[ASK AN EXPERT] When Should You Hire A Development Consultant?

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Our Ask An Expert series features real questions answered by Claire Axelrad, J.D., CFRE, our very own Fundraising Coach, also known as Charity Clairity. Today’s question comes from a nonprofit employee who wants advice on whether they should hire a development consultant:
Dear Charity Clairity,
I’m a one-person development shop, wondering if I should hire a consultant to help with some of the work that’s not getting done. I need to make the case for this to my boss. Can you help?
— Wearing Too Many Hats
Dear Wearing Too Many Hats,
To receive your money’s worth from a consultant, you need to know what success will really look like. Sometimes it makes sense; sometimes, you’d be better off with a different solution. In that event, you want to make the case to your boss for the best answer to your problem.
1. The problem to be addressed is highly technical. You can’t be an expert at everything. Especially if it involves legal, financial, or digital savvy. Here are some of the problems where it may make sense to hire someone who is expert at delivering both state-of-the-art and cost-effective solutions.
2. The problem is a one-time or infrequent one. This is related to the situation where you’ve got something highly technical to address, and it’s just not worth knowing how to solve this yourself.
3. To teach existing staff or board how to do something so they can carry on themselves. For example, you might hire a direct mail consultant to teach you all the things you must consider and the best ways to approach and implement them. Once you’ve learned the ropes, you can take this program in house.
4. You need an objective outsider. Even when you have some ideas of what might be best, if you’re really unsure you may benefit from someone with no vested interest in the outcome. This is particularly useful for retreat facilitation and department reorganization. It can also help you set priorities and develop realistic plans and timelines.
Sometimes the best reason to hire outside help is when you need limited-time, hired hands. But, this is no long-term solution. It’s much better to hire a teacher who can empower you and others to put your best feet forward – and feel confident moving forward on your own.
Hope this helps,
— Charity Clairity (Please use a pseudonym if you prefer to be anonymous when you submit your own question, like “Wearing Too Many Hats” did.)
Have you hired a development consultant? Please let us know in the comments below.
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