|
Author: Joshua Feinberg Article source: http://computers.articlesarchive.net/. Used with author's permission.
Does your business need the services of a computer consulting firm? Before you rush out and hire the first techie or slick-salesperson that knocks on your door, be sure to consider these favorite Computer Consulting 101 hiring tips for screening and interviewing local computer consulting firms. In this first in a two-part series, we'll look the root of the problem, as well as the four most basic criteria that you'll need to ask about when searching for computer consulting vendors.
Computer Consulting 101 Preventative Medicine
Many small business owners have a tough time knowing how to deal with difficult computer consultants. However, if you're able to uncover potential problems at the start of your computer consultant/client relationship, you can avoid many of these unpleasant issues altogether.
Root of the Problem
While most entrepreneurs and small business managers know exactly what to ask when it comes to hiring for internal staff positions, hiring a computer consulting firm can be more difficult.
So on top of dealing with the myriad legal issues surrounding how you retain the services of contractors (best advice: consult with your attorney), as opposed to hiring employees on your payroll, you'll need to know how to ask the "right" questions. Don't make the ultra-common common mistake of focusing on the wrong things. Use these Computer Consulting 101 Hiring Tips as your checklist for doing your homework before you sign on the dotted line.
Part-time or Full-time Computer Consulting
Do you have a "day job"? Are you moonlighting?
Solo Practitioner or True Computer Consulting Business
What do you mean by the "we"? Are there any other people who work at your company?
Are they employees or contractors? What are their names, specialties and backgrounds? How long have they been with the company? Will they be involved with this account?
(Tip: The more pointed questions you ask, the more you'll flush out the B.S. and hyperbole.)
Small Business or Large Company Computer Consulting Experience
What "size" is your typical consulting client, in terms of number of PCs, employees and annual revenue?
Generalist or Specialist Consulting Company
What industries or vertical markets have you worked with? And in what particular aspects and software applications?
What kinds of products, services, and platforms does your company shy away from? Do you work with any specialty hardware, software or services vendors?
The Bottom Line
In this first of a two-part series of these Computer Consulting 101 hiring tips, we looked at why small business owners and managers find that computer consulting companies are so difficult to hire, as well as four basic issues that you must confront when searching for a new computer consulting vendor. In the second installment of this two part series on Computer Consulting 101 hiring tips, we'll look at how you can get your hands around the true costs of using a computer consulting firm, as well as how you can more objectively evaluate the computer consulting firm's suitability for the task of servicing your company's technology needs.
Copyright MMI-MMV, Computer-Consulting-101.com, All Worldwide Rights Reserved. Joshua Feinberg, co-founder of Computer Consulting 101, is a 15-year veteran of small business computer consulting and an internationally recognized expert on small business computer consulting. He has appeared in dozens of business and IT trade publications including CRN, VARBusiness, Microsoft Direct Access, TechRepublic, American Express OPEN Platinum Ventures, Entrepreneur, Inc, SCORE, Small Business Computing, and USA Today. To get immediate online access to Joshua's proven sales and marketing strategies for growing your computer consulting company's profits, sign up now for the free one-hour computer consulting training recording at http://www.computer-consulting-101.com
MLM Success - Potential or Promise? If MLM success is so easy, why are most people not successful in MLM? Learn here what is really behind those MLM success ads and promises you see online.
A Bumpy Ride Towards Aging Picture this; the snow-white clear skin that you have been proud of since your teen years has suddenly poofed into a wicked witch's warty face upon reaching the...
All About Green Tea And Polyphenols The science on green tea and polyphenols. And why this ancient eastern 'medicine' continues to provide benefit to modern western man.
Network Marketing for Easy Money! Persistence in network marketing pays!
Clutter Campaign - Commit Your Time Clutter Campaign STEP THREE - COMMIT YOUR TIME
Vegetable Growing for Beginners An introduction to growing vegetables for first-time gardeners. The article covers choosing your site, preparing the soil and planning crop layout. Advice on se...
Discover Why Tanning Beds Wed Technology With Cosmetics Since a sun tan tan is in vogue, it has created high demand for tanning equipment such as tanning beds and tanning booths. This has motivated research for sophi...
How to Protect Your Ebooks and Software from Being Stolen! Are your documents and files being copied, illegally distributed without your consent or just lain ripped off? If you believe your information is of any value, ...
5 Forgotten Secrets to Beating Procrastination at Home It's not easy to stay motivated and beat procrastination while being at home. Too many distractions and feeling that tasks can always be delayed until tomorrow ...
Why I Am A Communist Selection from a debate between myself and an avowed Libertarian Capitalist.
How to Choose a Good Jogging Stroller If you lead an active lifestyle and you want to include your new family additions in your outdoor activity then you need to consider getting yourself a good jog...
Been banned by Yahoo!? It is interesting to watch the varied reactions to the new Yahoo! search. As a spectator I can sit back and take it all in and form my own opinions. I can then ...
Country Decorating Ideas - Create Warmth and Charm with Country Style Decorating Ideas Country decorating ideas can help you create a home that is warm, inviting and the perfect place to live. Country style decorating ideas can help you capture t...
The Art of Link Exchange Link exchange is important in SEO. Learn how you may do it.
Craft Show Items - Patents and Trademarks A patent and trademark are a far more in-depth than a simple copyright on your craft show items. Are you protecting your ideas properly?
Open Your Introduction With A Firecracker Moment A regular elevator speech no longer works, thus, it's
important to light a firecracker into the moment. Marketing
master, Catherine Franz, shares with you two ...
How to Get Rid of Acne: A Step-By-Step Tutorial To get rid of acne, you have to understand what causes it in the first place. When you understand the major causes of acne, you can learn what to do to prevent ...
Home Equity Loans - How To Use Your Homes Equity to Consolidate Debt If you are in a lot of debt, a home equity loan could be the way for you to get on top of, and start paying down that debt.
Furniture Bench - The Many Varieties & Uses For One In Your Home Furniture benches are benches that can be used indoors and for literally any room of the house. They can enhance the look of your home while being functional.
7 Tips to Get More Mileage Out of Your Online or Offline Publicity You worked hard to get a story on your business in a popular
website or your local paper. Don't let your efforts ends there --
here are seven tips to help you m...
Choosing the Right Hotel Whenever you book a vacation, choosing a hotel is key to your level of enjoyment.
Malnutrition Causes Obesity Ludvig ... You Must Eat!
Doc, My Tummy Aches and My Joints Hurt! Is there a connection? How can cramps in the abdomen and diarrhea also be linked to arthritis? This article will describe a well-known relationship.
How To Fade Acne Scars - Fast & Easy! Step by tep instructions on how you can fade those stubborn acne marks and scars. You're on your way to beautiful skin!
|