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