Write a consulting decision memo

Selection principle

Approve the reason for outside help before choosing the person who might provide it.

A software problem feels urgent, but the team has not decided whether it needs consulting, vendor support, training, or an internal process fix.

Use it in the selection process

Start with these decisions

1. Name the operating decision or result the nonprofit cannot reach alone.
2. List the internal work and official vendor support already attempted.
3. Describe the cost of waiting and the risk of moving too quickly.
4. Record who can authorize discovery, system access, spending, and final acceptance.

Pause point

Do not let an impressive proposal replace accountable nonprofit judgment

Do not turn a preferred consultant or product into the problem statement. A decision memo should leave room for the answer to be training, process repair, a smaller discovery project, or no engagement.