I "met" Sandra Bekhor, President of Bekhor Management online (I didn't even realize that she was from Canada until this interview), I've done some virtual consulting myself (in the past, before the novel writing sucked away my time), so I asked Sandra whether distance makes a difference when deciding on a consultant.
"Thanks to the Internet and email the world has become a much smaller place.
Today, a consulting arrangement can operate ‘virtually’ on most marketing projects, business plans and on specific types of management tools or processes.
A strategic plan on the other hand is best developed through a series of face-to-face meetings. A business in a rural or suburban setting can, however, maximize efficiencies and limit travel requirement by scheduling its planning sessions as a one or two day event."
So what other factors should we consider?
"Choose someone who really listens.
The role of a consultant is to collaborate with you to implement your vision rather than the consultant’s own. Be wary of the consultant that enters your business with an agenda or pre-set “formula for success.”
The relationship between a business owner or manager and a consultant is by nature a very intimate and confidential one. Choose someone you feel at ease with, who has a track record, demonstrates competence and has specific knowledge of your industry or profession.
Often, when we meet clients for the first time, they don’t fully understand the service they are seeking. When you go to a dentist, you know you are going to get healthy teeth, but consulting is a very abstract concept. You will find it easiest to assess this important service if a consultant offers transparency, and takes the time to fully define process, scope, strategy and goals with you."
Yep, its all about trust. I always say that if you HAVE to get the consultant to sign a confidentiality agreement to feel comfortable (every consultant should sign one) then walk away.
I have to let Sandra get back to her clients but there are more great insights and articles on her company's website (http://www.bekhor.ca/).