How to stay in business in tough times

First, make yourself indispensable to companies in need of a revamp. And who does this better than consultants? Case in point, McKinsey had its hands full last week with law firm White & Case, which laid off 3% globally. The consultancy had been brought on in July to streamline the firm's worldwide operations, and W&C followed McKinsey's recommendations by implementing regional and practice group heads, as well as pulling out of less profitable areas.

Another way for consultants to stay busy? Survey others about their dismal position in the economy. Another case in point, Accenture published a survey this week stating that 61% of middle managers in the US are concerned about losing their jobs, and morale is low. Go figure.