By John A. Haas
Management Strategies Group
More professionals are leaving corporate lives behind (by their choice or their employer's) and entering the consulting world. Entrepreneurs are bombarded with offers for everything from software solution to fulfillment services to outsourcing accounting, human resources, customer services, and so on.
Do I Need Help?
Many entrepreneurs have a proud history of figuring things out and "just getting it done." As technology, competition and e-commerce evolve, self-sufficiency becomes more difficult, time consuming and inefficient.
The key question is: Can I apply or tailor proven solutions or am I better off doing this myself? Consider costs, availability of needed expertise, and especially your key business strategies and "core competencies."
Two Types of Consultants
Depending on your needs, you may seek out expert or process consulting help. An expert consultant is someone who can apply or adapt their direct experience and knowledge to your situation, and develop and implement solutions. Examples are systems integrators, advertising/PR firms, financial/accounting consultants, webmasters, etc. The primary advantage is accessing proven solutions. Understand that considerable training may be needed and/or ongoing costs to sustain the result.
A process consultant acts more as a facilitator or change agent, working with your staff and pother stakeholders to analyze the current situation, identify directions for change, develop and analyze alternative solutions and develop action plans for implementation and follow-up. The advantage here is tailored solutions to fit your unique culture and operating environment. There is also greater ownership and understanding of solutions, leading to greater success probability. Understand that this approach is not necessarily efficient--it takes time and effort to arrive at compelling solutions.
Consultant Selection and Management
Here are some quick guidelines to help assure a successful outcome:
Working with a qualified, interested consultant who understands your business needs and operating culture can produce sustainable excitement, energy and momentum.
Spring 2000 - Volume 10, Number 2