ConsultantsOnConsulting
DISRUPT THE STATUS QUO
So often in business, employees and leaders find
themselves focused on getting the job done and often
don’t have time to step back and make adjustments to
processes and procedures. It’s not uncommon to hear a
conversation in which a someone asks why something
is done a certain way only to hear, “I don’t know, it’s
just what we do,” or “We’ve always done it that way.”
Consultants specialize in disrupting the status quo. They
bring fresh eyes to systems and processes. Their knowledge and experience in different industries and technologies give them tools to make effective change. A contractor maintains the status quo. A consultant can save a
business money in the long run simply by pointing out
flaws in the system and implementing new processes
and technology to streamline systems.
ILLUSTRATE MARKETPLACE AWARENESS
NAVIGATE NICHE PROBLEMS
A year of consulting is worth 3 to 5 years of experience in a normal role. Consultants have to adapt to new
situations, form new relationships, and learn an entire
new organization all within a short window. When a
very specific problem presents itself, it is highly likely
an outside force will be needed to solve it. The experience consultants have with very specific situations and
problems is unmatched. Consultants bring a strategic
view to every niche problem a business might face.
While contractors may be experts in branding, sales, or
work flow, they lack the finesse a consultant will bring
to solving very specific, intricate problems.
FIND LONG-TERM SOLUTIONS
While most businesses bring in consultants for a
short-term to solve an immediate problem, a good consultant will also help implement processes to create
long-term solutions. Whether for a short time or long a
consultant uses their ability to strategize, organize and
implement to create lasting change, leaving a business
better than they found it. On the other hand, contractors
come in to complete tasks and leave. They don’t focus
on creating lasting change.
UTILIZE EXTERNAL KNOWLEDGE
Experienced consultants have worked with a wide
variety of clients, even if they’re in the same industry.
The level of knowledge they bring to a business is
worth its weight in gold. While employees may move
from business to business every few years or so, they
are hired to fulfill a specific role and lack the time
and potentially the forethought to share the knowledge they have amassed with the rest of the team.
A consultant is brought in to put their knowledge to
work. They are experts in their fields and on top of
trends. They understand how to employ various technologies and strategies to make a business more effective. They have more tools in their toolbox than a
contractor does because of the unique roles they have
filled within various organizations.
One should consider the value a consultant brings
to the table when considering how to deliver value to
an organization. From strategy to problem solving to
long-term solutions, quality consultants won’t leave a
business wondering where their money went. Instead,
they’ll leave a business thanking them for the positive changes they have strategized and implemented.
Next time your business has a need, ask yourself if
you just want to hire a contractor to fill a role or work
with a consultant to make change.
Greg Hansen is a Silicon Valley native, husband, and father
of three daughters. He has authored articles on health &
fitness, economics, company culture, leadership, technology,
and has certifications in project management, Lean, software development, sales, and marketing. With a background
in consulting, nonprofit, and start-ups, Hansen is committed
to seeing technology flourish around the world.
