Is hiring a consultant worth the cost? What exactly can a good consultant do that I can't do myself? A good consultant is NOT ONLY worth the cost, but should provide an excellent ROI! Make sure that before you hire any consultant that you fully discuss all issues, including: all aspects of fees; what's included; what will be done; is a final report included?; what is the degree of expertise, experience and actual "hands-on" experience; how comfortable does the consultant make you feel?
Make sure you make it clear in advance what you expect from any consultant. Assume nothing. Ask probing and difficult questions. Ask the consultant to fully explain why you should hire him instead of another.
Be very wary if the consultant answers you in generic "mumble-jumble," and a lot of "pseudo-technical" jargon, and is unwilling to explain in plain English terms. Make sure that the consultant has good communication skills.
A good consultant should be able to either save you money, make you more efficient or more effective, improve your operations, be able to analyze and evaluate, and have a thorough understanding of what is expected as well as what is needed. Beware of any consultant who simply "yeses" and tries to please and placate. A consultant must be able to confront difficult issues and be willing to "tell you what you NEED to know, NOT just what you want to hear!"
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All good points, Rich! I particularly liked this one "Make sure you make it clear in advance what you expect from any consultant. Assume nothing. Ask probing and difficult questions". Nothing is worse for both the consultant and the client than for the consultant to deliver an "end product" that is not in alignment with the client's expectations! Time spent on clarifying expectations, and reviewing them with feedback from both parties will go a long way to prevent disappointment from either side. Glad to see that this important step was pointed out in your advice!
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