All of us, at certain moments of our lives, need to take advice and to receive help from other people. —Alexis Carrel, Nobel Prize winner
How are your current IT projects progressing? Are they humming along like well-oiled machines or frequently bogged down by delays? Every project will experience some challenges, but if you find that your tech projects are moving at a snail’s pace, it may be time to consider bringing in a consultant to help boost your team’s success. In contrast to the advisors frequently pilloried by Scott Adams’ Dilbert, a consultant actually offers a number of advantages to help support your team, speed up projects, and boost your bottom line—all without the additional headaches caused by hiring a new employee.
The Right Stuff, Right Now
It’s getting the right person that’s the challenge. —Bob Schieffer, Journalist
The breakneck speed at which technology changes frequently means that companies are behind in at least some area of IT or development. Consultants can help bridge the gap between what your team currently knows and what it needs to know. Consultants are experts who bring the exact skills you need, when you need them.
Experience Matters
Is there anyone so wise as to learn by the experience of others?— Voltaire, Philosopher
Let’s face it: consultants get around. They are exposed to an incredibly diverse array of business models, corporate cultures, technologies, and trends. Consultants use their experience to vault their projects upward to greater success because they have already had the opportunity to see how various approaches to solutions play out. Their range of contacts in the industry also ensures that they are able to stay on top of important changes in technology.
Can’t See the Forest for all the Trees?
We all need people who will give us feedback. That’s how we improve. —Bill Gates, founder of Microsoft
Real progress and change only happen when we correctly understand challenges and follow a clear path towards a solution. However, it is possible for everyone on the team to be too close to an issue to be able to effectively manage it. This is one particular area where consultants shine. As an outside expert, they bring a fresh, objective perspective to your project.
Mentoring
I tell the kids, somebody’s gotta win, somebody’s gotta lose. Just don’t fight about it. Just try to get better. —Yogi Berra, Hall of Famer
Consultants can act as mentors as your team gets ramped up on a new technology. This can assist in smoothing the transition, ensuring that employees understand the fundamentals while offering advice for more advanced learning. By being able to highlight potential obstacles, consultants can also help project managers avoid costly mistakes. Employees will also appreciate the opportunity to get real-time assistance and targeted feedback about the new technology.
An experienced consultant brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to your team, exactly when you need it. Since these professionals have extensive experience in their chosen fields, they can help you pinpoint issues and overcome challenges more quickly and efficiently than if you needed to solve these challenges all in-house. If you have some questions about hiring a consultant to help with your current needs, or have a need for some immediate technology expertise, please feel free to contact us today.