Working with an IT Consulting Firm-Starting Strong

20130912-151537.jpgWhen starting a consulting engagement, clear expectations, lines of responsibility, and a transparent communication plan increase the odds of success.

The “blocking and tackling” questions for both sides include:

.

.

.

  • What are the business needs driving this project?
  • What’s the timeframe?
  • Who will help on the project on both sides of the project (i.e., skills and experience)?
  • What other solutions have worked or failed in the past?
  • If the project is in-flight, what’s the current status?

Beyond the above, a solid consulting firm delivers results which add up to more than the initial requests. Without being self-serving, I’ve noticed when we finish a project the client ends up with improved testing plans, a better approaches to Agile, or automated deployment and testing environments (none of which were in-scope at the start but the result of working with a seasoned consulting team).

standardDecember 15Tom SalonekIT