Blog 2 - Consultants: The Good, the Bad, and the Why
When starting my business, I came across a Reddit thread where someone asked if they should hire a consultant. The response was: “Don’t hire an external consulting firm. Most of them cannot consult themselves out of a paper bag.” I chuckled, but the comment made me think. Over the years, I've hired many consultants and worked with many more on various projects. Some were bad, some very bad, but most were good. The key is knowing why you need a consultant.
What is a consultant?
A consultant is a professional who provides expert advice in a particular field of science or business to an organization or individual. They are not personal advisors, coaches, or mentors, which are roles related to personal growth.
When should you hire one?
If you're unsure whether to invest in a business consultant, consider these indicators from Forbes:
Keeping Up with Trends and Tech: If you can’t keep up with emerging trends or technology that affect your industry, a consultant can help you stay informed.
Needing an Impartial Opinion: When you and your team have differing opinions, a consultant can offer an unbiased perspective and help navigate internal politics.
Lacking Inspiration and Perspective: Consultants, with their broad exposure to various situations, can provide fresh ideas, change management strategies, and reassurance on your team’s processes.
Not Meeting Goals: If your internal team is unable to meet financial or other goals, a consultant can help you identify and achieve them.
Business Stagnation: If your business isn't growing despite your efforts, a consultant can objectively identify and solve underlying issues.
Stalling on Ideas: Sometimes, you need an external push to move forward with your ideas.
Working Outside Your Expertise: Focus on your strengths and hire consultants to handle areas outside your expertise, maximizing efficiency and effectiveness.
Lack of In-House Resources: If you need specific roles like human resources, a marketing strategist, or a project developer that your team lacks, hiring experts is wise.
Tunnel Vision: If you’ve been working on a problem for too long, a fresh set of eyes from a consultant can provide transformative insights.
Time-Sensitive Projects: For projects with tight deadlines, consultants can offer expertise and guidance to ensure timely completion.
In summary, while there are both good and bad consultants, understanding why you need one and what they can offer is crucial.
We can be strategic partners who help your business grow and succeed.
Have a great week and take some time to enjoy the nice weather.
