Thanks for the response to my first blog, I think we all exchanged some interesting views.
Consultancy firms…I have no idea as to how they manage to persuade the Big Cheeses that they are the best option for an implementation. A glossy brochure, financial statements, some rhetoric from a bygone era, the sharp suit and a Blackberry…I like to think it has something to do with our resume’s that are included in their bid, who knows?
What I find annoying is the poor quality advice that is often given to the client, without any shame and little or no recourse!
The Emperor’s new clothes…the Client applauds, they are on their hands and knees, ‘thank you for the advice oh great Consultancy firm’.
Who am I to argue with this advice? The Consultancy firm’s brand is reminiscent of a Couture fashion label, ‘its fabulous Darling, Mwah!’
The problem is that the Consultancy firm appear to be selling all manner of services, without having the knowledge or expertise to deliver them. Greed has encouraged them to hire from the cheapest, rather than hire the very best. This has had a negative effect on their reputation.
My Project Manager (PM) at a Client, (lets not get me started on PM’s), asked me about a proposal from a famous Consultancy firm, let’s call them Consul Tancy Co. Yes, a graduate from…it does not matter, he or she is now representing this wonderful brand.
The proposal, Value Based Roles for SAP R3, the reasoning was to reduce the number of roles that are needed in SAP.
Let me take this opportunity to remind our audience that, any losses incurred by the business, as a result of poor guidance can result in a lawsuit. In some geographic regions/societies, slaps and beatings are common practice toward the individual if the reputation of the Brand is damaged.
This piece of wisdom, not only surprised me, but, I felt embarrassed for the Consultancy Firm. No comment on what I thought of the PM for even contemplating this proposal!
After expressing my views of the Consultant who made the suggestion, and pleading to meet this Guru, and reward him or her for providing us with their wisdom, (the PM refused my request), it was agreed to reject the proposal.
The Consultancy firm did not apologise for this proposal, or feel any guilt, it was as if nothing had happened, business as usual. The impression I received was, ‘one proposal rejected, no problem, we have 7 or 8 more, the client is bound to accept one of these.’
Sometimes I do wonder how such a ridiculous proposal can come from under the Umbrella of such a reputable brand. If this were a one-off, I would accept it as a mistake, but the constant pushy salesmanship has tainted their reputation in the minds of many SAP experts.
The point I want to make is, a Brand is only as good as the persons that represent it. A designer brand, may have more glitz and glamour associated it, but unless the design and quality of its offerings today match up, it will only devalue its reputation.
How should we judge the Brand, its past reputation, or on the individual who is advising you? Finally are you going to advise the Client, that the Emperor is naked, or will applaud the Designer Brands new clothing collection?
Regards,
Omar
