IT Consultant
TechRepublic's IT consultant bloggers appreciate that consultants have unique issues and they provide advice on project management, technical challenges, and running a consultancy.
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The problem with project risk management
Michelle Symonds argues that risk management fails to effectively address the real project risks: the unknown unknowns.
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IT consultants bear client education burden
It's not your fault when an older application isn't compatible with a newer OS, but clients may not see it that way. The key is to educate clients about how to minimize such issues.
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Ad hoc resource planning in Microsoft Project 2010
Follow this reader-inspired tutorial on how to develop a useful resource model in Microsoft Project 2010.
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PMP changes to reflect new PMBOK 5
The PMP certification is changing on July 30, 2013. TechRepublic has the details, which includes information about the PMBOK 5.
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Social task management vs. project management tools for your SMB
If your SMB is trying to determine whether it needs a social task management solution and a project management platform, find out what each option offers.
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Manage IT projects and your SMB using Viewpath
If your SMB is looking for a SaaS-based project management solution, find out why you should consider trying Viewpath.
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10 personality traits of a highly effective independent consultant
Many IT consultants daydream about branching out on their own without giving much thought to what skills are necessary to succeed as a freelancer. Before you commit to being an independent consultant, read this list.
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Project managers' views on the value of a PMP certification
Weigh in on whether you think earning a Project Management Professional (PMP) certification is a career booster, or if you believe a better use of time is simply demonstrating delivery.
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Adopt this simple checklist for a smooth client service migration
IT consultant Erik Eckel explores the most critical documentation and credentials you must receive when onboarding a new client.
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'Have you ticked off Google?' and other client-side risks to manage at a project's outset
Establishing client responsibilities for an IT project helps everyone involved maintain their sanity. Here are tips for setting up this framework.
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Information overload: When to send clients FAQs and when to just do the work
Ken Hardin offers IT consultants guiding principles about how to try to explain technical details or operational minutia to clients.
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Create a social intranet with Bitrix24
Bitrix24 is a social intranet platform available in the cloud or on-premise that includes CRM tools and a wiki. Get the scoop on why Bitrix24 is worth a look.
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The paycheck for an IT project vs. the cost of stress
High-stress projects can take their toll on your health. An IT contractor recalls being reminded of this life lesson during a recent Windows 7 migration project.
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Huddle vs. SharePoint: A comparative analysis in three collaboration scenarios
If your organization is looking for a SharePoint alternative, see how Huddle compares to the Microsoft collaboration platform in three common usage scenarios.
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How to improve borderline client relationships
Here are four methods for reinvigorating a client relationship that has become strained. If these tactics don't work, it may be time to cut the client loose.
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Use VBA to highlight missing baseline finish dates in Microsoft Project 2010
In part two of his series on using VBA in Microsoft Project 2010, Andrew Makar describes how to build a custom task field highlighting feature.
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Deliverables: Reality and perception in client invoices
Trust, honesty, and openness with your client are especially important when invoicing for a project that require days or weeks of attention before reaching a milestone.
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Agile grows up and new challenges emerge
The conversation shift from "why should we adopt agile?" to "how can we adapt to agile across the enterprise?" presents a new set of cultural and tactical challenges.
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Get started with Microsoft Project and Visual Basic programming
Andrew Makar goes back to basics and offers simple VBA examples that you can apply to Microsoft Project schedules.
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The softer side of Agile: Leading collaborative teams to success
Feedback, communication, and motivation are key factors in three Agile Manifesto principles that lend themselves to successful project team collaboration.
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Steps consultants should take before hiring corporate IT pros
Erik Eckel shares three tips that will help ensure corporate IT pros your tech consulting firm interviews are hired for roles in which they will succeed.
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Create a project issue log in Trello
Trello is a collaboration tool that organizes projects into boards and cards. Andrew Makar describes how to create a project issue log in this innovative PM tool.
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When clients are people too
Client relationships are not zero-sum propositions. Chip Camden explores the elements of developing friendships with your clients.
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Dealing with mindless consulting tasks
How well do your consulting engagements make use of your intellect? Answer this poll question, and read tips on getting boring tasks out of the way quickly and avoiding procrastination.
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How to market your IT consultancy
Google's listings, a company blog, client recommendations, and more are all good ways to market an IT service company.
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Four elements of measuring program success
Rick Freedman explores a program measurement theory that consists of measuring success in terms of delivery, organizational, marketing, and innovation capabilities.
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Break the cycle of project push back
Justin James advises development project managers on how to resolve issues with clients and IT departments about workflow processes.
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Tactical tips for creating a successful deliverables-based SOW
When you're creating a deliverables-based Statement of Work, Ken Hardin advises that you err on the side of clarity.
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Download TechRepublic Pro's Data Backup Policy to avoid data loss
TechRepublic Pro's customizable Data Backup Policy will help your organization determine what needs backing up and specify where to find that information.
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VMware VSP accreditation: What consultants can expect
The VMware Sales Professional 5 accreditation helps consultants understand and sell VMware's virtualization solutions. Learn what each VSP training module covers.