Elsmar.com
© 2004 The Elsmar Cove
Rev:  Pre-C
Rendered: Friday, February 13, 2004
Elsmar.com  --  The Cove!
Slide  102
Quality Management System Implementation
Role of Consultant - Piano Teacher?
•‘Full Service’
° On-site full-time for the duration of the project. Various roles & Responsibilities.
•Visits - As Required
° Track progress through interviews (meetings) and ‘internal audits’. Address interpretations issues. Help with systems design.
•Internet / Phone
° Verify systems documents
° Discuss interpretations and systems
° Answer general questions
°
•NOTES: Training can be  applied to any of the above but is on-site.
 Internet / Phone is always available
Once a client referred to me as their ‘Piano Teacher’. I still use the analogy. I tell clients I can help them learn how to play, but I can’t play the concert for them. I can tell them what the problems to expect are. I can help with interpretations. But I can’t take the audit for you.
If you’re a golf person, you might want to think of this in terms of a golf pro. You are after their experience and insight. You want them to evaluate your swing. You want their advice. But - they can’t play the game for you.

Some clients want someone there every day. Others want a consultant on an ‘as needed’ basis. Some want to keep costs as low as possible and opt to try to do almost everything by internet and phone. There are pros and cons to each method but it really depends upon how much and what you expect from a consultant with consideration to in-house resources.

As often as not, the middle of the road ‘Visits as required’ path is followed and is typically appropriate.