Evaluation Phase: Where Consultants REALLY Earn Their Money
In Part 2 of this guest series, featured on ECM Connection, Jim Wanner, CEO, details the first steps of working with a consultant.
The consultant is on board and hired. Now what?
Let’s get this individual working productively towards the end result. Clearly defining the objectives and establishing an analysis project charter is helpful and will ensure the team is on the same page. Be sure to lead a kick-off meeting and give everyone a chance to air issues and needs prior to the consultant beginning discovery.
You need to take a deep breath and clearly identify your true goals with the consultant and other key players. What are the positive things you are doing and what are the areas that you feel need improvement? As long as an NDA (non-disclosure agreement) is in place, try to share as much as you comfortably can. The consultant will need a clear picture of where you are today and where you want to be tomorrow. If you have a written business plan and financial forecast that is directly related to the project don’t hold back. Share the information with the consultant so she or he understands your business.
