Frequently Asked Questions

We have plenty of smart and talented people already. Why would we need a consultant?
Even the best teams can benefit from a fresh perspective - especially when it comes from an objective, unbiased collaborator whose sole mission is to help that team achieve optimal production quality and efficiency. A good consultant is both course corrector and booster rocket.

We tried a consultant already, and it didn't help. How are you any different?
There are many so-called "consultants" in this industry who are little more than freelance technical directors or software developers. The unique range of my experience provides me with the understanding and ability to align creative & technical efficiencies across the artistic, managerial and executive levels - both laterally and vertically - in a holistic manner that most other "consultants" fail to address.

Are you going to come in and tell us that we need to overhaul everthing?
Probably not. Most of the time, the problems organizations face are not technology-related, even when they may appear to be. Typically, it's the little things here and there that create big problems in the aggregate: a "Death of a Thousand Cuts", if you will. My recommendations usually cost little or nothing to implement, yet deliver significant quality and cost benefits when applied faithfully - all within the context of your legacy infrastructure, and your budget.

How can someone who comes and goes effect real, lasting improvement?
One particularly cold winter when I was a kid, my father hired a home energy consultant. The guy came by and asked a number of questions - not directly related to “energy” as one might assume, but instead to our daily use of the home. He went through our house methodically from top to bottom, and then provided his assessment: the aggregate energy leakage from our home was comparable to leaving the front door wide open all day and night! Fortunately, the situation could be remedied through a series of simple measures that the consultant outlined for us. We addressed those items one by one on our own. A few weeks later, the new heating bill arrived: our monthly charges had been reduced by half! The savings continued throughout that winter and those to follow. A fixed investment had produced significant, ongoing returns.

What guarantee is there on the results of your work?
You are guaranteed that I will apply every bit of my considerable production experience and insight to the achievement of your goals. Final results are obviously influenced by a variety of factors, but I take those into account in my work, and I only engage clients who are fully committed to their own success. Scores of recommendations attest to the substantive nature of what I do.

Is your client list comprehensive?
Not entirely. Some of my production clients prefer to remain anonymous, and I respect those requests.

How much do you cost?
My compensation is based upon the value of the services provided to the client, according to the specific business objectives at hand. Conceptual agreement is reached first before compensation is determined, as the latter is predicated upon the former.

That sounds like code for "a lot".
It's not, and I encourage my clients take the lead on determining appropriate compensation for the business value of my work. I am a firm believer in "same side of the table" negotiation, which puts the project first as a common objective. My services are more accurately regarded as an "investment" rather than a "cost". Ask yourself: would savings of a dime to a quarter on every production dollar be worth a penny in return?

What followup do you provide?
My onsite consultation engagements include free unlimited email and telephone followup for the life of your company. The work I conduct with my clients is the foundation of an ongoing relationship.