tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6952758933593625914.post-58845999167447700592008-07-05T06:06:00.000-07:002008-07-05T06:06:00.148-07:00<strong>Here's what a few of our challenges can be with our clients:</strong><br /><ul><li>No point person or driver. </li><li>Timelines are set for the project(s) but the client is too busy in their day to day operations.</li><li>There are users excited about the project but the owner/management is disengaged- key decisions stall out and project could be in peril.</li><li>Hardware and software can be buggy. Some clients think it's just plug it, install it, use it.</li><li>To save money, some want us to "train the trainer"- the only problem is, no one has told the trainer that or the trainer is not really a trainer.</li><li>Too many people at an organization have the ability to order our services with no internal controls. 60 days later the CFO is opening up a can...</li></ul><p><strong>The flip side when dealing with a tech firm:</strong></p><ul><li>Appoint or create a project leader/team and give them your full support (leaders)</li><li>Clear hurdles where you can so they have the time necessary to properly implement </li><li>Stay engaged with your point person- hold them to their timeline internally</li><li>Hire a reputable firm and check references if you don't have tech's in house to be on team</li><li>Be committed to training. Don't accept getting 90% there but not be fully trained. Be upfront and talk about this with your consultant.</li><li>Create internal processes for approving consultant time. Don't allow people to grab the IT tech to unclog the printer. Have a specified hit list and stick to the critical items first.</li><li>Explore fixed bids with good, clear scopes of work. While the perception is that you may get a "padded" bid, the reality is many times a good firm is eating overages. It also gives you some opportunity to budget rather than deal with an open checkbook.</li><li>Ask for quotes prior to work being done.</li><li>On development projects, have a fixed monthly amount for regular progress to be made on your project/systems. Work from critical items then down the punch list.</li></ul><br /><p></p><br /><p></p>Mark Meyerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02055162505588352911noreply@blogger.com