Chapter 22 For the second letter, listen to the opinions of experts!

There should be many opportunities to hear suggestions, the question is whether they can be used flexibly. Dear Julie: I am writing this letter from home now to repeat what we talked about at the company this morning.The company you are in charge of is going to introduce a high-performance computer system. I think this matter really needs careful consideration and review.As a result of importing into the computer, due to the frequent occurrence of problems, it was rather time-consuming and miserable. I have seen many such things.People seem to think that importing computers is a small thing, but in fact it is a big thing.

You are uneasy about this new project because you have absolutely no knowledge about computers.For this, you don't need to feel ashamed, because most operators are more ignorant of computers than you are.The difference between those operators and you is that they don't ask some experienced experts first like you, but they only listen to the simple explanation of the technicians sent by the computer company, and decide to build a computer system.I think your judgment is absolutely correct.You know that you and your subordinates are completely amateurs about computers, and there is no way to supervise the installation, so you dare not rashly decide to purchase expensive computer systems.Your judgment is commendable, and you have saved the company a lot of trouble and wasted time.

I don't know much about the functions of high-performance computer systems, but I have heard the painful experience of many friends' companies when they first set up computer systems.When my friends told me about this, each of them advised me that when my company has the same project in the future, it should first hire a computer consultant to provide guidance.So my advice to you right now is that you should hire a computer consultant first. In order to realize this project of installing computers, we had to decide three things first: Which computer company would be ideal to sign with?Which system should be used?And which type of model should be purchased?To this end, the first thing we should do is to ask authoritative experts how to determine these three things.Where can such experts be found?There are many professional computer consultants in the society, and there are also some quite brilliant amateur consultants.To find the ideal consultant, I think the best way is to ask my friends I mentioned earlier.You call them, explain your position, and ask for a recommendation.They all have experience in this area, so I believe they will recommend the ideal person to you.

When the recommended people come to the company, I hope you will meet with them one by one in person, and explain in detail your expectations for improving efficiency after installing the computer system.If the other party intends to work in the company you are in charge of, I believe they will propose an appropriate draft plan according to your expectations.At the same time, don't forget to ask the other party to list four or five customers who have served as consultants and are satisfied with his guidance.Some people might be upset about it, thinking it hurt their self-esteem.When you meet such a person, you brush off their name without thinking, and choose the person you think is the most ideal from the few people who are willing to make a list.You don't have to apologize for asking for such a list. It is absolutely correct to inquire about the ability and character of the applicants from all aspects.

After the computer consultant candidate is decided, you have to meet again and again to discuss which brand of products is appropriate to use, and to review the content of the projects proposed by various computer companies.What you have to do after this, of course, is to negotiate the price with the computer company, and how to arrange the installation schedule and other matters. The installation of a computer system is just one example. In business management, there are often times when it is necessary to rely on the guidance of outside experts.I myself have hired temporary consultants to improve productivity, improve internal company communications, reorganize business units, review advertising campaigns, negotiate with labor unions, finance planning with a focus on tax issues, and more.In today's society, there are all kinds of experienced experts who are always invited to serve as consultants.I have been spared the pain of stomach ulcers many times due to the use of counselors.

There are many operators who are unwilling to accept external guidance, or are unwilling to spend this sum of money and not hire consultants for this reason.Compared with this kind of person, your judgment this time is even more commendable.Convinced that any problem can be solved by oneself, or any new attempt must be completed by oneself, and the result is to make things worse and worse, making oneself or the company in a dilemma. I have to squeeze a cold sweat for them.On the contrary, some business operators have to rely on the help of others to judge such things as two plus two equals four. To such people, what else can we say except shaking our heads?A good operator must have a certain degree of professional knowledge, and if not, he must have the ability to learn at any time when necessary.In addition, as long as you have common sense and sound judgment, you should know when and under what circumstances to rely on external support.This is a sound and economical way to implement new policies or solve outstanding problems.

Although some operators are open-minded and willing to hire consultants, they are unwilling to implement the suggestions obtained at expensive expenses because of lack of brains or lack of courage.Isn't it a waste to leave a solid report from a consultant in a drawer?However, I'm not saying that as soon as you hear someone suggest it, you should immediately and valiantly implement it.On the contrary, what I want to advise you is that after hearing the suggestion, you must first study and review it from various angles, until you are sure that this method is indeed feasible, and then you can implement it.To the person who advises you, you should give all the information or data you can from the beginning, so that the suggestion is really useful.Otherwise, it will be difficult and time-consuming for this person to make suggestions to you.As a result, your expenses will increase, and the delay will work against you.

In addition to the facts related to the case, an excellent consultant has the ability to see the personality of the person concerned, and his amiable attitude and professionalism are also admirable. You've embarked on a major project for the company.The appropriate suggestions put forward by the consultants are believed to enable the implementation of the plan on schedule and within the budget.It is hoped that this result will bring benefits to all employees of the company, and it will also be a facility that everyone can be proud of.To do this, you must keep in close contact with your advisers every day, exchange information with each other, and accept their suggestions with humility.I believe you can handle the rest with common sense, right?You are a man of common sense, and I know that very well.

I know next to nothing about the latest computer systems, but when it comes to business management and business, I'm an expert.If you want to consult me ​​on these matters, my office door is always open for you.You asked me how much the consultant fee would be, didn't you?For this, you just have to buy me a lunch at the restaurant I often go to. full of love your business consultant