We have a very unique business, how can you
possibly know how we operate to be able to help us?
Every company we work for is different. And that fact is what
keeps us in business. If everybody was the same you could easily
go out and buy standard procedures for operating your business. We
expect you to be interested in and to uniquely know the technical
side of your business, or in other words, your core competency. We
are interested in helping you with the invested dollar as it
progresses through the business cycle.
We are experts in evaluating and making recommendations to
business practices and procedures. What will be most helpful to
you is a fresh perspective on your operation from a person who is
skilled at providing companies with an outside viewpoint. This is
something that many business owners and their employees find very
difficult to do with their own company.
We don't intend to run your business. We will provide you with the
tools to operate your business more effectively. Typically, it is
the business side of an operation that needs our help, not the
technical areas where our clients are the experts.
How can I control the cost of a project using
consultants?
First, together, we clearly define the project, the goals, the
project's value. If the entire project cannot be clearly defined,
we establish milestones to be accomplished before moving on to the
next phase. Value Management Partners will quote a fixed,
value-based price to attain those goals and milestones. Then
together we work on it for as long as it takes to attain our
goals.
My company/department looks to be doing well.
Why do I need help?
Complacency has destroyed more prosperous companies than any other
business attitude. Very few people are ever truly satisfied with
the money they are making or the level of success of their
company. And they shouldn't be if they want to continue to be
successful. Are all of the departments in your business making
money and contributing to the company's success, or don't you
know?
Good management and good managers exist in every organization,
even some poorly performing organizations. Unfortunately, there is
a disparity between doing a job right and doing the right job. It
is possible to very efficiently perform an unnecessary task.
Process Analysis is a tool for good managers to examine the work
flow of the current processes and identify improvement
opportunities. This creates an integrated effort which enhances
the performance of a good manager and removes a majority of the
obstacles to great performance.
Can I trust you?
Yes. Besides all the legal remedies of a non-disclosure
agreement, non-compete agreements, trademarks, copyrights and
patents, we work as partners with as much commitment and as many
obligations as you. And our services generally focus on
those portions of your business that typically do not include
proprietary processes.
As members of the Institute of Management Consultants, we
pledge in writing to abide by its
Code
of Ethics. The key statement here is: "Members will serve their
clients with integrity, competence, and objectivity, using a
professional approach at all times, and placing the best interests
of the client above all others."
Our loyalty is to you and the organization you represent.
Our interest in maintaining our reputation is your best insurance
that all confidences will be respected and maintained.
Can you give me some references, the names of
other companies that you've worked for, so I can contact them.
We provide a confidential service for clients that we take very
seriously. Some business owners do not want it known that they've
used a management consulting firm to assist them and state that in
their non-disclosure agreements. We respect their feelings. Some
clients, however, allow us to describe our work with them. These
descriptions can be seen on the Case Studies
page. Contact us for additional information.
We used consultants before, received a
beautiful report, but nothing changed. Why should I use VMP?
The quality of the report does not measure the success of the
project. In order for a consultant to be effective, you and the
consultant must be partners. Success is measured by the quality of
the implementation. If you do not take an active role in the
process and if the project is not fully supported by management
and staff, nothing will change. We understand the importance of a
collaborative implementation...and you will too.
Our company was part of a recent merger. We
have different systems, different procedures and processes. Things
are chaotic. Can you help us?
We specialize in change management, organizational development,
technology assessment, accounting support, process development and
documentation. Some or all of these skills are required to
successfully complete any merger or acquisition.
My company is a start up. I have tried to do
as much of the work myself but I find myself overwhelmed. I have a
limited budget. I need to attract good people, to help me grow the
business. Can you help?
Value Management Partners has developed a program tailored to
the needs of start up and small companies. We understand the needs
of small developing businesses. We can help you with your business
plan, marketing plan, strategies, product/service development and
supply chain. We understand that you are not ready for frills but
need efficient and economical solutions.
Every company, no matter what the size, has some problem areas. In
any size company, there should be room for practical ideas that
improve operations and make the business better.
Our CIO is leaving for a 6-month maternity
leave. I do not have anyone to fill her shoes.
Value Management Partners has developed an
Interim "C"-level
Program. We have cultivated a group of highly skilled and
experienced individuals who have held CEO, CIO, CFO, COO,
President, Controller, and other high-level executive positions
who specialize in working with your existing systems and teams.
