Are you a business owner who finds it hard to find the right-fit business consultant?
Does an incredible right-fit business consultant exist? Google has millions times millions of information on the right-fit business consultant topic. It’s literally like the new virtual library, which almost replaces the brick and mortar. So, feeling kind of swooped in loads of your search is reasonable.
Better yet, being afraid of the overabundance of business consultation information on search engines can provoke more anxiety. Skepticism and hesitation are triggered emotions from the “unknown” internet territories. As a result, people have a hard time trusting a lot of digital sources and decide just to go along with anyone or no one at all.
I offer business consulting services to small to medium size businesses and owners who desire to see an increase in traffic, generate leads and write content or nonfiction books. I’ve seen it a zillion time and listen to many painful, valid stories during my free 30 minute sessions. Business owners are looking for ways to reach their targeted markets, help solve problems in their markets and make optimal sales performance.
Business owners and entrepreneurs are tired of the scams and dishonesty. During almost every call, the conversation begins with a personal touch or an icebreaker. One statement I like to start with, which tends to get prospective clients to feel comfortable, is: tell me a little about yourself and give some background on your business, business idea or startup.
It almost never fails. Business owners begin their stories, and the majority have some terrible experiences.
What’s more disheartening is hearing statements like:
“I don’t know where to start!”
“I paid someone $1500 to help with my idea and never heard from that person again!”
“I’ve made too many mistakes in the past to repeat the past!”
“How do I know what I’m getting or not?”
“Trust weighs heavily here!”
To hear such horror stories and disappointments, makes me be upfront with prospective clients. You want honesty and integrity. And, as customers and or clients, you want expert advice, direction, and value. Ultimately, the results and changes for better are what matters to you. Here’s what you should look for in a business consultant.
A right-fit business consultant should know you want to feel safe.
You want to ensure both of your philosophies and principles align. All too often, prospective clients dive right in without first evaluating and gathering information. Accurately built websites will tell you everything about a consultant. Be sure to look for good content on their sites. Good content includes blogging or videos. A blog’s content should provide substantial information for your wants and needs. Additionally, it gives general knowledge about the particular areas you seek to improve.
Consultants are highly recommended to better your business, help with strategic planning, assist with identifying problems, offer a fresh perspective and viewpoint, get your products and services to the right market and receive assistance with your plan or idea. (Consultants know that you’re trying to understand your market).
They are also helpful when you feel stuck or confused. Unfortunately, some small businesses do not receive this type of service, especially if they’re newbies. A prominent community figure once said, “Sadly the baby-boomers are retiring. Many from this era were taught how to serve people and help them. Now, the current generation only sees dollar signs.” Traditional services can balance contemporary services.
Conversely, before seeking a right-fit business consultant, you should have your idea written down. You don’t need a formal plan per se, but writing it helps to see a clearer picture and shows a consultant some of your steps taken in the right direction. Also, determine for yourself if you need a consultant, coach or advisor. Each specialty caters to you differently. A right-fit business consultant works alongside the business and owner to help implement the plan. Coaches work alongside and offer assistance. Advisors give ideas, and the business team goes off to perform.
Bear this in mind about a right-fit business consultant.
Right-Fit business consultants provide expert advice in specialized areas. They are experts or experienced professionals who know their content for their particular fields. When you seek an expert for assistance, it’s temporarily for a fee. Before locking into a contract, always request a brief consultation. If he or she doesn’t offer a few minutes of engagement, move on to another.
A mini-conference helps you and the consultant determine if business should go to the next step. During this brief session, ask questions and tell your story. It is imperative for you to be specific. Don’t leave the consultant guessing. Being transparent is okay. Believe it or not, transparency positions the relationship status. You and the expert will know whether or not working together is a good idea.
Lastly, seek consultants that are familiar with your areas of expertise. If the business consultant does not know content marketing, e-commerce, physical therapy, coaching, community partnerships, etc., it’s best to find one who knows how to scale-up in these markets. All too often, new business owners find business consultants who aren’t a right fit for their services and or products because of lack of knowledge. The outcome may not be in your best interest.
Before jumping all in, ask for a FREE consultation.