An article by Peter O'Brien.
Whether you realise it or not, you’ve probably been a consumer of Consultation at some point. Nearly every day, newspapers, broadcasts on television, watching sensationalised talk shows, even listening to the radio on your way to work – you will hear someone trying to pass on some type of advice or information. Just pick up any popular magazine to see any number of self-help articles that you could consider a form of Consultancy.
There are many reasons why a Board of Directors or a person running a Company as a Sole Director would want to engage the services of a professional Business Consultant. Organisations will to talk to a Consultant because they want advice to improve their business and bottom line, however most of the time the decision to bring in an external source is because the Owner or Owners need some help!
Some of the most popular problem areas that consultants are hired for include accounting and finance, human resources and employee training/development, technology, branding and marketing, management, and project management. Hopefully the hired Consultant that is hired to help will pinpoint business problems and trouble spots; help plot an organization’s next move; or generally transform the organisation’s work practices to make them more efficient, productive, and less wasteful.
Now that is all good in theory, however are you going to be able to find the one that is going to be able to help you and your business. Consultants are not cheap! And often more than one appointment is going to be needed. In fact in most situations the need for further Consultation is required
How do you know if the Consultant you choose will be able to help you!
To have an outsider come into your business is a big thing. Your business is extremely important to you for many different reasons on a personal basis and of course a financial one. You also have staff in place that are important to you and your business.
It is important to really look at the person you are thinking of inviting into your working life. Be it on a temporary basis or a business relationship that will be ongoing. Here are some points to consider and reflect upon that you may not have previously thought about when choosing the right person to offer you their Consultation…
1. Consider the Source
You should always consider the source. Do you know them? Do they have a reputable nature? How long have they been working in the industry or do they actually still work in the industry? That age old saying “those that teach it, can’t do it.” How important is that to you? Do you want someone working on your business with you that are actually not working in an industry related business at all! Are they considered as a people person who can get along with a variety of personalities? Do they have experience giving presentations, solving difficult problems, and navigating office politics? Do they have articles published?
2. Be Skeptical of Sensational profiles
When evaluating a Consultants' profile, you must display a little bit of skepticism. The goal of the written or promotional material used to generate clients are to garner attention, sell their services and increase their reputation. Reports, brag tools and other information that they produce may focus on particular elements of achievements they have experienced and personal business success. Can this information be backed up by actual evidence? Promotional material may be used out of context in a way that dramatically overstates any original events that occurred. Be especially wary of claims or findings that seem sensational or unrealistic.
3. Evaluate the Research Methods
A good Consultant will be one that is constantly and will continue to learn new stuff themselves. They will be interested in other training sessions and seminars that are not their own. They will be interested and explore new products on the market, new technology and ask questions to others. They will research elements such as operational definitions, random sampling and research design and mechanics of different industry tools and ideas.
4. Remember That Anecdotes Do Not Equal Data
Be wary of stories or reports that rely solely on anecdotal stories to back up their claims. Just because a small group of individuals or person experienced a wonderful opportunity which lead to a huge successful result does not mean that the population at large will have a chance to share the same experience. We are all different people with different personalities in different areas at different times with different resources.
Good Consultants research utilises random sampling, interviews industry experts, read industry reports, listens to people and other research methods to help ensure that the successful results achieved through his/her implementation of policies & procedures or training and coaching can be generalised to the rest of the population.
To agents in all areas and will be catered to work for all different types of personalities. Any Consultant that relies on a “This is true for me, so it must be true for everyone else” justification should be viewed with skepticism.
4. Are they qualified?
Find out what qualifications the Consultant you are considering has. Are they qualified to provide advice on your business? Have they owned a property related business? Have the experienced the ups and downs that the market goes through over the years? Have they worked for an educational institution, or industry governing body? Are they backed by any well known training organisation? Do they have sponsors and are these sponsors of a reputable nature. Do they hold any educational certificates or diploma associated with training, assessment or coaching?
Consultants provide an outside, objective point of view to help organisations spot problems or better their performance in ways that the organisation might not be able to see themselves. Choose carefully…..