Our first priority is to develop a low-risk and affordable mutual understanding of the problems or issues to be addressed—before we pursue any solutions. Because each problem, and its surrounding circumstances are unique, we don't rely on 'formula solutions', but first listen before developing recommendations and action plans. Our methodology is designed to deliver clearly defined and useful results at a reasonable cost. And to always move your business forward.
1 Prepare a written, no-cost proposal.
Consulting engagements are prefaced by a thorough discussion with the Client, at no cost, to understand requirements, expectations and the desired deliverables. We restate our understanding of the same to the Client in a written proposal that includes a statement of work, list of deliverables, a timeline and costs.
2 Finalize a thorough understanding of the client's needs.
Frequently, additional preliminary investigation and analysis will be required to assess the client's stated needs and possibly refine them to articulate a clear mandate for the assignment that is actually required. We are often engaged in short, targeted assessment work to help the Client distill and then address the most pressing problems and issues. We commit experienced staff at competitive rates to this 'exploratory' work, without requiring any long-term commitment.
3 Proceed in phases with clear milestones & checkpoints.
We only proceed when there is agreement on the structure and governance of an assignment including the nature and frequency of both formal and informal reporting. This ensures full transparency and enables the Client to adjust assignment priorities as necessary to address changing business needs with the least amount of disruption and cost. This approach also makes it crystal clear when an engagement should be, and indeed, is complete.
4 Assign the right people and effect early skills transfer.
For each assignment we identify the person or people from our team who are best qualified by experience, personality and skills to tackle the assignment and deliver results. Our consultants are independently-employed professionals of sound, mature judgment with solid project and program management skills—all are proven implementers. And a key priority for our consultants is to transfer relevant skills to the client's staff at the earliest opportunity.
5 Focus on the assignment at hand.
Our goal is to complete the work we have been chartered to do by the client, and not to invent new work. Period. Your interests are our interests.
6 Provide a structured, no-strings-attached hand-off.
Our aim is to complete our assignments in a timely fashion at, or below, the budgeted cost. We insist on formal close-down and hand-off procedures to ensure that clients can continue to realize the results we've delivered, on their own.
7 Maintain an on-going 'partnership'.
We remain loyal and committed to our clients' success and seek to maintain a 'silent partner' relationship—always willing to provide opinions and discuss on-going business issues in confidence, even after assignments are concluded, without 'the meter running'.
