Lots of organizations use consultants for a variety of work including strategic planning and feasibility studies. Here are some tips when using consultants to help ensure that you have a good experience.
- Make sure you understand what you want from the consultant – what are the outcomes?
- Interview more than one consultant – and talk to referees.
- Try and talk to the folks who are doing the work – not just to the person who is trying to get the contract.
- Have a written agreement covering fees, timeline, and deliverables.
Watch the 2 minute Arts Manager to find out more about Hiring Consultants in the Arts:
About Ken:
Ken Neufeld is a visionary not for profit executive with senior leadership experience at major arts and cultural organizations in both Canada and the United States.Most recently, Mr. Neufeld was president and CEO at Victoria Theatre Association – a 5 theatre performing arts center attracting over 500,000 patrons annually in Dayton, Ohio. While in Dayton, he conceived and raised the funds for the new PNC Arts Annex, raised $15 million allocated to current use projects and the organization’s endowment, and realized an operational surplus on an over $16 million budget in 8 out of 9 seasons.
Also by Ken Neufeld:
What do Arts Board Members Want?