What is a Business Consultant and When Do I Need One?

A business consultant is someone who gives advice to a business owner, executive or high level manager. Business consultants give advice in many areas of expertise and for different aspects of a business. As a result, businesses may engage consultants to provide planning, strategy, problem solving or expertise in different areas.

Okay, but if I’m a business owner, when do I need a consultant? You’ll probably know.

Is there an area in your business that you are not particularly skilled in running or don’t have sufficient time to devote toward completing tasks? Are there issues in some areas of your business that are new, unique or complex where you find yourself in need of some expertise or input to solve?

These are the situations where a business consultant can play an important role in providing information and guidance.

Oftentimes business owners may need input and assistance with engineering matters, operations including manufacturing and distribution, marketing, human resources, finance or infrastructure with respect to shareholder/owner rights and rules governing their relationships. As a result, a business may find itself in need of more than one consultant at any one time given that many issues require specific expertise.

While most businesses have professional advisors such as outside CPAs, attorneys, banking representatives and insurance brokers, these trusted advisors may not have the type of expertise or relationship with the business owner to properly address the issues and provide solutions to keep the business moving forward.

Most business consultants are essentially professional advisors. Most possess a particular set of expertise that make them advantageous in a certain area of the business.Organizations and firms in all industries hire outside business consultants to help them solve particular problems or tio get advice.

Once engaged, a business consultant will professionally analyze the business and create solutions designed to help the company reach their goals.

Usually, business consultants have unique knowledge, expertise and skill sets which can help identify or further define problems and recommend and initiate changes. Consultants also can provide constructive criticism, train and teach employees, and even do some unpleasant tasks like eliminating staff who may not be contributing properly to the business.

It can be difficult to make the choice to hire a business consultant. However, the rewards are often worth the investment. Some of the most common reasons why businesses work with business consultants include the following:

Gain an outside perspective

1. Take advantage of specialized resources and expertise not available from individuals within the business

2. Bring in new business skills to address new strategies, trends or methodologies

3. Save time, money and stress by hiring a consultant who will not be a long term employee which will save the business money in the long term

4. Prompt employees to reach goals and encourage employees to move past their comfort zones to attain higher performance levels or master new expertise and skills.

Professional business consulting services can have a major impact on your business in a positive way.

Businesses in all industries can benefit from working alongside a business consultant. Many new companies understand the importance of hiring a consultant right away to set up accounting, develop business processes and perhaps hiring staff.

Established businesses can also gain advantages from hiring a consultant, especially when trying to grow their business or expanding into to other industries. Also, when problems occur that affect a company’s finances or reputation, a business consultant can help find a solution to minimize the damage.

For more information about whether a business consultant may be value added to your business, please contact me for a no fee and no obligation conversation.