FAQ Frequently Asked Questions
1. Consultants cost too much
- Rates may seem high on the surface, but think of reason you are hiring us, its to find solutions and help you increase profits.
- Buy in small chunks. They can provide high value and not break the bank.
- Consider a trial period, the trial period can be a one- to two-week pre-RFP engagement to develop and review the capture or proposal management plans, the management of a smaller proposal, or some of the small tasks agreed.
- You get to know each other to build trust and confidence.
2. How do I get the best out of consulting?
Establish your goals in advance. Make sure you and the consultant agree that the goals are measurable and achievable.
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3. Will I lose control?
No, we collaborate with you to solve problems and help to implement what is mutually agreed between us. We provide objective external support; this makes us an invaluable resource in moving forward.
4. Consultants might give away my trade secrets?
We do not discuss clients business with others, unless you give us permission in any research or marketing material. We minimise any risks by agreeing and signing a Non-Disclosure Agreement. A simple NDA is the standard best practice for documenting terms and conditions related to sharing confidential and proprietary information that is not in the public domain. -The NDA will be extremely specific about the types of information that are proprietary and the remedies for violation.
We have standard NDA agreements. But you can find numerous NDA templates on the Internet.
5. Do Sparta have experience and skills I need?
We have a wide range of experienced staff and can call up support from other professionals or experts should it be required from time to time, subject to your agreement. Rest assured that only the best are used.
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6. What happens if there scope creep
-Often the scope is too wide. What we do is create a detailed description of the scope of work, document the roles and responsibilities of the consultant and each proposed team member. We use a simple organization chart to depict direct and indirect reporting relationships. Amy scope creep is discussed and agreed if necessary.
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We document project and consultant success criteria and include an end-of-project evaluation to analyse planned versus actual results.
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7. How do you secure employee support?
Secure employee support by informing everyone who may come into contact with the consultant know why he/she is there. Introduce the consultant to all staff. A consultant’s success is dependent on the expectations of the whole team he or she works with and the management team that pays for the consulting services.
8. Overcoming fears of Change
“But that’s how we have always done it” is what’s holding back a lot of businesses from progressing. You may have realised that a consultant can guide you in the right direction. However, often, fear of change might stop you from actually implementing a consultant’s recommendations. We work closely with you and the staff to ensure we are all on the same page and understand why we are helping you change. via reports and working papers
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The report produced will contain a mixture of recommendations and evidence, which should generate discussion and analysis.
Our task is to reduce the fear of change and develop an open culture so course, there’s room for questions and healthy scepticism. It’s not that everything is set in stone from the get-go.
Before you employ us to help provide solutions for your business problems, you should let your team know why it is needed. It is essential that a consultant is treated as a member of the team and not a ‘temporary outsider’.-We ensure our recommendation are practical, actionable and agreed by all of the team for maximum by-in.
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9. Do you have experience?
You can check this out on the about us page.
10. Value of consultants?
Engagements with consultants can take your business to the next level. That’s why so many companies hire. But it’s necessary for you to be aware of their own role to make the consultant’s job as productive as possible, and they receive full support from the company, the chances of things going south are pretty slim.
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