Over the last ten years, Australia’s business consultancy market has grown at an exponential rate. Certain years have even seen an expansion of more than 8%, reaching a revenue of $5.4 billion per annum. So how do you find the right consultant for your problems?
If you have been searching online for a “business consultant near me,” then we can help narrow them down. Read on as we give our 10 tips for finding the best one.
1. Know What Expertise You Want
Even within business consulting, the range of skills and expertise on offer is varied. Some people may have very specific skills, while others may have more generalized skills.
Neither of these is better than the other. If you do have a wide range of problems or are just getting started, then a general consultant may be a good thing. However, more specific issues may require more targeted expertise.
Both of these will also have different budgets. When you approach a consultant, be clear about what you want and exactly what is needed.
2. Examine Their Previous Work Portfolio
One way of finding out the practical experience of a business consultant iof consultant fos to view their previous work history. Any reputable consultant should be able to provide you with a list of jobs they have completed successfully.
Most consultants will have highlights of their work history somewhere on their website. You may also be able to find it in any documentation they have published.
3. Consult Your Network
Even as a new business owner, you will have built up a network of colleagues and other business owners. These are often the best sources of information when it comes to finding consultants. Your contacts will be able to tell you who they know and trust, or even whom to avoid.
Send an email or message to other people in your network. Ask if they had any similar problems or issues and how they resolved them. In the same messages, ask if they have any experts on the topic they can refer you to.
4. What Are The Qualifications of Business Consultant?
If you are looking for a specific type of consultant for business help, it is useful to know that they have a background in the required field. After their experience, qualifications are the next best indicator. A combination of both will let you know that they are more versed in it than you or your staff.
You don’t need to find someone that has specific qualifications in business consulting, either. For example, if you need financial advice, a qualified accountant in Melbourne with experience in consulting is better than someone with unrelated qualifications.
5. Decide Between a Company or Individual
When looking for consultants, you need to decide between finding an individual or a company. Both have advantages and disadvantages to consider.
The benefit of a company is that you often get the expertise of more than one person. Your main point of contact may consult with others in the firm, and get advice from several sources. However, bigger firms can often have increased fees and you may not get personalized service.
When you pick an individual, they can often give more attention to your project. As their name is on the company, they may be willing to go further with added dedication. The only downside is that you don’t get the security and reputation you have through a firm or brand.
6. Do Business Consultant Understand Your Company?
No two companies are the same, and though similar problems may occur between them, you need a personal approach to your business. You may have a specific outlook or mission statement that makes your company unique. It may conflict with how issues can be resolved.
The commercial consulting company should also be used to deal with businesses of your size. Some may specialize with self-employed individuals and small businesses while others may work with major companies. Each of these will require a unique approach.
7. How Much Do They Charge?
When looking for consulting services, it helps to go with a budget in mind. This lets you know what you will be paying in advance and if you can afford their service. Some consultants may want fees or retainers paid upfront.
You also need to ascertain what that fee involves. Will you get one session or will you have a number as you are guided through the problem?
8. Do They Challenge You?
A good consultant is there to make a change. This may include challenging your current strategies and approaches. You need to be willing to change to get the benefit of their expertise.
The consultant should be asking questions and prompting insights. If they don’t seem to have an interest in your business and how it works, then they are not best-placed to make a change.
9. Do They Provide a Well-Written Contract?
A thorough contract will have details about goals, deliverables, and the methods that will be used to achieve them. Make sure both sides are happy with the agreement and are committed to implementing it.
This is just as much your responsibility as it is the job of the consultant. Don’t let anything go into the contract you are not willing to commit to.
10. How Do Business Consultant Prefer to Communicate?
Some consultants, particularly individual ones, will let you have a 24-hour direct line to them for advice. Yet others may prefer you to send emails or make appointments. Therefore, it is important to know how and when you will communicate with them.
Will you have regularly scheduled meetings? Will the consultation just be a one-off? Knowing this beforehand avoids any conflict so everyone knows how the system will work.
Finding a Business Consultant Near Me
When searching for a business consultant near me, you can do it with confidence. Speak with two or three and question them using the above advice. Remember that they should have just as many questions for you.
If you are looking for a business accountant in Melbourne, Forefront Business Solutions should be your first stop. We have complete taxation services and business consultancy. Click here to see all our helpful advice on managing your business.
