Where do you look for a consultant?

We've spoken as well as worked with consultants who know all about
big-picture stuff but are unable to help with day-to-day issues (e.g., how do
I change this column width?).  We think we need a consultant who actually
knows how to create lists, workflows, etc. according to client
specifications.  Any suggestions as to where we could look for such a person?
Thanks.

Understand.

Understand.  SharePoint (and technology in general) for business benefit
is something that is completely different than the the systems, IT, etc.

like you are seeking
search (Sorry, I do not know the URL)
and talk with everyone you can
you will be asking


--rms

www.rmschneider.com

Thanks, Rob. These are helpful suggestions and we will definitely pursue them.

Thanks, Rob.  These are helpful suggestions and we will definitely pursue them.

We indeed are hoping to find a business user as a consultant.  We figure
there must be good people out there who are not "professional consultants"
but might be looking for extra money.  Our challenge is in finding someone
who is not in the same industry as we are.  How useful do you think job boards
are?  Thanks.

I have no experience using job boards as either one look for work or

I have no experience using job boards as either one look for work or for
looking for workers.  My hunch is that it would be a lot of work to
filter out the wheat from the chaff.  Word of mouth recommendations to
me is the best approach but even that would take time and effort.

I think you do want a professional consultant ... but you want, I think,
a consultant who is available locally, or you can make "local" (via web
conferencing, travel, phone, email, etc.) who can not only help you with
the technology but also challenge your thinking and processes so that
you can move the business.  That somebody should be offering to consult
with you with their own SharePoint site ... they must "eat their own dog
food."

--rms

www.rmschneider.com

Thanks, Rob. This is very helpful indeed!"Rob Schneider" wrote:

Thanks, Rob.  This is very helpful indeed!

Hello,RS> Understand.

Hello,

RS> Understand.  SharePoint (and technology in general) for business
RS> benefit is something that is completely different than the the systems,
RS> IT, etc.

RS> : develop this skill-in house
RS> : discuss with peers in other companies who may have used consultants
RS> like you are seeking
RS> : if you have a connection with Microsoft, ask them
RS> : somewhere on Microsoft's web site is a partner site where you can
RS> search (Sorry, I do not know the URL)
RS> : too late for this year, but go to the Microsoft SharePoint Conference
RS> and talk with everyone you can
RS> : watch this list for people who answer the sort of questions you that
RS> you will be asking
RS> : find local SharePoint User Groups and go talk to everyone

I think, #3  and #4 will deliver exactly the big-picture specialists.

From the several times when I tried to find help using referrals on
Microsoft website (partners, resellers), I have got impression that Microosft
selects and lists them by the ratio arrogance/competence, in descending
order.

it is a good thing you are filtering!--rmswww.rmschneider.comVadim Rapp wrote:

it is a good thing you are filtering!

--rms

www.rmschneider.com