Computer Consulting

Being a good computer consultant and finding a good computer consultant are two sides of the same coin. If you’re a consultant, use the tips below to improve the quality and effectiveness of your work. If you’re the one looking for a consultant, use this list to help you select someone who really understands how to help clients meet their goals.

Find out about your client’s business. This means being more than just good in a technical sense. Understand the business issues your client deals with and the way your services help him or her gain real business advantages.
Speak your client’s language. Don’t hide behind technical talk. Instead, speak knowledgeably about business challenges and opportunities.
Solve the right problem. Most often, it’s not a software or hardware solution your clients are after. What is the business process trying to accomplish? That’s where your focus should be.
Practice and improve your questioning and listening skills. You are demonstrating the thought and expertise you contribute to get results for your clients. Also, you are positioning yourself as someone who can add value to their business. Computer consultants for notorious for “driving to solution” and appearing to not really listen. This could cost you clients and referral opportunities.
Develop good relationships. For example, let your client know what you are up against without involving them in the technicalities of what you need to do to solve the problem.
Keep in touch with your clients. They are much more likely to think of you when they have more work or to recommend you to others they know who have problems you can solve if they hear from your periodically — no less than once every three months.