In Part 1 of this 4-part series on partnering with a technology consultancy, we discussed the signs that growing businesses can look for that indicate the right time to hire. In Part 2, we’ll guide you through evaluating if a consultancy is the right fit for your business.
Not too long ago, handing over a critical part of your business to an outside partner seemed risky. Today, it’s a common practice—especially when it comes to technology. In fact, the consulting industry is booming. A study from Grandview Research suggests that the U.S. business consulting market is on track to surpass $500 billion over the next decade.
Why? The rise of cloud technology and the globalization of business have created a demand for expert help that small and mid-sized businesses (SMBs) can’t always handle internally. Whether you’re looking to increase capacity, cut costs, or tap into specialized expertise, consultancies have become an essential resource for many growing companies.
But how do you figure out if a consultancy is the right fit for your business? The process starts by zooming in on key factors like their expertise, track record, pricing, and project management style. Then, zoom out to see if they genuinely understand your bigger picture and overall business goals.
These are some of the green flags you should look for:
When the time comes to sit down and evaluate a tech consulting partner, ask the following questions to make sure they are the right fit for your needs.
Will they provide you with a dedicated, embedded team and singular focus?
One of the biggest perks of working with a consultancy is that their attention is entirely on you. Unlike a company that splits resources across departments, consultancies dedicate themselves fully to your project. This focus leads to faster turnaround times, especially when you need to fill gaps in your team.
For example, suppose your DevOps person is stretched thin across two engineering teams. In that case, a consultancy can step in and handle the load, making sure your project gets the full attention it deserves.
To make sure this happens, pick a consultancy that has dedicated teams for each client and clear points of contact so that you feel entirely supported. You don’t want to work with a firm that treats its clients all the same, with interchangeable engineers and support systems divided across many projects so that you’re never talking to the same person.
Bottom line: The consulting partner should feel like an extension of your business that offers you strategic value and helps you work better.
Do they make your financial management easier?
If you’re a new or growing company, we don't need to tell you that times are tight! Of course, keeping your tech budget predictable and manageable is a top priority. So if your consultancy doesn’t make that easier, you should drop them—hard stop.
Cost savings are the easiest thing to look for– a huge reason to work with a consultancy is to save you from the long-term expenses of hiring full-time engineers. Here are a few other things you can look out for:
Do they offer an experienced outside perspective?
Sometimes, you need a fresh viewpoint to get a clearer picture. Internal politics, trouble hiring the right expertise, and company inertia can “fog up your glasses” and make objective decision-making and execution harder.
Your consultancy should provide unbiased, expert insights into your business challenges. They should bring specialized expertise you don’t have and can’t easily acquire. And you should gain not only engineers but top-of-their-field technology strategists with powerful insights and proven track records.
They should also be able to serve as a buffer to help problem-solving. For example, suppose your leadership team has different opinions on addressing an issue. In that case, a consultancy can conduct an independent audit and offer recommendations based on their experience with companies of all sizes. You don’t have to take every suggestion, but having that neutral voice can help you navigate tricky situations and make better decisions.
Can you trust and work with them in the long run?
You may think you know where your business is going, but you’re growing, and growth means change. Your needs and competitive priorities will change, too. That’s why having a reliable consulting partner by your side is a pro move and vital for long-term success.
Alignment is key. You want to ensure your partner is fully committed to your goals and ready to adapt as your business grows. Over time, your conversations with your consulting partner should feel the same as with any other dedicated internal team member. If you’re not on the same page, you might consider turning it.
Remember, consultancies don’t have to be forever, but a solid relationship can still benefit you down the road. They can help you hire a CTO when the time is right or step back in for special projects as your business keeps growing.
Do they understand and have a track record with startups?
Having a consulting partner can be a game changer for startups, especially those with non-technical founders. But it’s important to pick a consultancy that has actually worked with one!
A consultancy experienced with startups will speak your language. They’ll understand your challenges, help you make critical decisions early, reduce risks by keeping your engineering team focused, and select a scalable tech stack that fits your growth plan. They’ll also help with financial planning, hiring strategies, and building a roadmap for product development.
What to avoid? Sometimes, a huge consulting firm won’t provide the specialized and honed-in attention smaller businesses need. Don’t get drawn in by a prestigious name— and huge price point—when a smaller, more nimble consulting partner could be a much better fit.
By evaluating a consultancy using this list, you’ll be better equipped to find a partner that’s the right fit for your business. Stay tuned for Part 3 of this series, where we’ll dive into how to get the most out of your consulting project. Look out for the complete whitepaper we’re publishing later this month for a more detailed look.
Check out Part 3: Getting the Most Out of Your Project next, where we dive into key actions you can take to ensure your technology projects are well executed and drive the desired outcome.
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