is the most valuable member benefit we've introduced to date," said PATCA President Joel Williams. "Because our consultants are all experts in their respective professions, it's essential that they augment their industry knowledge and talent with consultant-specific training. The PATCA seminar series will accelerate consultants' learning curve and enrich their individual practices by keeping their business skills razor-sharp -- which translates into improved client service. PATCA consultants are known for meeting client needs while exceeding their expectations."

Seminar leaders will present a one-hour overview of their topics at PATCA's monthly dinner meetings, followed by a half-day Saturday seminar. Each Saturday seminar includes continental breakfast, and as a special offer, attendees who register early will receive a $50 discount off the regular seminar price.

SEMINAR #1: Negotiation Tactics to Survive and Thrive in the Consulting Jungle

Consultants operate at a negotiating nexus. Every interaction involves reaching consensus in some form--but the quality of your interactions determines whether or not you land lucrative contracts, the fees you can charge for your work, and the basis for your client relationships.

Robert Gibson, president and founder of Negotiation Resources, is an internationally recognized negotiation strategist and coach. He has designed a program geared to the unique needs of consultants. After attending Gibson's seminar, you'll be better prepared to:

-- Develop negotiation tactics that lead to flourishing client relationships,

-- Create a winning strategy when there seems little basis for agreement,

-- Navigate your way through emotion-laden situations.

SEMINAR #2: The 10 Secrets of Neuromarketing for Consultants

Everyone yearns to get inside the mind of the decision maker. Even the most skilled business professional doesn't expect to make the sale every time. But what if...

-- 100 percent of your consulting prospects immediately understood the value you could bring them?

-- You were able to reach the true decision maker every time--with 100 percent effectiveness?

-- A simple, proven, scientific method could dramatically improve the persuasiveness of all your communications?

Certified Management Consultant Allen Peterson is a neuromarketing expert, strategic planning facilitator, and angel investor. In this enlightening presentation, he will explain the basic science behind neuromarketing.

You'll learn the only stimuli that will reach the "old brain" -- the true decision maker. You'll also discover the four steps to build a bridge between these medical discoveries and the latest sales and marketing research. Whatever your level of sales and marketing expertise, you'll leave this seminar equipped with a new, highly effective language that will make a positive impact on your consulting business.

SEMINAR #3: Value-Based Selling for Consultants

Do you know why clients really hire you--or don't? What if you could generate more opportunities and simultaneously increase your fees, by establishing the full value of your process and perspective?

Sales trainer and sales, marketing and management consultant Allen Peterson will give you deeper insight into how and why consulting clients buy--and how to successfully sell to them. This highly interactive seminar will teach you:

-- The four Ps of a client's decision to engage a consultant;

-- Passive lead generation--and how to do more active prospecting;

-- The five-element formula that wins sales;

-- How to negotiate higher consulting fees;

-- How to design your UVP--unique value proposition--so that it is quickly understood;

-- How to partner with your clients to assure more referrals and revenue.

PATCA's fall seminar series is open to everyone: members, clients, guests and the general public. Whether you're an experienced consultant, new to consulting--or just want to hone your expertise in order to maintain your business edge--you are encouraged to attend. PATCA is proud to partner in your success.

About PATCA

PATCA is a nonprofit professional association of independent consultants and principals who work in small consulting practices. Since its founding in 1975, PATCA members have been highly respected for their professionalism, integrity, objectivity and competence. They include experts in all aspects of business and technology and serve clients in many industries throughout the U.S. and the world. PATCA offers a free Post a Project referral service for clients searching for an expert consultant. It also provides business leads, project referrals, and consulting education to its consultant members. PATCA's mailing address is P.O. Box 2261, Santa Clara, CA 95055. Website: http://www.patca.org

                         SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:
   For more information, or to register online, visit www.PATCA.org,
              or call the PATCA office at 1 800 747 2822.


TOPIC:    Negotiation Tactics to Thrive and Survive in the 
          Consulting Jungle
DATE:     September 14, 2006 (Dinner Meeting)
TIME:     6:00 PM
LOCATION: Embassy Suites, 2885 Lakeside Drive, Santa Clara, CA 95054
SPEAKER:  Robert Gibson, Negotiation Resources
PRICE:    $30 members, $35 non-members, $27 guest of member

TOPIC:    Negotiation Tactics for Consultants, in Practice
DATE:     September 23, 2006 (Saturday Seminar)
TIME:     8:00 AM - 12:00 Noon
LOCATION: Embassy Suites, 2885 Lakeside Drive, Santa Clara, CA 95054
SPEAKER:  Robert Gibson, Negotiation Resources
PRICE:    $160 members, $190 non-members. Register by September 13 
          and get a $50 discount off the regular price.

TOPIC:    The 10 Secrets of Neuromarketing
DATE:     October 12, 2006 (Dinner Meeting)
TIME:     6:00 PM
LOCATION: Embassy Suites, 2885 Lakeside Drive, Santa Clara, CA 95054
SPEAKER:  Allen (Al) Peterson, CMC
PRICE:    $30 members, $35 non-members, $27 guest of member

TOPIC:    Neuromarketing for Consultants Workshop
DATE:     October 21, 2006 (Saturday Seminar)
TIME:     8:00 AM - 12:00 Noon
LOCATION: Keypoint Credit Union Community Center, 2805 Bowers Ave., 
          Santa Clara, CA 95051
SPEAKER:  Allen (Al) Peterson, CMC
PRICE:    $160 members, $190 non-members. Register by October 11 and 
          get a $50 discount off the regular price.

TOPIC:    Value-Based Selling for Consultants Workshop
DATE:     November 11, 2006 (Saturday Seminar)
TIME:     8:00 AM - 12:00 Noon
LOCATION: Keypoint Credit Union Community Center, 2805 Bowers Ave., 
          Santa Clara, CA 95051
SPEAKER:  Allen (Al) Peterson, CMC
PRICE:    $160 members, $190 non-members. Register by November 1 and 
          get a $50 discount off the regular price.