How Does Your Consultant Stack Up?

Even large companies need help.

When a company is in dire need of change, it seeks help when internal resources are not considered sufficient. They explore the possibility of engaging consultants who can recommend ways to bring about desired changes.

The resolution to seek outside help is explained by current thinking that a consultant can take a more objective view of the problems plaguing the organization. A second reason is that companies lack the expertise required to implement changes. Business consultants with several years' experience on the field are also able to draw from past sessions spent in other companies that operate in a variety of industry sectors. The expertise of consultants even becomes more valuable when they have worked globally.

Of course there's a price to pay for good service. Some companies are fortunate enough to find the right profile consultant the first time; others, however, go through a hit-and-miss process until they find the most suitable one.

Looking for a Needle in a Haystack

Just as there are an infinite number of bottled water brands on your supermarket shelf, there are as many business consultants in the market today. Most companies prefer to hire a consultant who comes highly recommended. Word of mouth is probably still the most common way of finding one.

Logically, you'll want a consultant who is familiar with your industry and who has an impressive list of companies that he has worked with. We'll venture to say that if it's specific changes you're implementing, you may want to consider a consultant who is knowledgeable about change management - not only with the concept and principles but also with the several tools used by the gurus.