How to Use a Consultant in Your Company

HOW TO USE A CONSULTANT IN YOUR COMPANY Today's consulting industry is immense. Consultants can be found in virtually every conceivable field, from accounting to advertising, from human resources to politics. They advise the world's great corporations on the creation of new products; set up computer systems; provide guidance in managing cash flow and data; and even sit at the right hand of policymakers in government. In this chaotic age of new technologies, downsizing, and reengineering, chances are your company will require the services of a consultant-and to remain competitive, managers must become skilled in getting the most from the client/consultant relationship. How to Use a Consultant in Your Company steps in where the consulting literature leaves off, giving you expert, real-world guidance in finding the right consultants and making effective use of them. John McGonagle and Carolyn Vella offer a no-nonsense look at the big picture of consulting, helping you decide whether or not you need a consultant and navigate all the policy decisions, management issues, and legalities involved. You get hands-on advice on controlling the entire process, from establishing your needs to the necessary paper trail, with answers for every question-from what a company policy on consultants should cover to what makes up the written contract. McGonagle and Vella also tackle one of the most difficult-and therefore most ignored-areas in dealing with consultants: budgeting for them. No other guide helps you manage the client/consultant relationship from beginning to end, with clear, experienced know-how on: Determining services to be performed Fostering cooperation and coordination Keeping the consultant focused Preparing for your results Handling appraisals and reviews Addressing confidentiality issues and conflicts of interest Plus, you'll see how to effectively deal with disputes and lawsuits, as well as adapt the included forms and other policy-and-procedure materials to your company's situation. Don't be caught unprepared when your company must reach for outside help. Read How to Use a Consultant in Your Company and give yourself the advantage from the get-go.