Guide to Knowledge Management Consultants

Knowledge management consultancy can provide answers about the best ways to handle the intellectual capital that helps keep your company viable. While most business owners keep close track of their financial assets, many underestimate the value of their knowledge assets—the wealth of learning, know-how, insight and intelligence that provide the impetus for their companies' success.

Experts have learned, however, that as the amount of information generated by the modern company grows, the need for innovation and increased momentum in managing that intellectual commodity grows with it. The following are some positive results that knowledge management innovation brings:

1. A healthier, more vital enterprise
2. Greater effectiveness within the organization
3. A more profitable bottom line

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Prepare to meet with a knowledge management consultant by collecting some background information

You'll find a great deal of information online that can help you understand what KM consultancy can do for you. The first thing you'll need before approaching a KM consultant is a basic understanding of exactly what knowledge management is.

I recommend: Deloitte offers a podcast and other related content on information management, and BRINT'S KMNetwork (Knowledge Management Network) defines and thoroughly explains the topic.

Shop for knowledge management consulting services from experts who know your field

Check out a number of different KM consulting firms by visiting their websites, investigating what they offer and contacting those you'd like to question further about their services. Some offer online contact forms, while others provide a phone number you can call. Look over each KM consultant's information carefully, and choose the knowledge management consulting package that seems right for you.

I recommend: CSC (Computer Sciences Corporation), Hoyt Consulting, IMC USA (Institute of Management Consultants USA) and Seth Kahan are knowledge management consultants or consulting companies that can help set up your company's KM plan.

Consider alternative forms of KM consulting if your needs are less conventional

The amount and type of help a given company needs from a knowledge management firm for implementing its KM program can vary widely even from other companies of similar size and scope. So, be open to unconventional or alternative methods for getting the knowledge management consultant services you need.

I recommend: Knowledge Agency offers a number of services, including Knowledge Value Assessments, a Sales and Marketing IQ inventory and an E-Commerce Intelligence review. It can also develop customized assessments targeted specifically to your company's knowledge management consultancy needs. After your assessment, the company will recommend steps to address the issues your business faces. Knowledge-Management-Online is an open source service offered for a modest annual membership fee. The site provides knowledge management consultants, who are available to answer members' questions submitted via a short contact form found on the website. Other helpful information is also available to help you with your KM needs, including a KM assessment survey.

Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• All the above KM consulting methods guide you through the process in one way or another, at varying cost. Learn as much as you can about each, and choose the one that offers the best ratio of cost to return for your company's needs and budget.

The official source of Knowledge Management Consultants is
the Knowledge Management Consultants page at Business.com