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There are plenty of reasons why your company you should consider bringing on a consultant. A consultant plays a vital role for a business, particularly a small one, by bringing an experienced and fresh set of eyes to a problem. As a small business owner, you may be experiencing a point in the business cycle where growth is not occurring as projected or some problems in your business process are preventing you from taking the next step forward. By bringing on a consultant with real-world experience, you may be able to see your way through the rut that your business is in and move forward.
When looking to bring on a business consultant on either a short or long term basis, there are some things that you should look for in that person. Below, are a few things to look for.
1. Experience Specific to the Problem
When solving a specific business problem you should look to hire a consultant who has both experience and expertise in that problem area. For example, if you are looking for a marketing expert to assist you in developing a strategic marketing plan or to expand market opportunities for your products, you should look for someone who has an extensive background in marketing and strategic planning. Hiring someone who has experience as a cost accountant is unlikely to benefit your business as much.
As a small business concern, you want the training and experience of the person that you are looking to hire to closely match the type of project that you need them to work on or the duties that he or she will be performing. Check resumes and references carefully to make sure that you are getting the right match for the job.
2. Portfolio of Success and Record of Performance
Alongside looking for a person who has the right experience and expertise for your consulting task, you should look to hire a person who has an extensive work history. Recently the governor of the State of Michigan declared that an emergency manager was needed to help the City of Detroit with its rising debt and declining revenues. The governor, when looking at the type of consultant who would be best for the job, turned to an individual with experience and success working with Chrysler Corp. in its successful 2009 restructuring after the auto industry bailout as well as a noted expert in bankruptcy law and restructuring.
The governor of Michigan chose an individual whose experience and expertise was matched by success in the type of consulting that they do. You would be well advised to follow this type of process for hiring your small business consultant.
3. Find Out How Many Clients They Are Serving
It should be understood that consultants work as individual contractors and not employees of the businesses they perform consulting work for. When hiring a consultant for your business needs, take a look at their active portfolio. If they have taken on more clients than they can reasonably service, one of two things will happen: either your account will not receive the attention of the person you want, or you will receive subpar work. Find out how many clients the consultant has, to help you decide if you want to work with them.
READ ALSO: All Systems Go: Launching a Small Business (and the Tools You'll Need)
READ ALSO: All Systems Go: Launching a Small Business (and the Tools You'll Need)
We, here at THE OFFICIAL ANDREASCY, enjoy writing articles that provide helpful information to people seeking solutions and strategies for their businesses. We suggest doing more research on consultants, in case you are in such a need.
Contact us if you need some help! 😉
Contact us if you need some help! 😉
*by andreascy*
