Ars Gratis ... Huh?

All too often, there's a disconnect between the artistes of this world and the bottom-liners.

We don't always think of business consultants as artsy-fartsy types, but indeed the best among them have strong visionary and creative stripes. They must solve problems by looking into a company's future and devising solutions that are sometimes a bit "out there."

So what happens when they run up against the coin-rattlers, who can't see beyond next quarter's projections? They must finesse the situation, frame their statements and think about "art, for money's sake."

So says my long-time source Ray Coen, food and restaurant consultant extraordinaire, on his blog this week. Check it out - it's a terrific read.

Million Dollar Consulting

Many former execs have left their corporations - by hook or by crook - in the past two years.

If they haven't been able to retire, you can bet a lot of them have opened their own consulting practices.

Most will be lucky to equal their former salaries, and others just won't make it at all. Why?

Check out my interview with "Million-Dollar Consultant" Alan Weiss, a man who most definitely does not have a self-esteem problem! (But was a gracious and lovely interviewee.)