| In order to find good consultants and | | | | Check the going rate for the same type of |
| establish a trusting relationship, there are | | | | consultant in the industry. Do some research |
| 10 steps that will help you hire the best | | | | to be sure you are paying the right amount |
| consultants that you can afford:First, break | | | | for the services you require. Also, find out |
| down each element of the consultant's | | | | which expenses you will be expected to pay. |
| services that you must accomplish. Consider | | | | Discuss the payment of expenses in advance |
| them carefully to determine whether you can | | | | and reach an agreement about which expenses |
| take care of any of them without the | | | | will be your responsibility.Sixth, be certain |
| consultant's help. You do not need a | | | | that the consultant has errors and omissions |
| consultant to handle items that you are | | | | insurance. If the consultant makes a mistake |
| capable of accomplishing on your | | | | that costs your business money, you need to |
| own.Secondly, ask the consultant to give you | | | | be sure that the consultant's insurance will |
| the names of referrals from other businesses | | | | cover your loss.Seven, be sure you have a |
| that have used his or her services. Contact | | | | written agreement specifying the terms of the |
| the referrals and ask them some meaningful | | | | relationship, the agreed services to be |
| questions about the consultant's services. | | | | performed, and the time within which the work |
| For example, was the consultant's advice | | | | will be completed. The agreement must be |
| useful? Was the consultant easy to reach and | | | | signed by both parties.Eighth, be sure that |
| did the consultant respond quickly? | | | | the consultant is available to perform your |
| | | | job within the time you require. You do not |
| Did the consultant treat the business like a | | | | want to hire a consultand who is already too |
| top priority? Was the consultant | | | | busy with other jobs.Ninth, contractors are |
| knowledgeable in the areas that were | | | | free agents, and they may work for your |
| important to you?Third, interview two or more | | | | competition after completing your project. |
| consultants before you choose one. Even if | | | | Therefore, you must have a signed letter of |
| the consultant has very good referrals, you | | | | confidentiality from the consultant.Tenth, |
| still must feel that you can comfortably work | | | | introduce the consultant to your staff before |
| with the person you hire. Ask each | | | | they start asking who this person is and why |
| consultant about experience in the business | | | | they are asking for information or files or |
| areas that are important to you. Be sure | | | | about your company's projects. The |
| that the consultant can give you full and | | | | consultant should be introduced to your |
| prompt service which includes giving you full | | | | regular employees, especially those with whom |
| attention during your meeting. Ask each | | | | he or she will be working.Jo Ann Joy, Esq., |
| consultant to discuss the problems they | | | | MBA, CEO |
| foresee for your business and the ways they | | | | |
| would address each problem.Fourth, be sure | | | | The future of your business starts here!You |
| the consultant can explain things to your | | | | may contact Jo Ann by phone at (602) |
| satisfaction. The consultant should be able | | | | 663-7007, by fax at (602) 324-7582, by email |
| to offer a continual source of new ideas for | | | | at joannjoy@Indigo Business Solutions.net, |
| controlling costs, improving profits and | | | | and by mail at 2313 East Ocotillo Rd., |
| helping you build a stronger more effective | | | | Phoenix, AZ 85016. Copies of any articles |
| management team. A good consultant should | | | | will be provided free of charge.For |
| help you meet your goals and objectives. The | | | | information about other important legal, tax, |
| consultant must be able to clearly | | | | and business topics, free copies of articles, |
| communicate all of these ideas to you and | | | | or EBooks, please visit our website at u> |
| your employees.Fifth, discuss the | | | | Copyright 2006. All rights reserved. Indigo |
| consultant's fees. Does the consultant bill | | | | Business Solutions is a registered trade |
| a flat fee or bill by the hour? | | | | name.Discover the secrets to success and |
| | | | grow! |