Guidelines for Choosing the Right Consultant
Consider What You Want:
Key Competencies
For what tasks will the consultant be responsible?
What skills are required of the consultant?
What experience with these tasks does the consultant have?
Is the consultant's experience of sufficient quality and quantity to ensure successful completion of the task(s)?
How well does the consultant listen?
Project Management
What authority will the consultant be given?
To whom, how, and how often will the consultant report?
Does the consultant have the appropriate resources to complete the project(s) successfully and on time?
Experience
What specialized training does the consultant have in the field?
What previous experience does the consultant have with nonprofit organizations?
Fit
Does the consultant's image and style fit the norms of the organization?
How does the consultant get along with those in the organization with whom she or he will have to interact?
Does the consultant respect the skills, experience and history of your organization and the people in it?
How flexible is the consultant?
Does the consultant have the time and interest to devote to your project(s)?
Expertise in the Field
Does the consultant contribute to the field by writing or presenting papers on new trends, issues or approaches related to the task at hand?
Does the consultant keep up with changes in the field through membership in professional associations?
What kind of reputation does the consultant have?
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