What Do I Ask Before Hiring a Small Business Computer Consultant?

While many small business owners and managers know exactly what to ask when it comes to hiring a salesperson or bookkeeper, hiring a tech person can be more difficult -- especially when that tech person is an independent contractor, or works for a systems or network integrator.

So on top of dealing with the myriad of legal issues surrounding how you retain the services of contractors, as a opposed to hiring employees on your payroll, you'll need to know how to ask the "right" questions. Don't make the common mistake of focusing on the wrong things. Use this issue's "How To" Tips as a checklist for doing your homework before you sign on the dotted line.

1. Part-time or Full-time Services for Hire -- Do you have a "day job"? Are you moonlighting?
   

2. Solo Practitioner or True Consulting Firm -- What do you mean by the "we"? Are there any other people who work at your company? Are they employees or contractors? What are their names, specialties, and backgrounds? How long have they been with the company? Will they be involved with this account?
   

3. Small Business or Large Company Experience-- What "size" is your typical client, in terms of number of PCs, employees, and annual revenue?
   

4. Generalist or Specialist -- What industries have you worked with and in what particular aspects and software applications? What types of products and services does your company shy away from? Do you work with specialty vendors?
   

5. Reseller, True Consultant, or Hybrid -- Does your company resell products, such as hardware and software? Is this a "profit center" or do you mind if we shop for our products elsewhere? Are there any other vendors, such as ISPs or telephone companies that your firm acts as an agent for?
   

6. Costs and Billing Practices -- What are your payment terms, rates, and minimums? What type of work is billable vs. non-billable? How do you charge for travel time? Phone support? E-mail/online support? Remote support? Are there any rate premiums for after hours or emergency service?
   

7. Reference Accounts -- Can you tell me about one of your more long-term accounts? Can you tell me about one of your more recent accounts? Can you tell me about a client who didn't work out and why? Can you provide references?
   

8. R&D and Skills Development -- How do you keep up with new tech developments?
   

9. Training Approach and Philosophy -- How do you feel about handholding? What kind of user and technical training can you provide? Will you train our internal computer administrator to become more self-sufficient, even if it takes away from your "job security" and revenue opportunities?

Don't fall into the trap of hiring a computer consultant or consulting firm that isn't a good fit for your small business. Be sure to use some of these questions as the basis for making a more informed "hiring" decision.