Consulting / Field guide
Hiring an AI consultant in Battle Ground: what to bring to the first call
For a Clark County business comparing AI proposals, the most revealing conversation often begins with a sample transaction rather than a list of tools.
2XD Studio · · 2 min read
Choose one problem that crosses a desk
A service company might receive a revised work order, then have dispatch, billing, and the field supervisor reconcile it separately. Bring the original and revised versions with private information removed. Identify who notices the change first, who has authority to accept it, and where the decision gets recorded.
Ask for a boundary and a walkthrough
Ask each consultant to explain how the proposed system handles the ordinary case and one exception. What happens when two customer records match? Who sees an alert if a connection fails overnight? A proposal that names the owner, fallback, and test method is easier to compare than one promising a broad transformation.
Leave with a decision you can make
A useful first scope identifies the systems involved, access needed, pilot deliverable, costs to investigate, and a way to measure success. Decide whether you need an on-site walkthrough or whether a screen share and sample files cover the work. Our studio is based in Battle Ground and serves Vancouver and the Portland area; the best meeting format depends on where the handoffs actually happen.
Compare two proposals
If one proposal includes setup and another includes ongoing review, split both into discovery, build, recurring operation, and handoff. Ask what your staff would need to keep the pilot running if the consultant stepped away. A modest project with clear ownership and recoverable failures may be a better first purchase than a wider promise without an operating plan.
Reader questions
Should I share customer records before the first call?
A sanitized example is usually enough for discovery. Agree on handling and access rules before sharing live records.
How do I compare a fixed pilot with ongoing support?
Separate the cost and deliverables of the initial build from monitoring, updates, and operator support after launch.