Written by: Susan Giddings, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
Here’s Some Guidelines & Tips To Follow
There are many good reasons a business owner should consider hiring a consultant.
Typically, some of the key reasons are when they are struggling with achieving growth, higher profitability, or have outgrown their existing business systems and processes and are looking for someone to provide them with advice and solutions.
It is a cost-effective way to leverage specialized knowledge and bridge a gap of knowledge and skills that may be lacking within the company and/or to bring an unbiased, professional prospective to the business owner.
Terminology Matters
In today’s world, I have found that many business owners tend to use the term coach and consultant interchangeably and believe that they solve problems in exactly the same way.
However, coaching and consulting are related services that differ in significant ways.
The Difference Between Consulting And Coaching
Consulting:
Consulting requires that the consultant be an expert in their industry.
They provide advice, they assess situations, they propose solutions, they solve problems, sometimes very complex ones and they assist with the implementation of the solutions.
This can also include training and some coaching depending on the consultant.
Consultants generally work with businesses on a short-term, typically 3 – 6 months basis, with the option to renew the contract as necessary.
However, in many cases, the consultant’s role can also be one of a long-term trusted advisor.
I have clients that work with me for up to 6 months and then reach out from time to time for advice and then those whom I have multiple-year relationships with as a key advisor for them in their business.
Coaching:
Coaches, however, do not need to have specific knowledge or expertise in a specific area.
A coach’s objective is to get their client unstuck, and want to progress, elevate, and move forward through action. Coaching is a self-development tool.
Coaches help their clients identify personal challenges so that they can make the changes that they want to make. They often work with their clients on soft skills like communication and time management.
Coaching often lasts until the client achieves their goals. This is usually a long-term commitment with no specific end date.
So now that you the difference between the two, here are some guidelines for when to hire a consultant:
When you want expert guidance, answers and solutions.
When you need help with creating and implementing strategies, tools and systems
When you have a problem or problems that you haven’t been able to solve on your own
When you need someone who can work with you, individual team members or your entire leadership team.
When you need someone experienced in business planning and strategy
When you need an expert who has actually walked in your shoes and understands what you are facing.
Of course, ultimately, the key to success is choosing the right consultant to work with.
Here are my 5 tips on what you should consider when you’re looking to hire a consultant to help you with your business:
Choose a consultant who has both consulting and coaching skills
Select someone who has actually been a small business owner and has real-life experience to draw from.
Look for someone who has a wide range of experience who can bring both proven methods and outside the box thinking to the table.
Make sure you connect. A consulting relationship is very personal. You need to be comfortable revealing the intimate details of your business and be able to be completely open and honest. So, make sure you are compatible.
And finally, make sure they are going to challenge you and hold you accountable to do the work.
Coaching is about getting unstuck, taking action, living to your potential and managing your time
Consulting is about brainstorming and getting advice so that you can create a solid and profitable business and implement a powerful action plan.
Choosing the right person for the right reasons will lead to a productive and inspiring relationship and ensure you the best possible results.
If you are serious about creating a more profitable and productive business that gives you the life you want today with an eye on creating a valuable asset you can sell someday in the future… and would like to discuss what a consulting engagement would look like for you CLICK HERE to book a free consultation with me.
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Susan Giddings, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Susan Giddings is a trusted business expert, consultant, and advisor to a wide range of clients within the construction and professional services industries across the globe. As a Certified Value Builder™ Advisor she is known for her ability to increase the profitability, performance, and value of a business so that it can thrive with or without the business owner and grow into a highly sellable asset for the day they are ready to sell. Susan believes in going above and beyond to provide personalized service and a high level of support to her clients.
