Are you trying to figure out if you need to bring in an independent contractor or consultant to help you with your project? Or have you had difficulty working with getting what you really needed from an independent contractor or consultant? Here are a few tips on how to effectively engage with independent contractor or consultant.
First things first. Make sure you can clearly define what needs to get done. Even if you don’t know how it needs to get done, have a clear problem that needs a solution. Do you need guidance in a certain area? This can also be clearly defined. It is important that you are clear on what your needs are, in order to articulate them to a consultant. Don’t be afraid to be vulnerable. If you’re not sure what you need, schedule a consultation to talk through it. At the end, you should have identified one (or a few) needs that you can articulate clearly, as well as anticipated solutions.
Let an expert help you. Bringing in an expert to help get projects completed or find a solution to a problem doesn’t mean you don’t know what you are doing. It means you are smart enough to trust an expert to help in an area that you know needs work, but you may not have the time to tackle. Let a consultant do the work you don’t have time and may not want to do.
Leverage the expertise and benefits of using a contractor or consultant. Consultants have built up a suite of knowledge, skills and expertise from working with multiple clients. They can bring best practices and innovative ideas to your company from their vast experiences.
There are many benefits from working with contractors and consultants, but make sure you find someone you trust. The relationship dynamic is important. Ensure the contractor has the skills you need, but also seek someone out who you enjoy working with and have built up a rapport and level of trust.
Finally, for a successful outcome, make sure your consultant takes the time to learn your business and culture. There is no “one size fits all” solution. A consultant should understand your organization well in order to identify a solution that specifically fits your organization’s needs and cultural dynamics.
When used properly, consultants and contractors can be a useful, efficient extension of your team.
