As your business grows, Information Technology (IT) is one of the first areas you would want to outsource to a consultant. You may need an IT consultant for something as simple as day to day administration of your network, or as complex as a multi-year software implementation and maintenance. If you already have an IT staff, you may still need to hire an IT consultant to take care of various IT needs, especially if your team does not possess the specialized skills needed to complete the project.

How do I find an IT consultant for my projects?

A fairly common reason to hire an IT consultant is for installing and customizing new software. Most software vendors have their own consulting staff for customization and troubleshooting but they are expensive. If you can’t afford them, ask for a cheaper recommendation. They usually have a relationship with an IT consulting firm and it is best to hire a consultant endorsed by the vendor.

If you have relationships with companies that use a lot of IT consultants, ask their head of IT for referrals.  Ask for names of specific individuals rather than the firms. It is usually the individual IT consultants that make projects successful and not the firms.

Once you have identified a few IT consulting companies, have a knowledgeable member of your IT team interview them. Test them for proficiency in the skills you need for the project. If a certification is necessary, ask IT Consultants to provide a proof.  Query them on their past work and projects. Provide the IT consulting services with as many details of the project as possible so that they too can make an informed decision. Like any other hiring decision, remember to check references.

How much should I pay an IT consultant?

IT Consultants bill by hour or a flat project fees. If you are uncomfortable with the hourly billing, ask for a flat project fees. Always compareprices from multiple IT Consulting companies before selecting the right vendor for your business needs. It is important to have the project goals and expectations detailed out in the scope document.  Once the IT consulting service provides a quote based on the scope and commences the project, any change in goals or scope will cost you extra. Ask the IT consultant for a guarantee and agree on a penalty if the IT consultant falls short of performance expectations.

If you are embarking on a major IT project, it is a good idea to have your attorney look over the contract before it is finalized. Any money spent on an attorney is worth it if he or she can protect your interests.