If you are a business in today’s economy, chances are you will need to services of a good computer consulting firm.  But before you hire the first person you can find, there are some specific questions you can ask to get you the right results.

The process of hiring a computer consulting firm can be difficult if you are a small business owner, particularly when you are not completely savvy or used to analyzing this type of service.  To avoid potential problems, think about finding out the following information about a computer consulting company before you hire them.  The help of a good attorney will also help you navigate through the complicated waters.

Part-Time or Full-Time?

Find out if the computer consulting professional has a day job or if he/she is moonlighting as a consultant.

Solo or True Computer Consulting Business?

If the representative keeps referring to “we” you should find out the nature of the other employees of the computer consulting company.  Are they employees or contractors?  What are their names and backgrounds?  How long have they been with the company, and will they be involved in your account?  

Small Business or Large Company Computer Consulting Firm?

What is the size of the firm’s typical client:  number of PCs, employees and annual revenue?

Generalist or Specialist?

What industries has the computer consulting firm worked with, and in what software applications and vertical markets?  What kinds of products and services does the firm feel comfortable handling, and does the company work with certain hardware, software or service vendors?

These basic question categories will help you get through the first part of the interview process when looking for a computer consulting firm to fit your business.  

Added By:  Computer Consulting 101