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What
to Look for in a Consultant
To be effective, a consultant must have certain traits. Look for
these qualities as you search for a consultant, and confirm them
in your initial consultation.
* A good teacher.
Remember that professor you had in college who knew the
subject but just couldn’t teach? Being learned does not
necessarily mean that you can transmit that knowledge to others.
Even hands-on experience is not enough. It is essential that your
consultant teach you to help yourself. This skill can be assessed
in person as well as through references.
* Someone who can listen. While it’s
natural for consultants to spend part of your first interview
giving you a “sales pitch” be wary if they do all
the talking. Instead, they should be finding out as much as possible
about your organization, your problem, your unique characteristics.
If they don’t seem interested in you and your organization,
they probably aren’t and that is a bad sign. The same is
true during the on-site consultation. Beware of the “quick
fix.” It won’t work for long.
* A good writer.
This rare skill is vital, because many of your consultant’s
recommendations and findings will be transmitted in writing to
your board and staff. The consultant may be able to diagnose and
help you solve your problem , but can he or she transmit that
information through the essential medium of print? Look for clear,
concise prose in the consultant’s proposal and in any examples
of past work that you receive.
* A good presenter. Another
common function of consultants is to present their findings and
recommendations to the board and staff. Thus, they must have good
“stage presence” and be able to answer questions well.
* Someone who is available. One of the greatest
problems with busy consultants is their lack of available time,
either in person, by telephone or by mail. Ask yourself how rapid
your answers need to be. For example, if your consultant is helping
you with accounting software selection and installation and your
computer system crashes, you don’t want to be dependent
on someone two time zones away.
At CTDevelopment in Columbia, SC - we do more then "consultation"
- we become a permanent resource for you and your
business, as dedicated to your success as we are to ours.
AT A GLANCE - WHAT CAN WE HELP YOU WITH EXACTLY?
1. Web Development
- We can work on existing Web sites or create a new one. We also
provide hosting services through our business partner astrodawg.com.
2.
Computer
Systems - Desktop,
Laptops, Wireless Routers, Monitors - Custom Orders with personal
delivery and setup available - great prices.
3.
Computer
/ Network Service - Get your existing system
better then new with our service done by appointment. Part-time/Full-Time
In-house Network Administration services available too.
Want to know more? Click here
to use our secure contact form or call (803) 397-8100 right now.
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