FAQ

Why should I hire Phil Simon?

Organizations almost always get one bite at the apple when implementing new technologies. A failed implementation can haunt an organization for years. My wealth of experience translates into pragmatic solutions designed to maximize an organization’s chances of success. My diverse experience with many industries and systems enables me to independently and objectively assess a situation and recommend a sound course of action. My commitment to personal attention and world-class customer service ensures the right course of action for each organization. Finally, my techno-functional background allows me to steer organizations in the right direction, avoiding cataclysmic mistakes based on lack of technical knowledge.

My organization is involved in a merger or acquisition. How can you help ensure a smooth systems transition?

From systems’ perspective, M&A activity creates both tremendous challenges and opportunities. Rarely are the two organizations’ systems and data the same. By providing an assessment of the different integration options as well as the costs and benefits of each, I increase the likelihood that organizations realize the “efficiencies” of the new system.

Our organization is considering a number of different software vendors. How can you help?

A new system implementation based on false vendor promises stands little chance of meeting its objectives. But how can you tell which promises are fact and which are fiction? I assist organizations by weeding out lofty vendor promises from harsh realities to help ensure that a new system implementation starts out on the right foot.

What topics do you speak about?

Quite a few, actually. I speak about many topics related to organization’s use of technology.

What are your writing rates?

It varies on the time frame, type of project, amount of research involved, etc.

I get the whole Chris Anderson “Freemium” argument. I actually enjoyed his book and reviewed it. On occasion, I will guest post on different sites for free but this is the exception–not the rule. I have bills to pay.

What kinds of consulting arrangements do you offer?

A few types:

• Traditional or full-time, on-site consulting.
• Milestone consulting
• Remote consulting

Are your services available to individuals or just organizations?

Yes. Organizations can only optimize their systems by employing knowledgeable and cross-trained end-users. The new project manager, end-user, or consultant can benefit a great deal from my experiences “in the trenches.” Having been a part of over twenty different system implementations, I can show organizations and end-users how to avoid mistakes made by other organizations.

Can I guest post on your blog?

Yes. If you have an idea for an interesting topic, contact me and we can work something out. Check out these tips on guest posting.

Do you only do strategic consulting?

No, I play different roles on different projects. Sometimes my clients ask me to play a more tactical role on a project. I’m anything but an exclusively “30,000 foot” guy.

Do you have any certifications?

Yes. I have my Lawson HR/Payroll certification for versions 7, 8, and 9. I suppose that I could get MS Office and Crystal Reports certifications if I really put the time in but I like writing too much.

What is Technology Today

Technology Today is my podcast with different people on technology-related topics. I interview guests about contemporary issues with the use (and misuse) of technology. I also sometimes will speak with authors about their books.

What’s the difference between the two editions of Why New Systems Fail?

Quite a bit, actually. Check out the preface to the new edition for more information.

Can I reprint your content?

Yes. The content found on this website is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. This license means you are free to share, copy, or distribute my work under the following conditions:

• You must attribute my work in the manner specified by the author or licensor (but not in any way that suggests that they endorse you or your use of the work).
• You may not use my work for commercial purposes without express written permission from me.
• You may not alter, transform, or build upon my work without express written permission from me.

You can read more about Creative Commons here or more details about my license here.

Return to top of the page.