This is the first step of the consulting process where the business tests the consulting firms skills and the company learns if it is capable of the project. This step basically involves the business providing the details of what the project requires and the consulting firm figuring out if they can take up the project.

Both parties come to know of expectations they have from each other. The first step is usually about breaking the ice and figuring out if a working relationship between the company and the client can be established.

Although a lot of information is already gathered in the first step the second step involves the consulting firm doing a research on the client organization and finding out more details.  From the information that is gathered by the firm the two parties proceed to discuss the required steps and how the project can be taken forward.

Put the feedback received from the consulting firm the client organization decides to act. This requires the client organization to understand the feedback given by the consulting firm and how it can be carried out with help from the firm.

This step involves refining the solutions offered by the consulting firm to the business or company.  The client is responsible for carrying out the solutions provided by the consultancy, but the firm remains deeply involved in the process, offering changes and alterations in the strategy as and when required.

This is the final step and begins with the evaluation of the whole process.  Both parties come together to evaluate the successes and failures of the solutions.  If the solutions need to be implemented on a larger scale, a new contract is extended. If the project was a success and no further steps are needed, then the project is closed with a working relationship ending on a solid note.