What is IMC?
The Institute of Management Consultants, founded in 1968, is the professional association and certifying body dedicated to promoting excellence and ethics in management consulting. Members represent a wide range of consulting disciplines, including business strategy and planning, process improvement, finance and marketing, organizational development and employee training.
The Northern California Chapter is one of 26 US-based chapters of IMC USA, and includes members from the Northern California Bay Area to Sacramento. The chapter provides a venue for professional development and peer networking through regular monthly meetings and events.
What is IMC’s Purpose?
IMC's mission is to provide certification, education, and professional resources to management consultants. IMC awards the profession's internationally recognized certification, the Certified Management Consultant (CMC©). CMC© is an acknowledgement of extensive experience, professional competence, and high ethical standards. All IMC USA members pledge adherence to the IMC USA Code of Ethics.
What is the IMC Code of Ethics?
The IMC USA Code of Ethics is an important value statement you can include in all your proposals and on your web site. You can download the Code of Ethics and the IMC USA logo from the National website for use on your letterhead, business cards, etc.
What is a CMC© (Certified Management Consultant)?
This certification represents evidence of the highest standards of consulting and adherence to the ethical canons of the profession. IMC sponsors the application and certification process. Members with previous consulting experience and credentials can apply immediately for this certification.
Does IMC promote professional development?
Yes, programs and special events focus on practice building, consulting skills and related topics. Members receive discounts on registration prices.
Are there regular meetings?
Yes, meetings can include afternoon workshops and breakfast or dinner programs held most months from September through June. The programs are designed to add to members’ skill and business advantage. Members receive discounts on registration prices.
Are there any other ways for members to meet and network in an organized fashion?
Area Breakfasts for Consultants (ABCs) are held at locations around the greater Bay Area and in Sacramento each month. These meetings (one is at lunch time) provide an excellent opportunity to meet other consultants, share ideas and get input on specific problems or issues. Non-members are welcome for a limited number of breakfasts.
What is a Synergy Circle?
The Synergy Circle, part of the IMC NorCal/MCS mentoring program, is a peer mentoring group for consultants with 10+ years of experience who are looking for new ways to elevate their practices. The foundation of the Circles would be “The Master Mind,” an ancient principle that posits that the combined energy of two or more like-minded people is many times greater than the sum of the individual energies involved. This is a powerful way to creatively solve problems by combining the strengths of experts in a variety of specialties.
What is CONFAB?
The Regional Fall Conference “Confab” is held each year in Reno, Nevada in October. The program includes dozens of workshops and opportunities to participate in discussions on a broad range of topics related to the tactical aspects of consulting. The networking opportunities with fellow consultants are excellent. Members receive discounts on registration price.
Is there an IMC National Conference; and when and where is it held?
There is a national conference, and it is held in May. It focuses on strategic issues for managing a successful consulting practice. The format is similar to the Fall Conference. Members receive discounts on registration price.
What is the Oak Tree Project?
The Oak Tree Project is an opportunity to work with colleagues to give back to the community. Non-profits are invited to apply to an RFP, and when a respondent is awarded the project, an IMC team goes to work as providers of expertise to the Oak Tree Project.
Why should I become a member of IMC NorCal?
For several reasons, listed here:
