When hiring a telecommunications consultant, consider the following types of consultants:
1. Strategic planning telecommunications consultants.
2. Telecommunications infrastructure consultants.
3. Call center telecommunications consultants.
Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
Hiring a telecommunications consultant for strategic planning
Telecommunications goes beyond networks and phone systems to the very core of your business plan. Telecom issues must not only align with and support your company's business plan, but--to be competitive--they should emerge as a primary business driver. A good corporate telecommunications consultant can help you address strategic issues at the highest level.I recommend: The Society for Telecommunications Consultants has a Find an STC Consultant page, which allows you to fill out a request form or search its members by state. Annotated business descriptions help you find a strategically oriented telecommunications specialist. eWork Markets is a service that matches up clients with telecommunications specialists in a wide range of industries.
Hiring a telecommunications infrastructure consultant
Whether your business is under one roof, distributed between several locations or completely virtual, your telecommunications network is its lifeblood. A corporate telecommunications consultant can help you design your systems from the ground up, analyzing your needs and installing hardware and software systems.I recommend: Fortune Consulting offers tactical and strategic plans for infrastructure development and growth. Try the Wireless Telecommunications Infrastructure Service Provider directory on Business.com for links to telecommunications consultants providing hardware, software and systems for developing a wireless infrastructure.
Hiring a telecommunications consultant for call center optimization
Today's call centers are far more than a communication touch point with customers. A state-of-the-art call center is technologically and strategically linked with all other businesses processes, both front and back office. A telecommunications consultant can help you optimize your call center operations.I recommend: Teleplaza has a service that connects clients with both domestic and international call center consultants. Check the member list at the Society for Telecommunications Consultants for consultants who specialize in call centers. Business.com's Call Center Consultants page has links to telecommunications specialists that can help you optimize your call center's technology and processes, whether the call center is on-site or outsourced.
Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide
- Look for a corporate telecommunications consultant who views telecommunications as a business strategy, rather than simply a technology.
- Find a telecommunications consultant who is familiar with a variety of solutions, not just those of a particular company.
- Chose a corporate telecommunications consultant who has experience in your industry.
- Have your telecommunications consultant include ROI in a proposal.
- Make sure your telecommunications consultant offers scalable solutions that allows for your company's future growth.
the Telecommunications Consultants page at Business.com
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