Why Should I Hire a Consultant?
In the many years I have been in this business, I’ve heard this question asked more than once. From the outside, as business owners and entrepreneurs, it’s easy to feel we have the answers to solve the problems. After all, we’ve built the business. What does someone form the outside know? It’s expensive so why should we waste our time and money on some “so called” expert that thinks they know more about my business than I do?
Let’s admit it, we don’t have all the answers. Life and business is constantly changing and we should always be learning and growing. But smart business owners understand they all need help in some areas of their business at certain times and for certain things. Unless you run a business in a vacuum, you know at times a fresh perspective is needed. It’s the old “can’t see the forest for the trees” adage.
An outside consultant sees your business differently and objectively. Any business, particularly the hospitality business, is an emotional one. A good consultant looks at the facts with no preconceived judgments about what you should or shouldn’t do or who should or shouldn’t do what, where and when. They analyze the facts then offer alternatives.
My goal as a project manager and consultant, is to focus on recommendations that will improve the process and increase profitability. A huge frustration for consultants is that they see an obvious solution, share it with the owner, the owner agrees on the solution….then does something completely contrary. If you do decide to engage in consulting services, you need to embrace the advice you get and implement the actions, or work with the consultant to find the solution you can both live with to achieve the intended result.
As you contemplate the possibility of hiring an outside consultant or project manager, here are some things to consider that could be helpful:
Often consultants have the expertise and experience that the business or organization does not have in-house or needs for a specific project or problem.
Consultants can be the driver of change more easily than someone from within. They can be the “fall guy” for unpopular but necessary actions.
A consultant or project manager does one thing extremely well…and you need that one thing done quickly!
Consultants have a clearer understanding of the competitive landscape and common challenges in the industry.
A consultant can validate your ideas and plans.
By hiring a consultant, the business owner adds to their resources, gains additional support and has a partner to continue to improve, grow and succeed!