health care consulting

12 How to Hire a Consultant Without Making These Mistakes

By Barbara Thomas 3 September, 2023 3 mins read

If you are a business executive or owner, you might have been in a situation where hiring a consulting firm seemed like the best option to resolve a problem. Consultants can be a great resource for bringing in new ideas and expertise, but they can also cause problems and impede your success. You can save time, money and frustration by avoiding these pitfalls. This listicle will explore the 12 most common mistakes to avoid when hiring a consultant.

A lack of alignment with corporate strategy

Check that the work of the consultant is in line with your corporate strategy. It will ensure that the consultant's work will have a lasting effect on your business.

Feedback is not provided

The consultant will appreciate your feedback throughout the project. This will allow them to stay on task and make any necessary adjustments.

Lack of trust

Trust is key in any relationship with a consultant. Expect the consultant to be open and honest. You shouldn't second-guess or micromanage the consultant.

Too much focus on the consultant process

You should not forget to focus on the desired outcomes. Don't just follow a process, but ensure the consultant delivers results.

Key stakeholders not being involved

Be sure to involve all stakeholders in the consulting process. This includes internal team members, external partners, as well customers. Their input and buy-in are critical to success.

Not establishing clear metrics for success

Define clear metrics for success upfront, and regularly assess progress towards those goals. This will ensure that you get the desired results from the project.

Cultural fit

Ascertain that the consultant will fit well with your company's culture. Included are the consultant's values, working style, and communication styles.

Involving the consultant in decisions

Include the consultant in your decision-making processes, especially if their area is of expertise. They can provide valuable input and help you make better decisions.

When issues are not addressed promptly

Keep issues in check. Consult the consultant immediately and directly. Avoid letting small issues grow into larger ones.

Roles and responsibilities are not clearly defined

Be sure that all stakeholders understand their respective roles and responsibilities. This includes your consultant, internal team and external stakeholders.

Hiring for price

Cost is important, but it shouldn't be the only factor. Think about the consultant's knowledge, experience and fit with your company.

Lack of due diligence

Research potential consultants in depth. Consider their experience, qualifications and track record. Do not rely only on recommendations and referrals.

A consultant can help you to achieve your goals and address challenges. In order to have a successful result, you should avoid these common mistakes. By being clear and concise about your issue, communicating clearly, defining roles and responsibility, and involving important stakeholders, you will set your consultant on the path to success. Keep in mind to be flexible, give constructive feedback, and establish realistic expectations. With these tips in mind, you'll be well on your way to a successful consulting engagement.

The Most Frequently Asked Questions

How much should I be expecting to pay for consulting services?

The cost of a consultant varies depending on their experience, expertise, and the scope of the project. When selecting a professional consultant, you should also consider other factors.

How can I find the best consultant for my business or organization?

Search for a consultant who is familiar with your industry.

How long do consulting assignments last on average?

The length of a consulting engagement can vary depending on the scope of the project. Some projects will last a week, while other may last several weeks or even years.

How involved should I get in the consultative process?

Keep an eye on the process of consulting to ensure your project meets the goals you set. It's important to not micro-manage the consultant, but also to trust them.

How can I make sure that a consulting job delivers results for a long time?

Ensure that your consultant is working in line with the overall strategy of your company by defining clear success metrics and regularly assessing progress.

FAQ

What skills will I need to be a consultant?

Consultants should be able to communicate effectively and have excellent analytical skills. This is vital because you may not understand the scope of your work. You will need to learn how you manage people and solve problems quickly.

Communication skills are essential. Most clients expect an answer within 24 hours. They assume that you won't respond if they don't hear from them within 24 hours. It's crucial to keep them informed and make sure they understand everything.

What's the difference between an advisor and a consultant?

A consultant is an advisor who gives information on a particular topic. A consultant offers solutions to problems.

A consultant works directly alongside clients to help them realize their goals. The advisor provides indirect advice through books, magazines lectures, seminars, and the like.

What should I expect from my consultant

When you choose your consultant, they should respond within a few working days. They will request information about your company including its mission and goals, products, services, budget, and other pertinent details. Then, they'll send over a proposal outlining the scope of work, estimated time frame, fees, deliverables, milestones, etc.

If all goes according to plan, the two sides will sign a written deal. The type and content of the contract will vary depending on whether the relationship is employer-employee/employer-independent contractor.

If everything goes well, the consultant should start work immediately. He/she will have immediate access to your internal documents, resources, and you'll be able to access his/her skillset and knowledge.

But don't assume that anyone who is a consultant has all the answers. To become an expert in any field you consult, it takes practice and effort. Your consultant should not assume that they know everything about you business.

Can you run a business consulting from your home?

Absolutely! This is something that many consultants do already.

The majority of freelancers work remotely with tools like Skype. So they don't miss company perks, freelancers often make their own office space.

Freelancers might prefer to work in libraries or cafés, rather than traditional offices.

Some choose to work remotely because they are surrounded by their family.

Although working from home is a great option, there are some downsides. But if you love your job, it's definitely worth considering.

Why should you hire consultants?

There are many reasons to hire consultants.

A specific project or problem may be a challenge for your company.
You would like to improve your skills or learn new things
You want to work with an expert in a particular field
The task is yours alone.
Feel overwhelmed by all the information available and don't know where you should start
It's impossible to afford to hire someone full-time.

Referrals are the best way for you to find a qualified consultant. Ask around if anyone knows any reputable consultants. If you are already acquainted with someone who works as an advisor, ask them for recommendations.

You can use online directories such as LinkedIn to find consultants in your local area.

Statistics

According to IBISWorld, revenues in the consulting industry will exceed $261 billion in 2020. (nerdwallet.com)
Over 62% of consultants were dissatisfied with their former jobs before starting their consulting business. (consultingsuccess.com)
So, if you help your clients increase their sales by 33%, then use a word like “revolution” instead of “increase.” (consultingsuccess.com)
My 10 years of experience and 6-step program have helped over 20 clients boost their sales by an average of 33% in 6 months. (consultingsuccess.com)
67% of consultants start their consulting businesses after quitting their jobs, while 33% start while they're still at their jobs. (consultingsuccess.com)