Salesforce, a world-renowned customer relationship management (CRM) platform, is a digital powerhouse in today's technologically advanced business era. Organizations of all types and sizes are turning to Salesforce to manage their customer relationships, drive sales, and streamline their business processes. However, a tool is only as good as its wielder - the process of implementing Salesforce requires expertise to ensure maximum value is derived from this investment. Enter the Salesforce Implementation Consultant, a tech-savvy professional whose role is pivotal in this journey.

As the name suggests, a Salesforce Implementation Consultant assists in deploying Salesforce within an organization, offering insights into the system's use and optimization. This is an individual armed with a deep understanding of Salesforce's intricacies, coupled with a comprehensive knowledge of your unique business needs. Their task is to integrate these two elements seamlessly, creating a well-oiled machine that propels your business forward.

But, the question lingers - how does one ensure they hire the right Salesforce Implementation Consultant? Well, the answer lies in careful consideration and meticulous scrutiny across several key areas: expertise, experience, communication, and, most importantly, alignment with your business goals.

Expertise and experience are straightforward enough. You need someone who knows their way around Salesforce like the back of their hand. Salesforce has a multitude of complexities, from Sales Cloud to Service Cloud, Marketing Cloud, and beyond. The right consultant should be able to navigate through these with finesse. Moreover, they should have a track record of successful implementations, offering a wealth of experience in handling diverse scenarios, mitigating risks, and overcoming challenges.

Next comes communication. This is, perhaps, one of the most crucial elements. Effective communication with your consultant ensures that your requirements are accurately understood and fulfilled. Also, the consultant should be able to explain complex technical details in straightforward terms, facilitating informed decision-making.

Finally, the consultant's alignment with your business goals is paramount. Your chosen consultant should understand your business vision, goals, and objectives, ensuring Salesforce’s implementation mirrors these. The consultant should be able to translate your broader business strategy into a Salesforce implementation strategy.

Comparing and contrasting different consultants can be an arduous task but is a necessary one. It's akin to solving a complex mathematical equation where each variable plays a distinct role, and the slightest misstep can skew the entire outcome. Each consultant brings a unique blend of skills, experiences, and perspectives to the table. However, not all will be a perfect fit for your organization's needs and culture.

There's a tradeoff here. For instance, a highly experienced consultant might charge a premium for their services, stretching your budget. On the other hand, a less experienced, cheaper consultant might lack in-depth knowledge, potentially resulting in implementation errors or delays. Balancing quality and cost is an essential part of this process.

The question then arises - when should you hire a Salesforce Implementation Consultant? The answer depends largely on your organizational readiness and need. If your business processes are well-defined, stable, and your team is tech-savvy, you might implement Salesforce in-house. However, if your business processes are complex or highly customized and your team lacks the technical prowess, a Salesforce Implementation Consultant becomes indispensable.

To conclude, hiring the right Salesforce Implementation Consultant requires a combination of objective analysis and subjective judgment. It involves a deep understanding of your organization's unique needs, a careful evaluation of prospective consultants, and a thoughtful consideration of the tradeoffs involved. When done right, it paves the way for a successful Salesforce implementation, maximizes ROI, and propels your business into a future of enhanced productivity and efficiency.