If you’re a business owner, the prospect of seeking IT consulting services and hiring an IT consultant might seem like a daunting task. For those unfamiliar with the IT or tech sector, it might be hard to define the scope of a project, let alone find a consultant that you feel you can trust. The following information can help you to ensure that you end up with someone who you feel confident will complete the project according to your requirements and budget constraints.
Step 1: Define the Project Objectives, Timeline, and Budget
Before you start searching for IT consulting services, you need to clarify what you need in the way of IT services. Though you may not be well educated in information technology, chances are you do know what your company wants to get out of hiring a third party contractor. Define the project’s objectives to the best of your abilities. How will this project meet your business goals? Next, determine what kind of investment you’re willing to make to carry the project through to its end, and when you’d like to see it finished.
Step 2: Write a Request for Proposal (RFP)
Lay out the terms of the engagement in an RFP. Include a description of the project, its objectives, your proposed timeline, and budget. You can find an RFP template online—most are formulaic, so you don’t need to worry about reinventing the wheel. It doesn’t need to be too technical or lengthy. Instead, try to focus on clarity. State your company’s needs succinctly and identify what you are looking for in an IT consultant.
Step 3: Search for IT Consulting Firms or Consultants
The next step is to try to find someone who meets the criteria you’re looking for. You might want to begin by contacting other business owners in your industry and asking them if they can recommend someone reliable. You might also choose to do a search online or go through a firm. But in the process of searching, make sure you’re identifying candidates whose skills and expertise align with the project goals you have. Decide whether you want someone in your area, whom you can meet with in person, or if you’re comfortable with hiring someone in a remote location. Another option is to hire someone local to define the project specifications, then outsource the work to an offshore candidate. Make a list of contacts you would like to reach out to.
You might also choose to go through a firm, or post your RFP on an auction-style website for tech professionals. They will then bid on your project. This process can give you a wide variety of responses with budgets that may appeal to you—but remember that you get what you pay for. The highest quality candidates aren’t likely to lowball when it comes to bidding.
Step 4: Contact Potential Candidates
In the process of contacting potential candidates for the job, make sure to get in touch with the candidate’s previous clients. This is probably the most important thing you can do when it comes to figuring out whether a given candidate is going to perform. A reference should go beyond the mere quality of the work. You’ll want to ask the candidate’s former clients what their working relationship was like. Another option is to ask to see a sample of the candidate’s previous work or interview them to find out how they’ve handled issues in the past. When you’ve found someone who meets your business’ needs, draw up a contract and hire them on.