company logo so you want to hire a consultant? 23 @ 4 series
TRANSCRIPT
Company
LOGO
So You Want to Hire a Consultant?
23 @ 4 Series
2
Start to Finish
1. When to use 1. When to use
Internally Internally
Choose Choose
2. Steps to take2. Steps to take
3. How to manage3. How to manage
Find Consultant Find Consultant
4. Resources4. Resources
3
A Consultant may be useful
Needs an
Expert
Is FunderRequired
Need Objective
ViewPrevious Attempt
failed
Your organization
When…Doesn’t Agree
4
Steps to Take
Step 1InternalStep 1
InternalStep 2
IdentifyStep 2
IdentifyStep 3
ChooseStep 3
Choose
•Know what org wants
•Be prepared
•Consensus internally
•RFP
•Ask other organizations
•Interview candidates
•Contract
6
Step 1: Questions to Ask*
What are problems (both symptoms and causes)?
What are expectations; what’s needed?
What should end look like?
What skills are required?
Who are internal contacts?
What’s the time frame?
How much do you have to spend?
*Your organization, board & staff
7
Through professional contacts
Through an RFP (coming up later)
From referrals
Step 2: Find a Consultant
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The RFP
Gives info on what org needs
Gets written proposals
Gets bids on fees & expenses
Gives org time to look them over carefully
Allows for interviews & check of references
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Organization name, brief history, current situation
Purpose, consultant type, qualifications sought
The RFP contains:
Tasks to be accomplished
How to apply, deadline and submission
Address or person to receive the proposal
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Have you done this before?
Have you worked with a similar organization before?
How busy will you be?
Step 3: Questions to Ask*
How much time will our staff need to give you?
What’s your role in the project?
*Prospective consultants
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Choosing the Right One
Does consultant understand nonprofits?
Does their solution fit the need?
Can you understand what they say?
Are they trying to sell something?
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Choosing the Right One
How do they charge, by set fees or the
hour?
Can the job be done virtually?
Do you feel comfortable with them?
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Contractual Agreement
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Contractual Agreement
Contains:
Itemized tasks, responsibilities,
expectations of both Client & Consultant
Timeline
Completion date
Contains:
Fee(s) & date(s) of payment
Contingency factors
Termination waiver
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Consultant Roles
1. Expert
2. Extra Pair of Hands
3. Collaborative
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How to Manage Consultant
Progress Reports
• Outline Methodology
• Findings
• Preliminary reports
• Final repot
• Evaluation
Be Prepared
• For changes in process
• Discuss unclear results
• Negotiate/resolve problems
• Pay consultant on time
•Input
•Process
•Output
•Outcomes
•Debrief
Evaluate
Regular Communica
tion
• Timetable
• Confirm responsibilities
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Evaluation
Regularly during
3 & 6 month follow ups
Agree before on what is success