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Step 1
Detremine what you need in a consultant and write up a description.
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Step 2
Assess resources and talent from within your company before going outside for help.
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Step 3
Determine whether you need an outside consultant or whether the project can be handled in-house.
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Step 4
Ask for referrals at trade groups, the chamber or commerce and from others within your industry for outside consultants.
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Step 5
Check the background and references of any consultant you are considering. Make sure he or she has the expertise you need.
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Step 6
Meet with the consultant and discuss the parameters of the project - what needs to be done, price and time line.
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Step 7
Make sure the consultant understands your expectations.
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Step 8
Agree on checkpoints and deadlines for various stages of the project.









Comments
jens said
on 4/18/2008 Step 5 is extremely important when working with a consultant for a first time. Verifying their background and references provides assurance to their capabilities. One service that could help with this is http://www.crederity.com. It validates someone’s background in real-time.
Steps 6 and 7 should be embellished to acknowledge that you need to have good screening criteria for a consultant. Not only do they have the right skills, but are they the right fit for the project team they’ll be working with. Remember to assess skills, personality/problem-solving approach and cultural fit.