8 Tips to Help Select the Best Vendor/Consultant

By Nancy Crego, CEO/Owner of AdWest Consulting, Inc. and CWCC Member

Outsourcing portions of a project or using a consultant has worked successfully for many companies Over the 25 years we have been in business, I have worked with dozens of professionals to accomplish our goals to provide the best creative, quality and service for our extensive list of clients. We are a community branding, niche publication and video production firm with talent needs that change regularly. Here are a few of my top tips on successfully hiring vendors and consultants:

1.            Understand what portion of the project needs outsourcing and why.  Only you, the project manager, can determine the outcome and know what’s best now.

2.            Know the talent available for this project and the expected cost to you. Check references thoroughly if this is a new arrangement. Always hire the best you can afford.

3.            Know the skills, professional ethics and integrity of this person and how well they match with your vision.  Leadership styles can match.

4.            Put in writing your requirements, delivery date, and pay plan.

5.            Build trust by tracking your projects and meet face to face besides using email and phone.

6.            Get feedback from the client and vendor/consultant by managing your account.

7.            Provide an open line of communication and always do your due diligence.

8.            You are responsible for the outcome and protecting your client’s projects.

What I like the best about working with vendors and consultants is I get to purchase top of the line services. I can change my vendors if the project does not fit them or me.  I have used five different consulting firms to help coach me over the years and each one had a different approach and offered different experiences and advice.

Staying in business for 25 years has given me the experience to understand what I need to be successful and fulfilled in my work along with recognizing the firm is always changing to fit the needs of my client base and trends in the marketplace.

It is an exciting time to be in business in Colorado.  We have a wealth of talent to select from to work with and new business developing at anytime.

AdWest is locally owned and has built its foundation from living and working in Jefferson County and serving regional and national accounts. Although different from an ad agency and public relations firm, AdWest established in 1986 specializes in niche publishing and video/Web work through a series of strategies that maximize the most positive aspects of your company.”We have a vision to help companies develop new business and grow existing accounts. What is important about our vision is that everyone that works on our team is concerned about our client’s needs now and tomorrow.  Check out www.adwestinc.com

AdWest is locally owned and has built its foundation from living and working in Jefferson County and serving regional and national accounts. Although different from an ad agency and public relations firm, AdWest established in 1986 specializes in niche publishing and video/Web work through a series of strategies that maximize the most positive aspects of your company.”We have a vision to help companies develop new business and grow existing accounts. What is important about our vision is that everyone that works on our team is concerned about our client’s needs now and tomorrow. We all work towards what is best for our clients, our community and our planet,” states Nancy Crego, founder and CEO of AdWest. Crego’s projects include re-launching Coloradobiz Magazine and creating a magazine for General Growth Properties/Southwest Plaza. She also created and developed the award winning Wellness Living Magazine and re-launched the Best of Business Directory/Magazine for the West Chamber.  Check out www.adwestinc.com