The most important first steps are:
- Identify problem areas.
- Examine whether anyone on staff can help address them.
- Set an agenda for getting the job done
Several sources are available to help small businesses through every step of the process and many are just a click away on the Internet.
Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
Know what to ask
The world of consulting is a very large place. It can be hard to know where to start the process.I recommend: AllBusiness has articles and tips on what to look for in consultants and questions to ask when interviewing them.
Explore options in your area
Agood place to start when considering consultants is right in your own backyard.I recommend: Talk with owners of similar businesses to see if they have used consultants and how they performed on those jobs. Check whether there is a U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Small Business Development Center nearby. The centers provide a wide-range of assistance, including counseling in many areas.
Shop around
When it comes to finding the right consultant, the Web makes it possible to tap into a large database of experts.I recommend: To take your search further there are sites like eWorkMarkets, which matches companies with projects, and ExpertiseSearch, which lists consultants by their specialty.
Consider specialists
It may be that your issues are isolated to one area like human resources, information technology, accounting or marketing. If that's the case, it may be best to find a consultant who concentrates in that area.I recommend: Small Business Consultants, for example, focuses on providing technology solutions for small business, Microsoft's Small Business Center has a directory of consultants by location and HR-Guide, has a vast directory of listings for consultants specializing in human resources.
Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide
- Probably the most difficult aspect of looking for consultants using the Internet is the large number of candidates out there. Try to limit the search by being specific about the issues you want the consultant to address. Talk with other business owners who have used them and, where possible, check with the local Better Business Bureau for complaints.
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