Take a Look Outside

An RFP should include information about your company, the project at hand and your expected outcome. Establish a general format for the RFPs so that when the completed forms are returned, you can compare consultants in an equitable and efficient manner.

If your project isn’t primarily technical, then finding a consultant with the exact expertise you seek — say, creative redesign for a business-to-business catalog — may require a bit more legwork on your part. Try the following:
- ask your cataloging colleagues for referrals;
- visit trade shows to hear consultant speakers and/or meet them in the exhibit halls;
- peruse industry trade journals (such as this one); or
- check out online directories.