I am headed out to do my very first Gap Analysis for a small company of 25

[Randy]

Here is the important stuff that these other weenies here like Claes might overlook....

Are you going to be compensated for the lost time and agravation of their not being ready when you were there on the 1st day?

You didn't agree to a 30-day net did you?

Did they spring for lunch?

The question above are the real important ones in this type of activity

BTW.....Good for ya mate!!

 

[Wes Bucey]

Here is the important stuff that these other weenies here like Claes might overlook....

Are you going to be compensated for the lost time and agravation of their not being ready when you were there on the 1st day?

You didn't agree to a 30-day net did you?

Did they spring for lunch?

The question above are the real important ones in this type of activity

BTW.....Good for ya mate!!

Paula, from what you write and my experience, you encountered a situation typical in many organizations:
"The folks know what to do to get product out the door, but they don't realize how much more effective and efficient they could be if they were a little better organized."

Somehow, I'm not quite clear on what the other consultant is doing. Is this kind of a "contest" between you to see who gets the job? In which case, Randy's comment is, IMHO, right on.

Speaking as a guy who has been on the hiring end of consultants for various aspects of our business other than quality management, I can tell you our hiring decision has usually had more to do with "personality fit" than with pure competence, since all our candidates were pre-screened for competence.

This could be your chance to shine as the "go to" guy for this company. Preface that report you make with lots of positive points of what they do now and elaborate on the business value of the improvement to be gained by filling in the gaps. Don't worry about the time table so much as on the understanding and willingness of the BCWIC ("big chief who's in charge") to get value from filling in the gaps. If you get over that hurdle, the rest will seem easy by comparison.

If you are making good progress by the original target date, most folks will continue to ride with you to the finish. You may even make the target date - it doesn't sound impossible. You sure demonstrate an ability to recognize the gaps. People skills will be critical in a situation like this.

I'm looking forward to "the rest of the story."

 

[Raptorwild]

I am a Sucker!

Here is the important stuff that these other weenies here like Claes might overlook....

Are you going to be compensated for the lost time and agravation of their not being ready when you were there on the 1st day?

You didn't agree to a 30-day net did you?

Did they spring for lunch?

The question above are the real important ones in this type of activity

BTW.....Good for ya mate!!

Ya mean I was sposed to get paid?! I did it for free because the original quote I gave them was for $450.00 and they asked if I could reduce it since it was the end of the year and they were trying to meet their budget. Since I was looking more for the learning experience I told them I would not charge them and if they liked what I did they could give me a good reference. Oh yeah and to make matters worse, I work across the street so when we broke for lunch, I walked over there and ate top ramen!!! They didn't offer lunch and by that time I needed a break! I thought twice about going back.

Live and Learn. I think I make a pretty good door mat.
Paula

 

[Wes Bucey]

Ya mean I was sposed to get paid?! I did it for free because the original quote I gave them was for $450.00 and they asked if I could reduce it since it was the end of the year and they were trying to meet their budget. Since I was looking more for the learning experience I told them I would not charge them and if they liked what I did they could give me a good reference. Oh yeah and to make matters worse, I work across the street so when we broke for lunch, I walked over there and ate top ramen!!! They didn't offer lunch and by that time I needed a break! I thought twice about going back.

Live and Learn. I think I make a pretty good door mat.
Paula

Bummer!
I'm really sorry to hear that.
I have a hunch Randy and the other fee-based Covers will also squirm.

Gramps always said,
"Any workman worthy of hire is worthy of pay!"
You got "rode hard and put away wet." Very unprofessional of your neighbor.

Next time - contract review.

From your writing here at the Cove, you seem very knowledgeable about Quality. IMO, you can have a good career as a consultant. I hope we hear a bright side in the near future.

 

[Randy]

Paula, Paula, Paula, you poor, sweet child.........ARE YOU CRAZY!!!!!!


They're supposed to take you to nice places that are having lingerie shows during lunch (just happened to me during a surveillance audit for an EMS registration---didn't work BTW)

Never work for free....discount it to $0 maybe but never for free!

And give as much value that you can that they may not have bargained for without slashing yourself to pieces.

Sheesh............Free and no lunch

 

[Wes Bucey]

Squirmin'

Never work for free....discount it to $0 maybe but never for free!

And give as much value that you can that they may not have bargained for without slashing yourself to pieces.

Sheesh............Free and no lunch

See! I told you there would be squirming.

Actually, it's not as bad as it could have been. Paula could have bargained for a big fee and then been cheated out of it.

We squirm because we feel so frustrated at not being able to protect our friends and newbies from the wolves and jackals masquerading as upright business folk. That frustration often engenders sarcasm to hide our feeling of helplessness. Experience is a cruel teacher!

I recall when I was very young and naive. I went to bankruptcy court to try to collect something from the rubble of a debtor client's business. I learned then there are classes of creditors who have priority at the trough. My class was so far down the list, all I succeeded in doing was adding $3.00 to my out-of-pocket expenses for the downtown parking at bankruptcy court.

Next time, Paula (I'm sure there will be a NEXT time), when you have first visit with a client, have a "binder letter" with only three blanks:

1. dollar amount of contract
2. client's signature
3. start date for assignment

As soon as possible, work your way toward the goal of collecting partial or total payment when client signs binder.

 

[Randy]

It was a great learning experience, but I would much rather audit than do consulting work!
OK now I am ready for feedback!

Oh yes, I forgot to tell you this.....

Auditors make $X, consultants and world class trainers( ) like me make $XX - $XXX or better. The hours and conditions are better too most of the time.

I'm sure my buddies, Kevin L, Steve H, db, and a couple of others will tell you the same.

Remember, I think I said "Don't quit your day job"

Don't get discouraged and definately don't let anyone rain on your parade. keep at it an it will eventually pay off, at least I keep hoping that.