The same philosophy. The same sense of mission. Not every company, no matter how sterling, is precisely right for your institution. Be careful to choose the group which most meets your standards and criteria. Ask yourself if you would be proud to have the firm represent your organization to your constituencies and community.
Good firms work within a rigid framework of principles which guide their relationships.
Ask for it in writing. Insist upon a thorough analysis to determine the feasibility of your program. It is the one way certain to assure a valid exploration of your assets and any problem areas which might exist. If a firm offers a free study, eliminate them out of hand. That kind of study will be worth about what you pay for it.