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If you’re like most small business owners and managers, you
not only take your job very seriously, but you have a
tendency to make decisions based on emotion rather than
logic. Hiring the right consultant can make a big difference
when it comes to your success.
Make no mistake; running a business requires you to wear
many hats. The mistake is made when you think you need to be
proficient in all areas of business. It’s not as important
for you to know all the answers as it is to know where and
when to find someone else who does.
Here are a few answers to the most common questions asked
concerning hiring a consultant:
How do I know if I need a consultant?
Unfortunately,
most business owners wait until there is a very obvious,
sometimes very serious problem that requires “specialized
knowledge.” Rather than wait for a problem, ask yourself,
“Where is my business in relation to its potential?” Since
the majority of consultants usually don’t charge a fee for
the initial meeting, why not investigate the possibilities?
This is a perfect opportunity to get an objective opinion as
to the “health status” of where you are now
and where you want to be.
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What type of consultant should I look for?
Most
businesses can be broken down into three separate
departments: Finance, Marketing and Human Resources.
Although most consultants will specialize in only one of
these areas, it’s important for you to know what your
strengths and weaknesses are first in order to maximize the
potential from an outside consultant. Look for someone who
has demonstrated his or her talents and abilities in similar
businesses as your own.
What should I look for in a consultant?
Some of the most important questions you need to address
are: How well do we communicate with one another? Can this
person articulate the problems in a language that is clearly
understandable?
This
is where personal characteristics such as trust and
sincerity will outweigh technical expertise. You must feel
very comfortable with this person since you are about to
trust them with what could be your most prized possession –
your company.
Other determining factors should include costs that are
involved, how and when they will be paid out, and what type
of measurable results can be anticipated and when.
A
good consultant should be able to provide professional
expertise, an objective or fresh
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approach on
how your business is doing and possess the vision to help
your business reach its full potential for success.
Additionally, the skills and expertise that a consultant
provides should be transferable so that you do not become
totally dependent on this person. With most situations, the
goal of a good consultant should be to work himself or
herself out of a job.
Above all, never stop growing at what you do. Keep an open
mind to constant change and improvement. If you decide to
bring in a consultant, be sure to get your staff involved in
the process to avoid any misunderstandings.
And remember, you owe it to yourself and your business to be
a success!
Bob
Cheatham is president of Effective Results, a sales training
and management company. He also has taught at Seminole
Community College on sales and management topics.
Sometimes
the difference between success and failure is an objective
opinion.
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