Start with your time horizon

If you need results in weeks, a consultant fits. If you are building a long-term function, a hire makes sense.

Time is the clearest filter.

Scope clarity matters

Consultants do best with a clear goal and a fixed scope. Hires are better when the scope changes week to week.

Consider team bandwidth

If no one has time to onboard a new hire, a consultant can embed and move without slowing the team.

A hybrid approach works

Many teams start with a consultant to ship and then hire once the product path is stable.