Start here
Prepare the work before you compare the professionals.
Begin with one workflow, a protected information boundary, a consistent evidence test, and a handoff the business can own. You do not need a provider directory or a transformation pitch to make the first conversation useful.
Write the problem before the solution
Choose one repeatable workflow and write its trigger, handoffs, source material, review step, final owner, and visible friction. Keep sensitive details out of the early brief.
Write a useful AI project briefDecide what help you need now
Separate an advisory question, discovery engagement, fixed implementation, training need, and support relationship. Buy the next useful decision before a larger scope.
Compare engagement modelsUse the same evidence questions
Ask candidates how they learn the workflow, what they personally delivered, what changed, how they test, and when they would recommend stopping. Record answers and follow-up evidence consistently.
Interview an AI consultantDefine acceptance, ownership, and exit
Name the test evidence, acceptance owner, business-owned assets, support boundary, access-removal process, and fallback workflow before work expands.
Prepare for handoff and support