Target Corporation is an American retailing company, founded in 1902 and headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Target is looking to open up a new store in Madison, Alabama. They had consultants come in and look at the location; they selected a company in which they wanted to go with. Before the project began there are several things in which both the client and the consultant should cover before making an agreement to enter into a contract. The client and the consultant both should understand the risks of a project, the cost, rewards, and deadlines. There are three reasons for success or failure that could happen with the new project. One is the importance of the consultant competency and fit with the company needs. The consultant should be able to understand the company and what it does and its needs. It’s important In this case the consultant should ask themselves if this is something they are able to do. The second reason is the interpersonal fit between the consultant and the clients. The consultant should be able to speak with the client and feel they are going to be able to talk to them in regards to the business needs. Finally the last reason is if the consultant is able to establish ground rules for the consulting process. Being able to identify the rules before and making sure it’s something they can commit to will help both parties. Fullerton, Johanna; West, Michael View Profile The client and the consultant should both agree on the scope of the project, the project time line, what both parties are hoping to achieve , the client role vs. the consultant role, and finally how the client measure to the success of the project. www.partnercomm.net. When a client brings in a consultant there are always expectations in which the client is looking for results. It is important that both the client and the consultant knows what exactly each party is expecting, The time frame, with most major project the client has an expected da y in which they want something to happen. Target had s set day in which they wanted the new store to open. That should be covered in the first meeting with the consultant. If the consultant feels they are unable to meet the time line they should let the client know in that meeting or make plans so it can be accomplished. There are roles in which both parties will play. Being able to discuss those roles are before the project get started will benefit both parties. Understanding the roles is of the upmost importance. In a company where there are several hundreds of people there are several different types of clients in which the consultant will come in contact with. There is the contact client who makes the initial contact with the consultant with the request in asking for help. Then there is the intermediate that gets involved in various interviews and attend meetings and other activities. The next type of client is the unwitting client who is only members of the company and has nothing to do with the consultant. The consultant should be aware of all the clients that they will come in contact with. This is where commutation will truly be needed amongst both the client and consultant. When you a company have more than one main person to contact then communication could get lost somewhere along the way. Having a list that the consultant would use to relay information for will help with the project. Creating a connection with the client is also a good thing. The consultant should keep the lines of communication open. One way to keep the lines open and making sure things stay on a track the consultant should ask the client how often they would like to be update on the project. Some may request weekly, daily, or depending on the time from monthly. It is important that the consultant follows through on the client’s request. This will let the client know that their project is on track and may help ease their mind. Having an open communication with the client will allow the clients to feel free to give share their feedback, their ideas, and even criticism at all levels. It’s important for the consultant to learn when to say yes and when to say no to a client. If the client is asking the consultant to do something they are not able to do then the consultant should be honest with the client and tell them up front. They should never put themselves in a situation that will affect both parties. The consultant will have to manage not just the project, but also their client’s expectations and if want they want is unattainable. Treating the client as a fellow stakeholder will help to enable the consultant to act within their means to provide the best possible solution. The consultant should be aware that working with the client requires just that working with them. They should know what the clients are expecting a vice versa. The best way to manage a client-consulting relationship is to justify one’s performance. The consultant should set up the framework for the project, it is also important that they maintain a high level of trust with the client. After goals are set is something happens alone the way the consultant need to take accountability for his or her actions The quicker the consultant identify any problems that happens the better and easier it will be for them to stay on track and keep their word. A good relationship is just like a friendship, it builds rapport and understanding between both parties. Building a good relationship requires investing time and effort into understand the client and his or her business and situation. When a consultant builds a good relationship they demonstrate their credibility, professionalism, and other non-technical qualities the consultant should take the time to learn something about their client, such as their kids name. This method wills the client with a good impression that may serve well in the future if the client needs a consultant in the future. The books suggest that the consultant keep in touch with old clients in between project. This will help increase the likelihood of more projects and it’s the most cost effective of marketing. www.openz.org