How do you know when it’s time to call in the experts? When you’ve genuinely got too much on your plate and need to have someone else come in and help you juggle the balls. The fun part of running your own business is getting involved in every stage of its growth, from building a business plan to delivering the service or product you specialise in, but this can also be the hardest part. There are times when you do need to admit that a little help would probably go down well and help drive you forward.

That’s when you’re going to need to think about hiring a consultant, yes you could create an in-house team opening but for this one off project, a consultant makes more financial sense.

Whether you’re looking for help with your marketing strategy, some research or an expert ready to help with your procurement transformation you’ll need our guide to getting the best.

Find A Size That Suits You

You may enjoy the benefits of working with a larger firm that can offer you more in the way of corporate resources, though lacks that more personal touch, or you may enjoy a small consultancy that offers you round the clock access to your contact and specialises in personal care.

Whatever works best for you, begin the process by interviewing widely and getting a few names in the hat before you start narrowing down the field.

Communication Is Key

Make sure that during the interview process you test out your communication with the consultant. Do they listen carefully to your ideas or ride roughshod over what you say, presenting their own ideas as the only way to go? Lead with your gut instinct, if they’re like that during the interview then that will only get worse as they lead you through the project.

Be very clear from the off about your budget too and what you hope to achieve with the budget you have available. If it comes back time and time again that your budget won’t achieve your goals, then you will either have to revise your figures or revise the goals that you want to meet.

Don’t be afraid to call someone back for a second interview if you just want to make sure of a few facts and clear up any questions you have. Make sure that you understand fully the nature of the work they will do for you and ensure that you will be able to reach them regularly and that they are prepared to take a weekly update to you.

Getting the right consultant can feel like a weight has been lifted from your shoulders. That piece of work that seemed overwhelming is underway and the results will give you something to help you focus and succeed in other parts of your business. Get it wrong and you run the risk of wasting time and money, so make sure you’re prepared with a great set of interview questions and find your ideal match.