Business Consulting 101: What You Need to Know
According to the profile compiled by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the job of a business consultant is to suggest ways that a company can improve its efficiency, revenue, expense controls, and profitability. In short, a business consultant helps an organization become more competitive.
A business consultant may specialize in a particular industry, such as healthcare, manufacturing, or education. Alternatively, a business consultant may focus on a particular function—for example, human resources, marketing, or logistics.
But What Does a Consultant Do?
A business consultant gathers information, identifies problems with systems, processes, or personnel, and implements solutions in conjunction with one or more teams assigned by the client.
According to active employers, as revealed by their relevant job listings on Indeed.com, business consultants are responsible for:
Quickly becoming familiar with client business challenges and technologies and identifying opportunities for change
Interviewing personnel and conducting onsite observations to determine the methods, equipment, and resources needed
Analyzing financial and other data, including revenue, expenditure, and employment reports
Recommending new systems, procedures, or organizational changes
Creating a plan to achieve them
Negotiating schedules, milestones, and resources required
Building trust and acting as an advisor to relevant stakeholders
Conducting training classes as needed for a variety of audiences
Providing respectful but honest feedback
What Skills Should My Consultant Have?
In addition to technical acumen, business consultants are expected to excel at so-called “soft skills:”
Self-motivation & Self-discipline
Organization
Analytical Thinking
Listening & Verbal Communication
Technical & Persuasive Writing
Problem Solving & Critical Thinking
Time Management
Creativity
Vision
Leadership
They are the paradigmatic “out-of-the-box” thinkers, paid to bring a skilled and fresh perspective to every client’s unique situation.
How do I find the consultant that’s right for me?
Talk to one!
Any good consultant will be more interested in matching you with the right resource than in taking on work that may jeopardize both parties’ long-term success. If they are not sure they’re right for you, they will put you in touch with someone who might be.
