Starting an Online Business All-in-One For Dummies®, 3rd Edition

Choosing the Right Consultant

After you decide that you need help, you have to choose a specific consultant who best suits you and the needs of your site. Finding the right consultant is tricky because in most cases, you're forming a long-term, intimate relationship with the person.

You're putting your trust in this person to help guide the future of your business, and that process gets personal. At times, you might feel uncomfortable because the consultant questions your management style, the direction of your online business, and even your routine daily tasks. The person's honesty and your willingness to listen are critical, however, to turning your site around. Trust and experience are not only important but also crucial to finding a good match between your consultant's style and personality and your style and personality.

To ultimately achieve a good relationship, carefully consider these issues when you're hiring an outside consultant:

• Expertise: Knowing that you have to match a consultant's area of expertise to your problem is a no-brainer. Regardless of whether you need someone who specializes in search engine optimization, Internet security, or long-range business planning, however, verify that the person has the educational and professional credentials to back it up. That evidence can include formal education, on-the-job training, professional certifications from accredited ...