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Don Hofstrand

Don Hofstrand. Agricultural Economist Co-director Agricultural Marketing Resource Center Iowa State University Extension. Selecting a Consultant. Why do I Need a Consultant. Selecting a Consultant. Why do I Need a Consultant What is the Role of the Consultant.

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Don Hofstrand

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  1. Don Hofstrand Agricultural Economist Co-director Agricultural Marketing Resource Center Iowa State University Extension

  2. Selecting a Consultant • Why do I Need a Consultant

  3. Selecting a Consultant • Why do I Need a Consultant • What is the Role of the Consultant

  4. What is the Role of the Consultant “Consult -- to seek the opinion or advise of another person for making a decision.” “The consultant said it would work, so it must be a good idea.”

  5. Selecting a Consultant • Why do I Need a Consultant • What is the Role of the Consultant • What is the Consultants Expertise

  6. Expertise • What is the Consultant’s Special Area of Expertise? • What is the Consultant’s Knowledge of the Industry? • Will the Consultant Provide an Independent Perspective? • What are the Research Capabilities of the Consultant?

  7. Selecting a Consultant • Why do I Need a Consultant • What is the Role of the Consultant • What is the Consultants Expertise • Interviewing Consultants

  8. Interview • Personally Interview the Consultant • Pick a Consultant with whom you feel Comfortable • Choose a Consultant with whom you can Communicate

  9. Selecting a Consultant • Why do I Need a Consultant • What is the Role of the Consultant • What is the Consultants Expertise • Interviewing Consultants • Consultant References

  10. References • Ask for References • Ask the Reference if They Were Satisfied With the Consultant’s Work • Ask the Reference In-Depth Questions About the Consultant’s Work • Check More Than One or Two References • What is the Consultant’s “Track Record”?

  11. Selecting a Consultant • Why do I Need a Consultant • What is the Role of the Consultant • What is the Consultants Expertise • Interviewing Consultants • Consultant References • The Contract

  12. The Contract • Ask Specifically for Everything You Want From the Consultant • Ask for Transparency • Develop a Specific Action Plan and Timeline

  13. Selecting a Consultant • Why do I Need a Consultant • What is the Role of the Consultant • What is the Consultants Expertise • Interviewing Consultants • Consultant References • The Contract • Cost

  14. Cost • Negotiate Price • Consider the Consultant’s Value to You • Initial Deposit

  15. Selecting a Consultant • Why do I Need a Consultant • What is the Role of the Consultant • What is the Consultants Expertise • Interviewing Consultants • Consultant References • The Contract • Cost • Request for Proposals

  16. Issue a Request for Proposals (RFP) • Request a Proposal From at Least Three Consultants. • Be Specific About What You Want the Consultant to Do. • Establish Criteria of How You Will Select the Consultant. • Provide a Timeline. • Request a Specific Price

  17. Selecting a Consultant • Why do I Need a Consultant • What is the Role of the Consultant • What is the Consultants Expertise • Interviewing Consultants • Consultant References • The Contract • Cost • Request for Proposals • Other Considerations

  18. Other Considerations • How Can You Develop a Long-Term Relationship with Your Consultant? • Does the Consultant Understand Farmer-owned Projects? • Will the Consultant Work Closely with the Group? • Be Careful of Side-Referrals. • Watch for Conflict of Interest

  19. Thank You Questions??? Don Hofstrand dhof@iastate.edu

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