When your business is your baby, giving an outside expert the insider’s nod can be just as exciting as it is terrifying. In the fast-paced, cut-throat and competitive 21st century playing field, the ability to pre-empt problems and have solutions at the ready is more important than ever. Here, we outline some top qualities of a great business consultant, so you know exactly what to look out for when tackling the all-important task of finding the right consultant for your team and getting ahead of the game.

The critical eye
A good consultant is a rare species, in that they need the unique ability to be able to pinpoint an issue before it escalates into a problem. With confidence to voice their concerns, they will have hawk-like attention to detail, good judgement and CEO-worthy business acumen.

The interest
Your consultant will not just need to take the time to get to know you and your product, but also your precious clientele. They will be enthusiastic, emanating a drive and motivation that reminds you of why you started your business in the first place. Look for candidates that ask a lot of questions to get to know the business, and be wary of the sales snakes that slither straight into offering solutions without knowing anything about your business.

The activity
A great consultant is a popcorn machine of new ideas and solutions. They will be actively striving to communicate their ideas and offer an outside perspective without necessarily being prompted. Ultimately, you need a consultant that will show you what you don’t know that you don’t know.

The adaptability
The best consultants are flexible, seamlessly slipping into your company and catering for your unique business needs. Furthermore, with their expertise often spanning different industries, it is crucial that they are on top of the latest trends, showing an ability to adapt and respond to the ever-changing global market.

The trust
In the age of digital media, time truly does equal money, so when it comes to hiring a consultant, you need to trust that they will deliver the goods how and when they say they will. In addition, it is likely you will need to expose your consultant to sensitive or confidential information, so keep an eye out for those that shout about past client statistics.

For all of the above, and more, get in touch with Point and Stare today to find out how a consultant could help take your business to the next level.

 
FURTHER READING