Welcome to OK-Doable online consulting service. Those days information technology is too important to your business -- and often too complicated -- for you to buy equipment or software, perform upgrades or create a network or Web site without professional advice.

But finding a good consultant can be as difficult as choosing the technology. And the kinds of services such advisers can provide -- and how they provide them -- are as numerous as the types of computers, software programs and applications available.

But whatever you're looking for, there are some basic questions to ask and steps to take that can help you find the consultant who can best meet your needs.

The first step, OK-Doable experts say, is to understand what those needs are. What we suggest is that you actually write down your objectives, such as "create a network" or "buy five PCs that are configured and have such-and-such programs installed."

Outline what you want even if you don't know all the technical terms. A good OK-Doable consultant can help you figure out the solutions that achieve what you want.

• Once you know what you want after going back and forth with all consultants questions and suggestions, select someone who can do it.
• Once a potential consultant is selected, find out whether their technology is aligned with yours, how long they have been in business, (Check their resume posted under consultant profile). Check if they have done projects similar to yours and what are they willing to charge you for their advice and services.

Things to look into when selecting your consultant :

• Ask about the maturity of the practice and their experience with your specific application and technology requirements.
• See if their knowledge can go beyond technical expertise (Can they build flexibility into solutions?)
• Ask for references. Check their completed projects and reviews. Ask them for the names of clients who experienced problems. "How did they handle it and work it out?"
• You also need to understand the consultant's fee structure. Are you being charged a flat fee per project or on an hourly rate? Are there any add-on charges such as travel time, materials or mark-ups on equipment?

"Fees need to be simple, understandable and fair so you can determine what you'll be charged," OK-Doable screens all consultants offers and responses thus verifying that the posted offers are clear.

• Ask for a written document that outlines expectations. "A consultant should be willing to commit to defined expectations, such as escalation procedures, response-time agreements and work-quality agreements.
• Do not forget that "Knowledge transfer is part of the work process, including documentation, mentoring or training of your support team and post-implementation support."

Securing most of the above will help you have a smooth experience with consultants on OK-Doable .

Summary

• Know what you want to accomplish and look for a consultant with the experience and expertise that fits your needs.
• Ask for references and consider reviewing your selected consultant profile.
• Understand the fee structure so you know what you are paying for.
• Get a written agreement that spells out fees, project parameters, expectations and follow-up services.