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As business-related technology becomes increasingly sophisticated and complex,
many business owners, office managers and systems operators are turning
to independent computer consultants to develop high tech business solutions
that keep a company ahead of the competition and ensure their operation
has the tools and training needed to run smoothly and efficiently. But how
do you go about finding and hiring a qualified consultant who understands
your business needs?
The Independent Computer Consultants Association (ICCA), a national
not-for-profit organization which promotes ethical professionalism within
the industry, offers these 10 tips for choosing a consultant:
- Be
wary of the consultant who attempts to ‘snow you’ with technical
jargon. A consultant should be able to explain things clearly in terms
you can understand. You should feel comfortable with your consultant
and believe that he or she has your best interests at heart.
- Listening
is a virtue. A consultant should listen to your needs and objectives,
before offering solutions. A consultant's primary task is to understand
your needs and translate them into system solutions that will work for
you.
- Check
references carefully. It is not necessary that a consultant has done
exactly the same work for someone else, but it is important that his
clients are happy with the results and continued service.
- Ask about
the consultant's relationships with vendors. Vendor ties often mean
that the consultant has better access to the technical support needed
to complete projects. Some vendors offer extra training and technical
support to consultants with whom they have an on-going relationship.
- Inquire
about the consultant's objectivity. Ask the consultant to specify any
special allegiances or financial incentives tied to computer products.
The ICCA Code of Ethics specifies that as independent computer consultants,
members do not have undisclosed interests in client decisions, and are
objective in their recommendations for each specific client situation.
- Determine
who the consultant's backup will be. Discuss up front who will complete
the project if something happens to the consultant. Many smaller consulting
practices have agreements with colleagues or through their associations
to provide backup for them.
- Consultant
Accountability. Regular status reports are a good safeguard against
the unexpected. They should keep you up-to-date on the consultant's
progress, as well as the costs being incurred.
- An hourly
or daily rate doesn't tell the whole story. An experienced consultant
at a high hourly rate can usually justify that rate by producing value
in a lot less time than a lower priced consultant. Plus, a good job
will lead to lower maintenance costs in the future.
- Membership
in a computer association adds legitimacy. Consultants in organizations
such as ICCA pledge to uphold a high business standard and are often
backed by professional liability insurance. ICCA, for example, functions
as a nationwide business support forum composed of member firms throughout
the United States. Through the network, a consultant is able to obtain
business and technical support to provide the best possible service.
Consultants also exchange referrals to help clients find a proper fit
between their needs and a consultant's expertise. Association involvement
demonstrates a dedication to professional development, which is essential
to staying on the cutting edge of the computer industry.
- Ask how
long the project will take. The consultant should be able to give you
an idea of the time that is involved. This is what he or she will base
the cost estimate on. Make sure you also establish a way for the consultant
to notify you of delays.
S Cubed is a member of ICCA. The ICCA consists
of member firms and chapters across the United States. The ICCA’s
mission is to support the success of independent computer consultants in
providing professional services to their clients.
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