5. Stay focused
Avoid getting sidetracked by a big firm's requests to join time-devouring meetings and calls. Focus on numerical goals, like producing 1,000 new customers for the client -- and speak up if you're pulled away from your mission by new demands by executives. "Bring them back to their purpose for bringing you in," advises David Rich, CEO of ICC/Decision Services, a New York City consulting firm. If you deliver results, you'll win repeat business.
--Verne Harnish is the CEO of Gazelles Inc., an executive education firm.
