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Does your company need to retain the services of a competent computer consulting firm, but you have no idea how to really evaluate “competence”? In the first part of this two-part series on Computer Consulting 101 hiring tips, we looked at why small businesses find it so difficult to hire good computer consulting companies, as well as four basic questions that you must be addressed when searching for a new computer consulting vendor. Now in this second and final installment of this two part series on Computer Consulting 101 hiring tips, we’ll look at how you can evaluate the true, often-confusing expenses of using a computer consulting company, as well as how to more thoroughly review the computer consulting company’s professional credentials and experience. Reseller, “Pure” Computer Consulting Company, or Hybrid Technology Provider Does your company resell various technology products, such as hardware and software? Is this a profit center or do you mind if we shop for our products elsewhere? And if we do shop elsewhere, can we still purchase your needs analysis and procurement services? Are there any other vendors, such as ISPs or telephone companies, that your firm acts as an agent or affiliate for? In other words, do you accept commissions or referral fees for steering business toward certain vendors? Costs, Hidden Charges, and Billing Procedures What are your payment terms, rates and hourly billing minimums? What is billable and what is not billable? Do you charge for your travel time? Telephone support? E-mail/online support? Remote support? Are there any hourly rate billing premiums for after-hours or emergency service? What constitutes “after hours” or an “emergency”? Do you offer support contracts? What are the cost and benefits? Client Reference Accounts, Case Studies, and Testimonials Can you tell me about one of your more long-term small business client accounts? Can you tell me about one of your more recently signed-on clients? Can you tell me about a small business client who didn't work out and why? Can you provide references? Research/Developments and Keeping Skills Sharp How do you keep up with new tech developments? What do you bill clients for and what do you absorb internally? Are there any gray areas? Training Approach and Knowledge Transfer How do you feel about handholding and in-depth training with users? What kind of user and technical training can you provide? Will you train our internal computer administrator to become more self-sufficient, even if it takes away from your "job security" and opportunities to bill more hours? The Bottom Line Don't fall into the ultra-common trap of hiring an independent computer consultant or computer consulting firm that isn't a good fit for your business. Use these Computer Consulting 101 hiring and screening questions as the basis for making a more informed hiring decision for your computer consulting vendor. And if you have any doubts, don't be afraid to seek out a second opinion with another computer consulting company. Copyright MMI-MMV, Computer-Consulting-101.com, All Worldwide Rights Reserved. DesktopMaster 2.0. - Enjoy the newest desktop themes And keep your computer clean! DesktopMaster is the #1 Software for your desktop themes! Registry Toolkit - Registry Cleaner Tool. - Increase computer speed and stability by removing corrupted registry files with Registry Toolkit. We have Conversion Tracking! Article Index: | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 31 | 32 | 33 | 34 | 35 | 36 | 37 | 38 | 39 | 40 | 41 | 42 | 43 | 44 | 45 | 46 | 47 | 48 | 49 | 50 | 51 | 52 | 53 | 54 | 55 | 56 | 57 | 58 | 59 | 60 | 61 | 62 | 63 | 64 | 65 | 66 | 67 | 68 | 69 | 70 | 71 | 72 | 73 | 74 | 75 | 76 | 77 | 78 | 79 | 80 | 81 |
More Articles:1. Tales from the Corporate Frontlines: The Best Incentives are Free By Josh Greenberg This article relates to the Recognition competency, commonly evaluated in employee satisfaction surveys. It tells the story of how the performance of one team was affected when the powerful motivator of daily praise and recognition disappeared. This competency also explores what type of behavior is appreciated and rewarded within your organization. Studies show that employees who receive regular recognition and praise are more likely to increase their individual productivity levels, increase e… 2. A Man and His Razor By George Ebert It is vain to do with more what can be done with less. William of Ockham This is Ockham’s famed Razor. A shorthand version of the razor might be, “keep it simple.” When complexity is added to a relationship, process or organization without good reason, the result is usually a loss of focus, clarity and effectiveness. Roles become blurred, goals are uncertain and success is haphazard. Bureaucracies are prime violators of the principle. Clinging to management structures designed in t… 3. Where Else in Your Business Do You Accept a 60% Failure Rate? By Roger Harrop I recently surveyed CEOs and Business Leaders of large companies and small, profit and not-for-profit, and I asked just them just one question: 'What is the single biggest factor that you believe will inhibit your sustained profitable growth into the future?’ A, perhaps, surprising 37% responded that it was people - the recruitment, motivation and retention of people that was the biggest factor.So let’s address the first one - recruitment.I see many, many businesses through a year from the ve… 4. Knowledge Management - Learning Whilst Doing - Facilitating an After Action Review By Chris Collison Introducing a learning culture into organisations can be difficult at times, particularly if the effort required it great and the benefits aren't quickly identifiable.After Action Reviews (known as AARs) are one of the simplest knowledge management techniques, and have been used to great effect in organisations ranging from the US Army, to BP, and even in the development sector in NGOs like TearFund. Their power comes from the fact that they take little time, generate rapid results, and the a… |
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