Are you wondering if a business consultant could help grow your business? A business consultant is a contractor whose role is to improve organizational performance and efficiency, either concerning a specific project or business operations as a whole. Consultants are usually highly-specialized in their area of expertise and also often have advanced degrees or certifications. They also tend to have extensive experience and documented success working within their industry.
Business consultants fall into five major categories, each serving a different function:
- Management and strategy — help achieve business growth through the application of industry best practices and evaluation of product lines, geographic markets, internal structure, etc.
- Operations — seek to improve the efficiency of business processes while maintaining quality and reducing costs.
- Information technology — assist in developing or integrating systems, enhancing security and flexibility of IT functions, and ensuring regulatory compliance.
- Human resources — aid in recruiting and retention through analysis of compensation, training, and employee development.
- Sales and marketing — provide creative guidance and strategy related to brand development, social media and print campaigns as well as the sales process.
When Do We Need a Consultant?
At some point, your team will likely face a storm that you don’t feel equipped to weather yourselves. To decide if you need in-house talent or a consultant, start by asking questions like:
- What specific concern(s) do we need to address?
- What is our timeline for resolution? Will this be a one-time need or ongoing?
- Do we need a specialist or a generalist?
- Do we need guidance, collaboration, or more staff?
- What is our budget?
A business consultant is a great fit when you’re addressing a specific issue, have a clear timeline, and also need outside guidance. However, depending on your project scope and budget, consultants can also be useful when your company knows how to proceed, but needs more help on a short-term basis to get the job done.
If a consultant is an appropriate value-add for your team, the questions above will help flesh out the role you need them to play. Defining this is an essential step in garnering the most benefit from your consulting relationship.
How Do We Pick a Consultant?
Hiring the right consultant or consulting firm has the power to propel your business forward. As you search for the correct partner, consider things like:
- Track record — What successes have they had in your industry or related to your area of need?
- Experience — Do they have the relevant industry experience to align with your needs?
- Communication — Is their communication clear, effective, and consistent? Do they also understand your organization and its objectives?
- Cost — What is their cost structure?
The skills and expertise of a business consultant can help position you for long-term success. This is true whether your business is well-established or just getting off the ground.
