More,Computer,Consulting,101,H computer More Computer Consulting 101 Hiring Tips (Part 2 of 2)
----------------------------------------------------------Permission is granted for the below article to forward,reprint, distribute, use for ezine, newsletter, website,offer as free bonus or part of a product for sale as longas no changes a Gone are those times when the companies and the organisations didn't need a hi-tech system to handle them. Owing to the considerable increase in the business sector and thus, an enormous increase in the complexity of the organisational struc
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, well 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 companys professional credentials and experience.Reseller, "Pure" Computer Consulting Company, or Hybrid Technology ProviderDoes 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 ProceduresWhat 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 TestimonialsCan 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 SharpHow 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 TransferHow 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 LineDon'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.Joshua Feinberg, co-founder of Computer Consulting 101, is a 15-year veteran of small business computer consulting and an internationally recognized expert on small business computer consulting. He has appeared in dozens of business and IT trade publications including CRN, VARBusiness, Microsoft Direct Access, TechRepublic, American Express OPEN Platinum Ventures, Entrepreneur, Inc, SCORE, Small Business Computing, and USA Today. To get immediate online access to Joshuas proven sales and marketing strategies for growing your computer consulting companys profits, sign up now for the free one-hour computer consulting training recording at http://www.computer-consulting-101.com Copyright MMI-MMV, Computer-Consulting-101.com, All Worldwide Rights Reserved. {Attention Publishers: Live hyperlink in author resource box required for copyright compliance}
More,Computer,Consulting,101,H