When looking for a telecom audit, there are three types of consultants in the telecom industry:

Captive, Biased and Unbiased

A captive consultant is one who usually recommends or works with one “preferred” vendor for client projects. For example, IBM has a global alliance with AT&T and generally quotes AT&T network services on projects. This approach, in many cases may not be in the client’s best interest. A red flag should go up if you hear a consulting firm announce a joint marketing or business relationship with a vendor or carrier. Peruse the consultancy’s web site and press releases etc. to see if there are arrangements in place that could affect the consultant’s ability to be completely unbiased and independent.

A biased consultant is one who generally steers the client to a handful of vendors or carriers with whom the consultant has a business relationship. Not surprisingly, these consultants often factor the best commission rate into their selection methodology. A warning bell should go off anytime you hear phrases such as, “we get paid by the carriers” or “our consulting is free to you.” When a vendor or carrier web site lists authorized consultants or marketing partners, this is a tip-off that the consultant has a biased agenda.

Unbiased consultants don’t have financial relationships with any vendor or conflicts of interest that affect their recommendations. If you want an independent telecom consulting firm that will work strictly in the best interest of your business, be sure that they are not affiliated with or accepting commissions from any carriers or vendors etc…. Peruse their web site and ask direct questions to the representative of the consulting firm before deciding to move forward. Also, once you choose a consultant, examine their recommendations closely to determine if they are in fact unbiased and independent and more importantly, in your best interest.

Which description sounds best to you?!?