Information technology consultant projects begin with an initial contact with the client.  A client’s first impression of the information technology consultant will determine if a contract will be signed.  Therefore, the first few steps in beginning a job are vital for the information technology consultant. 

Early Beginnings 

The beginning of a project starts before a contract is ever signed.  Obviously, without a contract there is not project.  Therefore, every information technology consultant should be prepared for these early steps.  Determining your goals during initial contact is imperative.  After the initial contact, preparing for the first meeting with a client should be well planned – enabling a decision to be made.

Initial Contact

A client will make first contact with an information technology consultant via phone, e-mail, or some other method.  This is the client’s first impression and should be taken very seriously.  If there is no connection, there will not be a first meeting. 

The information technology consultant should be screening the customer during this first contact.  If he is unable to meet the client’s needs, there is no need to pursue the project any further.  If the project is within reach, the consultant should obtain necessary information to prepare for the first meeting.  The information technology consultant needs to know the problem and the reason the client has approached him for help, allowing the consultant to prepare a brief plan of action.

The First Meeting

Building a relationship is the goal of this first meeting between the client and an information technology consultant.  There should be open communication and dialogue.  This is not a presentation!  It would be impossible for an information technology consultant to have a complete plan drawn up without knowing all of the details of the project.  Explain this to any client who is under a different impression. 

The presence of all decision makers at this meeting is very beneficial.  Realistically, this is not always possible.  Encourage these individuals to be present for subsequent meetings, allowing the process to flow more smoothly.

The ultimate objective of this first meeting is to secure a decision on the future of the project.  The client may decide not to use the information technology consultant at this time.  He may want to move forward.  Or, the client might want to meet again with other decision makers to discuss it further.  Leave the meeting with a firm commitment and a scheduled second meeting if so desired.

The Bottom Line about the Information Technology Consultant

By preparing for the early stages of a project, an information technology consultant will be able to move forward or focus on other projects.  He should remember the importance of relationship building and open communication.  The ideal situation is for a client and consultant to feel there is a match.

In this article, you’ve been introduced to the information technology consultant. To learn more about the information technology consultant, click here now to get access to a free one-hour audio training program on 5 Easy Ways to Grow Your Computer Consulting Business.