Small businesses can benefit greatly from consultants due to the specialized expertise, knowledge, guidance, insight, and perspective that the business may lack internally. Small
business owners and entrepreneurs may have the vision and the mission for the business but need the outside additional support to continue the path forward and to execute on what needs to be done to fulfill the vision and mission. Below are the top 10 reasons why your small business may
need consultants:
- Expertise on Specific Topics and Areas
o Consultants offer specialized knowledge and expertise in areas like finance, operations, marketing, sales, business development, IT, and human resources – all critical areas of a business and all areas that need to be developed on an ongoing basis if a business wants to grow and get to the next level. - Objective Perspective
o Consultants bring an unbiased viewpoint, meaning they’re not “stuck” in the day-to-day workflow and see past interoffice politics and relationships. Businesses often find themselves, knowingly or unknowingly (in a lot of cases) with “sacred cows”, meaning employees, usually managers or leaders, that are protected by owners and/or leadership, as they’ve either been a part of the business for a long period of time and have built influential relationships that protect them. “Sacred cows” are no longer sacred when businesses decide to bring in consultants as consultants will fairly and objectively analyze and evaluate every facet of the business, from staff to SOPs to financials to sales and marketing. Consultants also have the upper hand when an organization wants to gather feedback from its employees. Instead of fearing for their job out of concern of being honest about organizational issues, problems, leadership, etc., employees often feel a sense of security when speaking to a consultant. This is due to the consultant being viewed as unbiased, not “my boss or supervisor” and a way for recommendations to be made for change without necessarily having to name the employee who provided the feedback. - Cost-Effectiveness
o Many small businesses may not yet have the resources to bring on experienced and specialized staff members to critical areas of the business and consultants offer a cost-effective way to learn and gain expertise without the additional long-term cost. Consultants are also the perfect solution to a short-term project need that the business wants to accomplish in a cost-effective manner without long- term commitment and cost. - Strategic Planning and Growth
o Consultants can help business owners and entrepreneurs develop business plans, growth and marketing strategies, goal planning, financial modeling and staffing matrixes that support effective scaling of a business.
- Problem Solving
o Most small businesses are faced with challenges in their day-to-day operations as well as uphill journeys to desired growth. Some of the most common examples are declining sales, losing market share/interest, operational inefficiencies, staffing turnover and poor financial management. Consultants can analyze the situation objectively and provide actionable short-term and long-term solutions. - Time Saving
o Small business owners often want to continue to focus on their business and not get “bogged” down by complex or large projects. Consultants can tackle these complex or large projects on behalf of the business, allowing the owner the flexibility and time to continue onward with the business. - Access to Industry Best Practices
o Consultants offer small businesses an access point to proven and valuable practices through their own years of experience and knowledge. - Flexibility and Scalability
o Small businesses can determine the time frame consultants are needed and are able to scale up their resources as needed without the long-term commitment of hiring full time employees. - Change Management
o During times of transition, change, growth and restructuring, consultants can guide the small business through the process smoothly and offer valuable insight and solutions. - Compliance and Risk Management
o Consultants can help small businesses navigate legal, regulatory and industry- specific requirements that may seem daunting and overwhelming. In turn, avoiding potential risks, liabilities and penalties that may result otherwise.