Benefits to You
You're already paying a full-time staff. We'll assume they're
good at their jobs. Why should you take on the additional
expense of a consultant?
Fair enough. My answer:
- Your staff is already busy, fully loaded with projects and daily
tasks that you need done.
- When someone takes on a new project, someone else will have to
do what they were doing. The substitute will probably not be
as effective at first.
- When the problem is solved or the project is finished, you have
to reassign people again to keep them productive.
- You may need a fresh perspective. You can't get much
fresher than someone outside your company.
- You may find just the right person but she doesn't want to
relocate.
- It takes time and money to recruit. Sometimes you need
additional resources right now.
- You may need to acquire a different skill set for an unusual
challenge, or maintain a skill set on retainer to service an
irregular business segment, but can't justify a permanent position.
That's where the right consultant presents an opportunity.
When choosing a consultant, make sure he or she can communicate
clearly at all levels; can get along well with management, shop people
and customers; knows his or her limitations; is impeccably honest and
discreet; and has the skill set you need.
Bottom line: I offer what I do best, to those who can see its
value, when they want it, and then I leave without attachments. I know
whether I know. And if I don't know, I usually know someone who does. |