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Choosing the Right Consultant

"Our success multiplies each time we lead someone else to success."
Susan Collins

Consultants can provide valuable service and offer an objective perspective to assist organizations and team members in a variety of areas. Woodland Strategies, a business consulting firm in Minneapolis, MN, offers an assortment of consultancy services including Strategic Planning, Marketing Strategy, Development and Fundraising Strategy, and also Leadership Coaching.

We work with both for profits and nonprofits, as well as start-up companies.

What is the best way to select the right professional for your project?

Boardsource (2022) and Mittenthal (2024) suggest these steps to choose your next professional consultant for optimal outcomes:

  • Identify the project.
  • Confirm if you really need to hire an external consultant.
  • Assemble your team to oversee the project.
  • Outline your goals for clarity to be sure that your expectations are met.
  • Prepare a written description of the scope of the project and your timeline.
  • Conduct a search for potential candidates. Start with referrals. You can also research professional organizations and current professional memberships
  • Request initial meetings and/or proposals with selected firms and qualified individuals.
  • Evaluate the proposals and check references from previous clients.
    • Are they skilled at working with teams?
  • Are they are involved with their respective professional associations? Have they published their own company values, mission and vision statements? Do they have a framework to maintain ethical standards?
  • Choose your consultant.
  • Make sure all of your questions are answered before you enter into a written contract. This is to provide you with clear communication regarding all expectations for both parties. You shouldn’t feel rushed or awkward for asking questions to seek ongoing clarity.

There are no guarantees with any kind of organizational planning. Remember, markets and circumstances vary. However, you can be informed and prepared to uncover strengths and weaknesses and assess future opportunities and challenges. Always be sure that your Board of Directors is ready to work together for the best possible outcomes. If you do decide to hire a consultant, be sure that it’s the correct fit for your internal group. Engaging the right consultant for your planning purposes can be an invaluable tool to refine your organization, build your internal team, and grow for your future success.

Woodland Strategies is celebrating eleven years this year! We have a variety of experience with both for profit businesses and nonprofit organizations. Our team of consultants shares expertise in marketing, strategic planning, nonprofit operations, risk assessment and management, leadership coaching and more! Contact us today for your next consulting project!

Boardsource. Choosing a Consultant https://boardsource.org/ July 2022 Mittenthal, R. A. Ten Keys to Successful Strategic Planning for Nonprofit and Foundation Leaders. TCC Group. 2004.

This article or any other promotional material(s) from Woodland Strategies, Inc. is in no way intended to be a comprehensive plan.

Please note all markets, circumstances, and results vary. Any strategic plan or marketing initiatives must follow all State and Federal laws and regulations, accordingly.

Please contact us directly for a complete assessment and plan for your individual organizational needs.

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