Independent vs Firm (Company) Consultants
One of the subjects of debate that comes up often when resourcing a project is whether to get consultants from major consulting firms, or to contract independent consultants.
Consulting Companies Stronghold
There are some advantages to going the company route. If you find a reputable firm, they should have policies and procedures in place to replace a consultant should something happen to the person you engaged (eg illness, winning the lottery, etc). Additionally, if you require multiple consultants or developers, the fact that they have previous working experience in the same team, is an advantage.
However when it comes to functional consultants or web consultants, there are major disadvantages to the company approach. Any consultant who has a team or history with a team, will most likely propose solutions and/or design specifications around the knowledge and skill set of the team. His/her prime responsibility is to employ his team. The client's specific needs are only the second priority.
Consultants from large firms are also generally very expensive as the partners of the firm need to have their pockets lined well.
Independent Tenacity
When it comes to independent consultants, their recommendations and designs are not influenced by their own team's skillset. They truly can act in the client's best interests.
Independents are usually less expensive than large firm employees, but more importantly, they are often way more tenacious. Employees in large firms get the large firm mentality and, being part of a large wheel, move more slowly and more rigidly.
Independents are often more knowledgeable, and due to having to find their own engagements and contracts, are often much more tenacious and flexible to changing environments.
Don't forget that many independent consultants became independent for a reason - usually because they used to work in a large firm and saw opportunity to do things better.
Bottom Line
Whether you engage a large firm or independent consultants (or a mixture of both) is a decision only you can make. However, know that there are many advantages to hiring independents.
-Andreas
Posted: 2009-05-29 14:42:51
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