Check Your Consultant's Credentials and Past Performance Prior to Purchasing

Perhaps you run a small business, and you needfollowing;
some consulting assistance. It makes sense that you
would seek the advice of those who have been1. Years in business
there before you, and experienced all you are about2. Years in your industry
to go through in your company. However, not all3. Successful clients You should also ask about their
consultants are created equally. It behooves you toturnaround successes, or case studies where they
spend as much time, or even more in checking outsolved a problem for a company, and saved them
your consultant's resume, and credentials as youlots of money. You need to make sure that your
might a typical employee for your company.consultant or coach is not a name dropper, but an
If your consultant boasts about all their wonderfulactual achiever. Further, you need to know if they
clients, then ask for names and references. Do notare an academic or an actual business person
feel intimidated in getting on the phone and talking tobecause there is a big difference.
these references. You must also be careful that youWhat you need is someone that has been in business
have not been given a bunch of references, which"in or around" your industry for 10 to 20 years or
are very close friends. The reality is that due to themore. You need a consultant that has successful
global economic meltdown, many laid-off executives,clients, and has turned around companies that were
and folks in corporate America decided to becomeon the brink of bankruptcy. You need a consultant
business coaches and consultants.that can help solve problems, not create more.
Some of the things you need to ask before hiring aIndeed, I hope you will please consider all this
consultant or signing a consulting agreement are thebecause not all consultants are worth their salt.