Before you hire us, or any other consulting firm, take some tips from various sources we found on how to choose a consultant.

First, know what you want from a consultant. What do you want help with? What is the problem(s)? What do you want the outcome to be?

Then before choosing, consider that a good consultant:

• asks you a lot of questions during the first interview and before taking on the job.
• is clear on how you will be billed, and for what.
• belongs to a professional association relevant to their area of expertise such as the Association of Independent Consultants or similar. Memberships in the Chamber of Commerce and a Better Business Bureau show that they take their work seriously and are willing to stand up to scrutiny
• is analytical, and does not have one "pat" answer
• looks for alternative solutions
• is cost conscious with your money
• involves everyone who is necessary to the project
• admits when he / she does not have an answer, and either finds the answer or asks if you want to continue
• is a "people person"; can get along with a wide variety of beliefs and methods and is caring about people
• uses up-to-date equipment and methods
• keeps you informed on the progress of the contract
• does not ask for all the money up front
• has a good reputation and can provide references
• has good experience in what you want done, or can call upon others to assist.

Interview a number of potential consultants. Look for the information listed above. This is not a time to just go with the lowest bid: you want the best for the job. After all, isn't that why you hire a consultant?

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