ARTICLE / More Than Just Client Work

Why Staying Connected Matters

With over 15 years of experience as an IT consultant, I’ve seen firsthand the challenges of staying connected within a consultancy. IT consultants spend most of their time fixing problems—just not for their own company. With teams spread across client sites and often working remotely, staying connected to your firm can feel like an afterthought. But without strong internal ties, you risk missing out on support, knowledge sharing, and career opportunities. A tight-knit consultancy isn’t just good for morale—it’s good for business. Here’s how to make it happen.

Keep Communication Effortless

Staying in touch needs to be easy and natural. Weekly consultant standups create quick touchpoints to share wins, challenges, and insights from different projects. Dedicated Slack channels keep troubleshooting fast and collaboration seamless, while a consultant confessions space allows for sharing tech fails, workarounds, and client war stories without judgment. Virtual teams work best when communication is intentional, but not overwhelming.

Encourage Knowledge Sharing

A culture of knowledge-sharing keeps consultants sharp and avoids wasted effort. A centralized playbook with solutions, scripts, and best practices ensures that hard-earned insights aren’t lost. Short lightning talks and micro-lessons help keep everyone updated on industry trends without the commitment of long meetings. Reverse office hours, where senior consultants ask for fresh perspectives, keep ideas flowing in both directions. When knowledge isn’t locked away in silos, teams work smarter and faster.

Foster Real Connections, Even Remotely

When your consultants are spread across different clients, cities, or even continents, maintaining personal connections takes effort. A buddy system pairs consultants for regular check-ins, while Digital Coffee Chats match colleagues for casual, 15-minute virtual conversations. These informal video calls give remote consultants a chance to talk about work, hobbies, or the latest tech trends—helping them feel part of the bigger team. An internal podcast or blog can also highlight team members, showcase projects, and make it easy to see the talent and expertise within the firm. Strong relationships don’t happen by accident—they’re built through small, meaningful interactions.

Keep Company Culture Alive Beyond Timesheets

Company culture needs to exist outside of timesheets and project deadlines. High-quality, useful swag—whether it’s mechanical keyboards, security keys, or custom socks—keeps the brand presence strong. Recognizing contributions through consultant superlatives makes work fun and reinforces a sense of belonging. A well-crafted internal newsletter filled with key updates, tech trends, and memorable Slack exchanges keeps everyone in the loop without feeling like another corporate memo. Culture shouldn’t feel forced—it should be something consultants actually enjoy being part of.

Make Time for In-Person Meetups

Even in a remote-first world, nothing builds strong relationships like face-to-face interaction. Annual consultant retreats mix learning, networking, and fun, while regional meetups or happy hours provide simple ways to connect locally. Company hackathons give teams a chance to collaborate and compete in a way that’s both productive and engaging. Even occasional in-person events go a long way in reinforcing team bonds.

Final Thoughts

A consultancy isn’t just a company—it’s a network. Staying connected makes work easier, opportunities clearer, and careers stronger. If you’re a leader, check in with a consultant today—not about work, just to see how they’re doing. If you’re a consultant, sign up for a Digital Coffee Chat and meet someone new from your team. And if you’re planning company initiatives, ask yourself, "Would I actually enjoy this?" If not, rethink it.

Because the best IT consultancies aren’t just technically strong—they’re connected.