| A healthy and positive working relationship is as | | | | explain the reasons why external resources have |
| important to the consultant as it is to you the client. | | | | been chosen to complete this important project. |
| Before you outsource your project, you need to | | | | Explain who has been chosen, why they have been |
| understand the effect you will have on the success | | | | chosen and what they will accomplish. |
| or otherwise of the project. To understand that you | | | | As well as communicating with your permanent staff, |
| must first appreciate what it means to outsource. | | | | make sure the consultants: |
| How to be a good client? | | | | - Are aware of the sensitivity of the situation. |
| There are a number of ways in which you can take | | | | - Are fully conversant with company policies and |
| a lead role in providing direction and support to both | | | | procedures. |
| your external consultants and your permanent staff. | | | | - Understand the precise terms and conditions of the |
| To make this responsibility as straight forward as | | | | project. |
| possible, take the time to: | | | | - Know that you will meet the company's |
| - Define clearly the scope of the project and the | | | | commitments as outlined in the agreement including |
| deliverables you expect the consultant to accomplish. | | | | resources and payment schedules. |
| - Align the scope of your project with your strategic | | | | - How to report progress and how often. |
| plan. Is this the most cost effective solution? If not, | | | | - Know how and to whom they should communicate |
| re-consider your decision before committing valuable | | | | if and when issues arise. |
| resources. | | | | You are still the primary link between the consultants |
| - Consider using a reputable consulting company to | | | | and your permanent staff, until the project is fully |
| help you determine which direction you should take | | | | underway. Monitor the early stages as your |
| and what solution(s) will help you to meet your | | | | permanent staff and consultants integrate and form |
| strategic objectives. You will save time, effort and | | | | their working relationships. Intervene only if and when |
| money in the long run. | | | | necessary. |
| - Consider using the same consulting company to | | | | Provide every resource needed to enable the |
| match your project requirements with the best | | | | consultant to perform to the best of his or her ability. |
| consultants for the assignment. Unless you have | | | | More often than not, consultants will over-deliver and |
| external consultants who you use or have used | | | | exceed your expectations, helping to build a strong |
| previously, getting assistance at this stage can | | | | working relationship. Support your consultants and |
| minimize any risk that may be associated with | | | | your permanent staff throughout the project and |
| outsourcing. The better consulting companies will also | | | | both will regard you as a good employer. Make sure |
| screen the consultants, manage the whole verification | | | | consultant invoices are paid according to payment |
| and pre-selection process for you, and provide the | | | | schedules to ensure service continuity. |
| means by which consultants can submit their | | | | You are placing the future success of your company |
| proposals to you. | | | | in the hands of a consultant or consultant team when |
| - Decide which consultant is the best fit for your | | | | you outsource a project. You have chosen to place |
| company taking into account all aspects of the | | | | your trust and money in people you do not |
| proposal such as qualifications, references, track | | | | necessarily know. Therefore, you must conduct |
| record, pricing, and how the project will be managed | | | | effective due diligence in finding the appropriate |
| including timelines, milestones and key measures of | | | | consultants for your strategic projects. |
| success. | | | | Minimize the risk by seeking assistance through a |
| You are now ready to continue your lead role and | | | | reputable consultant matching service to identify |
| manage the project at the strategic level. | | | | qualified consultants that will provide you with the |
| Your permanent staff will support you and the | | | | right solution, on time and within your budget. |
| consultants when you have made the effort to | | | | |