Advantages of Using Virtual Consultants

- with Jeff D.

What does it mean to be a virtual consultant?

A virtual consultant is someone who isn't physically in the same location as the job. People don't always see me.

As a virtual consultant, my work is measured by output, management by objectives--quantity and quality of work instead of by showing up at the office daily, occupying geographical space.

Most people in today's work world are partially working remotely, telecommuting, and using virtual technology to work remotely. As an example, I attended a kickoff meeting for the technical publications group at Cisco. The campus in Milpitas is really spread out and although the majority of attendees were there on campus, many opted to attend the meeting virtually.

Normally, a virtual consultant has a more senior level of expertise, professionalism, and skillset. They've learned how to work most effectively in a virtual environment. They're aware of relationships, trust and comfort levels. For instance, when I'm working, I'm very responsive and I like to deliver right out of the gate. Doing so helps me build trust more quickly and reassure clients they've made the right hiring choice.

Are there different kinds of virtual consulting situations?

Every situation is different, yet they are all the same. The different kinds of situations I experience as a virtual consultant are the same that I faced when I worked in a corporate office setting.

What are the typical work situations you experience when consulting virtually?

The typical work situations I experience when consulting virtually are driven by the fact that I'm a plug-and-play consultant. These three work situations are what I experience most. Companies are normally: 1) overloaded with work, 2) behind on a deadline, or 3) unhappy with another's work and I'm there to fix it.

Why do companies use virtual consultants? How do companies benefit by using virtual consultants?

Companies use virtual consultants because they may not have the room, equipment, software, or budget to bring in a full-time employee. Virtual consultants don't require any setup or capital investment. They use their own equipment, train themselves, and have all the equipment, knowledge, and infrastructure.

The hiring manager enjoys pulling from a wider talent pool and isn't limited to what is available locally. They can be more specific about their needs and expectations.

Virtual consultants are either successful or they're not. The successful lot has an impeccable work ethic and knows how to function in that environment.

After all, the company is paying for a level of productivity; for someone who sits in their home and has no distractions or interruptions, fewer meetings to attend, and works extended hours.

Can you give me an example of when it was an advantage for a company to use a virtual consultant?

Virtual consultants are ideal for companies that have organizations across the country or globe.

Currently I'm on contract with a major banking conglomerate through Clarity Consultants and the reason that it works is that I fit their needs perfectly. They wanted someone with past experience with their wealth management group, knowledge of their proprietary software, and the specific technical skill set that I bring.

They also needed someone they felt comfortable with on a personal level and who fit in their culture because it's a tight knit group of people. They were comfortable that I could come up to speed quickly, deliver product quickly, and build rapport with the team.

For them, it was about hiring someone who could get the job done and take care of business. They needed an immediate infusion of talent and because I can be virtually anywhere it works as their organization is spread across the country.

On a more personal note, how did you start working virtually?

When my wife and I started having kids we moved out into the hinter lands to raise a family. We moved out of the city to a small town where we were able to cruise around on our bikes. I had contacts from Silicon Valley and that was my segue into working virtually.

Now working virtually suits my lifestyle. It gives me greater choice of which challenging projects I take, and I can live where I want.

Looking to the future, how do you think consulting virtually for companies will change?

It's going to explode. Everybody is going to be virtual. Why put on a tie or pantyhose, go to an office to sit in a cubicle, and then come home with the office crud that is going around when you can walk in, turn your computer on and crank out more high-quality work?

What might the virtual workplace look like 5 years from now?

It's really impossible to say. Little more than 10 years ago, in order to send an email I practically had to know UNIX commands. Today there is web conferencing, Skype, Twitter, Facebook, and even cell phones that function as mini-computers. The options for communicating are growing by leaps and bounds. We are building intentional communities-connecting over the web based on shared interests and commonalities. It's an age-based thing. As people become more comfortable with technology it becomes more useful.

Companies are either comfortable or they're not comfortable with virtual consultants. It depends on the culture. Increasingly people are more comfortable because the majority of the workforce works remotely part of the time anyway. It's becoming more accepted, especially when management recognizes the output. When you work virtually, you can be more productive than in the typicle office environment. Working virtually allows the employee to work in a way that works best for them and in the end the company reaps the benefit from products produced with greater efficiency.

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