• Get at least two client referrals.
  • Ask specifically about business results.
    • For web sites, not just traffic, but sales, sales leads, etc. ... whatever is important that you expect your customers and prospects to do.
    • For software or web applications, get meaningful feedback on how easily and efficiently users could work with the delivered technology.
  • Ask how close the project was to the budget and the schedule.
  • Ask what surprises came up.
    • Did working with the consulting company meet expectations?
• If the consulting company says, "We have the technical expertise. We don't bother with screen design preferences. You just tell us exactly what you want it to look like!"
  • RUN AWAY!
• Also remember that depth of experience in graphics and print media does not necessarily translate to successful web sites.
• Depth of experience and business sense does matter, especially for the proposed project leader.
  • Find out who that would be and meet him or her.

Remember - Technology is a Tool

• Don’t let the tail wag the dog!
• People and results are the goals.
• Make sure you and the technologists are clear about the following:
  • Why you want the technology.
  • Who you want to use the technology.
  • What results you want the users to have: sales, leads, faster communications, etc.
    • How you will measure those results.
  • What results you don't want: support calls, complaints, etc.
  • What kind of budget, schedule, and resources you have.

Make Demands of the Technologists

• Demand ease of use.
  • Of course, usability work is recommended.
  • At least get some kind of objective feedback from someone similiar to your users.
    • Not you!
  • Get someone else to use the technology design as soon as possible.
• When "technical" issues come up, demand clear explanations of their impact on your business need.
  • Do not feel you must speak the technologists' language.
  • Keep your focus on business, people, and results.

Make Demands of Yourself

• Keep goals simple and straightforward.
• Be consistent on your priorities and expectations.
• The KISS principle!
  • Many technology projects can and do fail.
  • A simple project is far more likely to get done and be successful than a complicated project.
  • Go for the clear and obtainable 'wins.'
• Late and major changes can hurt quality. Avoid them unless they are definitely worth making.

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Grant Consulting, Inc. located in metro St. Louis, MO, USA	1013 Bradington Court Columbia, IL 62236	info@grantconsulting.com (314) 581-0384

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