For small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the North East, working with a consultant can be an excellent way to solve problems, improve operations, or guide growth. A good consultant can provide expertise and fresh perspectives, but to make the most out of this relationship, it’s important to carefully consider what’s needed at each stage of the process—before, during, and after the consultancy. Taking the time to approach consultancy strategically can ensure you get real value for your business.
Before the Consultancy
Before hiring a consultant, the first thing you need to do is figure out exactly what help you need. Take some time to think about the problems you want to fix or the opportunities you want to explore. Whether it’s improving how your business runs, finding new customers, or solving a specific issue like boosting sales or cutting costs, knowing your goals will make it easier to find the right consultant who can help. Once you know what you want, you can start looking for the consultant that fits your needs. Look for someone with experience in your industry, as they’ll be familiar with the common issues businesses like yours face. Check their background and ask for references or case studies. A good consultant should be able to show you past successes with businesses similar to yours. It’s also important to ensure they are a good fit for your company’s culture and values. Effective communication and a shared vision will make the consultancy process smoother and more productive.
Before you start working together, make sure you agree on the costs upfront. Set a clear budget for the project and understand how fees will be structured—whether it’s hourly, by the project, or on a retainer basis. Having a solid financial agreement in place helps to avoid any surprises and allows you to plan accordingly. Be open and transparent about your budget to ensure the consultant can provide services that fit within your financial means.
During the Consultancy
When the consultancy is underway, it’s important to stay actively involved in the process. Consultants may have the expertise to suggest solutions, but they need your input and local knowledge to make those solutions work in your specific business context. Regular communication is key during this phase. Ensure you check in with the consultant to see how things are progressing and to offer any additional insights or feedback. The more involved you are, the better the consultant will understand your business and the more tailored their advice will be.
Consultants often provide fresh perspectives, but their recommendations may not always align perfectly with your vision or way of doing things. It’s important to question their ideas and ensure their advice makes sense for your business. Don’t hesitate to voice concerns or ask for clarification if something doesn’t feel right. A good consultant will be open to discussion and adjustments to ensure their recommendations are suitable for your specific goals.
Additionally, be prepared for the consultant to challenge some of your assumptions or current processes. Part of their role is to offer outside perspectives and to help your business think differently. While this can be uncomfortable at times, it’s important to embrace this constructive criticism, as it’s often where the most significant improvements can happen.
After the Consultancy
Once the consultancy is complete, take time to evaluate the results. Did the consultant meet the goals you set out at the beginning of the project? It’s important to assess whether their advice led to positive changes in your business. Compare the outcomes to the specific objectives you agreed upon before the consultancy started. If the results are positive, take time to celebrate the achievements and ensure the changes are being fully implemented. If the results are not what you expected, it’s helpful to discuss what went wrong and explore how improvements can still be made.
One of the most important aspects after a consultancy is applying what you’ve learned. Consultants provide valuable strategies, processes, and ideas, but it’s up to you to put them into action. This is the step where real, long-term change happens. Take the time to review the consultant’s advice, decide what works best for your business, and start making those changes. Without follow-through, the consultancy will not have the lasting impact you need.
Finally, even after the consultancy is over, don’t forget to stay in touch with the consultant. If you’ve built a good working relationship, they can be a valuable resource for future guidance. You may face new challenges or want to revisit some areas they helped with. Keeping that connection open can provide ongoing support as your business continues to grow.
By following these steps—defining your goals, choosing the right consultant, staying involved, and applying the lessons learned—you can ensure that your investment in consultancy pays off and helps your business thrive. With careful planning and clear communication, consultancy can be a powerful tool for growth and success for any SME.