Hiring a consultant? Here are some tips

Hiring a consultant? Here are some tips

Hiring a consultant? Here are some tips

"Once word got out that my organization was looking for a consultant, the phone started ringing and hasn't stopped since."

When a nonprofit organization decides it needs outside help, this many be a typical response. But, what do you look for when you need this person to come in to resolve a specific problem or issue and you don't have the budget for a full-time staff member?

What is a consultant?

In basic terms, a consultant is a problem solver. So, before you start your consultant search, know what you want him or her to accomplish and the time frame in which you want the problem solved.

Knowing and understanding your organization is important to a consultant. This also means it's your job to ensure that the consultant knows what he or she needs to know about your organization. Consultants who are worthwhile aren't going to come cheap, so you need to help them make the most of their time and effort by spelling out exactly what it is you want them to accomplish. This leads to the question of what type of consultant you need.

What kind of consultant do you need?

To answer this question, you must determine if you need a specialist or a generalist? As the terms imply, the knowledge and experiences of a generalist are broader. This type of consultant can assist with more diverse problems within your organization. If there is a wide range of tasks you want to accomplish, you probably will want a generalist.

If you have problems in a specific area, e.g., accounting, you would want to limit your search to a consultant with accounting or finance credentials. Although a generalist will also handle accounting problems, he or she may not have the depth of experience you need. Plus, some consultants may offer solutions to problems and leave the implementation up to you. It's best if you have them involved in the entire process. While the solution may, on the surface, seem simple when presented, the "doing" may be harder.

What future benefit will I get from hiring a consultant?

Don't overlook what you can learn from a consultant. A consultant should not only solve your problem(s) but also show you how it was done so that if there is a next time for the same problem, you can more easily handle it yourself.

Where should I start?

To choose a consultant, consider options besides relying on a ringing telephone. Do some local networking and ask board members if the consultants they've used within their companies would be appropriate for your organization. Try contacting other nonprofit organizations for recommendations. Call the human resources or business department of the local university. Yes, even look in the Yellow Pages under "consultants." You'll be surprised what you find there.

Find more tips on hiring a consultant.

POST COMMENT

Tips For Choosing the proper Hairdressing Scissors Natural Treatment For Weight Loss And Quick Weight Loss Tips Tips For Straightening Hair Facebook Success Tips and Ways New Line Equity - Foreclosure Investing Tips Divan Bed Buying Tips 3 Tips To Slash Your Golf Handicap In Weeks-Guaranteed Sciatica Nerve Pain Treatment - Tips To Relieve Sciatica Nerve Pain! Sciatica Pain Relief - Tips For Quick Sciatica Pain Relief! Web Building Tips - Provides The Best Application For Learner Tips For Decorating With Vertical Blinds Find Movers And Packing Tips 3 Easy Tips To Develop Success In Your Life