THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN HIRING A CONSULTANT

 

First consider carefully what you need from the consultant. 

• Are you looking for ongoing support services or just help on a one-time project?
• Do you have specific goals you are trying to accomplish?
• Do you just need some expert advice or a different perspective? Is this need focused on one issue or would you like ongoing support?

 

Consider how the consultant sets up billing and defines work scope.

• Do they charge a fixed cost for the project or a monthly retainer or do they bill hourly?

Which are you more comfortable with? 

• Fixed costing provides a solid number to work with and budget for, however, a change in the scope of work will require amending the agreement.
• Hourly billing is more flexible and will allow the scope of work to change quickly and easily, but the costs are much harder to contain and plan for.

 

Is the firm working with you virtually or in-person? 

• What are the associated costs of each approach?
• Which approach are you comfortable with?
• What technology does the virtual firm offer to make meetings and interactions more personal?

Where is the firm located?

• A lot of low-cost firms use personnel based outside the U.S. This may be fine with you, but be sure to ask.

Be sure to fully understand the scope of work being agreed to.

• Low costs usually means a limited scope of work.
• You may be able to get more bang for your buck by paying a little more.

Finally, do you like the firm and the people you worked with during the sales and estimating process?

• If you will be working directly with the person you have already been working with, then great, you already have a sense of who they are.
• If you will be assigned to someone else in the firm, be sure you get to meet them before agreeing to a commitment. It is important to respect and trust your business advisor.

 

If you are ready to start working together, please contact me via my contact form or send an email to john@resilientstage.com