Evaluate the proposals and check references of previous clients. Choose a consultant and enter into a written agreement. Begin with a clear understanding of what you want the consultant to accomplish. Relationships with consultants often fail because the goals of the project were not determined in advance and communicated clearly to the consultant. Follow the steps above, put your goals in writing and give this description to the consultants from whom you request proposals.
Word of mouth is the best source.
Ask other organizations for the names of consultants who have worked with them. Consult professional associations such as the Association of Fundraising Professionals, the Public Relations Society of America, or the Association of Executive Search Consultants. Some of these groups have codes of ethics and professional practice guidelines for their members. You may find one consultant who is clearly the best person for the job. But depending on the project and the organization's procedures, you may want to interview several before making a choice.