What is your hourly rate?
If your business goals are to purchase someone's time at the
lowest
hourly rate, we may not be of any help to you. The last thing we
want to happen is for you to make comparisons based on the charge
per hour. Your comparison should be based on the value of
our contribution. Our value is simply not conveyed by merely
showing up.
Value-based fees are far better for you because they
remove ethical compromises. You want cheaper rates? Use slower and
less experienced people. Value Management Partners wants you to
make a single Return on Investment (ROI) decision at the time of
the proposal, not a new ROI decision every day or hour someone
works on your issues.
We want to hear questions like:
- "How can we maximize results?"
- "Will you work on this as our partner for as long as it
takes?"
- "How do we do that best?"
T&M billing causes you to hesitate to make a call or to
suggest
new work or tactics. A project-based billing helps you get rid of
questions like:
- "What's this costing an hour?"
- "Can you do this in fewer days?"
- "Can you do this with fewer people?"
We assess a single project fee for our work, so that there is
never a “meter running,” and you can control expenses tightly.
Within the objectives and parameters we both agree to, we will
commit as much time as necessary to fulfill the objectives and
meet your time frames. You and we may request additional time be
spent on aspects of the project without any additional fees or
charges.
For legitimate ethical interests, for both you and us, time and
material billing is problematic and compromising. Not sometimes,
but always.
Why shouldn’t I just hire someone full time?
Because consultants have skills that you do not need full time
or could not afford or find on a full time basis. We work on
specific, issues, goals and objectives that, once implemented, our
skill set may no longer be required. And if it is, we help you
find, train and transfer our knowledge to your team or individual
for a permanent position.
Also your employees are on the company's payroll and controlled by
your company's policies and procedures. Because of these factors,
internal resources are likely to be influenced by the very issues
that may need changing.
What do you mean you "guarantee" your work?
Simple. Our work is guaranteed. If you do not believe we have
met the mutually established objectives for your project, we will
continue to work toward those goals with you for no additional fee
or expense consideration. If, after such an additional attempt,
you still believe we have not met your objectives for this
project, we will refund your fees in total.
How can I get a hold of you?
Well, e-mail is probably the best. It documents any questions,
answers, problems and results. It provides an audit trail of any
correspondence and removes the "I thought I told you" versus "I
thought you said" problems.
But we know that sometimes issues arise and you just have to
"bounce something off of one of us." Each of us is available by
phone. Each phone has voicemail capabilities. Each professional
has the practice of not being more than an hour or two away from
corresponding with a client! Sure, life and meetings get in the
way, but we will get back to you within 90 minutes. We
always backup phone conversations with an e-mail.
What geographic regions do you service?
A
great deal of consulting work can be and is done off site. We
live in Akron, OH and work around the country. Data- and tele-communications
have removed all bounds to physical locations. We communicate in
person and by
fax, phone and e-mail. We've been known to
catch a flight within an hour's time to meet with a client, but our
experience shows that data gathering, analysis and advice travel
very well electronically. And of course, at times, that human,
in-your-face exchange is still needed, useful and warranted.
What is a CMC?
The CMC, or Certified Management
Consultant, is the preeminent designation earned in the management
consulting profession.
When a consultant earns the CMC
designation, it means that he or she has met strict certification
requirements of the Institute of Management Consultants. The
Institute was founded in 1968 by the principal associations in the
consulting field to establish publicly recognized standards of
competence and professional conduct for the individual management
consultant. Applicants for certification undergo thorough
investigation of his or her consulting experience; he or she is
interviewed by a panel of senior consultants to verify their
technical competence; and he or she must pass a written
examination evidencing their familiarity with the Institute's
Code of Ethics, which he or she has
pledged in writing to follow.
What is a PMP?
The PMP, or Project Management Professional, is the project
management credential of choice for numerous industries and
companies. To be eligible for the PMP certification, you must
first meet specific education and experience requirements and
agree to adhere to a code of professional conduct. The final step
in becoming a PMP is passing a multiple-choice examination
designed to objectively assess and measure your project management
knowledge. This computer-based examination is administered
globally.
In addition, those who have been granted the PMP credential must
demonstrate an ongoing professional commitment to the field of
project management by satisfying PMI’s Continuing Certification
Requirements Program.
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