As an entrepreneur, you can’t afford to waste time looking for the wrong people says William D King. Good consultants are hard to find, but what does it mean? How do you know they’ll be worth their hire? You need excellent management.
“I don’t just search for good developers, I’m looking for winners.” – Josh Bersin, HR/Recruiting Consultant
It’s not that simple, of course. If you want first-class IT consultants on your team, then first you should train them properly and supervise them.
In my 13 years of work as a project manager, I’ve been consulting several companies from different business spheres helping them build highly efficient teams for software development projects.
Does your business require a new IT system?
Is it time to upgrade, or outsource some of your functions, but you’re not sure who to call? If you want the best results from an IT consultant, it’s important that you know what to look for before you hire one.
Here are six tips to help you find the best IT consultant for your needs:
1. Know what you want and need before you start looking.
Do some research and writing about what your business needs and how it is currently configured or organized in order to make a case or set of requirements that will be useful in seeking an IT consultant.
2. Gather information about your current IT setup and what you would like to change.
Use the collection of information to start a conversation with potential consultants, or use it as part of your call for bids or requests for proposals (RFP). Provide them with enough detail that they will clearly understand both the problem and the solution before taking on a specific assignment explains William D King.
3. Keep in mind that outside experts can see problems others might miss.
One common mistake companies make is going straight to an IT consulting firm without first checking out their internal employees’ abilities to solve problems and improve processes through software made for business automation. In many cases, there may be hidden gems within your company that could be turned into valuable resources.
4. Size up the company’s team and capabilities before you commit to a long-term project.
Find out how people were selected and trained, and if there is a formalized process for employee development within the organization. Also look at the credentials of key managers or leaders; see how long they’ve been with the company and what kinds of projects they have worked on in the past. Make sure that their IT skills are strong enough to provide guidance during your project, as well as any future enhancements or upgrades.
5. Ensure that potential consultants really do understand your business processes and needs before you sign up for an extended project.
Although many larger consulting firms hire people who specialize in certain industries such as healthcare or education, the actual consultants that will be assigned to your project may not have any familiarity with how your business operates says William D King. Make sure they can articulate what they know about your business, and ask them the right questions so you understand their thought process and how they plan on solving issues or problems they see before implementing new technologies or processes.
6. Beware of consultants who want to sell you services instead of helping you solve a problem.
Although some IT consultants might initially come across as helpful and friendly. It’s possible that they’re really just looking for a quick sale. Instead of finding the best solution for all parties involved. Take time to talk with each potential consultant and carefully review their qualifications. And rate their ability to provide accurate estimates and thorough explanations of complex technical topics.
Remember to keep in mind the size of your business when choosing an IT consultant.
Not all companies that provide this service offer flexible payment options or short-term contracts. So it’s best to ask about what services are available and any hidden fees before making a final decision.
Conclusion:
Hiring the right IT consultant is crucial if you want to get the most out of your system and technology in order to run a successful business says, William D King.
Take your time when looking for someone who will work with you on a long-term project and understand that each consulting company has their own way of operating and billing.
Make sure they can provide sound advice and experience using technologies similar to what’s currently in place at your business.