I was once told that a consultant rarely does more than tell you what you already know. I have heard many ‘disparaging’ remarks about consultants over the years. If you’re considering a consultant you should ask yourself why.
If you have the expertise in-house, and you have the time, you probably don’t need a consultant. A consultant cannot do any more than advise you on what you have to do and how to proceed. The most frequent failure I find is where I advise a client and the client declines the advice. A good consultant can save you time and money. One can help you avoid the common pitfalls.
I do not for a minute believe that all reports of consultant incompetence are incorrect. There are many consultants out there that are a problem. Making matters worse in the field of ISO consulting is that in the last 6 years it seems ‘everyone’ has become an ISO consultant. In fact, companies such as Strider International sell courses on how to be an ISO consultant. Anyone can join the fray! I have two friends who went through the Strider program. One called it garbage and one will not comment on it but I know he has made no money from it.
Of course, I take the position that if you need a consultant you should contact me!
