Consultant Selection Tips

Selecting a consultant to work with you on communication issues can be assisted by following a few basic tips.

Based on a quarter century's experience, these are the top five:

Expertise & Experience	While communication expertise and practical experience are paramount, familiarity with your particular area of operation may be useful if not vital.
Independence	Freedom from conflicts of consulting interest is especially important when the potential scope of assignment/s is difficult to determine at the outset.
Availability	Other commitments (including to your competitor/s) could conflict with your requirements, and there could be restrictions on start and end dates or total time availability.
Personality	Close and confidential working will require a comfortable fit, so it pays to ensure compatibility at the outset.
Price	Even when the requirement is urgent, it is advisable to have costs agreed in advance. Where applicable, expenses as well as an hourly base rate (and any cap on hours) should be predetermined.