How do you select a consultant?

In my last blog we talked about why you might need to hire a consultant for your business. Today we go to the next step and discuss how to go about engaging a consultant.

Having made an ‘in principle’ decision to engage a consultant … move on and follow this seven step selection process:

1. Develop initial brief
2. Scan for expertise
3. Shortlist
4. Seek more information
5. Request proposals
6. Make a decision
7. Finalise contract.

I’ve had senior executives and business owners "shy away" from the work that needs to be done here … and … it makes me wonder why there are so many ‘bad consultant’ stories.  You must put this effort in to get the best possible result.

1.    Develop initial brief

Develop a brief, a written document, that:

• describes your enterprise
• explains the need – problem / issue / challenge, or, opportunity
• defines objectives – specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, time limited
• states the consultant’s role/s – coach, expert, facilitator, mentor, trainer
• sets out timing (project start and project finish).

Please also agree a provisional budget, and appoint a primary contact to lead this selection exercise.

And critically, get consensus within your enterprise about all of the above!

2.    Scan for expertise

Develop a list of potential consultants, by using the consultants’ skills, knowledge and experience as your initial selection criteria.

To build your list:

• review prior use of specific consultants and consulting firms
• seek referrals from within your network of contacts
• check with relevant trade and professional associations
• search internet.

This desktop research for information, will result in a list of websites, maybe some brochures, and notes of phone calls.

But importantly, it’s still too early to meet with any consultant.  Don’t give in to any pressure to do so … you are in charge of your selection process.

3.    Shortlist

Scan the information obtained during step #2, and review the expertise of the consultants and firms you have identified.  This ‘scan and review’ may lead to fresh insights that should be included in your initial brief … so enhance it.

Also extend selection criteria beyond the skills, knowledge and experience needed … consider specific qualifications, location, even availability (as your project may need a consultant who can come in and out at relatively short notice).

Review the list established in step #2, and choose several (up to 10) by using the extended selection criteria, for more detailed review.

4.    Seek more information

Circulate the enhanced (but not finalised) brief as a non-binding document to the shortlisted consultants.

Arrange to meet to explore and debate your needs and their suitability to address them.  During that meeting ‘picture’ them working for you and assess their ‘chemistry’ with you and their team.  And keep your eyes and ears open for any additional insights that would enhance your brief.  At meeting close, confirm that they have appropriate insurances in place – Professional Indemnity, Public Liability – and establish the level of cover for each.

Take sufficient notes that you can later review in order to prune the shortlist from two (2) to five (5) maximum.

5.    Request proposals

Review your notes from step #4 and make any final enhancements to your brief.

Add a new section to your brief – Review Process – where you set out the process that you will follow to assess the results of the consulting project against your objectives.

Formally issue the brief to the shortlisted consultants and request them to propose over a one to two week period.  But permit them to raise any queries or clarifications during that time.  If you belatedly discover that you have missed out important information, then you will need to reissue a corrected brief and set a revised deadline.  And if anyone requests more time, for what you believe to be genuine reasons, then it’s a good idea to allow the other shortlisted consultants the same amount of extra time too.

Once the proposals are in, check them for ‘comprehensiveness’ – a comprehensive proposal includes; your needs, our approach, work programme, timetable, team, fees and expenses, Why us? (references, testimonials, case studies), terms & conditions.

6.    Make a decision

Review proposals and eliminate ‘out-of-bounds’ proposals, ie non-compliant, over / under budget (which you have not disclosed of course) or simply “not believable” (and this does happen with consultants and firms of all sizes).

Meet consultants, and assess their professionalism, compatibility, style, enthusiasm (for your project).  Also assess their ‘performance’ to date … because they have been performing since you spoke to them at step #2 … is it in line with your expectations?

Take up references … it never ceases to amaze me just how infrequently this is done.

Finally, rank and then select preferred consultant by apply these six selection criteria in descending order:

1. Understanding … do they really understand your needs?
2. Personnel … are the ‘right’ consultants allocated to your project?
3. Specialisation … do they have the required specialisation?
4. Skills and experience … and the skills and experience needed?
5. Innovative skills … optional, do they have to innovate their skills for your project?
6. Value for money … fees! (LAST).

Be tough, but fair, and choose one!

7.    Finalise contract

Review the proposed work programme, and finalise and agree any options.

Options can include:

• work that either the enterprise or the consultant can perform
• work that is dependent upon earlier outcomes and results.

Review and agree a written contract before any work starts.

Conclusion

There is a lot to do to select the ‘right’ consultant.  No-one can guarantee that you will engage the right one, but by faithfully following this seven step process you can get as close as anyone can.

In summary … these are the Top-10 things to do:

1. Develop brief
2. Determine consultant role and type
3. Picture the consultant
4. Research consultants and firms
5. Debate and discuss (internally, externally)
6. Thoroughly compare proposals
7. Check out everything
8. Assess performance from first point of contact
9. Contract before work starts
10. Be tough … but fair.

 

Good luck.