More Computer Consulting 101 Hiring Tips (Part 2 of 2)Learn Management Articles on management-info.biz. More Computer Consulting 101 Hiring Tips (Part 2 of 2) article will help answer your questions on Management Articles.We at management-info.biz specialize in Management Articles. Management Articles at management-info.biz provides the most up to date news and articles. If you have questions please do not hesitate to contact us.
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. Budgets! By Mike Shannon Budgets! There I've said it. For some the most hated and feared word in business. But it doesn't have to be that way. As a matter of fact, a well thought out and constructed budget can be the small business owners best friend. After all, a budget is just a laid out plan to produce profits and profits is what we are all after.Instead of feeling overwhelmed by looking at a 13 column budget spreadsheet with rows and rows of expenses, just break it down into it's simplest terms:Revenue - Expenses … 2. The Devil We Know By Luke Vorstermans “I'm in an abusive relationship,” sighed Andrew. “My bookkeeper annoys the hell out of me but I just can't let him go. I keep hoping he'll improve… it's torture. Why do I do this to myself.”“You've already answered that question,” I replied. “You're in an abusive relationship. Would you feel better knowing that many business owners are in the same boat? They've outsourced a task or made concessions to a delinquent account with hope of reducing the stress, but it only made matters worse.”“I'd b… 3. Action Learning: It's More Than OJT By Michael Beitler For centuries companies have used on-the-job training (OJT). OJT works because it follows much of what we know about adult learning theory. For example, we know:1. Adults learn best when new learning can be applied immediately.2. Much of classroom “learning” is lost because it does not transfer back to the job.Action learning is a two-part method to maximize learning and productivity by maximizing OJT. Action learning involves teams of organizational members working on real organizational pr… 4. Setting Goals and Implementing Change One of the most important aspects of management is implementing change and setting goals. Managers must decide what their goals are and how they are going to achieve them. This is a basic part of strategic planning. Setting small goals is a small part of the bigger picture in making your business or organization successful. Managers must decide what goals they believe will be most effective in improving their business and then decide how they are going to go about reaching those goals. Whatever… |
||||
