Arguably, the first rule of marketing technology consulting (such as IT consulting) services is: "Hire great consultants." Following this rule doesn't guarantee marketing success, but it sure does make everything easier. The better your product, the easier time you will have selling it.

Therefore, in the Fall of 2009 my team held a couple of internal meetings focused on defining the essential qualities of a top consultant, or what we called the "true consultant."

Without specifically using these terms, the blueprint that you see below argues for adding experienced and disciplined members to your team.

After much discussion and reflection, here is the “true consultant” blueprint that was established.

1. Excellence in relevant technical knowledge
2. High ethical standards
3. Intelligent problem solving, including
   
   1. A strategic mindset, with attentiveness to maintaining objectivity
      1. Having the big picture vision while still cultivating an attention to detail
   2. Intellectual agility/adaptability
   3. Diligence and creativity in conducting and applying research
      1. The ability to apply logical diagnostic tools to problems
   4. Appropriate prioritization of tasks and goals
   5. Knowledge of risk assessment and management
   6. A proper approach to creating business cases and analyzing cost/benefit
4. Superior communication ability, including
   1. Present findings that comprehensively and effectively addresses all important data
   2. Empathy
   3. Broad and ready vocabulary

If you have any feedback or suggested additions, contact us!

This article was originally published on June 8, 2010 updated on September 21, 2011.

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