management consulting

How to choose an Environmental Consulting firm in Michigan

By Barbara Thomas 12 May, 2023 2 mins read

When choosing an environmental consulting company, there are many important factors to consider. It is essential to select a Michigan certified firm to handle your project. Also, you should look for a company that uses a multidisciplinary approach in solving your problem. You should also ask for references and negotiate a payment plan with your consultant.

Get certified consultants from the State of Michigan

An environmental consultant is a specialist in environmental compliance. An environmental consultant is an expert in many areas of the environment, such as permitting, design, engineering and sampling. They work alongside a variety of professionals including lawyers, environmental contractors, manufacturers, and laboratories. IDEM doesn't maintain a directory of environmental consultants. However, it provides guidance and assistance in selecting the right consultant.

You can be sure that your project will be handled professionally by an environmental consultant who has been certified by Michigan. A licensed environmental specialist can help ensure that every aspect is addressed, as opposed to a consultant firm that lacks an experienced team.

Look for a consultant with a multi-disciplinary approach to problem solving

It is important to use a multi-disciplinary approach when dealing with sustainability issues. Sustainable solutions require close collaboration between stakeholders involved in the problem, such as scientists, statisticians, politicians, public health officials, and others. Multidisciplinary collaboration can help projects reach their goals while building strong relationships with these various groups. Sustainability issues can have a complex impact on everything, from food and water to the environment. These issues require a multifaceted approach that incorporates quantitative expertise, soft and interdisciplinary skills.

Ask for references from previous clients

It is important that you research the qualifications and experience of environmental consultants before you make a hiring decision. For instance, a consultant should be familiar with federal, state, and local wetland regulations. If the consultant is not from a state, it is essential to understand the requirements in each state as well how they compare with federal.

Continue searching if a company can't provide references. You should get all the details about the project team. Do not be tempted to accept the lowest quote; the costs may not be worth the results. Doing your due diligence will save you a great deal of time and money. Ask for written clarifications if in doubt about the background and credentials of the consultants.

With your consultant, negotiate a payment plan

A payment schedule is an important aspect of any project. This will help you to set a clear deadline and determine how much to charge your environmental consultant. It may be a good idea to discuss how you would like to pay your consultant. You will need to pay your environmental consultant on a timely basis so that you can keep on top of the project.

FAQ

Why should consultants be hired?

There are many reasons why you might need to hire consultants:

Perhaps your company has a specific problem or project you need to address
You want to improve your own skills or learn something new
You want to work closely with experts in a certain field
You have no other choice but to do the job.
Feel overwhelmed by all the information available and don't know where you should start
You cannot afford to pay someone fulltime

You can find good consultants by word of mouth. Ask around to see if you know any good consultants. If you are already acquainted with someone who works as an advisor, ask them for recommendations.

If you decide to use online directories like LinkedIn, use the "Search People" feature to look for consultants in your area.

What are the advantages of being a consultant?

Consultants are able to pick when and where they want to work.

This allows you the freedom to work wherever you like, whenever you want.

It also means you can easily change your mind without worrying about losing money.

Finally, you can control your income and set your own schedule.

What can I expect from my consultant?

After you have selected your consultant, expect to hear from them within a few business days. They will often ask about your company's mission, goals and products. They will then send you a proposal that outlines the scope of work and estimates timeframe, fees, deliverables, milestones and other details.

If everything looks good, then the two parties will negotiate a written contract. The terms of the contract will depend on the type of relationship between the two parties (e.g., employer-employee, employer-independent contractor).

If all goes according to plan, the consultant will begin working immediately. The consultant will have full access to your files and resources. You'll also have access to their skills and knowledge.

Don't think that consultants are experts. To become an expert in any field you consult, it takes practice and effort. You shouldn't expect your consultant will know everything you need to know about your business.

How much should a consultant charge?

It all depends upon what you offer. If you are providing services for free, then there isn't any point in charging anything. You must charge for services or products if you want to sell them.

If you are providing low-quality services, then you don't have anything to sell. Why would anyone pay anything for you?

You might be able ask for a more expensive price if your services are of high quality. People recognize the value in you offering. It is possible to offer discounts to clients who order multiple packages.

How does consulting differ to freelancing

Freelancers can be self-employed people who provide their services to clients, without the involvement of employees. They charge hourly rates depending on the amount of time spent on a client's projects. Consultants typically work for agencies and companies that employ them. Their salaries are often paid monthly, or annually.

Freelancers tend to have more flexibility than consultants because they control their work hours and set their own prices. Consultants have better benefits, like health insurance, vacation time, sick leave, retirement plans and etc.

Statistics

"From there, I told them my rates were going up 25%, this is the new hourly rate, and every single one of them said 'done, fine.' (nerdwallet.com)
So, if you help your clients increase their sales by 33%, then use a word like “revolution” instead of “increase.” (consultingsuccess.com)
According to statistics from the ONS, the UK has around 300,000 consultants, of which around 63,000 professionals work as management consultants. (consultancy.uk)
Over 62% of consultants were dissatisfied with their former jobs before starting their consulting business. (consultingsuccess.com)
According to IBISWorld, revenues in the consulting industry will exceed $261 billion in 2020. (nerdwallet.com)