What to Expect from your Consulting Experience
“You don’t need to run a large corporation to benefit from a consultant. While I may not have all the answers upfront, I know how to ask the right questions, uncover what matters most, and find the information and resources needed to develop practical solutions. Together, we’ll figure out what matters, establish a clear direction, and work toward getting the job done.” — Max
Whether you’re looking to solve a problem, explore an opportunity, or get a project moving, here’s what you can expect when we work together.
1. Getting Started
Every engagement begins with a conversation.
You don’t need a detailed plan or a perfectly defined problem. We’ll start by discussing your situation and determining whether I can help.
Our initial conversation will explore:
- What’s happening in your business.
- What you’ve already tried or considered.
- What you’d like to accomplish.
- Any important constraints, concerns, or deadlines.
- Whether we’re a good fit for one another.
Compatibility matters. My experience, approach, and availability need to align with your expectations. If I don’t believe I’m the right person for your situation, I’ll tell you and, whenever possible, suggest a more suitable direction.
Our initial conversation is without obligation. Any substantial research or investigation beyond that discussion would be part of a separately agreed paid engagement.
2. Understanding and Agreeing on the Work
Before getting started, we’ll establish a clear understanding of what needs to be done and how we’ll approach it.
This may involve additional questions, reviewing information, or examining existing processes. The objective is to separate what we know from what we suspect and what still needs to be verified.
Together, we’ll establish:
- The objectives and scope of the engagement.
- Expected deliverables and responsibilities.
- Timelines and important milestones.
- Fees, payment arrangements, and what’s included.
- How we’ll handle changes or additional work.
I believe professional consulting should be accessible and reasonably priced. Depending on the engagement, we may agree on a fixed project fee, hourly billing, or ongoing support.
You’ll understand the proposed costs before committing. If the scope changes, we’ll discuss any additional costs and agree on adjustments before proceeding.
3. What I’ll Need From You
The better I understand your business, the more effectively I can help.
That means asking questions, reviewing relevant information, and occasionally speaking with employees or other people familiar with your operations.
I’ll generally need:
- Access to relevant information and documents.
- Your willingness to discuss challenges openly.
- Participation in important decisions.
- Timely feedback when questions arise.
- Communication when priorities or circumstances change.
You don’t need to have all the answers. Finding them is part of the process.
You remain in control of your business and its decisions. My role is to provide independent perspective, practical recommendations, and assistance in carrying out the agreed work.
4. What You Can Expect From Me
When you engage Maximus., you’re working directly with me.
I take a personal, hands-on approach and aim to become a natural extension of your business, adapting to your circumstances rather than introducing unnecessary procedures.
You can expect:
- Direct communication: You’ll deal with me, not layers of intermediaries.
- Independent thinking: Honest assessments and recommendations based on the available evidence.
- Practical involvement: Assistance with research, planning, coordination, and implementation.
- Confidentiality: Careful and discreet handling of your business information.
- Accountability: Responsibility for the work I’ve agreed to perform.
- Specialized support when needed: Access to qualified independent professionals where additional expertise is required.
If I don’t know something, I’ll say so. If I see a problem, I’ll raise it. And if there’s a better way to approach something, we’ll discuss it.
5. Communication and Availability
Good communication helps keep projects moving and prevents unnecessary surprises.
At the beginning of our engagement, we’ll agree on how to stay in touch and what level of communication makes sense for the work involved.
We’ll establish:
- Preferred communication methods.
- Frequency of updates and progress reviews.
- Meeting arrangements, including remote or on-site.
- Reasonable response times.
- How urgent matters should be handled.
I may be managing several engagements at once, so immediate availability isn’t always possible. However, we’ll establish reasonable expectations from the outset.
My objective is to keep you informed without creating unnecessary meetings, reports, or administrative work.
6. Measuring Success
Every engagement should have a purpose, and we should understand what we’re trying to achieve.
Success may mean resolving an operational problem, completing a delayed project, evaluating an opportunity, improving a process, or gaining the information needed to make an important decision.
Depending on the engagement, we may evaluate:
- Completion of agreed deliverables.
- Progress against established objectives.
- Improvements in processes or operations.
- Time or resources saved.
- Greater clarity around decisions and opportunities.
Not every challenge has an immediate or predictable solution. I’ll be candid about what the evidence supports, what remains uncertain, and what options are available.
The objective is meaningful progress toward the outcomes we’ve agreed upon.
A Working Relationship Built on Trust
The most productive consulting relationships depend on mutual respect, open communication, and a willingness to work together.
I’ll bring my experience, independent perspective, and commitment to getting involved. In return, I ask for cooperation, candour, and participation in the decisions that affect our work.
Consulting doesn’t need to be complicated to be effective. My goal is to make the experience professional, accessible, and appropriate to your business.
Have a Business Challenge? Bring It to Me.
Max Maccari | Independent Consultant
Maximus.
maxmaccari.com
This guide provides general information about working with Maximus. It does not constitute a consulting agreement. The specific scope, responsibilities, fees, and terms of an engagement will be established separately.
Photo: Salim Benaadjou of Unsplash