I often hear horror stories from business people in all
types and sizes of organizations about I.T. consultants.
It's not necessary to dwell on the bad experiences, but
there's no doubt that the I.T. consulting field has more
than its share of incompetent or just downright shady
characters. In this article, I'm going to share the three
magic questions you can use to ensure you don't hire the
wrong I.T. consultant. Here they are:
Number one: Are you certified (not to be confused with
"certifiable")?
Insist on certification: Microsoft offers several levels of
certification including the new Microsoft Certified
Technology Specialist (MCTS) and Microsoft Certified IT
Professional (MCITP) credentials, the former MCSE
(Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer), and the Microsoft
Small Business Specialist. The MCSE was Microsoft's
premiere certification requiring a very broad base of
knowledge on systems and networks. The MCSE required the
candidate to pass as many as seven tests. The newer
credentials are even more rigorous and they allow an
individual greater ability to specialize. The Small
Business Specialist is a narrower certification focusing in
a specific area. The Small Business Specialist
certification requires the candidate to pass two tests. All
certifications require extensive training. A Microsoft
Small Business Specialist will be more attuned to the needs
of small businesses (obviously), but may not have the
breadth and depth of training of an MSTS, and MCITP, or an
MCSE. When you ask about certification, make certain that
the individual holds current certifications (such as
Windows Server 2003). You should ask for a copy of their
transcript. Also request certificates of completion of
formal training. The people who don't have certifications
do have lots of reasons why it's not necessary. There are
other certifications in addition to Microsoft such as those
from Cisco or CompTIA (Computer Technology Industry
Association) that can help you determine an individual's
level of competence. There are also, in fact, competent
individuals who do not carry professional certifications,
but as a business professional you don't have the time or
resources to sort them out. Insist on current
certifications.
Number two: What is your experience?
Insist on experience: We've all heard the stories about the
genius computer kids. While the stories may be true, your
business requires someone who is not just a smart computer
person, but someone who also understands your business and
who has extensive "real-world" experience. Insist on
someone who is a legitimate business (ask to see their
business license) with several years of experience (I'd say
a minimum of five years.)
Number three: May I call your references?
Insist on references: Get at least three references. Your
computer network is your business's digital nervous system.
Talk to at least three companies or sole proprietor's who
have had successful experiences with the prospective
company or individual.
Be prepared to budget enough to get and keep quality
consultants. Remember, you'll pay for good consultants
whether you hire them initially or not.
----------------------------------------------------
President and chief technologist at Seattle,
Washington-based IT training firm soundtraining.net, Don is
a writer, speaker, trainer, and veteran IT guy with over 35
years experience in technology for the workplace. Today,
he delivers keynote speeches, workshops, and seminars to
business people on how to go digital without going postal.
Reach him at 206.988.5858 or don@doncrawley.com. He's
online at http://www.doncrawley.com .
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