[msomers]

I believe the distinction here is between "contractor" or "staff augmentation" and "consultant." A contractor gets hired to practice his craft, while a consultant (theoretically) leaves a company better than when they first arrived.

This involves things like leading meetings to get buy in across groups, developing plans for what needs to be built, etc. It's very far from sitting behind your screen in Photoshop all day.

One of the best books I've read to understand what a consultant truly does is [Getting Naked](http://j.mp/1mAnhnn).

[nathanpowell]

Hi,

I understand that it's a different role, hence my interest.

I'm not sure I agree that a contractor is there to merely practice his craft, compared to the consultant who is there to make sure a company in a better position than before. It should be a contractor's job to do that as well.

This is why I'm seeing quite a grey area between what constitutes a consultant, and a contractor, or freelancer.

I'll check out the book link, thanks.