As your small business grows, you may encounter a project with demands that are outside of your capabilities. Consultants may help solve your problem. Programming and implementing a new database may surpass the capabilities of your staff, but hiring a consultant makes the project possible. And hiring a consultant to assess a project can give you fresh perspective, new ideas, and objective solutions you hadn't thought of. How do you find and hire a consultant that's right for your business? Read on.

1. Outline

To make your search precise, map out your needs on paper before beginning. Outline the project at hand, being as specific as possible. Make a list of demands to fulfill and priorities you have. A list of what you need done and what your priorities are will also provide you with material for interview questions to assure that you and the consultant are on the same page.

2. Search

Here are some of the more popular ways you can find a consultant that will fit your needs:

• Word of mouth. Referrals from colleagues and friends are perhaps the most effective search method. Ask people who have completed projects like yours to recommend a consultant.
  
• The Internet. Resources, listings, referrals, and search engines abound online. These services narrow your search time by allowing you to create extremely specialized searches.
  
• Certifying authorities. While certification doesn't necessarily guarantee quality work, seeking out certified consultants can be a good place to start your search. Many of the larger hardware and software manufacturers train and certify their own experts to provide specific expertise on their product or brand.
  
• Trade associations. If your line of work has a trade association, contact them for recommended consultants in your field.

3. Interview

The next step is probably the most crucial in your quest for a qualified consultant: the interview. Detail your priorities and requirements, and ask candidates what solutions they might provide for the project. Find out if they have worked on similar jobs in the past.

A few topics you may want to include in the interview process:

• Pay. Don't be afraid to talk money during the interview. Ask what the consultant's fees are, and find out what's not included in their base fee. For example, if you think you might need follow-up work done, like training or software support, find out how much more that will cost. Does the consultant expect you to pay for travel costs and other expenses you may not have considered?
  
• Experience. While it's important to consider education and training when evaluating a potential consultant, consider real world experience as well. While a candidate may not hold a degree, they may have spent a great deal of time using the technology you require outside the classroom.
  
• References. Ask the candidate to provide references. When contacting the references, ask questions relevant to your list of project requirements. For example, if deadlines are your main priority, ask their previous employer if they were able to deliver on schedule.

4. Contract

You've finally found the consultant you want to have on board. It's time to negotiate the contract. Here are a few often-overlooked specifics you may find important:

• Confidentiality clause. If the consultant will be dealing with sensitive customer data or trade secrets, a confidentiality clause/nondisclosure statement is an essential part of the contract.
  
• Ownership clause. You want to make sure that a program, system, or source code that was designed by the consultant for your business belongs to you, and that you can alter them to suit your needs once the consultant has completed the job.
  
• Non-solicitation clause. Make sure your consultant doesn't appeal directly to your customers for work. A non-solicitation clause will ensure the consultant is not permitted to contact any of your customers.

Consultants can bolster your small business's capabilities by lending IT expertise, lightening the load for current employees, or providing a fresh perspective on a project. Follow these four easy steps to assess your needs and choose prospective consultants carefully.