Have you decided to talk with a consultant about a possible project for your Free or Charitable Clinic or Pharmacy? Just as with any professional you hire, it’s prudent to make sure that the firm of your choosing is a strong fit for your organization’s mission and current needs. Your collaboration with the consulting team will significantly impact the success and effectiveness of your project.
Here are four essential tips to guide your selection process.
Evaluate the Consultant’s Experience: Don’t just look at the number of years a consultant has been in the business. Dive deeper into their experience with organizations similar to yours. Consider questions like:
What types and sizes of organizations have they served?
Are they knowledgeable about the role your organization plays in the community?
How familiar are they with the populations your clinic or pharmacy serves?
What is their experience with organizations in the healthcare safety net?
Do they understand the unique strengths, challenges, and opportunities associated with nonprofit models like yours?
How familiar are they with organizations that have a similar financial model?
2. Assess Alignment with Your Organization:
It’s crucial that the consulting firm’s values and goals align with yours. Ask:
What is the consulting firm’s purpose or mission?
Which types of organizations are their “ideal client”?
Beyond client satisfaction, how do they measure the success of a project?
Are they familiar with the various stakeholders you’re accountable to?
Do they demonstrate a genuine understanding of your organization’s mission and objectives? 3. Outline the Project Scope: Prepare for meeting with the consulting firm by developing a project scope. Defining these points can help to clarify your ask and accurately present the work to be done. Be ready to questions such as:
Who are the key beneficiaries of your project?
What is the purpose of the project, and what defines success?
Where will the project take place, and does it involve multiple sites or geographic areas?
Why is this project necessary now, and what are the consequences of not completing it on time?
When is the target completion date, and what are the reasons behind it?
How does the project align with your organization’s priorities, and how can the consultant ensure the best outcomes?
What are the roles of staff on your project? 4. Discuss the Project Budget: Openly discuss the budget for the project early in the conversation. Consider factors like:
Are there specific grant requirements or restrictions to consider?
What is the deadline for utilizing the funds, and does it align with the project timeline?
Is there flexibility to adjust the budget if needed, or can the scope of work be simplified to reduce costs?
Research available funding sources to support the project and share this information with the consultant.
By following these tips and thoroughly evaluating potential consulting firms, you can make an informed decision that benefits your free and charitable clinic or pharmacy in the long run. A good consultant will work with you to refine the scope of work so it fits your timeline and budget while keeping your outcomes on target. MaryCatherine Jones Consulting provides free and confidential consultations for Free and Charitable Clinics and Pharmacies and their community partners.
Schedule your free consultation today at https://koalendar.com/e/meet-with-marycatherine-koag5F5b.
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