September 2003

Newsletter Feature Article
Saving a Drowning Project — Bringing a Consultant on Mid-Stream
By Lee Caraher, President, Double Forte

Lee Caraher offers an easy, panic-proof plan to successfully bring on a consultant in the middle of a quickly sinking project.

You had the best intentions. The 4-month schedule looked good when you got it approved. Now you're two months away from the deadline and three-and-a-half months away from completion. And you have to meet that deadline.

Now that you've gnawed the end of your pencil off, you realize that the answer to your problems is bringing on a consultant to get the job done.

Not so fast...
While the panic of being behind schedule may make you frantic to bring someone on now, think it through first. Truly, by taking even 24 hours to think it all through, you will save yourself further delay, disappointing results, and a bad experience that leaves everyone involved frustrated.

In that 24 hours, sketch out answers to the following questions. These will help you plan for a successful rescue.

Why are you behind? Be honest. Was the schedule too aggressive, did your team get pulled in too many directions, was the direction not clear enough?

What exactly will get you back on schedule? More hands on deck? Less input from above changing the project? Completing a critical project component that has become the lynchpin to the whole project?

What exactly do you need to solve the problem? If you truly need more hands — what kind of credentials do they need to have? Skills? Experience level? Industry knowledge?

Who can you bring on and what can they do? Do you require having worked with that person before or will a highly qualified, well-referred stranger do? What exactly do you want them to do?

How long should their contribution take? Now double that time. Don't hamper your solution by ignoring the inevitability of slippage.

Who will be offended because you're bringing in hired guns? How can you get them on board to help with your solution fast, so as not to delay the project even further.

How much can you spend? How much should you spend?

Plan of Action: Find. Choose. Hire.
Now that you've taken the time to determine the scope and implications of bringing on a consultant, it's time to find the right person for the job. And just because you know "Sally" doesn't mean she's "it."

First, list all the potential people you and your team know are candidates for the job. Evaluate — does each of those people meet your criteria? Make sure you say an emphatic "YES!" before you contact them. It is better to find the right person than to fill a slot with someone you know who is half as qualified for the job. Bringing on the wrong consultant will just add complication and resentment to the already-tense situation as well as waste your highly regarded budget. If you don't know someone immediately, or if who you know is not available, ask for referrals by being specific with your criteria. Write out your project specs and talent requirements.

The market is full of consultants today — people who have chosen this career path and others who have been forced to begin freelancing due to a job loss and the current economy. Remember, although it is a buyer's market, you get what you pay for. If you don't know the person, check references and check again — this person is the key to you finishing your project on time and you really can't afford a careless choice.

Bringing extra hands on mid-stream is something most of us have done (or we've been the person brought in) and most of these types of engagements are tough all around. By taking just 24 hours to scope the project and identify what you need to be successful, you will be able to find the right consultant for the job.

So go search the no-fee based Women in Consulting database of seasoned professionals today and you'll be one step ahead in finding the right consultant when that next deadline arises.

Lee Caraher is President of Double Forte, a marketing and communications firm specializing in building customer loyalty, brand value and marketshare for its clients. Services include marketing strategy & implementation, public relations strategy & implementation and marketing coaching.