Choosing The Right Business Consultant
Looking for a business consultant may seem overwhelming. Sifting through the thousands of results you'll get when you do an online search for one certainly gives you a lot of options, but how do you know which one is right for you and your business and industry? Every company's goals, challenges, and needs are different, and it is worth doing your homework when looking for the right fit for your company. Your business is unique and will have specific needs depending on what your goals are, and, with that in mind, here are a few tips for finding the best fit for your situation:
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Consider A Broad Based Consultant
If your needs are very specific, you may want to find a consultant that specializes in that area, but if you have more generalized needs, a small business consultant that has a broad range of skills, networking contacts, resources, and tools at their disposal may be a better option to map out your next steps.
Check Out Their Experience
Check any potential consultants' credentials and see what experience they have. If a business consultant has never successfully managed a business, they may not be able to help you navigate the steps needed to reach your goals.
Find Someone Who Listens
A great business consultant listens to you and your company to determine what you really need to do to reach and exceed your business goals. A great consultant knows that there never is a one-size-fits-all approach, and listening and learning all they can about your business first is the most important step to having a successful working relationship and meeting your goals and expectations. Only when they fully understand your business' specific strengths, weaknesses, and challenges can they develop a plan for your business and projects.
Get Recommendations
Talk to others in your industry who have worked with business consultants and get some recommendations. You can also ask business consultants that you're considering to provide you with a list of clients you can contact before you sign a contract.
Ask For Metrics
How does the business consultant you're considering measure success? Ask about how they measure progress and how those metrics may apply to your business. Would they do anything differently for your business or industry? Don't fall for name dropping; focus on measurable outcomes.
A Working Relationship
Finally, it's important that you work with someone that you like, admire, and respect, and someone that you can get along with, too! Being comfortable with someone is an important aspect that is often overlooked because someone looks good on paper or got another company the results that you're looking to get. But choosing a business consultant that you don't get along with risks wasting money and time working on a project with someone that may not ultimately work out or make the process miserable. Take your time to find the right fit!
CALL OR EMAIL FOR AN APPOINTMENT TODAY!
(208) 755-8335 (M-F, 10 AM - 5 PM, Pacific Time)
debbie@debbieaferguson.com
SMALL BUSINESS LEGAL PLANS
We also provide support beyond the launch of your business. Our Small Business Legal Plans offer unlimited legal advice for common business situations. Our Small Business Legal Plans allow you to call your provider attorney to get legal advice on an unlimited number of legal matters pertaining to your small business. Starting a small business means that you are going to have legal questions. Wouldn't it be great to just be able to pick your phone and call or send a message to an experienced, dedicated attorney and get answers to those questions?
Once your business is up and running, there will be times when you need to run something by an experienced legal professional, such as sales contracts, lease agreements, hiring employees, and more. With the small business legal plan, you will be able to submit legal business documents up to 15 pages each for your attorney to review, download and use document templates created by our lawyers and then have them reviewed by your attorney for feedback, and your attorney can write letters and make phone calls on your behalf.
As your business grows, your Small Business legal subscription plan will continue to support your small business. You get one hour of legal research on each matter included at no additional fee. This does not include Designated Consultations on certain areas of the law or out of state matters; these issues are covered by three Designated Consultations included with your plan each year, up to 30 minutes each. And, with our Small Business Plus and Small Business Pro plans, you're even covered for legal support during IRS audits or representation in a trial if your business is sued.
The Small Business Legal Subscription plan will more than pay for itself the first time you use it. And, since our plans start at just $49 per month, having access to a qualified, experienced, dedicated small business lawyer is a priceless benefit to your business that is within budget.