Three Rules of Successful Consulting
Quite serious about this -- these are the guiding principles I think every consultant should follow.
1) Make your client look good.
No questions about this -- the more your client looks good, the more likely they are to look upon you with favour and keep you on.
2) Make your client as much money as possible.
Even if they really really want something, make sure that the client benefits from it. This translates to save your client as much money as possible, if you want.
3) Bill as much as you can.
If you take care of 1 & 2, the client will happily allow you to do 3.
Remember, your client isn't just the guy who you report to, but the whole client firm.
Follow these three rules, and in that order.