In my experience, I have found companies that once had a successful system or process but due to growth or major personnel changes, the process no longer yields the desired results. That’s where an experienced business consultant comes in. The trained professional can offer a fresh set of eyes and bring out change to a broken process. The fact that they are engaged as an “expert” in a certain discipline they have instant credibility with the people they will be working with. Additionally, along with experience they bring certain tools or proven methods so there is no need to reinvent the wheel.
As a Certified Process Consultant (CPC) I will focus on the issues or challenges that need to be addressed and determine if I am the best consultant to bring about measurable change or the desired outcome.
From my perspective, the first step before even reaching out to a consultant is to determine what exactly you would like the consultant to work on with you or your team. Identify the issue, process or challenge and what success would look like. Once you have clarity around that, you can begin your search for the right consultant to bring into your organization.
Once you have identified the issue, you should search out a consultant with expertise in the area you are looking to improve. Consultants come with a variety of backgrounds and expertise. For example, based on my background my areas of expertise are centered around sales, sales process, and strategic planning. Check the consultant’s credentials. Do they have certifications or degrees in their given areas of expertise? Previous work experience doesn’t always qualify.
A qualified consultant brings a fresh set of eyes to any issues and draws from their background and experience to offer new ideas or procedures for improvement. The consultant typically takes the responsibility for the outcome and is generally limited in scope and time frame. They can unite a team around a new process or procedure and oversee implementation, including metrics and measurables.
One final consideration before engaging a business consultant is to look at their firm. Are they part of a larger group of consultants or are they solo practitioners? This is especially important when assigning a large project that could extend over multiple months or over multiple locations. A solo practitioner simply won’t have the bandwidth to complete the entire process.
The most helpful bit of advice I can offer for good consulting is to have absolute clarity around the issue and the expected outcome. Identify the individuals or team that will be involved with the consultant to ensure buy-in and clarity around the outcome. Change generally will not occur without an engaged team to implement the changes necessary.
To learn more about the Convene consulting platform, just click here. You will find a variety of consultants that can meet with you in person or online.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Carlos has had a varied career in business over the past 35 years. Carlos spent many years in sales and management, establishing the building blocks for the interpersonal skills, as well as the sales, negotiating, problem-solving, strategic planning, marketing, public relations and creative, concept selling skills and relationship selling skills required to be a successful executive. Employing these skills and experience has allowed Carlos to build a successful Business Coaching practice.
Through this venture, he is empowering business owners across the greater Houston area to reach new levels of revenues, profits, and increased personal fulfillment. To learn more about his coaching practice and connect with Carlos, view his profile or email him: crosales@convenenow.com