Strategy

Not sure if you should hire a consultant?

Here are four scenarios where it makes sense.

1. You need access to talent or a specific skillset that you don’t have in-house

Top talent can be hard to find and is often expensive to acquire, which is why many companies end up lacking the skills needed in order to successfully execute on key initiatives.  This problem is exacerbated in rapid-growth companies, because the demand for talent often outpaces the ability to hire adequate resources.  Thus, many high-growth companies often end up short-staffed and lack the skills required to maintain growth.  In these situations, leadership should consider hiring a consultant that has the specific skills needed to help their organization execute on key initiatives and drive growth.  In the event that your organization is already filled with exceptionally strong talent, you may still want to consider hiring a consultant to help drive improvement in areas where your team may not be as experienced.

2. You want to drive change quickly

If you want to jump start a stalled initiative, accelerate the execution of a planned project, or simply drive change quickly within your organization, hire a consultant. Consultants are trained to design, execute and deliver on project-based initiatives under tight timelines.  Consultants bring structure, methodology, defined processes, strong management skills and rigor to project-based initiatives and often help create a sense of urgency within an organization, if it’s lacking.  Consultants can also be used to play the role of “the bad guy” and deliver difficult messages regarding change when needed.  In short, consultants are excellent change agents and can help transform your organization quickly.

3. You want to implement best practices

The best consultants in the marketplace have worked with senior and C-suite executives across multiple industries, functions and geographies, and thus have a wealth of knowledge when it comes to understanding what works well and what doesn’t within an organization. Experienced consultants can advise on best practices across industries and functions, and can modify, improve and implement them as needed at a new client.  Without the aid of an experienced consultant, it can be very difficult for a company to determine if they have designed and implemented an optimal or best-in-class solution that can ultimately help them achieve both their short-term and long-term goals.

4. You are looking for an unbiased, fresh perspective

Sometimes it can be difficult to drive innovation, solve a problem or objectively evaluate a situation when you’re too close to it or have been working on it for too long.  Hiring a consultant is a great way to gain an unbiased, fresh perspective on whatever you or your company may be facing.  Often, bringing in an outside consultant can lead to new and improved analysis, insights and ideas to help you manage, improve and grow your organization or company.  Consultants bring a wealth of knowledge and experience from prior projects and clients that enable them to view things through a different lens than those who work directly within an organization, which can be invaluable when it comes driving improvement.

Katie Swartz

Katie Swartz is the Founder & CEO of Avant Strategy. She has nearly fifteen of experience working with senior and C-suite executives to drive change within their respective organizations. She's managed transformational projects across strategy, operations, finance and M&A in countries throughout North America, Europe & Asia.

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