5 Essential Tips for Hiring a Small Business Consultant

​A lot of business people are always reluctant when it comes to seeking professional help either because they feel that they know their product or service too well, or something else. Well, whatever the reason may be, it is not worth foregoing the perks that come with hiring a consultant to help in the marketing, bookkeeping or hiring for your business.
You may be an expert in sales and marketing but what about the others? Well, this is why you may need to a guru in the fields you are not perfect in. As much as this may sound great, a number of entrepreneurs get it all wrong when it comes to sourcing for a consultant. PKJ Consulting highlights the five factors to consider when hiring a consultant for your small business.
#1.Noble Character
The number one thing to consider when hiring a consultant in any field is their character. The person must be of impeccable character—a consummate professional. You want as much as possible to go for a consultant that will put your interest ahead of his or hers. Generally, a good consultant must be one willing to speak the plain truth about the client’s business no matter the consequences.
#2.Well-Experienced
Lack of sufficient experience in a certain area is the most likely reason for going for a consultant. If you are to settle for anyone short of experienced, then it would beat the whole logic of engaging a professional.
The consulting space is usually known to have professionals with tons of experience in their areas of expertise, so never settle for a lesser deal. You want to go for a consultant whose experience is backed up by a traceable history and not merely paper-stated experience. This will reduce your chances of falling into the “not so right” hands—that is, lesser experienced individuals. Anything above 10 years of experience is worth taking to the bank.
#3.Problem Solver
A good consultant must possess outstanding problem-solving skills. It is, after all, the purpose of getting one.
According to Marvin Bower, a renowned Management Consultant, an outstanding consultant should possess the right mental equipment—must have magnificent analytical skills and ability to process his or her thoughts speedily to reach a solution. In addition, the consultant must be creative, a quick and effective learner.
#4.Good Communication Skills
The ultimate consultant knows too well the importance of good communication. This definitely, is a factor you must be willing to counter-check when hiring a professional. The consultant must be articulate with the ability to communicate both orally and in writing. Also, be sure to watch out for his or her listening skills—communication is two-way.
#5.Exceptional personality
For any consultant to be of value to your business, he or she must be a trustworthy person—someone capable of revealing any confidential secrets of the business to. If you are unable to trust the consultant, it may greatly hinder his dealings with your business. The point is, you want to go for someone you are capable of establishing a close but professional relationship.
Next Step
Hiring a consultant could either be an opportunity to exploit what they have to offer to be able to trade competitively. This requires you to have a keen eye for the above stated factors.
A great place to start may be PKJ Consulting, a renowned US-based consultancy out to help businesses that struggle with hiring the right staff, bookkeeping, business operations, and marketing. If this seems like you, feel free to contact us to run the race for you as you wait to reap the benefits at the finish line.